Kildeer, Illinois
Kemper Lakes delivers tour-tested muscle, modern conditioning, and tournament drama on a sprawling Chicago canvas. The water-heavy, high-impact closing stretch and vivid championship history make it a must for serious players regionally. Though no longer a top-100 staple, it still delivers big-time experience.
Be sure to walk behind the 18th green, where Payne Stewart celebrated his 1989 PGA win—the plaque marks the spot and connects you to a major moment.
Kemper Lakes is the blueprint for big-stage 1970s American championship golf. Its routing sprawls over dozens of acres dotted with lakes, fountains, and bold bunkering. The holes flex for both major-pro and public play, making use of its 'water on 16 holes' motif and massive green complexes. The 2010s Rick Jacobson renovation kept the course relevant at a high level, sharpening sight lines, bunker edges, and landing zones while preserving the original muscular character. Everything—from the risk-inducing par fives to the heroic par threes—exudes 'tournament venue,' but the green variety, rolling fairways, and mix of strategy and intimidaton lend nuance and repeat playability.
Dick Nugent and Ken Killian’s design merged dramatic water hazards and bold scale with 1970s big-tour ambitions, then Rick Jacobson’s renovations ensured strategy and challenge kept pace with the modern game.
A classic risk/reward par five with water dictating both the layup and the approach. Big hitters are tempted to challenge the hazard in two, while most players plot a safe route down the fairway elbows. This hole demonstrates Kemper Lakes’ brand of pressure and choice.
Decide your plan off the tee—two bold shots will bring water fully into play, so placement for an ideal third sets up a less stressful birdie look.
The water tightens near the green, and bunkers lurk for those who bail out; double is in play for any wavering execution.
Major-championship level maintenance with slick greens and crisp fairways.
Expect deliberate rounds; tournament routing and big carries may slow play, especially on weekends.
Professional, a touch formal, with serious players and occasional big-event buzz.
Collared shirt and proper golf attire required; traditional club standards enforced.
Water comes into play on nearly every stretch—don’t let a few splashes end your fun.
You’ll need carry and control for the monster par threes and second (or third) into several par fives.
Wet conditions aren’t rare, especially deep into Chicago season—moisture transforms the challenge here.
Prime dates and times fill fast, especially during tournament weeks or high season.
Kemper Lakes opens as an upscale public course designed by Dick Nugent and Ken Killian.
Hosts the PGA Championship, where Payne Stewart captures his first major.
Venue for U.S. Women’s Amateur, reinforcing its national status.
Hosts the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, cementing a multi-decade major legacy.
Further bunker/tee refinements and vision updates for a modern championship test.
With a trademark set of knickers and guts, Payne Stewart claimed his first major title at the 1989 PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes. The course was drenched and demanding, but Stewart’s final round clutch play against Mike Reid became part of Chicago golf legend.
What truly defines Kemper Lakes is the omnipresent water, shaping risk and strategy on several holes and keeping tension high for every level of player. The lakes are not just for show—they're part of the championship storyline, especially on the closing stretch.
Rick Jacobson’s extensive renovations from 2011 to 2019 didn’t just refresh the visuals—they sharpened the course’s bite, repositioning bunkers to snare the long and aggressive while expanding tee flexibility for all levels.
In 2018, Kemper Lakes joined an elite set of U.S. venues to host both men's and women's majors, delivering a tense KPMG Women’s PGA where Sung Hyun Park fought off major champions in gusty conditions.
Only the third Chicago-area course to host a men’s major championship.
Holds a plaque at 18 for Payne Stewart’s legendary winning putt in 1989.
Thirteen of the course’s 18 holes incorporate water hazards.
Has hosted both a men’s and women’s major championship.
Was originally conceived as a high-profile public course, not a private club.
A legendary public test and annual host of tour events, providing a true championship experience.
A modern Tom Fazio design with excellent conditioning and event pedigree.
Acclaimed municipal course with a challenging layout and one of the best values in Chicagoland.
A Pete Dye design with quirky challenge and public access tee times.
A strong north suburbs alternative known for natural scenery and a strategic test.
Stay in the North Shore suburbs or Lake County for easy access to all top courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Kemper Lakes Golf Club is your kind of course, Spring Creek Ranch Golf Club is worth a look because it brings a comparable level of challenge.
Why it matches: Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is a natural next stop after Kemper Lakes Golf Club: it asks for the same disciplined decision-making.
Why it matches: Robert Trent Jones Golf Club is a natural next stop after Kemper Lakes Golf Club: it asks for the same disciplined decision-making.
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