The golf world will turn its attention to Chicago when the 2026 Presidents Cup arrives at Medinah Country Club September 22–27. Competition between the United States and International teams will take place September 24–27 on Medinah’s recently renovated Course No. 3, the celebrated venue that also hosted the 2012 Ryder Cup.
While most visiting golfers will not have an opportunity to play private Medinah, they will find an excellent collection of public courses throughout Chicago’s western and northwestern suburbs. From highly regarded championship layouts to convenient courses suited for a quick round, these 10 facilities offer plenty of ways to supplement a day at the Presidents Cup with some golf of your own.
Tee times throughout the area could be in especially high demand during tournament week, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.
1. The Preserve at Oak Meadows – Addison
Located just east of Medinah, The Preserve at Oak Meadows is one of the most acclaimed public golf courses in the Chicago area. The extensive renovation that created The Preserve combined portions of the former Oak Meadows and Maple Meadows East courses into a striking 18-hole layout built around Salt Creek.
The project improved flood control, expanded natural habitat and produced a visually memorable golf experience. The Preserve has subsequently appeared on Golfweek’s list of the best public courses in Illinois and its “10 Must-Visit Destinations in the Midwest.” Greenway Tap, overlooking the course from the clubhouse, is also an excellent post-round destination.
2. Bloomingdale Golf Club – Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale Golf Club provides an intriguing connection to the Presidents Cup venue. The original layout was designed by Tom Bendelow, who also designed Medinah’s Course No. 3.
The par-71 public course dates to 1924 and was extensively redesigned by Lohmann Golf Designs in the late 1990s. At slightly more than 6,100 yards, Bloomingdale emphasizes accuracy and thoughtful course management rather than raw distance. Mature trees, strategically positioned bunkers and protected greens make it a strong option for golfers who appreciate traditional Chicago-area architecture.
3. The Golf Club at Eaglewood – Itasca
Visitors staying near Medinah or O’Hare International Airport should consider The Golf Club at Eaglewood. The Charles Maddox-designed course opened in 1932 and is part of Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca.
Eaglewood’s par-72 layout features mature trees, rolling terrain, water hazards and strategically positioned greens. Because lodging, dining, a spa and golf are available in one location, Eaglewood is particularly convenient for out-of-town guests planning a multi-day Presidents Cup trip. Golfers can also rent clubs, eliminating the need to travel with a full set.
4. White Pines Golf Club – Bensenville
White Pines Golf Club has been a Chicago-area golf destination since 1928. The Bensenville Park District facility features two 18-hole courses spread across more than 260 acres, providing valuable additional tee-time inventory during a busy tournament week.
The two layouts offer tree-lined fairways and approachable tests for golfers with a wide range of abilities. White Pines also includes a driving range, putting facilities and 37 Bar & Grill. Its location near O’Hare makes it another practical choice for golfers arriving from outside the Chicago area.
5. Schaumburg Golf Club – Schaumburg
Schaumburg Golf Club
Schaumburg Golf Club features 27 holes divided among the Tournament, Baer and Players nines. Different combinations allow golfers to enjoy three distinct 18-hole experiences.
The Schaumburg Park District facility underwent a major renovation led by architect Todd Quitno, with each nine reopening after extensive improvements to greens, bunkers, drainage and overall strategy. Schaumburg also offers a Toptracer driving range and an expansive practice facility. Chandler’s Chophouse, located beside the course, provides a comfortable setting for dinner or drinks after the round.
6. Village Links of Glen Ellyn – Glen Ellyn
A longtime proving ground for competitive golf, Village Links of Glen Ellyn has hosted dozens of PGA Tour and USGA qualifying events. The facility includes a 7,208-yard, par-72 championship course and a separate nine-hole layout.
The 18-hole course is challenging enough for accomplished players but provides multiple tees for golfers seeking a more manageable experience. Village Links is also nationally recognized for its environmental stewardship and pace-of-play initiatives. Reserve 22, the facility’s year-round restaurant, makes the course a good option for groups looking to combine golf and dinner.
7. Arrowhead Golf Club – Wheaton
Arrowhead Golf Club
Surrounded by forest preserve land, Arrowhead Golf Club offers 27 holes with no homes lining the fairways. Its three nines can be combined into three different par-72 configurations.
Water enters play on 17 of the 27 holes, while 77 bunkers and bentgrass fairways and greens create a polished, private-club-style experience. The Wheaton Park District facility also features a lighted driving range, short-game area and impressive clubhouse. Arrowhead is an especially strong choice for visitors willing to travel a little farther south of Medinah for a full-service golf destination.
8. Cantigny Golf – Wheaton
Cantigny Golf is regularly ranked among the best public golf facilities in Illinois. Its Woodside, Lakeside and Hillside nines provide three championship combinations across a scenic, meticulously maintained property.
Designed by Roger Packard, Cantigny has hosted the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, Illinois State Amateur and Chicago Open. Its recently renovated Lakeside nine and clubhouse add to the experience. Cantigny also offers an extensive practice center and one of the area’s most respected golf academies. For visitors seeking a premium public round, it should be near the top of the list.
9. Bridges of Poplar Creek – Hoffman Estates
Bridges of Poplar Creek is a challenging, modern municipal course in Hoffman Estates. The layout combines wetlands, water hazards, bunkering and large greens to create a test that rewards careful positioning.
The facility also features a Toptracer Range, making it a useful choice if time or weather does not allow for 18 holes. The Tap Inn Bar & Grill and outdoor beer garden offer convenient post-round options. Bridges is located northwest of Medinah and is accessible from the Schaumburg-area hotel corridor.
10. Bartlett Hills Golf Club – Bartlett
Bartlett Hills Golf Club is a village-owned, 18-hole public course that stretches to approximately 6,500 yards. The par-71 layout features bentgrass fairways, mature trees, elevation changes and a mix of holes that place a premium on both accuracy and distance control.
The course’s grass-tee driving range and short-game practice area provide space for a thorough warmup. Bartlett Hills also offers nine-hole reservations, which could be valuable for spectators trying to fit golf around Presidents Cup practice rounds or match sessions.
Make Golf Part of Your Presidents Cup Trip
September is often one of the best months for golf in Chicago, with comfortable temperatures and courses typically in excellent condition. Presidents Cup visitors should check tournament schedules before booking, allow extra travel time around Medinah and reserve tee times as early as each facility permits.
You may not be able to challenge Medinah’s Course No. 3, but these 10 public courses can still make your Presidents Cup visit a complete Chicago golf experience.
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