Conway Farms delivers a big-time championship test in an impeccably conditioned, pure-golf setting built for elite competition. Its relentless challenge, major-hosting credentials, and premium club feel put it among Illinois’ finest, even if it’s less storied than old-guard classics. If you want modern Fazio and playoff drama, this is your Chicago North Shore destination.
Take a moment before your round to visit the clubhouse display commemorating Jim Furyk’s 59—it's a rare chance to stand where PGA Tour history was made.
Conway Farms, a modern Tom Fazio creation, was conceived from the outset for big-time tournament play—inviting top players to contend with broad fairways, high-visibility bunkering, and green complexes that reward sharp iron play and bold thinking. Sprawling terrain affords room for dramatic risk-reward moments, especially where water, sand, and shifting wind combine on lengthy holes. The 2023 Jackson Kahn-led renovation refreshed bunkers with modern liners, drastically improved drainage and playability, and introduced new visual and strategic elements, especially around creeks and short par fours. Tree removal and clever hazard repositioning now better reveal contour, flow, and championship options. Across every hole, Fazio’s hand balances generous driving targets against exacting approaches—a test for the modern power player and crafty tactician alike.
Tom Fazio’s signature is evident in generous landing areas and visually engaging hazards, while Jackson Kahn’s 2023 renovation sharpened both appearance and strategic bite.
This daunting par 4 stretches to 486 yards, usually into prevailing wind with a narrowing fairway and a well-guarded green. Hitting the fairway is only the start—bold players face an exacting long-iron approach to a green pinched by bunkers and subtle runoffs.
Keep your tee shot on the short grass to avoid blocked approaches, then commit confidently with a long iron—bail left means a tough up-and-down.
Anything missed right or short brings sand and a challenging recovery, while rough and water lurk for approaches hit without conviction.
Superlative conditioning with pristine greens, tournament-level bunkers, and tightly mown surrounds—expect everything to be pure and true.
Efficient but not rushed; as a private club, pace is prioritized and groups tend to move smoothly, though tournament weeks can stretch rounds.
A low-key yet elite ‘pure golf’ culture—think understated excellence, serious competition, and a focus on the craft of the game.
Traditional private-club standards are enforced; collared shirts and golf attire are expected.
You’ll face multiple par-3s and long par-4 approaches demanding crisp, high-launch long iron play.
Be ready for both deep faces and shallow green-side sand—all require sharp technique post-renovation.
The club prioritizes walking with caddies, and the course stretches across broad, undulating parkland.
Wind and shifting conditions can dramatically affect play, so be prepared to adjust club selection throughout the round.
Conway Farms Golf Club opens, designed by Tom Fazio
Hosts NCAA Division I Men's Championship
Hosts U.S. Junior Amateur
Hosts U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship
First BMW Championship hosted; Jim Furyk’s historic 59
Second BMW Championship hosted
Hosts BMW Championship for the third time
Jackson Kahn Golf Design completes major renovation
During the 2013 BMW Championship, Jim Furyk’s blistering Friday round made PGA Tour history as he fired the sixth sub-60 score ever, putting Conway Farms firmly in the golfing spotlight. The feat cemented the club’s tournament legacy in front of a buzzing playoff crowd.
Conway Farms became a competitive proving ground for future world number one Luke Donald, who honed his short game and competitive grit as a member during his Northwestern college years. His local roots and affinity for the club lend it true tour-level bona fides.
The 2023 Jackson Kahn renovation reshaped Conway’s signature bunkers, reimagined the 7th and 15th, and revitalized the creek that snakes through 10 and 18, adding new risk-reward calculations and visual intrigue for both members and tournament fields.
Without decades of golden-age history, Conway Farms still vaulted quickly into the upper echelons of Illinois golf, landing major amateur and pro events within a few years of opening. Its blend of ambition and polish keeps it a fixture for championships and aspiring stars.
Jim Furyk’s 59 is immortalized with a commemorative plaque at the club.
Conway Farms’ membership includes multiple PGA Tour and Western Amateur winners.
The 2023 renovation installed Better Billy Bunkers for championship sand play in all weather.
Luke Donald’s deep club ties often bring him back for member and exhibition events.
Tournament fields feature both PGA Tour and elite amateur squads, making for a lively event calendar.
Top-tier public access Fazio course, regarded among Illinois’ best daily fee plays—strong championship bones, less private.
Classic public major-host known for tournament history and brutal test—don’t miss its original charm.
Home of major moments and Ryder Cup lore, a Chicago-area icon with global recognition.
U.S. Open and PGA Championship host; one of the historic pillars of Midwest golf.
Contemporary championship routing in a tranquil North Shore setting—invitation or outing required.
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff area for a quick drive, or in Highland Park/Deerfield for easy access to both club and city.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Belmont Country Club's own setting.
Why it matches: Wee Burn Country Club is a natural next stop after Conway Farms Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: Blue Hills Country Club is a natural next stop after Conway Farms Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
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