History & Awards


Brief History

Cantigny is the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick. McCormick was the long time editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune and played a major role in American journalism during the first half of the 20th century. He built the Tribune company from a single newspaper into a major media organization of newspapers, radio, television and newsprint operations.

McCormick inherited the land known as Red Oaks Farm from his mother, a member of the Medill family. McCormick renamed the estate Cantigny (Can-tee’-nee) in recognition of the small French village which was the site of the first American victory during World War I where McCormick served with the First Infantry Division (the Big Red One).

In his will, McCormick instructed that his estate be used for philanthropic purposes and that his home and lands be used as a source of recreation and education for the people of Illinois. The McCormick Foundation is committed to fostering communities of educated, informed and engaged citizens.”

Cantigny is an integral part of that commitment and is comprised of a variety of facilities, programs and activities. Among those are:

Robert R. McCormick Museum

The First Division Museum

Cantigny Park

Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Cantigny Golf

The construction of Cantigny Golf began in 1986 and was completed in 1988. The golf course opened for play in the spring of 1989. The course was designed by Roger Packard and the construction was completed by the Wadsworth Construction Company. In 2003, the course was updated by Jacobson Golf Course Design.

Awards

1989  Best New Public Course in America, Golf Digest
1990  Top 25 Public Courses in America, Golf Digest  
1992  Environmental Steward Award

1993 Environmental Steward Award
1995  Best 100 Golf Shops in America, Golf Operations
1996  Top 75 Courses You Can Play in America, Golf Digest
1996  Top 100 You Can Play in America, Golf Magazine
1997  Best 100 Golf Shops in America, Golf Operations

1998  Best 100 Golf Shops in America, Golf Operations
2000  Top 50 Courses You Can Play in America, Golf Magazine
1994-2007  4 1/2 Star Award, Golf Digest
2002  Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play for Under $100, Travel and Leisure Golf

Tournaments Hosted

1996 Illinois State Amateur Championship
1998 Illinois PGA Club Professional Championship
2002 Illinois State Amateur Championship
2006 Western Junior Amateur Championship
2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship
2008 Illinois State Amateur Championship

Golf Pro Awards

2003—Lou Solarte, Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year
2004—Mike Jones, Illinois PGA Junior Golf Leader
2006—Rich Dukelow, Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year
2006—Mike Jones, Illinois PGA President’s Plaque
2010—Connie DeMattia, Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year
2011—Rich Dukelow, IPGA Player of the Year