Medinah Country Club - Course No. 3

Medinah Country Club was founded in 1924 by members of the Shriners organization, and Course No. 3 was completed in 1928, designed by Scottish-born architect Tom Bendelow. The course was built on rolling terrain west of Chicago, with Lake Kadijah -- a man-made lake created during construction -- becoming its defining feature. The Byzantine-inspired clubhouse, with its distinctive dome, remains one of the most recognizable structures in American golf.

Course No. 3 rose to major championship prominence hosting the 1949 U.S. Open won by Cary Middlecoff, the 1975 U.S. Open won by Lou Graham, and the 1990 U.S. Open won by Hale Irwin. It also hosted PGA Championships in 1999 and 2006, both won by Tiger Woods. The 2012 Ryder Cup produced one of the most dramatic moments in the event's history when Europe mounted a historic final-day comeback from 10-6 down, forever known as the Miracle at Medinah. The 2019 BMW Championship saw Justin Thomas fire a course-record 61.

In 2024, the firm of Ogilvy, Cocking, and Mead (OCM) completed an extensive renovation and redesign of Course No. 3. The project involved major routing changes particularly on the final six holes, transforming the layout from a narrow, heavily wooded course into a more broad and dynamic design.

Medinah No. 3 is a major championship venue with the presence and conditioning to match. Following the 2024 OCM redesign, the course has been transformed from a narrow, heavily wooded layout into a more open, strategically demanding design while retaining its core character. Lake Kadijah remains the dramatic centerpiece, coming into play on several holes.

At over 7,600 yards from the championship tees with a par of 72, this is a long and demanding course. The rolling terrain provides natural elevation changes, and the mature trees that remain frame the holes beautifully. The iconic Byzantine clubhouse provides a stunning backdrop throughout the round.

Course management is essential at Medinah No. 3. The par 3s are a particular strength of the design, with Lake Kadijah creating dramatic forced carries on several short holes. Take enough club to clear the water comfortably rather than aiming for the pin.

The 2024 redesign opened up the course significantly, but the remaining tree-lined holes still demand accuracy off the tee. The greens feature creative contours, so read putts carefully and focus on leaving approach shots below the hole.