ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
In 2013, Jim Furyk made history at Conway Farms with a single-round 59 during the BMW Championship, one of only a handful of sub-60 rounds on the PGA Tour.
About
A Tom Fazio-designed private club in Lake Forest, Illinois, Conway Farms Golf Club opened in 1991. The course is known for its challenging layout and tournament pedigree, including hosting several BMW Championships. With top-tier bentgrass greens and fairways, it provides a pure golf experience in a classic parkland setting, carrying a reputation as one of the premier modern tracks in the Midwest.
Caddie Tip
Play conservatively off the tee, as Fazio’s bunkering and subtle doglegs penalize aggressive lines. Keep approaches below the hole on the slick, sharply contoured greens. Wind can subtly affect club choice, and the closing stretch (holes 16–18) demand patient strategy and precision.
The Main Challenge
The course’s core challenge lies in its demanding length, strategic bunkering, and fast, tortuous greens. The closing stretch, especially holes 16 through 18, challenges every aspect of a player’s game. Even minor mistakes are penalized—patience, course management, and precise shotmaking are required throughout the round.
The Good
Members love the firm, fast bentgrass conditions and the Tom Fazio architectural flourishes throughout the layout. The course’s major-championship pedigree—especially hosting multiple BMW Championships—creates a sense of prestige and tournament-caliber excitement on every round.
The Not So Good
Some members and guests have noted that the course’s brutal challenge and heavy rough can make a round less enjoyable for higher-handicap players. Additionally, the exclusivity and strict club rules occasionally feel intimidating to guests not accustomed to such a prestigious environment.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th at Conway Farms is a demanding par 4 finishing hole that tests both length and accuracy, with a strategic tee shot placement critical to avoid well-placed bunkers and set up a challenging but rewarding approach to a guarded green. The tournament atmosphere here offers a fitting high-stakes conclusion to any round.
Clubhouse
Conway Farms offers an elegant clubhouse with high-end locker rooms, fine dining, member lounges, private event spaces, and attentive staff service. The facilities cater to both traditional social functions and exceptional golfer convenience, making for a refined, relaxing post-round experience.
Practice Facilities
The practice facilities are exceptional, with a full driving range, short-game areas, expansive putting greens, and dedicated chipping zones. Players enjoy tournament-quality practice conditions similar to those found on the course itself, ideal for honing all aspects of the game before a challenging round.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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