NAPERVILLE, Illinois (April 26, 2021) – Naperville Country Club is celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2021 with a series of celebrations, golf events and new-member promotions throughout the year.
This summer, when COVID restrictions are expected to ease, the Club is planning to host a speak-easy themed cocktail party in true 1920s prohibition-style to commemorate the 100-year anniversary. In August, Naperville Country Club members will enjoy a hickory club golf tournament using clubs and balls used in the 1920s. Additionally, the Club is offering a “Preview Program” to new incoming members.
Just as it has been for the last 100 years, Naperville Country Club continues to be a social hub for the community, providing a place where members can connect with others, enjoy family-friendly activities and events, while experiencing a variety of club amenities.
In December 1920, a small group of Naperville golfers met to discuss the idea of establishing a golf course in Naperville. The group placed an ad in the Naperville Clarion inviting all interested golfers to attend a meeting at the City Hall to gauge the level of support – the turnout was very encouraging.
A few months later, in early 1921, Naperville Country Club was founded and originally featured a 9-hole golf course with sand greens. Shortly after opening, golf course architect Tom Bendelow was engaged to design and build an 18-hole golf course on the 124-acre property and 122 charter members paid $100 dollars apiece in 1921, along with $25 for annual dues, to get the club going.
These charter memberships included 10 purchased by C.B. Kroehler of the Kroehler Manufacturing Co., and are considered the first “corporate memberships” at the club. After the charter memberships were sold, the price was raised to $200, and by the end of the 1920‘s memberships were selling for $300.
Naperville Country Club has grown along with the City of Naperville. In the early 1920s, Naperville’s population was approximately 3,000 residents; by the 1960s Naperville grew to nearly 13,000 and now has a population of more than 149,000.
Bendelow’s original layout remained mostly intact until 2006 when architect Steve Forrest of Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest & Associates was commissioned to complete a major course renovation. Emphasis was placed on adding length to the golf course, improving shot values and developing new green complexes.
The new Steve Forrest-designed course debuted in July 2007 and winds its way through rolling terrain, mature trees and ponds. The course has earned several national honors, including being named Golf Inc. magazine’s 2009 “Renovation of the Year” for private clubs.
Naperville Country Club is a private, member-owned club, managed by Troon Privé, the private club operations division of Troon. In addition to award-winning golf, Naperville Country Club provides a full array of dining, social and special event programming for the entire family.
The club’s patio and restaurant are popular with members providing a place to relax and unwind, and have the best view in town.
For more information on Naperville Country Club, visit www.napervillecc.org.
