The history of golf in the Great Lakes region dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This area, which encompasses eight states surrounding the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario), has a rich golfing tradition.
Early Beginnings
Golf's popularity in the United States began to grow in the late 1800s. The Great Lakes region was no exception, with golf courses popping up in several cities and towns. One of the earliest golf courses in the region was the Chicago Golf Club, established in 1892 in Wheaton, Illinois. Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, it became the first 18-hole golf course in the United States.
Growth In Popularity
As golf gained traction across the United States, more and more courses were built in the Great Lakes region. One of the most iconic is the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Established in 1916, its South Course, designed by Donald Ross, has hosted numerous major championships and is considered one of the premier golf courses in the United States.
Golf Course Architects
The Great Lakes region has been home to some of the most famous golf course architects, such as Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, and Pete Dye. Their influence is evident in the design of many courses in the region. For example, MacKenzie designed the Crystal Downs Country Club in Michigan, while Dye designed the Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits courses in Wisconsin.
Golf Tournaments & Championships
The Great Lakes region has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments and championships throughout history, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and more. Notable events include the 1913 Western Open at the Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wisconsin, the 1937 U.S. Open at the Detroit Golf Club in Michigan, and the 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Today, the Great Lakes region remains an important destination for golf enthusiasts, with numerous public and private courses offering varied challenges and picturesque views. The region is also home to several golf equipment manufacturers, such as TaylorMade and Wilson Sporting Goods, which have their roots in the Great Lakes area.