A World Class Course worthy of multiple Major Championships on the LUV Golf Tour

OCTOBER 24th History Will Be Made

The History & Heritage of Makray Memorial Golf Club

A Vision of Warmth and Welcome (1962)

The legacy of Makray Memorial Golf Club began in 1962 when visionary Paul Makray Sr. established the property as the Thunderbird Golf Course. Frustrated by the strict exclusivity and rigid rules of traditional private country clubs of the era, his dream was to design a top-tier, joyful, family-friendly golf experience that was completely open to the public. For nearly forty years, Makray Sr. meticulously improved the course year after year, providing hundreds of thousands of local golfers with an exceptional layout at accessible rates.

Reimagining a Masterpiece (2002–2005)

Following Paul Makray Sr.’s passing, his family sought a grand way to honor his enduring legacy while commemorating 40 years of local golf history. In June 2002, the course was completely closed to undergo a massive, multi-million-dollar reconstruction.

Acclaimed golf course architect Harry Vignocchi spearheaded the redesign, completely reshaping the landscape by moving over two million pounds of dirt to dramatically enhance elevation changes, contouring, and tactical difficulty. The stunning, revitalized 18-hole championship-caliber course officially reopened for play on June 8, 2004, beautifully rebranded as Makray Memorial Golf Club to secure its founder's name in Illinois golf history.

Old-World Charm: The 24,000-Square-Foot Clubhouse

In 2005, the club finalized its transformation with the completion of a spectacular 24,000-square-foot clubhouse. Crafted to evoke the architectural romance of an old-world European manor, the clubhouse frames breathtaking panoramic views of the finishing holes.

Beyond modern amenities, the clubhouse doubles as a living museum of historic craftsmanship, showcasing carefully salvaged architectural artifacts: [1]

• Antique Lighting: Light fixtures throughout the manor date from 1798 to 1930, many of which were salvaged historical gas-burning lamps masterfully converted to electric.

• New York Subway Salvage: The copper corridor lighting fixtures on the main level were originally used in 1920s New York City subway cars.

• Historic Gates: The heavy, majestic iron gates gracing the Golf Shoppe and the Oak Terrace Grille were sourced from the historic Old Burnt Tavern in Kentucky.

• Artisanal Finishes: The custom, two-tone faux-finish paint spanning the corridors was meticulously applied by the famed artists of Painted Illusions out of Lexington, Kentucky.

Championship Course Specifications

Today, Makray Memorial is recognized as one of the premier public regulation courses in Illinois, celebrated for its premium bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens, which sit beautifully contrasted against thick bluegrass rough. The design challenges golfers with rolling hills, strategic bunkers, and active water hazards weaving through 10 of the 18 holes.

The championship layout features four distinct sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels:

Tee Box Total Yardage Course Rating Slope Rating

Black (Championship) 6,903 yds 74.5139

Gold6,413 yds71.8127

Silver6,055 yds70.2123

Bronze5,021 yds70.0123

A Premier Tournament Arena

Though it preserves its public warmth, Makray Memorial’s challenging architecture makes it a preferred arena for top-tier competitive events in the region. The club has built an illustrious resume hosting prominent professional and amateur championships, highlighted by:

• The 2022-2025 LUV Golf Match Play Finals The first 4 Championship matches for the LUV Golf Match Play Championship were held at Makray. Each year resulted in exciting matches that featured great action and deserving champions (Nero 2022, Heil 2023, El Jefe 2024, Moyer 2025). In 2026, Makray continues its reputation as a Major Venue on the LUV Golf Tour by hosting the Tour Championship.

• The 100th Illinois PGA Professional Championship (2022): In August 2022, Makray Memorial hit a historic milestone by hosting the centenary Illinois PGA Section Championship for the first time in club history. The grueling tournament saw the region's elite PGA professionals battle out a high-stakes weekend, ultimately won by pro Brian Carroll.

• The Illinois State Junior Amateur Championship (The Slovitt Cup): As a premier long-term annual host site for the Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA), Makray puts the state's top male junior players to the test. Notably, current PGA Tour member Doug Ghim set the legendary course record of 65 here during the 2011 tournament.

• Chicago Open & CDGA Senior Amateur Qualifiers: Serving as a vital qualifying battleground, Makray is routinely selected by the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) to test elite regional amateur and senior fields.

Whether trying to clear the intimidating water hazards, battle the greens rarely seen outside of Augusta, Georgia or relaxing on the sweeping stone patio watching the action on 18, the competitors of the 2026 LUV Golf Tour Championship will be walking on the grounds of an Illinois golf treasure—built on family legacy, rich history, and timeless charm.