Golf Course Renovation
Major Multi-year Renovation Currently Underway
Building upon a 35-year legacy of championship golf surrounded by natural beauty, Cantigny Golf has begun construction on a major renovation plan. Construction began 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 announcements 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
Lakeside Renovation
September 2025 Update
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news — construction on the Lakeside course is officially complete, and the grow-in phase is now underway! Our agronomy and construction teams have poured an incredible amount of time and care into this project, and we’re starting to see it come to life. Here are a few highlights from the past several weeks:
- The new pitching and chipping greens are fully shaped, complete with a new bunker, fresh sod, and seeded greens.
- Every bunker has been rebuilt, including the iconic “Dick Tracy” bunker on Lakeside 9.
- Brand-new cart paths now connect the course from tee to green.
- Surrounds around greens, fairways, and bunkers have been sodded, while tees and holes are freshly seeded.
- Masonry work around the Lakeside 9 green and bridges has been cleaned and restored.
- Regular mowing of greens, fairways, and rough has already begun to encourage strong, healthy grow-in.
- The finishing touches — like stump removal and restoration around paths — are well underway.
Stakeholder Interviews
Terry Hanley: Former 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
Lakeside Nine 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.
Hillside Renovation (2024-25)
Hillside Renovation Archive
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
Youth Links Adult Programs
2026 Youth Links Adult Programs
Red Oak Club
Sign up for the Red Oak Club Loyalty Program to start earning points on all online purchases (except gift cards)!
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Ladies Open PlayNeed a little work on the short game? We know a place! The Youth Links is offering open play for adult women on two days of the week this summer.
Our weekly Ladies Open Play program, available on Mondays or Tuesdays, starts Monday, June 1 and runs every Monday and Tuesday through July 21. Lady golfers of all skill levels are welcome—no experience needed! This is a great opportunity to practice your wedges, chipping, pitching, and putting on our par 3 course—a wonderful little links previously open only to junior golfers.
This is also a chance to establish a weekly meet-up with your golfing friends or meet some new players who share your passion.
Ladies Open Play participants receive 9 holes per week plus a complimentary adult beverage. Tee times are available from 5 - 7pm and may be reserved up to two weeks in advance.
See you at the Youth Links this summer!
Program DetailsMondays, June 1 through July 20
Tuesdays, June 2 through July 21 Cost: $196 (Weekly option: For $5, players can play an additional 9 holes.) Registration opens February 10. |
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Gentlemens Open PlayNeed a little work on the short game? We know a place! The Youth Links is offering open play for adult men this summer.
Our weekly Gentlemens Open Play program starts Thursday, June 4, and runs every Thursday through July 23. Men of all skill levels are welcome. This is a great opportunity to practice your wedges, chipping, pitching, and putting on our par 3 course.
This is also a chance to establish a weekly meet-up with friends or meet some new players who share your passion.
Gentlemens Open Play participants receive 9-holes per week plus a complimentary adult beverage and have the option to play an extra 9 for $5. Tee times are available from 6 - 7pm and may be reserved up to two weeks in advance.
See you at the Youth Links this summer!
Program DetailsThursdays, June 4 through July 23. Registration opens February 10.
Cost: $196 (Drop-ins welcome - $25 for 9 holes! Call 630.260.8270 to book in advance.) |
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NEW FOR 2026: Couples PlayCouples Play is a once-a-week program is designed for adult couples to enjoy 9 holes of golf at Cantigny Youth Links. Each week the Youth Links is held for adult couples to enjoy 9 holes of non-tournament golf followed by a complimentary drink. Tee times can be made for the month in advance and will be offered each Wednesday from 5 - 7pm. Program DetailsWednesdays, June 3 through July 22. Registration opens February 10.
