Golf in the Chicago suburbs is, honestly, a dime a dozen. You’ve got your public munis, your mid-tier country clubs, and then you’ve got the heavy hitters like Medinah or Olympia Fields. But then there’s Glen View Club Illinois. It’s different. It’s not just "private"—it’s tucked away in a way that feels intentional. Located in Golf, Illinois (yes, the village is literally named Golf), this place carries a weight of history that most modern clubs just can’t manufacture. If you aren't looking for the entrance off Golf Road, you will probably drive right past it. That’s exactly how the members like it.
It isn't about flashy renovations or hosting a PGA Tour event every three years to keep the brand alive. It’s about 1897. That’s when it started. When you step onto the property, you aren't just playing a round; you’re stepping into a preservation project of American golf.
The Weird History of the Village of Golf
Most people get the name of the town wrong or think it’s a gimmick. It’s not. The Village of Golf exists because of Glen View Club Illinois. Back in the late 1800s, the Chicago and North Western Railway ended up putting a stop right there specifically to serve the club’s members who were coming up from the city. Eventually, the community incorporated. It is one of the smallest incorporated villages in the entire state.
Think about that. An entire municipality was essentially birthed by a golf course.
The relationship between the club and the village is symbiotic. You have this tiny, quiet residential pocket where the "downtown" is basically a post office and a train station, and then you have the sprawling, rolling acres of the club. It creates this atmosphere where time sort of stops. You don't hear the roar of a massive highway. You hear the wind in the oaks and the occasional click of a Pro V1.
What the Course Actually Plays Like (No Fluff)
If you’re expecting a 7,600-year-old monster designed to punish professional athletes, you’re looking at the wrong map. Glen View Club isn't about raw length. It’s about the land. The course was originally laid out by Richard Leslie and later refined by the legendary William Flynn. If you know anything about golf architecture, the name Flynn carries a massive amount of "EEA" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness). He’s the guy behind Shinnecock Hills.
👉 See also: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
The routing at Glen View Club Illinois follows the natural rise and fall of the North Branch of the Chicago River.
- The elevation changes are subtle but deceptive.
- The greens are often tilted in ways that make a three-foot putt feel like a mountain climb.
- Bunkering is traditional—it’s there to catch a lazy shot, not to look pretty for a drone photo.
It’s a "second shot" golf course. You can spray it a little off the tee and survive, but if you don't have the right angle into the greens, you are absolutely dead. The par-3s are particularly stout. They require a mid-to-long iron into surfaces that don't always want to hold the ball. It’s frustrating. It’s brilliant. It’s exactly why people pay five figures just to be considered for membership.
The Architecture of the "Great Fire" Recovery
The clubhouse you see today isn't the original. The first one burned down in the 1920s. The current structure, designed by the firm Holabird & Root, is a masterpiece of English Manor style. It’s massive, made of stone and timber, and feels more like a lived-in estate than a corporate event space.
Inside, it’s all about the "locker room culture." In many high-end Chicago clubs, the locker room is just a place to change shoes. At Glen View, it’s the heartbeat. There’s a specific smell—cedar, expensive gin, and old leather. It’s where the real business of the North Shore happens. You’ll see titans of industry sitting in wooden chairs, arguing about a $5 Nassau press like their lives depend on it.
Why the Privacy Matters
You won't find Glen View Club Illinois trending on TikTok. They don't have a "Director of Social Media." In fact, if you’re caught taking too many photos on your phone in the dining room, someone will probably politely ask you to put it away. This level of exclusivity is becoming rare. While other clubs are loosening dress codes and trying to appeal to "the younger generation" with pickleball courts and music on the range, Glen View leans into the classics. It’s a bastion of "old school" in a world that’s increasingly loud.
✨ Don't miss: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
Realities of Getting In
Let’s be real: you probably aren't getting in unless you know someone who knows someone. It’s a "by invitation only" setup. Even then, the vetting process is legendary. They aren't just looking for your handicap or your net worth. They are looking for "fit." Are you the kind of person who respects the etiquette of the game? Do you play fast? Do you treat the caddies with respect?
