Courtesy of Canyata GC
Courtesy of Canyata
Courtesy of Canyata GC
Courtesy of Canyata GC
Courtesy of Canyata GC
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
Awards
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
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Canyata is a wonderfully fun and unique golf experience. The golf course has great elevation changes and deep ravines with high quality bridges allowing a fun routing of the greatly varied hole designs and green complexes. It is in excellent condition. I highly recommend playing Canyata if you have the opportunity."
Read More2024
Review
“Outstanding course on a great site with superb conditioning"
Read More2023
Review
“Shocking elevation changes and contours for the area, was totally not expected w/ the surrounding flat farmland areas. Surreal conditioning, no divots or ballmarks anywhere even on the range due to lack of play. Our host said they had less than 350 rounds in 2017 and out of those 164 total players visited the property. Standout holes include downhill par 3 3rd, toughest hole #4 an uphill dogleg left over water w/ a 4 tier green, 9th "
Read More2022
Review
“An island of hilly, forested preserve in the middle of Illinois farmland. Every shot makes the player think."
Read More2021
Review
“Very, very private. If you get the opportunity to play, it will cost you about $850."
Read More2021
Review
“Superb course conditions and excellent layout including collection areas around the greens."
Read More2019
Review
“Totally private club with some very good holes. A few holes are a little strange."
Read More2018
Readers
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