St. Andrews Golf & Country Club Celebrates 100 Years

Historic public golf facility in West Chicago marks centennial with legacy of innovation and inclusivity

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Opened in 1926 with a bold vision for a high-quality public golf facility, the club has endured through the Great Depression, wars, and economic cycles to become a landmark of Chicagoland public golf. Led by figures like pioneering PGA pro Joe Jemsek, St. Andrews introduced innovations like hosting a U.S. Open qualifier as a public course and offering USGA handicaps to regular players. The club's two distinct 18-hole courses, practice facilities, and commitment to inclusivity have made it a beloved destination for generations of Chicago-area golfers.

Why it matters

St. Andrews Golf & Country Club's centennial is a testament to the power of a bold, community-focused vision for public golf. In an era when the 'best' golf experiences were often restricted to private clubs, St. Andrews broke the mold by providing high-quality, accessible golf to the masses. Its innovations, family legacy, and enduring popularity over 100 years highlight the lasting impact that mission-driven, public-facing golf facilities can have on a region.

The details

St. Andrews Golf & Country Club was founded in 1926 by Frank Hough, who envisioned building a 36-hole country club facility that could rival the elite private clubs of the Chicago area. The first 18-hole course, now known as the St. Andrews Course, was completed that year, with a second 18 (originally called Lakewood, later renamed the Joe Jemsek Course) opening in 1929. The club's early design work is attributed to both John McGregor of Chicago Golf Club and architect E.B. Dearie. In the 1930s, the club was taken over by PGA pro Joe Jemsek, who helped transform St. Andrews into a model of high-quality public golf, introducing innovations like hosting a U.S. Open qualifier and offering USGA handicaps to regular players. Jemsek's long tenure and the club's commitment to inclusivity and tradition have made St. Andrews a beloved institution in the Chicago golf community.

  • St. Andrews Golf & Country Club opened its first 18-hole course in 1926.
  • The club's second 18-hole course, originally called Lakewood, opened in 1929.
  • PGA pro Joe Jemsek took over management of St. Andrews in the late 1930s.
  • St. Andrews hosted a U.S. Open qualifier in 1947 as a public facility.
  • The club completed the St. Andrews Practice Center in 1990.

The players

Frank Hough

The founder of St. Andrews Golf & Country Club who announced plans in 1925 to build a high-quality 36-hole public golf facility in West Chicago.

John McGregor

The Chicago Golf Club architect who is credited with designing the original St. Andrews Course in 1926.

E.B. Dearie

The architect who is credited with designing the second 18-hole course (originally called Lakewood, now the Joe Jemsek Course) that opened in 1929.

Joe Jemsek

The PGA pro who took over management of St. Andrews in the late 1930s and helped transform it into a model of high-quality public golf in the Chicago area.

Patty Berg

The U.S. Women's Open champion and Hall of Famer who served as head professional at St. Andrews for nearly 50 years, helping the club become a pioneer in women's golf.

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What they’re saying

“St. Andrews has always been a 'pick your test' kind of place.”

— Len Ziehm, Illinois Golf Hall of Famer and Chicago golf writer (chicagogolfreport.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

As St. Andrews enters its second century, the club plans to celebrate its centennial with a series of events and festivities throughout 2026, including a special anniversary party, golf tournaments, and historical exhibits highlighting the facility's rich 100-year legacy.

The takeaway

St. Andrews Golf & Country Club's 100-year story is a testament to the power of a bold, community-focused vision for public golf. By providing high-quality, accessible golf experiences for generations of Chicagoans, St. Andrews has become a beloved institution that has helped shape the region's golf culture and legacy.