Drew Rogers
Drew Rogers
Drew Rogers
Drew Rogers
Drew Rogers
Overview
Old Elm, a male-only club on Chicago’s north side, has one of the country’s most unique design pedigrees. British architect Harry S. Colt laid out the course in 1913 on one of his few visits to the U.S., collaborating on-site with Donald Ross, who to that point had designed courses in the Northeast and at Pinehurst but was not nationally known. After Colt departed, Ross, consulting Colt’s drawings and design notes, oversaw the construction of the holes. Over the last decade architect Drew Rogers has helped reclaim the property’s original spaciousness by removing hundreds of trees that had begun to clog the holes and expand fairways and greens. He also, with the help of designer/shaper Dave Zinkand, recreated the rough and rugged bunker edging that Colt was known for in his best U.K. designs. Their work has reestablished Old Elm as one of the top courses in the greater Chicago market.
About
Awards
Ranking history
Second 100 Greatest:
2023-'24 ranking: 164th, inaugural appearance on our national rankings.
Best in State: Ranked eighth since Old Elm's inclusion on our Best in Illinois rankings (including 2023-'24).
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
“Fun course with many unique features and fast greens."
Read More2024
Review
“It is a real treat to play this hard to access all men's course. I don't often get to play a design feature that I have never seen before. The 17th green is a form of Redan and it connects with the 8th green while the separation is a large form of a Biarritz. Fun green complexes highlighted by greens like #2 that you cannot get off to the sides. Having a green run away from you makes stopping any short game shot very difficult. I thought some of the short par fours were the best holes with interesting green complexes and forcing the player to make the decision off the tee how long they needed the next shot to be to be able to stop around the pin. For me, it was almost always best to have full shots into the greens. I would love to play again."
Read More2024
Review
“The golf course features fun and interesting hole designs on an excellent piece of property. The fairways are generously sized, while the turtleback greens present a challenge. Some holes include unexpected elements that add to the experience. The course is generally playable, although precision is crucial on holes like 2 and 8 to avoid dramatic problems on approach shots. There are opportunities for low scores with some drivable par 4s and reachable par 5s, but errant shots can quickly result in higher scores."
Read More2024
Review
“The course proceeds easily around the property with a turn back to the clubhouse after #9, an easy, short 4 with a diabolical green. The course has several easy par 5's and a number of strong 3's and 4's. This begins with the second, an uphill par 4, and the 3d, a slightly downhill par 3. The 10th, formerly a par 5, is now a very strong par 4. Even the easy 12th and 15th, while short, are not that easy, requiring precise second shots. All in all, this is a wonderful golfing experience on a course where scoring is possible but only if you can manage a series of sloping greens."
Read More2022
Review
“You won't play a course in better condition and recent renovations are outstanding. The best kept secret in Chicago may not remain under the radar for long."
Read More2022
Review
“Terrifying green complexes with shortly mown grass on many green surrounds repelling errant shots from green surfaces. The layout tests all clubs in the bag. Extensive tree removal throughout the property. Some awesome tee boxes within the "Buzz" tees which are the back tees. Very unique Biarritz double green that holes 6(par 5) and 17(par 3) share. Renovated/restored bunkering frames fairways and greens masterfully."
Read More2022
Review
“The course itself is traditionally walkable and presents a memorable stroll through a wide variety of holes that present interesting sight lines. Strategically placed and ruggedly natural looking fairway and greenside bunkers present strategic and visually appealing hazards. From a distance, the greens look benign and rather flat. However, subtle breaks leading into runoff areas provoke extra thought over approach shots and around the greens. Old Elm’s raised second green is a terrific example of how a short iron approach shot that is just a few feet offline can lead to a twenty-yard pitch and often times bogey or worse. Other characteristics such as several centerline bunkers and a double green present a memorable test of golf, that is full of character and history."
Read More2022
Review
“Conditioning off the charts good. So firm and fast. Some really difficult green complexes requiring you to be on the correct side of the hole. #2 is one of the better 350 yard holes in the country and you better not miss the green. So much fun to play."
Read More2021
Review
“One of the very best in the state, and also in the region. Over the years, skillful renovation work has brought remarkable contouring and conditioning to this all-male club, and if the greens are playing fast and firm, there's plenty of difficulty. Very hard to have a bad time at this gorgeous place. One of the most exclusive clubs in the country -- do not decline an invite!"
Read More2019
Review
“One of the best courses in the Chicago area. Great renovation work by Drew Rogers"
Read More2018
