Chicago golf trip

[DavePelz4]

Chicago Golf Club turned down Michael Jordan for membership. That should tell you something.

[T-MAC]

On 9/15/2020 at 12:15 PM, DavePelz4 said:

Chicago Golf Club turned down Michael Jordan for membership. That should tell you something.

Yeah, my grandfather, who was a member there for years, said he wasn't surprised by that.  I think it was after MJ got kicked out of Wexford in Hilton Head for too much partying, so Chicago GC saw the writing on the wall.

[mci711]

11 hours ago, T-MAC said:

Yeah, my grandfather, who was a member there for years, said he wasn't surprised by that.  I think it was after MJ got kicked out of Wexford in Hilton Head for too much partying, so Chicago GC saw the writing on the wall.

 

MJ has no class, it is pretty simple. He was kicked out from Rich Harvest Farms for refusing to follow the dress code. 

[DavePelz4]

When we played CGC with the late Jim McWethey, he was very quick to point out that after the round we could have 1 drink and he preferred if it was an Orange Whip, which we of course complied with. Without a doubt the most reserved club I've played.

[nlinneman20]

3 hours ago, DavePelz4 said:

When we played CGC with the late Jim McWethey, he was very quick to point out that after the round we could have 1 drink and he preferred if it was an Orange Whip, which we of course complied with. Without a doubt the most reserved club I've played.

 

Lol sounds lame 🙂 but doesn't shock me for Chicago (and yes I lived there for 15 years)

[mci711]

26 minutes ago, nlinneman20 said:

 

Lol sounds lame 🙂 but doesn't shock me for Chicago (and yes I lived there for 15 years)

 

I'd never drink alcohol again if it meant having a membership to CGC. 

[DavePelz4]

1 hour ago, nlinneman20 said:

 

Lol sounds lame 🙂 but doesn't shock me for Chicago (and yes I lived there for 15 years)

 

About a week before we played there, Jim sent us a list of "rules." No cell phone once on property, no GPS, no laser, you rely on the caddie or do it yourself. In a different group we saw someone pull out a cell phone and they quickly made the person turn the phone off and I doubt it reappeared.

 

And I'm with MCI, I'd forgo any adult beverages for the opportunity to play there once more, let alone have a membership. It's that special of a course.

[nlinneman20]

20 hours ago, mci711 said:

 

I'd never drink alcohol again if it meant having a membership to CGC. 

 

Thats fine but isnt that the purpose of country clubs?  I'm not saying get smashed every day but go with the guys, play a round, go to clubhouse and have drinks.  I know things have changed these days but country clubs are still mostly guys getting together with their buddies and escaping wife and kids and letting loose.

 

Its not be a total square and have an orange whip and then leave.

 

I dont know guess I'm just more into 'relaxed' atmospheres and having fun and not having to worry if I'm gonna get yelled at for having a GPS watch on.

 

Hell they were talking about Winged Foot during the US Open and how there were some stories to hear about after round card games, drinking, etc.  

 

 

[mci711]

I guess we want/need different things. I play golf as a way to compete and as sport. I like to play top end courses and try to score well. I couldn't care less about letting loose and getting away from my family lol. If you can't appreciate CGC because you can't knock back some vegas bombs and white claws after then maybe it isn't for you 🤷‍♂️. 

[AUTIGER07]

I guess I'm with mci and DP here but, as a guy in his upper 30's, if you told me I'd have a membership at CGC but had to throw some of that other stuff away I'm not sure I could sign the papers fast enough. Playing and being a member there would be awesome but the real benefit from my view is that literally every single private club in the world is now essentially an open door for you. If you're a member at a top 5 club getting on at Augusta, National Golf, Shinnecock, Cypress, etc. is almost a guarantee. So while I would move my buddy shenanigans to HoE, Bowe's, or St. Andrews, I'd be more than fine with knocking off the top 100 list in probably 15 years.

[DavePelz4]

3 hours ago, nlinneman20 said:

 

Thats fine but isnt that the purpose of country clubs?  I'm not saying get smashed every day but go with the guys, play a round, go to clubhouse and have drinks.  I know things have changed these days but country clubs are still mostly guys getting together with their buddies and escaping wife and kids and letting loose.

 

Its not be a total square and have an orange whip and then leave.

 

I dont know guess I'm just more into 'relaxed' atmospheres and having fun and not having to worry if I'm gonna get yelled at for having a GPS watch on.

 

Hell they were talking about Winged Foot during the US Open and how there were some stories to hear about after round card games, drinking, etc.  

 

 

 

My take is on their "rules" is that they're trying to preserve the club and the history of it.  They want everyone's experience to be the same as it was at the club 100 years ago so you could see how golf was played then.  And as someone closer to 100 than zero, there's a lot to be said to walk the fairways, experience the non-air conditioned club house exactly as those who did it long ago.  I get it's not everyone's preference but I was OK with everything and cherish that day. You're literally experiencing history.

[nlinneman20]

10 hours ago, mci711 said:

I guess we want/need different things. I play golf as a way to compete and as sport. I like to play top end courses and try to score well. I couldn't care less about letting loose and getting away from my family lol. If you can't appreciate CGC because you can't knock back some vegas bombs and white claws after then maybe it isn't for you 🤷‍♂️. 

