Getting To Know: Cantigny Golf

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Patrick Lynch who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Cantigny Golf opened in 1989 and was recognized by Golf Digest as the "Best New Public Course in America." Twenty-five years later, we are proud to be regarded as one of the finest public golf facilities in the Midwest.

Our superbly maintained 27-hole championship golf course is the centerpiece of this special venue providing a "private club experience" for all ages and skill levels. Our Golf Academy and Youth Links round out an entirely unique golf operation where every guest can acquire and grow their passion for this great game.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Cantigny Golf offers the private club experience at a public golf course. Our 27-hole layout is beautifully manicured and the golfer is entirely surrounded by nature, secluded from the outside world. We also adhere to 10-minute tee times and closely monitor pace of play. For a true golf experience try taking a caddie -- we have one of the finest caddie programs you'll find at a public facility.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
Yes -- take a caddie! They will give you all the information you need, along with a great overall experience.

The other recommendation I would have is to pay close attention to the putting greens. Our greens are some of the best in the area because they are consistent, typically have good speed, and best of all they roll true. The greens mostly look fairly benign at first glance, but the breaks are subtle. Keep an eye on the slope of the green as you approach to get a feel early, then watch closely how your playing partner's ball is breaking to educate yourself on the subtelties.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
There are several. We are proud to host the Illinois State Amateur Champioship for the fourth time in 2014, and the Chicago Open for the second year in a row. Golf Academy Director of Instruction Connie DeMattia was named Teacher of the Year for the Illinois PGA section in 2010. Rich Dukelow, another Golf Academy instructor was the Illinois PGA's Player of the year in 2011. We also had three caddies selected for the Evans Scholarship this last offseason to bring our total to 11 Evans Scholars.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Our signature hole is #9 on the Lakeside course. This hole serves as our finishing hole for formal competition, and it can produce some high drama. It is a 410 yard par 4 that is almost entirely surrounded by water. The 9th on Lakeside demands accuracy both off the tee and on the approach. The green is no bargain either, sloping front to back. No lead is safe coming into this finishing hole, and we have seen some high drama here over the years. Besides being a tough hole, the 9th also features a fairway bunker in the shape of Dick Tracy's head, which you are likely to see in many of the images shot at Cantigny.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
It is very difficult to select just one. I do like the #2 hole on Woodside, which is a very challenging par 5. It features a creek that runs along the right side of the hole off the tee, then cuts accross the fairway twice -- once at about 100 yards out, and again right in front of the green. This is a great risk-reward hole. The really long hitters can go for it in two. I like to hit my second shot to the approach landing, aiming well to the right. there is a lot of room over there and gives you a great angle into the green.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
My favorite sandwich is the Tilapia. It comes breaded and fried, but you can also ask for it grilled and blackened. I highly recommend the latter. You also can't go wrong with our burgers -- they come on a pretzel roll and are some of the best around. Our food & beverage manager, Mike Machay, always has a great selection of beers on tap. I like to have the occasional Spaten.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6965
Slope: 74.2
Rating: 140

More Information
Cantigny Golf
27W270 Mack Road
Wheaton, Illinois, 60189
630-668-8463
www.CantignyGolf.com