Medinah Country Club in Chicago will close its famous No. 3 course on 15 August for a major renovation ahead of the 2012 Ryder Cup. The club’s membership approved the renovation, which will be led by architect Rees Jones, by a margin of more than four to one.
The US$3 million project will see the eleven remaining original push-up greens on the course rebuilt to USGA specifications. All eighteen greens will be regressed to eliminate poa annua ingress, and some will also be recontoured. The course is expected to reopen next June.
“What this overwhelming vote means is that we now will be able to bring our crown jewel up to the world class level where we want it to be,” said club president John Potts. “It will be ready for the 2012 Ryder Cup for the whole world to see. The membership is happy.”
The club has built a new 12-acre short game practice area adjacent to its newly configured and improved driving range.