Barrington, Illinois
Makray Memorial delivers a championship-caliber parkland experience in the northwest Chicago suburbs, blending muscular hole designs with thoughtful shot choices across rolling terrain. Its blend of strong conditions, state-level tournament pedigree, and public access make for a must-play regional round. Expect a club-quality feel without the private barriers.
Look for the commemorative Paul Makray Sr. plaque near the first tee, a nod to the club’s family roots and one of the property’s most meaningful spots.
Makray Memorial’s defining character comes from its reborn routing—a 2002–2004 transformation by Harry Vignocchi and team that prioritized stretching the course, keen strategic bunkering, and creating a blend of rigorous long holes with tempting short par 4s. The terrain is gently rolling and the fairways are bordered by mature trees, but the design leans into strategic angles and green approach placements over sheer land movement. Its championship credentials are immediately apparent, yet the scorecard ensures a balance of challenges for all skill levels, with five tee sets and varied lengths making the experience both formidable and accessible.
Harry Vignocchi’s vision focused on creating a true public championship test, transforming the old Thunderbird into a course that holds up to tournament scrutiny and everyday play alike.
A relentless, muscular par 4 stretching to 471 yards, The Gauntlet plays into the prevailing wind and is protected by bunkers and a narrow approach. It’s the round’s sternest test—walk away with par and you’ll feel like you’ve stolen one.
Favor the right side off the tee for the best angle; miss left and the approach becomes daunting with bunkers in play.
A pushed drive finds tree trouble, while misjudged approaches bring deep bunkers front and right into play.
Excellent daily-fee conditioning with well-kept fairways, smooth greens, and mature landscaping throughout.
Pace varies by day; can be brisk early or on weekdays but slows on weekends thanks to the course's challenge and popularity.
Upscale public—country-club ambience without exclusivity; friendly, tournament-oriented energy.
Traditional golf attire (collared shirt, golf shoes or sneakers, no denim recommended).
Five tee sets means you can tailor the challenge—test yourself on the Black or enjoy the sport on Silver or Bronze.
Long par 3s and critical approaches demand confidence with woods, hybrids, and mid-irons.
The club frequently hosts state events—verify public tee-time availability during peak season.
Earliest roots as Hillcrest Acres Country Club
Purchased by Paul Makray Sr.; opens as Thunderbird Golf Course
Renamed Makray Memorial Golf Club, honoring Paul Makray Sr.
Course reopens as modern Makray Memorial
Begins hosting Illinois State Junior Amateur Championship
Hosts Illinois PGA Professional Championship for the first time
Makray Memorial’s modern era began with a massive early-2000s overhaul, moving more than two million pounds of earth and stretching the routing by more than 1,000 yards. The ambitious Vignocchi redesign transformed it into a legitimate tournament-caliber test.
The course’s predecessor operated as Thunderbird Golf Course for decades before being renamed as a tribute to founder Paul Makray Sr. in 1999. The family legacy runs deep in every tee and green.
From the Illinois State Junior Amateur to the Illinois PGA Professional Championship, Makray has earned its stripes as a preferred site for elite state competitions—solidifying its place in local tournament lore.
Makray has differentiated itself among Chicago’s daily-fee options with its polished look, mature trees, and a playable-yet-demanding course that offers a country club feel without the member exclusivity.
Formerly known as Thunderbird Golf Course until 1999.
Major redesign in the early 2000s moved over 2 million pounds of earth.
Hosts Illinois State Junior Amateur and Illinois PGA events.
Mature oaks line much of the back nine.
Course was renamed in honor of its founder after his passing.
High-end daily-fee with tour-level presentation; a top 5 Chicago area public.
Iconic tournament host with national credentials just under an hour south.
City course with dynamic lakefront holes, perfect for a round with skyline views.
Polished, Scottish-inspired layout with innovative design and strong event hosting.
Dependable North Shore muni, good for a relaxed pre-trip warmup round.
Schaumburg/Arlington Heights area for the best access to Makray and regional courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Poppy Hills Golf Course is a natural next stop after Makray Memorial Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Country Club of Ocala a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Makray Memorial Golf Club.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Metedeconk National Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Makray Memorial Golf Club.
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