the Presidents Cup matches September 22 – 27. The U.S. team will be captained by Brandt Snedeker while the International team will be led by Geoff Ogilvey, the 2006 U.S. Open cham- pion Aussie who oversaw much of the renovation.
Saddle & Cycle, where space is at a premium. The course isn’t just a playground for serious golfers looking to hone their short games; it was intentionally built as a multi-use green space. When golf isn’t the primary focus, the undulating terrain serves as a picturesque landscape for social gather- ings or casual strolls, bridging the gap between a traditional sporting venue and a community park. From a technical standpoint, the project emphasizes play- ability and creativity. Rather than sticking to a rigid par-3 layout, the reversible nature encourages “cross-country” styles of play and imaginative shot-making. The turf selection and green contours were meticulously planned to ensure that the surfaces remain challenging yet fair, regardless of which “loop” is in play. This project serves as a modern blueprint for historic clubs looking to modernize their amenities while honoring their heritage, proving that you don’t need hundreds The Village of Woodridge has officially partnered with KemperSports to manage Village Greens of Woodridge. This collaboration aims to enhance the golfer experience by prioritizing high-quality customer service, improved course maintenance, and a strong commitment to the local community. By leveraging KemperSports’ expertise in agronomics, strategic marketing, and event management, the course will introduce inclusive programming for all skill levels. Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham expressed excite- ment about the partnership, noting that KemperSports’ passion for golf will ensure that the course remains a pre- mier amenity for residents. Village Green GC Shuttered after 60 Year Run Village Green Golf Course in Mundelein officially closed its doors last September. The course, known for its “sporty” and affordable 18-hole layout, was a neighborhood favorite that catered to everyone from seasoned league players to fami- lies. Its final chapter was marked by a “Farewell Scramble” in late August 2025, where decades of regulars gathered to take their final hacks and reminisce about a course that many considered their second home. The land is now slated for a significant transformation as part of a $199.5 million facilities improvement plan for Mundelein High School District 120, which will see the fairways replaced by new athletic fields and community green space. The history of Village Green is a classic example of Chicago-area golf heritage. Opened in 1962, the course was designed by Ray Didier, a man whose pedigree included work at the legendary Medinah Country Club and whose fam- ily had deep ties to the historic Tam O’Shanter Country Club. of acres to create a world-class golf experience. KemperSports Now Managing Village Greens of Woodridge Originally a private nursery, the land was reshaped into a parkland-style course that remained privately owned until 2004, when the high school district purchased the 100-plus acre site for $8.4 million as a hedge against future growth. While the school district held the land in “civic purgatory” for two decades, GolfVisions Management stepped in during 2008 to renovate the clubhouse and maintain the course’s reputation as a high-value, unpretentious destination. Despite various redevelopment proposals over the years, the course outlasted many of its contemporaries, serving as a time cap- sule of 1960s suburban golf until its final sunset.
The American team is expected to be led by all- world PGA Tour star Scottie Scheffler, along with Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, and Ben Griffin. The International team—which consists of the best non-Europe- an players in the world rankings—is expected to be led by Hideki Matsuyama, Corey Connors, and Si Woo Kim. The Internationals will be looking to avenge their loss in 2024 when Team USA won for the 10th consecutive time by an 18.5–11.5 margin. Along with high tension and great golf, attendees will get to experience a dramatically over- hauled No. 3 course that has received rave reviews from members. Several holes were reimagined to add challenge to finishing holes along with improved conditioning across fairways and greens. Tickets are available for all days of the event, starting with practice rounds on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and through the final matches on Sunday, Sept. 27. Attendees to this year’s Chicago Golf Show at the Rosemont Convention Center (Feb. 27–March 1) will gain access to a special promotion offering four Grounds or Captains’ Club tickets for the price of three. For tickets and more information on the 2026 Presidents Cup matches, visit: www.ticketmaster.com/ presidents-cup-tickets/artist/1333236. Zinkand Design Completes Reversible Short Course at Saddle & Cycle Club The recent completion of the reversible short course at the Saddle & Cycle Club in Chicago marks a fascinating evolu- tion for one of the city’s most historic private clubs. Designed by Zinkand Golf Design, the project transformed limited acre- age into a highly flexible “Golf Park” that maximizes utility without sacrificing the club’s classic aesthetic. By utilizing a reversible routing, architect Nathan Zinkand has allowed the club to offer two distinct playing experiences on the same footprint, providing members with a refreshing variety of shots and angles that feel entirely different depending on the day’s direction. Scheduled to open to members this summer, the bril- liance of the design lies in its dual-purpose infrastructure. Zinkand utilized “shared” greens and strategic bunkering that challenge golfers coming from opposite directions. This approach is particularly effective for an urban club like
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