Medinah Country Club

Early history

The club was founded in 1924 by the Medinah Shriners, who were named after Medina, the city generally considered to be the "cradle of Islamic culture and civilization".

By the late 1920s the club had approximately 1,500 golfing and social members. The first golf course was opened in September 1925, followed by Course No. 2 in 1926, and finally Course No. 3 in 1928. During the construction of the courses, Richard G. Schmid, a Shriner and charter member of the club, had designed the clubhouse itself The Great Depression brought severe financial hardship and many members left. 94 members paid $3,500, each for a “forever” membership for their family forever aka Perpetual, allowing the club to continue on. In addition, the club responded by waiving initiation fees, lowering dues, holding fundraising events, and (significantly) hosting professional golf tournaments. Eventually, non-Shriners were allowed to apply for membership. World War II exacerbated the club's financial woes and membership fell far below capacity. Course No. 2 was closed and members helped with upkeep on the two remaining courses. During the post war era, Medinah entered a period of gradual recovery and membership growth. The Duke of York once visited the club and remarked, "I've never seen such a place, it is quite strange, yet attractive."

2012 Ryder Cup

Medinah hosted the Ryder Cup in 2012, its first time in the state of Illinois, and the first U.S. venue outside the eastern time zone since 1971. The full tournament took place between September 25–30 (including pre-match competitions, press conferences and media activities), with the main competition taking place from September 28–30 on Course No. 3.