Westmoreland Country Club: A North Shore Original with a Golden Age Backbone

Discover the rich history of this 1911-founded club in Wilmette, Illinois, designed by William Watson and later refined by Langford and Tillinghast.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:15am

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Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette, Illinois, was founded in 1911 by a group of golfers seeking more space as the sport's popularity grew. The club selected a 128-acre site with ideal drainage and hired architect William Watson to design the original course. In the 1920s, the course was redesigned by William Langford and A.W. Tillinghast, two of the most influential Golden Age architects. Over the decades, Westmoreland has hosted numerous major championships, including the 1938 U.S. Women's Amateur won by Patty Berg, and has continued to evolve while preserving its classic character.

Why it matters

Westmoreland Country Club stands out as an authentic, century-old club that has earned its reputation through smart land selection, early ambition, and more than a century of architectural stewardship. As golf history is layered thick on Chicago's North Shore, Westmoreland represents a club that has stayed relevant by improving infrastructure and playability while keeping the course's core character intact.

The details

The founding group of Westmoreland Country Club explored a wide swath of farmland before selecting a 128-acre rectangular site with ideal natural drainage. In 1912, the club built its landmark Colonial Williamsburg-style clubhouse. The original golf course was designed by William Watson, a Scottish-born pioneer in American golf architecture. In the 1920s, the course underwent a redesign by William Langford and A.W. Tillinghast, two of the most influential Golden Age architects, while still remaining true to Watson's original routing. Over the decades, Westmoreland has hosted numerous major championships, including the 1938 U.S. Women's Amateur won by Patty Berg.

  • Westmoreland Country Club was founded in 1911.
  • The clubhouse was built in 1912.
  • The course was redesigned by Langford and Tillinghast in 1920/1921.
  • Westmoreland hosted the 1938 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.

The players

William Watson

A Scottish-born pioneer in American golf architecture who designed the original course at Westmoreland Country Club in 1912.

William Langford

A major Midwestern figure in golf course architecture who, along with A.W. Tillinghast, redesigned the Westmoreland course in the 1920s.

A.W. Tillinghast

One of America's most influential Golden Age architects who, along with William Langford, redesigned the Westmoreland course in the 1920s.

Patty Berg

The winner of the 1938 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, which was held at Westmoreland Country Club.

David McCurrach Jr.

A key figure in the founding of Westmoreland Country Club in 1911.

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The takeaway

Westmoreland Country Club stands out as an authentic, century-old club that has earned its reputation through smart land selection, early ambition, and more than a century of architectural stewardship. The club has hosted major championships across decades, showcasing a layout that can test great players and an environment that can stage big events, all while preserving its classic character through thoughtful updates and renovations.