Bob O’Link Golf Club

Founded in 1916, Bob O’Link Golf Club in Highland Park has earned a reputation as one of the finest and most exclusive private golf clubs in the United States. Designed by renowned architect H.S. Colt, with later refinements by C.H. Alison and John Morrison, the course is celebrated for its strategic design, natural rolling terrain, and understated elegance.

Unlike many championship venues that rely on length alone, Bob O’Link emphasizes shot-making, thoughtful course management, and precision. The club has hosted numerous prestigious amateur and professional competitions, including the 1995 Ryder Cup, the 2018 U.S. Women’s Amateur, and several Western Golf Association championships, solidifying its place among the country’s most historic golf venues.

Bob O’Link’s name comes from the “bobolink,” a small songbird once commonly found throughout the surrounding prairie. The club has maintained a philosophy of preserving the natural landscape and traditional golf architecture rather than pursuing dramatic modern renovations.

Members enjoy a course that seamlessly blends into its environment, with subtle greens, strategic bunkering, and mature trees creating a timeless golfing experience. More than a century after its founding, Bob O’Link continues to represent the highest traditions of private club golf in the Chicago area, combining championship-caliber golf with a culture of excellence, discretion, and respect for the game’s rich heritage.