Major Multi-year Renovation to begin in June 2024

Building upon a 35-year legacy of championship golf surrounded by natural beauty, Cantigny Golf will begin construction on a major renovation plan. Construction is set to begin in June 2024 on the Hillside nine, followed by the Lakeside and Woodside nines in succeeding years, with all renovations projected to finish by summer 2027. For the duration of the process, Cantigny Golf will maintain 18 holes open for play. In addition, Youth Links, the 9-hole golf course for junior players, will remain open throughout construction. Updates and annoucnements will be posted regularly here and on Cantigny Golf social media accounts.

In the News

May 31, 2024: Chicagoland’s Cantigny Golf breaks ground on 3-year renovation (Golf Course Industry)

Video: Cantigny Golf 2024 (The Golf Scene)

Estimated Project Timeline

• June 2024: Phase One construction begins on Hillside nine, halfway house, and putting lawn
• June 2025: Hillside nine reopens; Phase Two construction on Lakeside nine begins
• June 2026: Lakeside nine reopens; Phase Three construction on Woodside nine begins
• June 2027: Woodside nine reopens

Monthly Renovation Updates

August Highlights (Video)

• Sod laid around bunkers, greens, and tee boxes
• Seeded putting greens and tee boxes
• Expansion of putting lawn began

July Highlights (Video)

• Updated contouring of Hillside 9 greens
• Excavated and shaped bunkers
• Continued irrigation upgrades

June Highlights (Video)

• Updated irrigation systems
• Relocated Hillside 1 tee box and added new tee locations
• Redesigned bunkers and green complex on Hillside 2

Stakeholder Interviews

Terry Hanley, General Manager, Cantigny Golf

Todd Quitno: Principal, Quitno Golf Designs

Steve Skinner: CEO, Kemper Sports

Matt Tullar: Head Golf Professional, Cantigny Golf

Steve Kuretsky: Golf Course Superintendent, Cantigny Golf

Project Renderings

Scope of Work

Originally designed by Roger Packard, Cantigny Golf opened in 1989 and was named “Best Public Golf Course in America” by Golf Digest. While the facility was updated in 2003, the upcoming renovations mark the first significant upgrade to the property and its infrastructure since opening and will consist of:

• Rebuilding and re-grassing all greens complexes and tee boxes
• Redesigning and renovating bunkers and certain fairways to improve playability
• Replacing irrigation systems for increased sustainability and water conservation
• Developing an expanded putting green that will double as a practice area for players of all ages and levels
• Adding a new halfway house for expanded event capabilities

These enhancements will reinvigorate the course, highlight the beautiful natural setting, and elevate the golf experience for all levels of players for decades to come.

Nationally recognized golf course architect Todd Quitno of Quitno Golf Designs is leading the renovation. With more than two decades of experience, Quitno has been involved in more than 150 renovation projects ranging from small upgrades on a single hole to full 27-hole overhauls. KemperSports, which has managed Cantigny Golf since 2014, will oversee the redevelopment project.

Guest Impact

• Course Operations: Cantigny Golf will maintain 18 holes for play throughout the renovation process to ensure our golfers continue to enjoy the course.
• Flow of Play: Cantigny aims to keep any affect to our guests' experience minimal. Golfers will see the evidence of work being done on the course, but it will not disrupt play on the 18 holes in operation.
• Course Improvements: Golfers can look forward to enhanced playability, improved sustainability, and expanded facilities; all designed to elevate the Cantigny Golf experience.
• New Course Features: Along with upgrades to existing features, an expanded putting green and new halfway house will enhance our golfers' experience.
• Fees and Daily Rates: We aim to keep any adjustments to fees and rates minimal. Any necessary changes will be communicated well in advance.