The grounds of Glen Oak were originally the site of a family farm until purchased by the Pickwick Country Club who commissioned noted golf course architect Tom Bendelow to establish a nine-hole golf course there in the early 1900's.

Glen Oak Country Club came into being in 1911 with ownership of the old Pickwick Country Club. The name "Glen Oak" was selected as being representative of both Glen Ellyn and Oak Park, the hometown of many original members.

The barn shown to the left of the old house (the Clubhouse) was the original Men's Locker Room with unheated showers. Club dues in 1911 were $40.00/year.

The "Pinky" statue has a prominent location at the Club's main entrance. Constructed in 1929, the statue is named after one of the most popular and capable caddies (nicknamed "Pinky" because of his ruddy complexion). Pinky evokes the spirit and history of the Club as well as the Club's commitment to a thriving caddie program and walking golf.

In the early 1920's, a Gun Club was organized and operated as a separate enterprise. Taken over by Glen Oak in February, 1929, the Gun Club would become one of the most modern Gun Club accommodations in the area.

Built in 1939, the original swimming pool took only 70 days to construct—from the time ground was broken to the day it was opened at a cost of $27,500. Today, Glen Oak remains a member of the oldest Country Club swim league in the nation.

"Lighthorse" Harry Cooper, a Brit, was the Club's most renowned golf professional in the 1930's. With an impressive 31 PGA wins, Mr. Cooper is often considered the "greatest golfer never to have won a major."

In 1940 there were only five courses in Illinois with pars of 72 or less which were rated more difficult than Glen Oak. George Dawson established the course record of 65 in 1940, which held up until it was smashed by our present day Golf Professional Danny Mulhearn who currently holds the record of 63

For decades west suburban members would make their way to the Club by train, on the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin's main railroad line. There was even a "Glen Oak" stop on the line, its small depot just a short walk from the Club's first tee. The railroad is long gone, but the stone remnants of Glen Oak's depot entrance remain and can be seen near the ninth hole tee box.

In 1950 Glen Oak held its Inaugural Splinter's Tournament. The winner of the event had his name inscribed on a plaque attached to a gnarled log about 5 ft. long, with the top leveled off to form a bench. Today this tradition continues with the latest winner given the prestigious location on the #1 tee.

The cover of the 1962 issue of Golfing magazine featured Al Huske, the Head Golf Professional at Glen Oak from 1943-1972, giving lessons to a group of the Ladies' Day regulars. Al Huske qualified for the PGA Tournament three times and the U.S. Open five times.

The Ladies' Auxiliary at Glen Oak, dating back to 1926, has a proud tradition of fostering friendships as well as promoting golf among its members. President's Day, celebrates past presidencies of the Auxiliary, where women who have previously served as Auxiliary President gather for a day of golf—six holes each of Scramble, Best Ball and Alternate Shot—and an evening of dining among friends.

In 2004, the Club built the "Lodge," a comfortable, casual building and home to Glen Oak's avid skeet & trap shooting team. Trap shooting was started in 1912 as a separate enterprise. Glen Oak took over the assets of the Gun Club in 1929. In 1949, Glen Oak was presented with a Life Membership in the U.S. Skeet Shooting Association.

In 2011, Glen Oak Country Club celebrated an important milestone—100 years! Since 1911 the Club has not only endured, it has thrived.

In 2016, the Club saw significant renovations with the construction of a brand new aquatic center. Infrastructure upgrades also brought in Lake Michigan water to the Club. A renovated veranda added unrivaled, outdoor dining space with stunning views of the course, and intimate seating around fire pits brought a resort-like feel to Glen Oak.

In 2021, Glen Oak Country Club reached its 110-year anniversary and began paving the road for the next long-range milestone achievement.

In 2022, the Club saw significant renovations with the replacement of the course irrigation system and the construction of a brand-new, two-story Sports Complex situated off of the #9 Fairway. This state-of-the-art facility features Paddle Tennis and Golf Simulators along with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating for year-round interaction and camaraderie.

Glen Oak Country Club is proud to provide quality food and a vast assortment of dishes to our membership. We are constantly evolving our menus to keep them fresh and exciting while paying close attention to industry trends as well as Member favorites. We change our dining room menus quarterly and offer a number of dining specials on a nightly basis. In addition, we offer carry out or “to go” food whether it be a few items off the dinner menu to take home to the family after work, or a larger off site event or Thanksgiving meal that we will have ready to go for you at a specific time and day.

One of the areas that we have continued to pay close attention to and focus on is being able to take care of our Members and guests that may have any kind of a food allergy. We have the ability to make any dish on our menu gluten free, and we will customize any menu for you our your guests where allergies may be an issue.

Golf is an opportunity to “get away” and there are few places that cater to that experience than Glen Oak. The natural surroundings lend to a peaceful visit. Glen Oak is widely known as one of the most premiere conditioned golf courses in all the midwest - the greens are annually recognized as some of the best anywhere. The golf experience will leave you wanting more after each visit!

More than a new look and feel, our continued renovations ensure the Glen Oak experience has never been greater. Completed in 2016, our state-of-the-art Aquatic Center is the ultimate warm-weather destination for families to gather, soak up the sun, splash around or cool down.

A beautifully modern Veranda brings unrivaled outdoor dining space to the Club, complete with breathtaking views of plush fairways. Resort-like fire pit seating creates the perfect ambiance for intimate conversations over cocktails with friends.

Glen Oak Country Club is fortunate to have one of the finest private Skeet and Trap shooting facilities in the area. The Skeet & Trap Club has been part of Glen Oak since the 1920's. Members and their guests are encouraged to visit the Club and participate in the sport.

The success of our Skeet & Trap Club is largely dependent upon every Member's commitment to safety. The use of firearms requires continuous attention and self-discipline.

Skeet & Trap Club officers and Club personnel have the absolute right to enforce Club rules and to correct any safety violation. Attention to safety precautions is of utmost importance; Club staff and fellow shooters are mutually responsible to ensure these are in place at all times.

Nestled in the Village of Glen Ellyn, an affluent Chicago suburb, is a place of inordinate beauty, a community rich in history and rooted in quality…a place where members have enjoyed a lifestyle of camaraderie, relaxation and the sport of golf for more than 110 years…where families feel at home and friendships are forged.
Welcome to Glen Oak Country Club.

Experience Glen Oak

A salute to the courses of yesteryear, Glen Oak's traditional golf course is beautifully lined with mature trees, and vivid green fairways. Renowned for its impeccable condition and the speed of the greens, the scenic golf experience at Glen Oak is challenging, exciting and truly memorable.

Glen Oak strives to be a club that today's active families can enjoy. The inclusive atmosphere and well-attended, year round social events make Glen Oak a great place to establish traditions and create lifelong memories of friendship and fun.