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Course Report
Course #3 has hosted every major men’s championship in America, including U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and the Ryder Cup, and will host the Presidents Cup in 2026.
About
Medinah Country Club's Course #3, originally designed by Tom Bendelow and recently redesigned by OCM Golf in 2024, is renowned as one of the Midwest's premier championship venues. A host to U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and a Ryder Cup, Course #3 combines historic parkland architecture, bold bunkering, broad fairways, and newly reimagined strategic features—particularly on the final stretch alongside Lake Kadijah.
Caddie Tip
Keep your tee shot on the correct side of each fairway to avoid being blocked out by tall trees or deep fescue. Approach shots must be precise, especially on the back nine near Lake Kadijah, as greens are elevated and well-guarded by large bunkers. Play conservatively on the closing stretch.
The Main Challenge
Surviving the final stretch along Lake Kadijah—from holes 13 through 18—is the ultimate challenge. These closing holes feature water hazards, deep bunkering, and swirling winds that require precision and nerves. Missing fairways or greens comes at a steep price, testing even elite players under pressure.
The Good
Golfers love the iconic history, dramatic finishing holes, and the challenge of playing the same stretches as countless major champions. The views of the ornate clubhouse and Lake Kadijah during the closing holes are especially memorable, while the new design has restored variety and strategic interest from tee to green.
The Not So Good
Historically, some players found the fairways narrow and the routing monotonous. Even with the redesign, the course’s toughness and the challenge of recovering from errant shots can be overwhelming for higher handicaps, and pace of play can suffer during major events or busy weekends.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th hole, a par 4 stretching over 450 yards, finishes directly in front of the iconic clubhouse. Routed along Lake Kadijah, the hole requires a precise drive and a challenging approach over water to a well-protected green—making it a dramatic finisher and an enduring championship test for major tournaments.
Clubhouse
Medinah’s palatial clubhouse offers fine dining, locker rooms, banquet spaces, and event hosting. Additional amenities include tennis, pool, fitness center, and attentive member service—matching its ultra-prestigious reputation as a top private club.
Practice Facilities
The club features world-class practice facilities, including a spacious driving range, multiple putting and chipping greens, and sand bunkers. The short game area is designed to mirror on-course conditions, helping members prepare for Medinah’s demanding greens and bunkers.
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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