Chicago Golf Club: C.B. Macdonald’s First American 18-Hole Course
Chicago Golf Club is a foundation of American golf architecture: C.B. Macdonald laid out the country’s first 18-hole course for the club in 1893, before it moved to Wheaton in 1895.
Chicago Golf Club began in 1892, when C.B. Macdonald laid out a nine-hole course at Belmont. In 1893, he expanded the layout to 18 holes, creating what is recognised as the first 18-hole golf course in the United States. The club moved to Wheaton for the 1895 season, where it remains today. Its history is inseparable from the early development of American golf and course architecture.
The first 18-hole course in the United States
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Macdonald returned from studying golf in Britain with a clear ambition to establish the game in the Chicago area. The original Belmont course grew from nine holes to 18 in 1893, a formative milestone in the country’s golf history. After the club moved to Wheaton, the layout became one of the most influential early American courses and a reference point for later architects.
A club that helped shape American golf
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Chicago Golf Club’s influence extends beyond the course itself. Macdonald helped establish a culture of competitive golf and later became a central figure in the development of strategic architecture, including the template-hole tradition. The club hosted major early championships and was among the founders of the Western Golf Association, which later became a key institution in American amateur golf.
A private club with a historic guest tradition
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Chicago Golf Club is a private members’ club and does not operate a public tee-time system. Access for non-members is by invitation and club-approved guest arrangements. Its historic significance is open to study, but the playing experience remains controlled by the club. Researchers, golf historians and prospective guests should contact the club directly for current policies.
Chicago Golf Club’s greatest contribution began before the modern golf boom.
The club’s 1893 18-hole layout helped set a new standard for American golf. Its legacy lives in the architecture, institutions and competitive traditions that developed around the game.
Chicago Golf Club is private—contact the club directly
The club does not offer public tee-time booking. Non-member access is invitation-based and subject to club approval. Any visit should be arranged directly with the club rather than through third-party tee-time sellers.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
When was Chicago Golf Club founded?
The club was founded in 1892.
Why is its 1893 course important?
C.B. Macdonald expanded the Belmont course to 18 holes in 1893, creating the first 18-hole golf course in the United States.
When did the club move to Wheaton?
It moved to Wheaton for the 1895 season.
Can the public play there?
No. Chicago Golf Club is private and non-member access is by invitation and club approval.
