Canyata Golf Club

Marshall, IL Private

Overview

Energy-industry CEO Jerry Forsythe grew up in east central Illinois and wanted to convert 300 acres of his childhood memories into a family retreat. After golf architect Bob Lohmann built him an elaborate three-hole golf course on the property, Lohmann’s then-associate Mike Benkusky convinced Forsythe to stretch it to nine holes and later into a full 18. Ultimately, two million cubic yards of cornfield were moved to form Canyata’s massive fairways and greens, which are edged by waterscaped ponds, artificial creeks and a dazzling array of bunkers. With only a handful of rounds played each year by invited guests, Canyata’s manicuring is always nearly flawless.

About

Holes 18
Length 7266
Slope 149
Facility Type Private
Year Opened 2004
Designer Bob Lohmann & Mike Benkusky

Awards

100 Greatest
Best Courses in Every State

Ranking history:

100 Greatest: Ranked since 2009.
2023-'24 ranking: 85th.
Previous ranking: 82nd.
Highest ranking:
37th, 2013-'14.

Best in State: Ranked third, 2011-'14. Ranked fourth, 2015-'18, 2023-'24. Ranked fifth, 2019-'22. Ranked inside the top 5, 2009-'10. Ranked inside the top 10, 2007.
2023-'24 ranking: 4th.
Previous ranking: 5th.

Panelists

Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists

4.4

100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES

Shot Options
7.5289
Character
7.6762
Challenge
7.5741
Layout Variety
7.5278
Fun
7.4755
Aesthetics
7.6846
Conditioning
7.9685

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