Cantigny Golf Club

Cantigny Golf Club opened in 1989, designed by Roger Packard on 250 acres of the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick — longtime publisher of the Chicago Tribune and a decorated World War I officer. McCormick named his Wheaton farm "Cantigny" after the Battle of Cantigny (May 28, 1918), America\'s first major offensive victory in the Great War.

The course was dedicated on June 5, 1989, with two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North. A Jacobson Golf Course Design renovation updated the layout in 2003. The 500-acre Cantigny Park is operated by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, which has invested over $1.5 billion in journalism, education, and veteran programs.

Golf Digest named Cantigny "Best New Public Course in America" shortly after opening. It has maintained its reputation as the premier public course in Chicago\'s western suburbs, with a 4.7/5 rating and 93.7% recommendation rate from over 450 reviews.

Cantigny offers 27 holes across three distinct nines — Woodside, Lakeside, and Hillside — each with its own character. Woodside demands accuracy through dense tree corridors. Lakeside features water on six of nine holes. Hillside is the shortest but arguably toughest nine.

With over 70 bunkers and a dozen lakes plus two creeks, the course rewards accurate tee shots and smart course management. Conditioning is consistently praised — reviewers compare it to a Northern Michigan resort despite being in the Chicago suburbs. The atmosphere is described as "a public course with a private feel."

The Cantigny Golf Academy features 10 covered heated bays with TrackMan technology — one of the finest practice facilities in the Midwest. The adjacent First Division Museum and McCormick House museum add cultural depth to the visit.

Accuracy over distance on all three nines. Tree-lined fairways (Woodside), water hazards (Lakeside), and tight corridors (Hillside) all punish wayward shots more than short ones.

With over 70 bunkers, solid sand play is essential. Practice in the short-game area before your round.

On the Lakeside nine, water affects six of nine holes. Know where the hazards are and play away from them — conservative club selection saves strokes.

The Hillside nine is shortest but toughest. Hole 6 ("The Chase") with its water-surrounded green is the hardest hole across all 27 — accept par as a great score.

Take advantage of the heated TrackMan bays at the Golf Academy for a year-round warm-up, especially in winter.