FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2024-133

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (July 18, 2024) – In this edition of Fun with Maps we recognize the opening of the first links in the U.S.

Chasing Small Balls

The first 18-hole golf course in the US opened on July 18, 1893.  It was located on a sheep farm in Downer’s Grove, Illinois.  Basically, it was the new home of the Chicago Golf Club, which at the time had a 9-hole facility. The Chicago Golf Club exists as a private group today and is headquartered at its “new” site in Wheaton which was built in 1895.  The Downer’s Grove course now belongs to the city’s park district and has been downsized to 9 holes.  Five of the Downers Grove holes are the original ones: 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9.

Oakhurst Links in Sulphur Springs, West Virginia is widely considered the oldest golf course in America.  Its 9 holes date back to 1884, but it was closed from 1912-1994.

Dorset Field Club in Dorset, Vermont is the oldest continually operating golf club in the country.  In the Scottish tradition, each of its 9 holes was given a name.  It took on its 18-hole status in 1999.

This 1933 map of greater Chicago was issued for the Standard Oil Company.  Both Downer’s Grove and nearby Wheaton are shown on the left side of the map.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.