Cantigny Golf Re-Opens Hillside 9
Cantigny Golf holds a special place in the Chicago golf scene [find out why HERE], so when they announced a three-year renovation plan, it was a big deal. Overseen by Todd Quitno and Quitno Golf Design – the team behind two outstanding local renovations, Canal Shores and Schauburg Golf Club – this project aims to keep Cantigny as one of the premier golf destinations in Chicagoland.
The plan is to renovate one of Cantigny’s three nine hole courses each year. Hillside was the first to re-open, to be followed by Woodside in 2026 and Lakeside in 2027. I got the chance to play the renovated Hillside nine last week to share my first impressions.
Beneath the Surface
Those of us that love golf course architecture are fascinated by renovations because of how they will change the layout. However, renovations are just as often about what’s happening out of sight. Cantigny Golf’s irrigation system – the original from when the course was built – was in need of TLC, and this renovation will provide just that. While golfers won’t notice this change, they’ll appreciate the way that it helps the staff keep Cantigny in premium condition throughout the season.
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed about the renovated Hillside course was the look from the tee. Todd Quitno’s team didn’t remove a huge number of trees, but what they did had a significant impact on the look and feel of the course. While there is certainly variety within the Hillside nine, most holes offer wide views and an unencumbered feel. Cantigny is such a massive, beautiful property, that opening up better views to more of it is a big win.
Not only do the tee shots have an open feel, most of the holes on Hillside are pretty generous. There are spots of bother like the centerline bunkers on #7, but the fairways are mostly quite wide. Holes like #6 (above) will force players to think about simply bashing driver, but, overall, Hillside is pretty accommodating off the tee.
Hitting the fairway isn’t a free pass to an easy approach shot, as there is ample undulation. Those with tremendous local knowledge will be able to play this to their advantage, but all golfers will need to be prepared to deal with unusual stances and lies.
Finally, the design element that most defines the Hillside Nine is the collection of greens. These greens are large with ample, and sometimes severe, movement. Having such sizable, interesting greens allows each hole to play several different ways, depending on the pin position. Given the number of players who consider Cantigny their home course, this is an important feature. Even if you only visit Cantigny Golf once, you’ll appreciate how the greens keep the challenge of each hole going until the very end.
For a more in-depth look at Cantigny Golf (albeit pre-renovation) find my full review HERE.
Visit Cantigny Golf HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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