Lmao...morale police

Edited October 8, 2020 by nlinneman20

[nlinneman20]

9 hours ago, AUTIGER07 said:

I guess I'm with mci and DP here but, as a guy in his upper 30's, if you told me I'd have a membership at CGC but had to throw some of that other stuff away I'm not sure I could sign the papers fast enough. Playing and being a member there would be awesome but the real benefit from my view is that literally every single private club in the world is now essentially an open door for you. If you're a member at a top 5 club getting on at Augusta, National Golf, Shinnecock, Cypress, etc. is almost a guarantee. So while I would move my buddy shenanigans to HoE, Bowe's, or St. Andrews, I'd be more than fine with knocking off the top 100 list in probably 15 years.

Are we assuming you'd pay the fee and the dues or you assuming it's a free membership?

[AUTIGER07]

On 10/7/2020 at 9:32 PM, nlinneman20 said:

Are we assuming you'd pay the fee and the dues or you assuming it's a free membership?

If I had to cash out a portion of the 401K / IRA to do it I'd absolutely pay the initiation. Money doesn't guarantee a membership though ($1 to MJ).

[Thunder Dan]

On 10/6/2020 at 8:49 AM, mci711 said:

it is pretty simple. He was kicked out from Rich Harvest Farms for refusing to follow the dress code. 

 

You also can get kicked out for betting more than $2-$3 a match, so I doubt MJ would like that. I doubt the exact number but they have a standard game, anything above it is frowned upon. 

[Thunder Dan]

On 10/7/2020 at 10:08 AM, nlinneman20 said:

 

Thats fine but isnt that the purpose of country clubs?  I'm not saying get smashed every day but go with the guys, play a round, go to clubhouse and have drinks.  I know things have changed these days but country clubs are still mostly guys getting together with their buddies and escaping wife and kids and letting loose.

 

Its not be a total square and have an orange whip and then leave.

 

I dont know guess I'm just more into 'relaxed' atmospheres and having fun and not having to worry if I'm gonna get yelled at for having a GPS watch on.

 

Hell they were talking about Winged Foot during the US Open and how there were some stories to hear about after round card games, drinking, etc.  

 

 

 

They have a pool that has no heat, they have a clubhouse without AC.

 

This isn't a country club in any sense. Most of the members play the majority of their golf at other clubs for the reasons you stated, but Chicago is a step back in time. It's incredible. Hardest tee time to get as there are only 100 local members. The member I played with explained that it's not a club that requires money or prestige to join. He said the best way to get an invitation to join is to be a great golfer (he said many of the members played D-1 golf in college and/or carry low singled digit handicaps) or be charitable within the community.  He said "the rich finance guys join (said another club), and are mad they can't just buy their way in here" 

Edited October 13, 2020 by Thunder Dan

[mci711]

1 hour ago, Thunder Dan said:

 

They have a pool that has no heat, they have a clubhouse without AC.

 

This isn't a country club in any sense. Most of the members play the majority of their golf at other clubs for the reasons you stated, but Chicago is a step back in time. It's incredible. Hardest tee time to get as there are only 100 local members. The member I played with explained that it's not a club that requires money or prestige to join. He said the best way to get an invitation to join is to be a great golfer (he said many of the members played D-1 golf in college and/or carry low singled digit handicaps) or be charitable within the community.  He said "the rich finance guys join (said another club), and are mad they can't just buy their way in here" 

 

CoughMedinahCough  

[DavePelz4]

On 10/13/2020 at 3:10 PM, mci711 said:

 

CoughMedinahCough  

 

Not difficult to get on Medinah at all. 

[mci711]

1 hour ago, DavePelz4 said:

 

Not difficult to get on Medinah at all. 

 

Nope, that was my point. It isn't difficult to join either. Anyone can buy their way in, I was referring to the final sentence of the prior post about not being able to buy your way into Chicago GC like you can at Medinah. 

[hammergolf]

Trip was GREAT! We had to change our itinerary a little bit but still played some great courses and had great weather:

 

Day 1 Cog Hill Dubsdread. Was in really good shape. What a challenge. Greens are heavily tiered and bunkered. Really good test of golf. Better have your iron game on point.

Day 2 Lost Dunes. WOW! Great layout, very wide fairways but incredibly challenging greens. hard to not have a 3 putt or three... Was in imaculate condition. Really good mix of holes. Was in the top 2 for most of us on the trip

Day 3 Medinah #3. Obviously great history, but course was just in average condition. The last 5 holes are really good. I'm not sure if I built it up too much, but was kind of let down.

Day 4 Mistwood. Interesting layout in good condition. American links style course with a good mix of holes, and really good closing stretch. 

Day 5 Conway Farms. PERFECT condition. Really enjoyed the course. Greens were as fast as I have played in a long time. Great layout and mix of holes. Hard to Believe Furyk shot 59 on that course. There were BMW Championship staff on the course that day so hopefully the tournament will be making another visit soon. This was either 1 or 1A with every guy on the trip.

