A Timeless Golfing Institution
Introduction
For over a century, Olympia Fields Country Club has stood as a pillar of golfing excellence, tradition, and prestige. Nestled in the serene outskirts of Chicago, Illinois, this storied club has played host to some of the most significant moments in professional and amateur golf. With two championship courses, a rich tournament history, and a commitment to elite course conditions, Olympia Fields is a revered name among the world’s top golf clubs. Whether you’re drawn to its historic North Course, famed for its U.S. Open pedigree, or the equally stunning South Course, Olympia Fields offers an unforgettable experience steeped in golfing history.
General Information
Full Name: Olympia Fields Country Club
Location: Olympia Fields, Illinois, USA
Year Established: 1915
Course Designers: Willie Park Jr. (North Course), Tom Bendelow (South Course), with renovations by Rees Jones
Founded in 1915, Olympia Fields Country Club was originally conceived as a golfing retreat for Chicago’s elite. Over the years, it evolved into one of America’s most prestigious private clubs, featuring two exceptional courses, with the North Course consistently ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the U.S.
What Makes Olympia Fields Unique?
Unique Features
Olympia Fields boasts two championship-caliber courses, each offering distinct challenges and beauty.
Course Type: Classic Parkland
Number of Holes: 36 (Two 18-hole courses)
Signature Course: North Course (Par 70, 7,366 yards)
Signature Holes and Standout Features
- Hole 3 (North Course, Par 4, 460 yards) – A dogleg left with a tough green complex that has tested the best pros in U.S. Open history.
- Hole 17 (North Course, Par 4, 456 yards) – Known for its demanding tee shot, this hole has witnessed some of golf’s most dramatic finishes.
- Olympia Fields Clock Tower – An iconic symbol of the club, towering over the historic clubhouse.
- Fast, Undulating Greens – Olympia Fields is known for its lightning-fast putting surfaces, requiring precision and patience.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Tournaments Hosted
Olympia Fields has a rich championship pedigree, having hosted:
- U.S. Open (1928, 2003)
- PGA Championship (1925, 1961)
- BMW Championship (2020, 2023)
- U.S. Amateur (2015)
- Western Open (Multiple Years)
Historic Moments
- Jim Furyk’s Gritty U.S. Open Victory (2003) – Furyk outlasted the field at Olympia Fields, claiming his first and only major championship.
- Dustin Johnson’s 2020 BMW Championship Win – Johnson’s spectacular 43-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole forced a playoff against Jon Rahm, making for one of the most thrilling finishes in tournament history.
- Jon Rahm’s Epic Putt (2020) – Rahm responded to Johnson’s putt with an incredible 66-foot birdie in the playoff, securing victory in one of the most dramatic moments in recent PGA TOUR history.
- Walter Hagen’s 1925 PGA Championship Triumph – One of golf’s all-time greats claimed his third PGA Championship at Olympia Fields, further cementing the club’s major championship reputation.
Champions of the Last Decade
BMW Championship – Recent Winners
- 2023 – Viktor Hovland (-17)
- 2020 – Jon Rahm (-4, playoff over Dustin Johnson)
U.S. Open – Recent Winner at Olympia Fields
- 2003 – Jim Furyk (-8)
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Clubhouse & Amenities
- Historic Clubhouse – Home to one of golf’s most iconic clock towers.
- Fine Dining & Private Lounges – Offers an elite dining experience for members and guests.
- Premium Locker Rooms – Featuring classic wooden lockers and a timeless ambiance.
Membership & Green Fees
- Private Membership – Olympia Fields is an exclusive private club, with membership available only through invitation.
- Limited Guest Play – Non-members can only play as the guest of a member or through special charity events.
- State-of-the-Art Practice Facilities – Featuring a double-sided driving range, short-game area, and putting greens.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Notable Players Who Have Competed Here
- Tiger Woods – Competed at Olympia Fields during the 2003 U.S. Open.
- Rory McIlroy – Played in the BMW Championship at the club.
- Jack Nicklaus – One of golf’s all-time greats, competed in multiple events at Olympia Fields.
- Walter Hagen – Won the 1925 PGA Championship here.
Course Records
- Lowest Round: 63 (Viktor Hovland, 2023 BMW Championship)
- Most U.S. Open Wins at Olympia Fields: 1 (Jim Furyk, 2003)
- Longest Drive Recorded: 395 yards (Dustin Johnson, 2020 BMW Championship)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- The Only Club in America to Host Both the U.S. Open and PGA Championship Twice – A testament to Olympia Fields’ rich history.
- Famous Movie Appearance – Olympia Fields has been featured in multiple golf documentaries.
- Home to an Iconic Clock Tower – The clubhouse’s famous clock tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in American golf.
- Fastest Greens on Tour – During championship events, the greens can roll at speeds exceeding 13 on the Stimpmeter.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Olympia Fields Country Club is a bucket-list destination for golfers who appreciate history, challenge, and championship tradition. The North Course remains a world-class test, demanding precision and strategic thinking at every turn.
Rankings & Reviews
- Top 100 Courses in the U.S. – Golf Digest
- Best Private Golf Clubs in America – Golf Magazine
- Ranked Among the Most Historic Golf Clubs – Top100GolfCourses.com
For those fortunate enough to step onto the fairways of Olympia Fields, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of major champions, testing your game on one of golf’s great parkland courses, or simply enjoying the historic clubhouse atmosphere, Olympia Fields delivers an unparalleled golf experience that should be on every golfer’s must-play list.
