Butler National delivers one of the sternest, most respected championship tests in the Midwest. With 10 forced water carries, dense tree corridors, and a historic pedigree as Western Open host, it’s a private sanctuary where shot-making and nerve are relentlessly examined.
Step into one of the clubhouse phone booths if you need to make a call — Butler still limits voice calls to those designated booths, a wonderfully old-school private-club quirk.
Butler National is the archetype of a pure championship parkland course: bold, unfussy, and brutal. George Fazio’s original design, later refined by Tom Fazio, deploys tree-lined corridors, bold water hazards, and massive stretches of bentgrass to test every facet of a skilled player’s game. Ten forced carries over water define its strategic DNA, putting driver decisions and approach angles at a premium. Renovations in 2004 enhanced this fearsome character, stretching the course past 7,500 yards and modernizing key bunkers and greens. The layout’s coherence and relentless challenge reflect a single-minded vision—this club measures its worth by how tough it plays.
George Fazio—blending traditional U.S. Open-style parkland design with risk-reward water features—and Tom Fazio’s remodeling have, together, created a relentlessly tough, modern test tailored for championship golf.
A quintessential risk-reward par 4, the 3rd hole features a creek crossing the fairway and forces a decision off the tee: play safe or take on the hazard for a better approach angle. Strategic brilliance and nervy precision are required.
Play for position with less than driver or take on the creek and tight landing area to set up a wedge.
A mistimed tee ball flirts with water or leaves a long, tough approach from rough.
Impeccable tournament conditioning, with quick greens and perfect fairways
Deliberate but efficient within a private club setting; expect a measured championship rhythm
Serious, elite, and understated—the focus is on high-level golf, not resort luxury
Standard private club attire expected; collared shirts, slacks/bermudas, no denim
Several par 3s and approaches will demand high, accurate long iron shots over water to tough greens.
Success at Butler National comes from patience—accept that bogeys will happen, but big numbers can be avoided with sensible play.
The corridors are tight and the hazard lines real; keep it in play, not just long, and angles matter as much as distance.
Get your speed control sharp; Butler’s greens run fast and a heavy touch spells three-putt trouble.
Construction begins on former York CC site
Butler National opens for play
First Western Open hosted at Butler
Tom Fazio-directed major renovation
Course peaks at #21 on Golf Digest America’s 100 Greatest
Controversy highlighted over all-male membership
For nearly two decades, Butler National was the center of the Chicago golf universe during the Western Open, hosting a parade of PGA Tour stars and dramatic finishes. This history bestowed enduring prestige and pressure to keep the course tournament ready.
Unlike most American parkland clubs, Butler National forces golfers to face water on more than half its holes. The relentless requirement to negotiate ponds, streams, and ravines elevates every shot and punishes hesitation.
From its inception, Butler National set out to be a pure, championship test, eschewing resort glitz in favor of imposing architecture, immaculate turf, and an unwavering focus on the most demanding golf. Its all-in approach still intimidates—and exhilarates—serious players.
While its elite pedigree is unquestioned, Butler National’s all-male membership policy has drawn fire and remains a controversial barrier to major championship hosting. Tradition and exclusivity are both badge and burden.
Hosted the PGA Tour’s Western Open for 17 straight years
Features forced water carries on 10 of 18 holes
Has an all-male membership policy—a rarity that has generated controversy
Has had both George and Tom Fazio shape the course’s evolution
Peaked as high as America’s #21 ranked course in Golf Digest after renovations
Tournament-tested, accessible for all, and among Illinois’ most challenging and honored public tracks
Iconic championship venue and major tournament host—a true bucket-list Chicago round if you can gain access
Top-tier daily-fee experience in the region with modern amenities and strong architectural pedigree
A high-end public option with great conditions, perfect for a more casual round amid serious golf
Oak Brook or Burr Ridge for quick access to Butler National and easy drives to all other area standouts
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? Brings a comparable level of challenge and puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Atlanta Athletic Club (Highlands Course)'s own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Bethpage Black Course asks for the same disciplined decision-making, making it a compelling counterpart to Butler National Golf Club.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Aronimink Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Butler National Golf Club.
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