 

My ratings for the trip:

1   Conway Farms

1A Lost Dunes

2   Dubsdread

3   Mistwood

4   Medinah 

 

I would of had Medinah ranked higher than Mistwood but It was not in good condition. 

Edited October 20, 2020 by hammergolf

[Chanceman]

48 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Trip was GREAT! We had to change our itinerary a little bit but still played some great courses and had great weather:

 

Day 1 Cog Hill Dubsdread. Was in really good shape. What a challenge. Greens are heavily tiered and bunkered. Really good test of golf. Better have your iron game on point.

Day 2 Lost Dunes. WOW! Great layout, very wide fairways but incredibly challenging greens. hard to not have a 3 putt or three... Was in imaculate condition. Really good mix of holes. Was in the top 2 for most of us on the trip

Day 3 Medinah #3. Obviously great history, but course was just in average condition. The last 5 holes are really good. I'm not sure if I built it up too much, but was kind of let down.

Day 4 Mistwood. Interesting layout in good condition. American links style course with a good mix of holes, and really good closing stretch. 

Day 5 Conway Farms. PERFECT condition. Really enjoyed the course. Greens were as fast as I have played in a long time. Great layout and mix of holes. Hard to Believe Furyk shot 59 on that course. There were BMW Championship staff on the course that day so hopefully the tournament will be making another visit soon. This was either 1 or 1A with every guy on the trip.

 

My ratings for the trip:

1   Conway Farms

1A Lost Dunes

2   Dubsdread

3   Mistwood

4   Medinah 

 

I would of had Medinah ranked higher than Mistwood but It was not in good condition. 

More about Lost Dunes please! How did that come about? Phone call. pro to pro, member intro? And the course itself, how does it compare, not a place you hear a lot about?

[mci711]

52 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Trip was GREAT! We had to change our itinerary a little bit but still played some great courses and had great weather:

 

Day 1 Cog Hill Dubsdread. Was in really good shape. What a challenge. Greens are heavily tiered and bunkered. Really good test of golf. Better have your iron game on point.

Day 2 Lost Dunes. WOW! Great layout, very wide fairways but incredibly challenging greens. hard to not have a 3 putt or three... Was in imaculate condition. Really good mix of holes. Was in the top 2 for most of us on the trip

Day 3 Medinah #3. Obviously great history, but course was just in average condition. The last 5 holes are really good. I'm not sure if I built it up too much, but was kind of let down.

Day 4 Mistwood. Interesting layout in good condition. American links style course with a good mix of holes, and really good closing stretch. 

Day 5 Conway Farms. PERFECT condition. Really enjoyed the course. Greens were as fast as I have played in a long time. Great layout and mix of holes. Hard to Believe Furyk shot 59 on that course. There were BMW Championship staff on the course that day so hopefully the tournament will be making another visit soon. This was either 1 or 1A with every guy on the trip.

 

My ratings for the trip:

1   Conway Farms

1A Lost Dunes

2   Dubsdread

3   Mistwood

4   Medinah 

 

I would of had Medinah ranked higher than Mistwood but It was not in good condition. 

 

I'd assume you'll get a lot of flack for this ranking but I think it is pretty spot on. I don't love Conway Farms but understand it. I think Medinah is one of the most overrated places in the country. 

 

Where do you play out of in St Louis? My wife and I are moving back from Chicago next year and are looking at Fox Run and St Albans because we will most likely be West of the city. I've played Fox probably 50 times and the courses at St Albans a few times. Leaning Fox Run though. 

[hammergolf]

17 hours ago, Chanceman said:

More about Lost Dunes please! How did that come about? Phone call. pro to pro, member intro? And the course itself, how does it compare, not a place you hear a lot about?

A guy in our group has a business partner who is a member there. It's a Tom Doak design built on an old sand quarry. It opened in 1999 and by 2008 it was ratee in the top 100 in America. In 2014 it was ranked inside the top 100 modern courses. It's a really fun layout with a good mixture of holes. Fairwaysd are pretty wide, but the greens are really challenging with lots of slopes and tiers. there are a few tree lined holes, but most are pretty open. I would highly recommend it if you are in the NE IL /NW IN area. Here is a link to take a look at some of the holes.

 

http://www.lostdunes.com/  

[hammergolf]

17 hours ago, mci711 said:

 

I'd assume you'll get a lot of flack for this ranking but I think it is pretty spot on. I don't love Conway Farms but understand it. I think Medinah is one of the most overrated places in the country. 

 

Where do you play out of in St Louis? My wife and I are moving back from Chicago next year and are looking at Fox Run and St Albans because we will most likely be West of the city. I've played Fox probably 50 times and the courses at St Albans a few times. Leaning Fox Run though. 

It may have been that I just built it up too much given the history. But honestly besides the last 5 holes, it was just an average layout with less than average conditioning. I am not a member anywhere in STL so I alternate between a few courses. I play at Missouri Bluffs, Tapawingo, AnnBriar, and Olin mostly. I have only played those courses a couple times, but I prefer St. Albans. Fox Run is nice, but it does not have the topography plus you have 36 holes at St. Albans.