A Historic Designer - James Foulis Jr. - The architect of Itasca Country Club was not only an excellent course designer, but also a historic member of golf's original pioneers with roots back to St. Andrews Scotland.
His father was foreman at Old Tom Morris' golf shop and club making business. In 1895 he traveled to the United States to take up a job as golf professional at Chicago Golf Club, and was the first golf professional in the "western" (Illinois was considered "west" back then) United States.
Mr. Foulis
(read more-download PDF) was one of the eleven players who took part in the first U.S. Open in 1895, and he won the 1896 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. James Foulis worked as a golf course designer from 1896 until his death in 1928, designing the first golf courses in many communities, including Itasca Country Club, across the Midwest.
Itasca Country Club Takes Shape - Itasca Country Club was the site of many elegant balls and elaborate parties as the social meeting place for the Village of Itasca. The original clubhouse was a colonial design with white walls, a green roof and a veranda running full length along the east side, overlooking the course. Sadly, the original clubhouse burned to the ground in 1935, one of two fires to strike the club. In 1963 the clubhouse was again destroyed and plans were immediately started on a well designed, new, beautiful Clubhouse, which currently occupies the site of the original clubhouse.
Ownership and Improvements - From 1928 until 1999, Itasca Country Club was owned and operated by Mr. William Lyons and his family. In September of 1999, the club was sold to the club membership and became a private equity club.
In the early 1960's, Robert Bruce Harris redesigned numerous holes, and in September of 1986, the golf course was again updated to expand Irrigation Lake, include a five-tee layout on all holes and add many new bunker placements throughout the course layout.
In 2009 Itasca Country Club made major improvements including moving the old pro shop into the existing clubhouse, adding a spectacular brick patio and remodeling the restaurant, banquet facility and locker rooms. The original pool area was replaced to include a general swim pool with diving board, a safety-gated children's pool area, expanded seating and a refurbished pool house.
The Itasca Country club is a designated historical landmark by the Village of Itasca's Historical Preservation Committee and the club was further honored as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the National Audubon Society.
Looking Forward - Itasca Country Club has always been known for its friendly, comfortable and casual atmosphere, where members know each other, not just as members, but as friends. Itasca Country Club's rich heritage, growing membership and outstanding course and facilities makes the future of Itasca Country Club bright, exciting, optimistic and rewarding. One thing is certain...if you love golf, you belong at Itasca Country Club.