Cost: $376 per couple |
Fareways Bar Menu
Last updated: April 4, 2024
Draft Beer
Cantigny Kolsch
Wheated Kolsch, 5.4%
Stella Artois
Pale Lager, 5.2%
Spaten Marzen
Marzen Lager, 5.9%
Guinness
Irish Stout, 4.2%
Alter Ambigram
New England IPA, 6.5%
93 Octane Tailgate
Amber Ale, 5.8%
Bell's Oberon Eclipse
Citrus Wheat Ale, 6.3%
Tighthead Chilly Water
Pale Ale, 4.8%
Bottled Beer
Goose Island 312
American Wheat Ale, 4.2%
Lagunitas IPA
India Pale Ale, 6.2%
Bell's Amber
Amber Ale, 5.8%
Founders All Day IPA
India Pale Ale, 4.7%
Three Floyds Gumball Head
American Wheat, 5.6%
Left Hand Milk Stout
Sweet Stout, 5.2%
Franziskaner
Hefeweizen, 5%
Miller Lite
Light Pale Lager, 4.2%
Coors Light
Light Pale Lager, 4.2%
Bud Light
Light Pale Lager, 4.2%
Claushauler
Non-alcoholic Lager, 0.5%
Canned Beer
Cantigny Kolsch
Wheated Kolsch, 5.4%
Alter Ambigram
New England IPA, 6.5%
Half Acre Daisy Cutter
American Pale Ale, 5.5%
Bell’s Oberon
Summer Wheat Ale, 5.8%
Bell's Two Hearted
India Pale Ale, 7%
Allagash White
Witbier, 5.2%
Montucky Cold Snack
American Lager, 4.1%
Tres Izquierdas
Mexican Lager, 5.2%
Stella Artois
Pale Lager, 5.2%
Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy
Shandy, 4.2%
Michelob Ultra
Light Pale Lager, 4.2%
Coors Light
Light Pale Lager, 4.2%
Labatt Blue Light
Light Pale Lager, 4.2%
Hard Ciders & Seltzers
White Claw Black Cherry
Hard Seltzer, 5%
Nutrl Pineapple/Orange
Vodka Seltzer, 4.5%
Kures Orange Cream Vodka Pop
Vodka Seltzer, 7%
Featured Cocktails
Cantigny Martini
Grey Goose, Chambord, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Twist
Smoked Old Fashioned
Bulleit Bourbon, Fee Brothers Orange Bitters, Simple Syrup, Luxardo Cherry, Orange
Sarrano Old Fashioned
Knob Creek, Disaronno, Fee Brothers Orange Bitters, Simple Syrup, Luxardo Cherry
Black Manhattan
Angel's Envy, Foro Amaro, Angostura Bitters, Luxardo Cherry
The Oaxacan
Del Maguey Mezcal, Simple Syrup, Chocolate Bitters, Angostura Bitters, Seltzer, Dehydrated Orange
Cucumber Fresca
Ketel One, Cucumber-Lime purée, Lemonade, Simple Syrup, Cucumber Slice
Blackberry Breeze
Tito's, BlackBerry Syrup, Lemon Juice, Ginger Ale, Lemon Twist
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
Authentico Reposado, Cointreau, Agave Nectar, Lemonade, Pineapple Juice, Jalapeño Simple Syrup, Fresh Jalapeño
Blood Orange Margarita
Authentico Reposado, Cointreau, Lemonade, Blood Orange Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Squeeze of Lemon, Dehydrated Lime
El Jefe
Dobel Anejo, Drambuie, Grapefruit Orange Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Squeeze of Lemon, Dehydrated Lime
Strawberry Gin Smash
Hendricks Gin, Lime Juice, Fresh Mint, Strawberry Nectar, Seltzer Water, Lime
Orange Mule
Ketel Orange, Strawberry Nectar, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, Lime
White Wine
Sand Point 9/34
Pinot Grigio, California
Sand Point 9/34
Sauvignon Blanc, California
Sand Point 9/34
Chardonnay, California
Robert Mondavi 10/38
Pinot Grigio, California
Robert Mondavi 10/38
Chardonnay, California
Chateau Ste. Michelle 11/42
Riesling, Washington
Cupcake 9/40
Prosecco, Italy
Red Wine
Sand Point 9/34
Merlot, California
Sand Point 9/34
Cabernet, California
Sand Point 9/34
Pinot Noir, California
Robert Mondavi 11/42
Cabernet, California
Robert Mondavi 11/42
Pinot Noir, California
Youth Links Regulations for Spring 2020
Welcome back to Cantigny Youth Links!
Please carefully review and agree to the following standards prior to booking your tee time.
Cantigny Youth Links will operate consistent with the standards set forth by the State of Illinois. The following information will help prepare you for your next visit to Cantigny.
Booking Tee Times
- Pre-payment is required by phone (see below)
- Foursomes are allowed in 12 minute intervals
On-Course Experience
- Please arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your tee time, and only golfers with tee times will be allowed to enter the property
- Practice putting green will be open with a limit of five golfers at a given time
- On-course water stations have been removed. Please bring your own water bottle
- All rakes will be removed from bunkers. Please smooth sand with your feet
- No rental equipment will be available, including push carts and rental clubs. No exceptions will be made at this time. Only privately-owned pull carts may be used
- Please observe social distancing. No congregation of more than ten players (social distancing) at any point during your visit to the property
Facilities/Services
- Youth Links Golf Shop will be open with a limit of five customers at a time. Please wear a mask when entering the golf shop.
- Clubhouse bathrooms will be open
Additional on-course government-defined player restrictions:
- Any players with any symptoms of COVID-19 should not play
- In addition, any players from a household with someone with symptoms of COVID-19 should not play
- Golfers must walk and carry own clubs; no caddies
- Bring your own supply of balls, tees, ball markers, and any other equipment needed to play golf
- Insist on social distancing on tees, greens, and throughout the round
- Players shall maintain adequate physical distancing between other twosomes
- Golfers should pick up their own ball
- Handle your own scorecard
- Bring your own water/sports drink, towel, and snack
- Do not use the public drinking fountain or ball cleaner
- Put on your golf shoes at your vehicle
- Bring hand sanitizer with you and use during your round and at the end
- No handshakes at the beginning or end of the round
Golfers will agree to follow each of these requirements identified above. Failure to do so may result in the end of play or direction to leave the property.
Call 630.260.8270 to book a tee time (long wait times may occur when calling in)
