Hogan’s Wartime Triumph
In 1942, Ben Hogan captured the Hale America National Open at Ridgemoor—a one-off event sometimes called 'the lost U.S. Open.' Hogan’s scorching 17-under score became a legend, and the trophy now sits at the USGA museum.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Ridgemoor Country Club
Chicago, Illinois
Established
1905
Architect
William B. Langford; additions by A.W. Tillinghast, Larry Packard, Roger Packard, Bob Lohmann, Rick Jacobson
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
3,816 – 6,922 yds
The verdict
A Chicago Classic With Real Character
Ridgemoor is a quintessential private Chicago club—rich in history, layered in architecture, and defined by a strategic, honest test of golf. It's a true member’s course with one major tournament legacy and a design pedigree that rewards thoughtful play over brute strength.
Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery66
Conditioning81
Shot Variety74
Walkability83
Green Complexity69
Wow Factor73
Design Quality80
Don't miss
Don’t miss viewing the old Hale America trophy, a memento of Ben Hogan’s legendary 1942 win, often displayed inside the clubhouse.
At a glance
Quick facts
Biggest moment
Hosted the 1942 Hale America National Open
Primary architect
William B. Langford
Recent course renovation
2015 (Rick Jacobson)
Distinctive hole
234-yard par-3 8th
Oldest verified year
1905 founding
Notable closing hole
Par-3 18th—rare finisher
Chicago location
Westside city access
The design
The architecture
Ridgemoor Country Club is a living time capsule of Chicago-golf architecture, where William B. Langford’s bold, strategic shaping defines the routing—and later contributions from Tillinghast and modern architects add subtle variation without sacrificing classic identity. The course takes full advantage of ancient ridge-and-beach topography, with natural slopes routed for drama and challenge, and a hole sequence that never repeats itself. The result is a parkland test that rewards smart club selection, confident iron play, and respect for well-defended greens—especially as you approach the memorable par-3 finish.
Langford’s DNA is all over the routing, evident in bold landforms and thoughtful angles, while Tillinghast and other architects add intrigue—especially to the pressure-packed 18th green.
Defining features
- Diverse par 3s ranging from a mid-iron to a daunting 234-yard test
- Classic rolling parkland terrain with historic land contours
- Balanced mix of attackable and demanding par 4s
- Green complexes shaped by ancient shoreline features
- Prestigious 18th-hole designed by A.W. Tillinghast
- Strategic hazards and routing tradition over brute difficulty
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 3
The Long Adventure
PAR
5
YARDAGE
530
The third hole, at 530 yards, is the longest on the front nine and epitomizes Ridgemoor’s theme: a genuine three-shotter for most, but reachable for the brave with two perfect shots. The fairway slides along subtle ridges and rewards those who use the land’s movement for extra rollout.
Play it smart
Smart lay-ups are essential to avoid tricky angles into the large, sloping green, while the bold can try to reach in two if the wind is right.
Where it bites
Go offline and you’ll tangle with strategic bunkers and put yourself in tough recovery positions from awkward lies.
Course management
Shots to think about
Tee shot on #7 (464-yard par 4)
Favor the right to avoid OB and set up a clear, longer approach to the green.
Approach on #8 (234-yard par 3)
Take enough club and aim for the safe portion of the green—over-aggression courts disaster.
Second shot on #3 (530-yard par 5)
Systematic layup leaves the best angle in, unless downwind makes reaching in two realistic for your game.
Final approach on #18 (186-yard par 3)
Avoid short side to the pin—use the center of the green when nerves hit.
Layup distances on the par 5s
Choose a wedge yardage you like—tight bunkers and runoffs guard the traditional layup zones.
Drive on #16 (445-yard par 4)
Trust your line; anything left is blocked while the right opens up a straightforward long-iron approach.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Classic, well-tended private-club surfaces with consistent greens and true fairways.
Pace
Efficient member-pace with tee times generally spaced for steady play.
Vibe
Traditional, low-key, and proud of its legacy—a welcoming spot for guests with strong club culture.
Dress code
Conservative golf attire recommended; collared shirts and traditional golfwear expected.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Your Long Irons
The long par 3s (notably the 8th and 13th) require solid ball-striking from distance if you want pars.
02
Mind the Strategy
Conservative play often trumps aggression, especially with doglegs and protective green complexes.
03
Warm Up Thoroughly
Opening with a reachable par 4 and two long par 5s means you’ll need your driver and wedge game sharp from the start.
04
Expect All Wind Directions
Despite tree lines, the open routing and Chicago gusts can bring shifting winds that make club selection tricky.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1904
Original 9-hole links begun by Thomas O’Neil
- 1905
Ridgemoor Country Club officially founded
- 1935
A.W. Tillinghast consults; designs 18th hole
- 1942
Hosts Hale America National Open (won by Ben Hogan)
- 2015
Major course renovation by Rick Jacobson
- 2025
New irrigation/pump station infrastructure upgrade
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Ridge, The Beach, The Greens
Ridgemoor’s terrain is laced with old shoreline contours from 'Glenwood Beach' and Union Ridge—the basis for some of its quirky green sites and fairway movement. There’s a sense you’re always playing across the footprint of ancient water.
A Century of Evolution
From its 9-hole origins in 1904 to a Langford-Tillinghast legacy layout, Ridgemoor’s holes have evolved but always honored strategic shot placement and natural movement. Layers of golf history shape every round here.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The club’s original 1904 course featured one of the longest holes in America at 535 yards.
2
The 1942 Hale America National Open was a one-time event dubbed by some as 'the lost U.S. Open.'
3
A.W. Tillinghast specially designed Ridgemoor’s 18th, making a par-3 closer a local rarity.
4
The course sits atop what was once Glenwood Beach, an ancient shoreline of glacial Lake Chicago.
5
Ben Hogan’s win at Ridgemoor is commemorated with a historic trophy still linked to the club.
Build the trip
If you’re making a classic Chicago golf trip…
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Glen Club
Public
Top public-access course nearby with tournament pedigree and excellent greens.
Cog Hill No. 4 (Dubsdread)
Public / Municipal
Legendary championship venue, multiple PGA Tour events, and a stern public test.
Harborside International
Public / Municipal
Lakeside, links-influenced challenge with great views of the city skyline.
Ravisloe Country Club
Semi-Private/Public
Donald Ross design and historic ambiance; open booking available.
Olympia Fields Country Club
Private
Host to major tournaments and one of Illinois’ true blue-chip clubs.
O'Hare/Rosemont area for shortest drive to Ridgemoor and easy access to top public and private Chicago-area courses.
Course DNA
If You Like Ridgemoor Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Mapleton Golf Club
Sioux Falls, South DakotaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Mapleton Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Ridgemoor Country Club.
Strong DNA Match6.9
Old Hickory Country Club
Old Hickory, TennesseeWalkability
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Old Hickory Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Ridgemoor Country Club.
Strong DNA Match7.1
Marlborough Country Club
Marlborough, MassachusettsWhy it matches: Marlborough Country Club is a natural next stop after Ridgemoor Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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