Courtesy of Gary Kellner
Overview
To prepare Olympia Fields North for the 1961 PGA Championship (won by Jerry Barber in a playoff over Don January), the club didn’t hire a golf architect. Instead, superintendent Warren Bidwell relocated 32 greenside and 13 fairway bunkers and added new tees to lengthen the course by 320 yards. Forty years later, golf architect Mark Mungeam supervised extensive changes before the North hosted the 2003 U.S. Open and made more changes again before Olympia Fields North and newly remodeled South (redone by architect Steve Smyers) co-hosted the 2015 U.S. Amateur. In 2017, Olympia Fields North was the site of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and the course hosted the 2020 BMW Championship.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1966.
2023-'24 ranking: No. 99.
Previous ranking: 88th
Highest ranking: No. 24, 2003-'04.
Best in State: Ranked fifth, 2013-'16. Ranked inside the top 5, 1977-'89, 1993-2009. Ranked sixth, 2011-'12, 2017-'22. Ranked inside the top 10, 1991.
Current ranking: 6th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“From the impressive clubhouse, to the finely maintained course, OFCC is a real treat. I didn't find many shot options off the tee, but several holes did have risk and reward upon approach. The course was preparing for the Univ of Ill tournament the next day, so greens we very fast, but fair."
Read More2022
Review
“A long challenging test from the championship tees that retains its challenge from "normal" tees. Good variety of par 3 distances with some that can play long. Good yet subtle movement on most holes along with trees and well placed bunkers provide for the need to shape shots and position tee shots. great condition on the day played. Clubhouse, course feel, contribute to the atmosphere and historic feel."
Read More2022
Review
“This is a course that can be fun and testing for the recreational golfer, and then put the best players in the game to a real test. Shot selection is important, approaches to the green are critical to score. The greens roll perfectly and consistent, giving good putters a chance. The club and course is filled with tremendous history. It's a pleasure to walk the fairways and the halls of the clubhouse to see and hear about all the accomplishments from great events in years past."
Read More2022
Review
“While this course tests the best players in the world, it won’t beat up the average player. Don’t get me wrong, it has plenty of teeth but it is playable for most everyone. The clubhouse is among the largest in the country."
Read More2021
Review
“The North is a tough challenge, even for the accomplished golfer. It is a treat to play a major venue with history and an iconic clubhouse tower that drapes the landscape."
Read More2019
Review
“A lot of history and tradition among these tight, tree-lined corridors. Really good vibe to the club, though it can be exceptionally busy for a private course."
Read More2019
Review
“Great tournament tested club in excellent condition. Play if available even at high green fees."
Read More2018
Review
“I found the course to be very difficult but not particularly unique. It was tight and long and in great condition. I don't recall any really memorable holes though."
Read More2018
Readers
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