Skokie, Illinois
Renovated 2025This course recently completed a major renovation. During this transition, course data may reflect a mix of pre- and post-renovation yardages, hole configurations, or routing. The Caddie Report monitors these changes and periodically reassesses the course as a reliable new baseline is established.
Evanston Golf Club is a quintessential Donald Ross design, reinvigorated by a 2025 renovation that sharpened its green complexes and strategic character. With firm, rolling turf, cunning bunkering, and crisp conditioning, this private enclave’s challenge lies in precision—not length—making it a thinking golfer’s test with timeless Midwest charm.
Evanston Golf Club presents the best of Donald Ross's subtleties on a mature, tree-lined site, updated for contemporary play. The 2025 renovation by Tyler Rae recaptured Ross’s original green contours, opened up playing corridors, and restored strategic bunkering, all within a rolling North Shore landscape. The result is a true shot-maker’s stage—where thoughtful angles and a testing short game matter on every hole. While modest in length, Evanston is exacting in demand, rewarding those who control trajectory and spin around small, clever greens.
Tyler Rae’s restoration reclaims Ross’s genius—combining modern playability with golden-era strategy. The result is a club with renewed energy and timeless pedigree.
The toughest par-4 on property asks for laser precision from the tee, challenging you to find a fairway pinched by bunkers right and left. The demanding second must carry a foreboding front—making a four a standout start to your round.
Favor the left for a better angle; pin placement controls your fate.
Greenside sand and subtle slopes punish the slightest miss.
Firm, meticulously maintained turf; true, artfully contoured greens; and fresh, visually impactful bunkering throughout.
Steady and member-managed, with typical North Shore private club rhythm—no slow foursomes or overstuffed tee sheets.
Classic, understated elegance; attentive staff; a walking culture topped by generational club pride.
Traditional country club attire (collared shirts, no denim); confirm specifics directly with the club.
Ross’s new-old greens demand touch—practice your chipping, pitching, and mid-length putts extensively.
Study vintage Ross strategy—holes favor positioning off the tee, not just length.
Although flat, Evanston is best enjoyed on foot—the caddie program enhances the experience.
Club founded in Evanston – one of Chicago’s earliest
Secured current Skokie property for permanent home
Donald Ross course opens to acclaim
Restoration by Ron Prichard revives Ross scale
Major greens/bunker/pond restoration led by Tyler Rae
Unlike many Midwestern clubs that simply claim Donald Ross heritage, Evanston proudly holds documentation of Ross’s personal involvement in the layout and build. This authenticity is a badge of honor among classic-course purists.
The 2025 Tyler Rae project didn’t just refresh the turf—it transformed the player experience. Expanded greens, recontoured surrounds, and restored risk-reward bunkering have sharpened the course for today’s game while honoring Ross’s original vision.
One of the most distinctive updates: splitting the iconic water hazard on 18 to mirror Ross’s original intention. The finishing hole now tempts and tests in equal measure, its new-old ponds demanding a nervy approach to close the round.
Evanston’s rich traditions—rooted in over a century of Chicago golf—continue, with families spanning generations teeing it up under the gaze of its Tudor clubhouse. It’s a connection to the game few area clubs can match.
The Tudor clubhouse was once the largest west of the Hudson River.
Evanston holds documented proof of Donald Ross’s direct on-site design.
The club moved three times before settling in Skokie—emblematic of early Chicago golf’s restless roots.
The 18th hole’s pond is restored to its original split Ross design.
The course reopened in 2025 after a full-scale infrastructure and architectural restoration.
A modern classic, top public round within 30 minutes
Skyline views and championship-caliber challenge
Legendary major-caliber public golf, about an hour’s drive
Major history, exclusive elite club—rare access prize
Prestigious area peer with strong routing
Stay in Skokie, Evanston, or Glenview for ultimate North Shore access and easy commutes.
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