Wing Park Golf Course

Wing Park Golf Course is a nine-hole facility in Elgin with original tees, fairways, and greens set across natural terrain near the Fox River. The layout shows a traditional design with parallel fairways and smaller greens that have remained largely unchanged since their construction.

The course was established in 1908 and designed by Thomas Bendelow, a prolific designer who created more than six hundred courses across North America. Its early founding made it a pioneer in public golf for the region.

The course opened golf to all residents of Elgin, welcoming people regardless of background or income from the start. This inclusive spirit remains visible in how the place is used and valued by the local community.

The course maintains its original configuration and offers players a traditional golf experience on well-maintained fairways with smaller greens. Visitors should expect the holes to sit on natural terrain and feel less manicured than modern courses.

The National Register of Historic Places recognized this course in 2009 as the oldest preserved nine-hole municipal course in Illinois. This honor highlights its importance as a rare example of such an early public golf course still in play today.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1908

Website: http://cityofelgin.org/index.aspx?NID=235

GPS coordinates: 42.04750,-88.30472

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:42