Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

The Glen Club

80

Glenview, Illinois

Established
2001
Architect
Tom Fazio
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,324 – 7,149 yds
Green Fees
$$$$
The verdict

Chicagoland’s Premier Public Test

The Glen Club delivers the best high-end daily-fee golf experience north of Chicago—a well-conditioned, strategic Tom Fazio layout that rewards placement and poise. Public access, big-time event history, and a storied former air station site make it a must-play for any Midwest golfer seeking the region’s finest.

Course DNA
Difficulty
84
Scenery
74
Conditioning
91
Shot Variety
80
Walkability
67
Green Complexity
86
Wow Factor
72
Design Quality
80
Don't miss

Keep an eye out for the aviation memorabilia inside the clubhouse—a direct nod to the property’s naval air station past.

At a glance

Quick facts

Former Aviation Landmark
Built on historic Glenview Naval Air Station property
Major Professional Tournaments
Hosts NV5 Invitational—Korn Ferry Tour since 2019
Tour-Tested Greens
Green speed and contour challenge even the pros
9th Hole Closer
Front nine ends with a 217-yard par 3
Premium Daily-Fee Clubhouse
Elegant clubhouse, modern amenities (renovated 2017)
Wide Range of Tees
From 5,324 to 7,149 yards to fit every player
Outstanding Practice Facilities
Comprehensive range and short game area for pre-round tune-up
The design

The architecture

Tom Fazio sculpted The Glen Club atop the vast airfield flats, transforming featureless land into a championship course with movement, bold bunkering, and contoured green complexes. Each hole carves out its own drama, blending subtle elevation shifts, risk-reward corridors, and a mix of open and protected landing areas. The routing masterfully leverages water features and artful shaping to deliver a test that’s as demanding off the tee as it is on approach. Fazio’s modern sensibility delivers both playable fun and tournament teeth.

Tom Fazio’s singular Chicagoland public course; vision and conversion from military airfield.

Defining features
  • Creative elevation built on otherwise flat terrain
  • Large, contoured greens with serious speed
  • Strategically-placed Fazio bunkers
  • Mix of open and tree-lined corridors
  • Demanding long par 3s and variety-packed par 5s
  • Integrated water features influencing club selection
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 4

Short Approach Precision

PAR
3
YARDAGE
156

This short par 3 brings intimidation with water lurking and swirling winds that play tricks with distance control. The green is perched just so, demanding a crisp and confident mid-iron to a tight pin if you want a good look at birdie.

Play it smart

Choose club carefully and aim for the fat of the green, as missing anywhere but short spells bogey.

Where it bites

Winds and water combine to punish hesitation or mis-struck shots—short siding here almost always leads to trouble.

Course management

Shots to think about

Long par 3s into wind
Take enough club—the penalty for being short is swifter than you think.
Dogleg par 5 layup
Play to your preferred yardage, not just as far as you can hit it.
Narrow tee shots
Position, not power—pick a club that always finds fairway.
Approach shots from the rough
Miss on the safe side; greens are heavily contoured and unforgiving from bad angles.
Escaping deep bunkers
Take your medicine—advance safely instead of risking the lip chasing the pin.
Downhill or sidehill lies
Adjust stance and expectations; play for a firm bounce and run, especially in firm summer conditions.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Consistently excellent, with fast greens and well-groomed fairways year-round.

Pace

Smooth, sub-4:30 rounds with 10-minute tee intervals standard.

Vibe

Polished, upscale daily-fee atmosphere—serious golf, welcoming to competitors and first-timers alike.

Dress code

Traditional golf attire recommended; collared shirts and soft spikes preferred.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Book Ahead

Prime tee times fill quickly during tournament weeks and peak weekends—reserve early.

02

Arrive Early for Range

Allow extra time to warm up at the expansive range and short game area—conditions mimic the course.

03

Check the Wind

Typical breezes can shift quickly on the flat airfield site and influence clubbing choice more than you think.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1942

    Glenview Naval Air Station opens, training Navy aviators through WWII and the Cold War

  2. 1995

    Naval Air Station closes and land is repurposed for mixed-use redevelopment

  3. 2001

    The Glen Club opens, with Tom Fazio’s championship design debuting on reclaimed airfield site

  4. 2002

    Hosts Illinois Open for the first time as a new championship venue

  5. 2017

    Major clubhouse and amenities renovation completed

  6. 2019

    NV5 Invitational (Korn Ferry Tour) becomes resident pro event

Stories & legends

What makes it special

history

From Jets to Greens

Before fairways, Navy pilots roared down the runways of Glenview Naval Air Station—a transformation chronicled in course memorabilia and subtle design nods. Every round here connects with aviation heritage, right down to the flight path echoes overhead.

tournament

Tour-Ready Every Spring

The Glen Club transforms into a Korn Ferry battleground each May, with players vying for their PGA Tour future. Play the same setup as tomorrow’s stars, chasing birdies where the pros earn their stripes.

hole

The 217-Yard Gauntlet

The 9th hole is no breather—a monster par 3 that closes out the front with water, wind, and a treacherous green. It's the ultimate reminder that par at The Glen is always earned, never given.

architecture

The Fazio Reunion

Tom Fazio’s only Chicago public-access masterpiece draws design devotees and architecture buffs from across the Midwest. His clever use of the land and trademark green complexes turn every round into a chess match.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

The Glen Club sits on the former runways and taxiways of the storied Glenview Naval Air Station.

2

The club has hosted Korn Ferry Tour events and numerous Illinois Open championships.

3

Tom Fazio designed the course to be tournament-ready from day one, with firm greens and professional-caliber hazards.

4

You’re likely to spot flight path reminders, including subtle runway lines and aviation-themed memorabilia throughout the property.

5

No. 9, a 217-yard par 3, closes the front nine in unique, intimidating fashion.

Build the trip

If you're making a Chicagoland golf trip out of it

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Cog Hill No. 4 (Dubsdread)
Public

PGA Tour-tested, public championship option

Mistwood Golf Club
Public

Top-tier public layout with modern facilities

Ruffled Feathers
Public

Pete Dye design with unique challenge and open booking

Glen View Club
Private

Classic North Shore tradition, historic Midwest club

Medinah Country Club (No. 3)
Private

Major venue and architectural legend if you have guest access

Base yourself in Glenview, Northbrook, or O’Hare/Rosemont for easy access to Chicago’s best North Shore and western public and private courses.

Course DNA

If You Like The Glen Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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