The caddie program at Glen View Club Illinois is actually one of the best in the Midwest. Many of these kids end up as Evans Scholars. The membership takes immense pride in that. It’s one of those nuances that people on the outside miss—the club isn't just a playground; it’s a significant charitable engine for the Western Golf Association.
Common Misconceptions About the Club
- "It’s just for old people." Actually, there’s a significant influx of younger families moving to the North Shore who want that traditional experience for their kids. You’ll see plenty of juniors out there.
- "The course is easy because it's short."
Go play it on a windy October afternoon when the greens are running at a 12 on the stimpmeter. Tell me how "easy" it is when you're chipping from one side of the green into a bunker on the other. - "It's the same as North Shore Country Club or Skokie."
While those are fantastic tracks, Glen View has a different "vibe." It’s more secluded. Skokie and North Shore feel a bit more integrated into the surrounding neighborhoods. Glen View feels like an island.
The Seasonal Rhythm of the North Shore
Membership at a place like this isn't just a summer fling. Even in the dead of a Chicago winter, the club stays active. There’s paddle tennis (platform tennis), which is basically the official winter sport of wealthy Illinoisans. If you’ve never seen people playing tennis in 20-degree weather with heaters under the court while drinking hot toddies, you haven't experienced the North Shore.
Then there’s the dining. The club is known for a menu that balances high-end culinary trends with "comfort food" that hasn't changed in forty years. The Glen View burger is a thing of legend among those who have had the privilege. It’s simple. It’s perfect.
Landscape and Ecology
The club has done a massive amount of work on "naturalization." This means they’ve stopped mowing every single inch of the property and allowed native Illinois grasses to take back certain areas. It looks more rugged now. It’s better for the local bird populations and honestly, it makes the course look much more intimidating. Seeing that golden fescue waving in the breeze against the backdrop of dark green fairways is a sight to behold.
🔗 Read more: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
How to Experience It (If You Aren't a Member)
Since you can't just book a tee time on GolfNow, how do you see it?
- Charity Events: Occasionally, the club hosts outings for specific local charities. These are expensive, but they are your "golden ticket."
- Reciprocal Play: If you are a member at another top-tier private club, your pro might be able to arrange a game. "Might" is the keyword there.
- The Evans Scholars Foundation: Supporting the WGA sometimes leads to opportunities to play these restricted courses during special donor days.
- Guesting: Find a friend. This is the most common way. Just remember to wear a collared shirt, tuck it in, and leave the cargo shorts at home.
The Architectural Significance of the 17th Hole
You can't talk about Glen View Club Illinois without mentioning the 17th. It’s a par-3 that requires a carry over water to a green that is heavily guarded. It’s a "nerve" hole. By the time you get there, your match is usually on the line. The shadows from the trees start getting long, the water looks darker, and the green looks about the size of a postage stamp. It’s a classic Flynn design element—putting the most psychological pressure on the golfer right when they are the most tired.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you are a golf history buff or someone looking to move into the North Shore area with an eye on joining a club, here is how you should approach it:
- Study the Architecture: Read up on William Flynn before you visit. Understanding his philosophy on "natural hazards" will make you appreciate the layout ten times more.
- Respect the Village: If you drive through Golf, Illinois, stick to the speed limit. It’s a tiny community and they are very protective of their quiet streets.
- Look Beyond the Golf: If you get a chance to visit the clubhouse, look at the trophies and the old photos. The history of the Western Open and the early days of American golf are plastered all over the walls.
- Prepare for the Greens: If you do get the call to play, spend thirty minutes on the practice green. You cannot "guess" the speed at Glen View. You have to feel it.
The Glen View Club isn't trying to be the "best" course in the world according to a magazine ranking. It’s trying to be the best version of itself for the people who call it their second home. In a world of loud, over-marketed luxury, that kind of quiet confidence is actually pretty refreshing. It remains a cornerstone of Illinois golf, not because it shouts the loudest, but because it doesn't have to shout at all.
Next Steps for Golf Enthusiasts:
Check the local Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) calendar for any upcoming amateur qualifiers held at the club. While the general public can't play, these events often allow spectators, providing a rare chance to walk the grounds and see the Flynn masterpiece in person. Alternatively, researching the "William Flynn" trail of courses in the Midwest can give you a broader perspective on why this specific layout is so revered by architectural purists.