Martin Design’s renovation work at River Forest nears completion

The fifteenth green at River Forest CC
Two reworked greenside bunkers on the sixteenth hole
Martin confirmed that the work will be completed in the next few weeks
Fairway bunkers on the course’s fourth hole

By Sean Dudley

Tue 01 Nov, 2016

A project to renovate the golf course at River Forest Country Club is nearing completion.

The course at River Forest was originally designed by Charles Maddox and Frank P. MacDonald and opened in 1920. The current work at the club in Elmhurst, Illinois, is being led by Martin Design.

Greg Martin oversaw the development of a preliminary masterplan for River Forest a few years ago, and the recent work was in keeping with these plans.

Each of the course’s bunkers have been reshaped and rebuilt using the Better Billy Bunker method. A number have also been relocated or realigned.

Recontouring work has taken place on certain fairways, with some chipping and runoff areas around and beside greens also being added.

Some tees have been expanded and new tees added to specific holes. Minor enhancements have also been made to the course’s drainage and irrigation.

Martin confirmed to GCA that the work would be completed within the next few weeks. River Forest will be hosting next year’s the Women’s Western Amateur tournament.

All images courtesy of Greg Martin