Belmont Country Club

Belmont Golf Club Soundex Code B455

The Downers Grove Golf Club holds a significant place in U.S. History. The golf course was established on this site in 1892 as the original Chicago Golf Club. Charles Blair MacDonald initially designed the course as a 9-hole course; however in 1893 it was expanded to 18 holes and became the first 18-hole course in the United States of America (chartered by the State of Illinois in 1893) in addition to being one of the five founding clubs of the USGA (United States Golf Association).

In 1894-1895, the Chicago Golf Club relocated their club to Wheaton, Illinois and shortly thereafter, this site reverted back to 9 holes. Many changes to this course have occurred through the last 110 plus years, however, much of the original course remains including holes 2, 4, 7, 8 & 9.

From 1895 to 1968, the site of the Downers Grove Golf Club was owned by several different individuals and was operated under the names of The Illinois Golf Club and later the Belmont Country Club. In 1968, the course was purchased by the Downers Grove Park District and was renamed the Downers Grove Golf Club.