A Legendary Golfing Sanctuary Near Chicago
Introduction
Few golf clubs in the world carry the same prestige and championship legacy as Medinah Country Club. Located just outside Chicago, Illinois, this historic golf haven has played host to some of the most electrifying moments in golf history, including U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and the legendary 2012 Ryder Cup. With three meticulously maintained courses, including the world-renowned Course No. 3, Medinah offers an unparalleled golfing experience that combines tradition, challenge, and modern excellence. Whether you are a passionate golfer or a fan of the sport’s greatest moments, Medinah Country Club remains one of the most iconic venues in the game.
General Information
Medinah Country Club is situated in Medinah, Illinois, USA, and was founded in 1924 by a group of Shriners looking to establish an exclusive golf retreat. The club’s three courses—No. 1, No. 2, and the legendary No. 3—were designed by acclaimed architect Tom Bendelow. Over the years, the club has undergone renovations led by Rees Jones, ensuring that its courses remain among the finest in the world. Known for its stunning clubhouse, towering oaks, and championship-caliber fairways, Medinah continues to uphold its reputation as a bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide.
What Makes Medinah Unique?
Course Layout & Design
Medinah is home to three championship golf courses, each offering a unique challenge:
- Course No. 3 – A Par 72, 7,657-yard course, known for its demanding fairways, iconic water hazards, and deep bunkering. This course has been the site of numerous major championships and unforgettable Ryder Cup moments.
- Course No. 1 – A classic Par 72, 7,012-yard course, recently redesigned to enhance playability and strategy.
- Course No. 2 – A Par 70, 6,401-yard course, featuring a more relaxed, yet still challenging, layout perfect for a variety of skill levels.
Signature Holes
- Hole 3 (Course No. 3) – A beautiful yet treacherous par 3 over Lake Kadijah, demanding precise ball control.
- Hole 13 (Course No. 3) – A dramatic dogleg left par 4, where risk and reward come into play.
- Hole 17 (Course No. 3) – A nerve-wracking par 3 that played a pivotal role in the 2012 Ryder Cup.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Championships & Historic Moments
Medinah has been the stage for some of golf’s most unforgettable tournaments:
- 2012 Ryder Cup – Known as the “Miracle at Medinah”, where Team Europe made a stunning Sunday comeback to defeat the United States.
- 1999 PGA Championship – Tiger Woods secured his first PGA Championship victory, outlasting Sergio Garcia in a thrilling battle.
- Three U.S. Opens (1949, 1975, 1990) – Featuring legendary champions such as Cary Middlecoff, Lou Graham, and Hale Irwin.
- Two Other PGA Championships (2006, 2019) – Showcasing elite competition and some of the most dramatic finishes in golf.
Champions of the Last Decade
Recent Tournament Winners
- 2019 BMW Championship – Justin Thomas (-25) dominated the field with a masterful performance.
- 2012 Ryder Cup – Team Europe (14.5-13.5) completed one of the greatest comebacks in golf history.
- 2006 PGA Championship – Tiger Woods (-18) claimed his third PGA Championship title in dominant fashion.
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Medinah Country Club offers a premier experience both on and off the course, featuring world-class amenities:
- The Medinah Clubhouse – A stunning architectural masterpiece, offering fine dining, social lounges, and event spaces.
- Cutting-Edge Practice Facilities – Including an expansive driving range, state-of-the-art short-game area, and elite instruction programs.
- Private Membership – Medinah remains an exclusive, member-only club, requiring invitation or sponsorship.
- Championship-Level Dining & Hospitality – Featuring upscale restaurants, private lounges, and luxury accommodations for members and their guests.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Some of the greatest names in golf have graced Medinah’s fairways, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Rory McIlroy.
- Course Record: 63, set during the 2019 BMW Championship by Hideki Matsuyama.
- Longest Drive: Tiger Woods famously crushed a 340-yard drive on No. 3 during the 1999 PGA Championship.
- Most Ryder Cup Appearances at Medinah: Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and Ian Poulter have all made multiple appearances.
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- Medinah’s Clubhouse is one of the most recognizable in golf, featuring Middle Eastern-inspired architecture.
- The 2012 Ryder Cup remains one of the most-watched golf events in history, with millions of viewers tuning in worldwide.
- Tiger Woods has won multiple times at Medinah, making it one of his most successful venues.
- Hole No. 3 on Course No. 3 has been ranked among the best par 3s in championship golf.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Medinah Country Club is more than just a golf course—it is a symbol of golfing excellence and history. Its championship-caliber courses, legendary tournaments, and elite membership experience make it a dream destination for golfers worldwide. Whether you’re inspired by Tiger Woods’ triumphs, the dramatic Ryder Cup battles, or the club’s unmatched prestige, Medinah offers an unforgettable experience that blends tradition, challenge, and world-class hospitality.
Ranked among the top golf clubs in the world, Medinah remains a bucket-list venue for any serious golfer. If you ever get the chance to step onto its historic fairways, know that you are walking in the footsteps of golfing legends.
