Thorn Apple Country Club: A Comprehensive Guide to Golf, Amenities, and Real Estate

Introduction

Located in the heart of Naperville, Illinois, Thorn Apple Country Club is an exclusive golf and country club that offers a world-class experience for its members. Founded in 1896, the club has a rich history and boasts some of the finest golf courses, amenities, and real estate in the Chicago area.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the many facets of Thorn Apple Country Club, including its:

• Golf courses
• Amenities
• Real estate
• Membership options
• History

Whether you are a seasoned golfer, a discerning homeowner, or simply curious about one of Naperville's most prestigious institutions, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.

Golf Courses

The Championship Course

The centerpiece of Thorn Apple Country Club is its 18-hole Championship Course, designed by renowned architect Willie Park Jr. in 1906. The course stretches for 6,900 yards and features a challenging layout with undulating greens, strategically placed bunkers, and towering trees. It is regularly ranked among the top golf courses in Illinois and has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Western Open and the USGA Senior Open.

The South Course

In addition to the Championship Course, Thorn Apple Country Club also offers a 9-hole South Course, which is perfect for casual rounds or practicing your short game. The South Course is a par 32 and measures 2,700 yards, making it an ideal option for golfers of all skill levels.

Amenities

Beyond its exceptional golf courses, Thorn Apple Country Club boasts a wide range of amenities that cater to the lifestyle needs of its members. These include:

• Tennis Complex: The club has 13 Har-Tru tennis courts, including four indoor courts, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive tennis facilities in the Chicago area. Tennis programming includes lessons, clinics, and tournaments for players of all ages.
• Pool and Recreation Area: Members can enjoy a refreshing dip in the junior Olympic-sized swimming pool or relax on the spacious pool deck. The recreation area also features a splash pad for children, as well as a playground and sand volleyball court.
• Fitness Center: The state-of-the-art fitness center at Thorn Apple Country Club offers a full range of cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as group fitness classes. Personal training services are also available.
• Spa: The club's full-service spa provides a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. Members can also enjoy the steam room and sauna.
• Clubhouse: The elegant clubhouse at Thorn Apple Country Club is a popular gathering place for members. It features a formal dining room, a casual grille, a bar, and a library. The clubhouse also hosts a variety of social events throughout the year.

Real Estate

Thorn Apple Country Club is home to a prestigious real estate community with over 400 homes. Properties within the club's boundaries range from spacious single-family homes to luxurious custom estates.

The average home price in Thorn Apple Country Club is over $1 million, and many homes sell for well above that price. The club's real estate market is highly competitive, and properties typically sell quickly.

Membership Options

Membership at Thorn Apple Country Club is by invitation only. There are three types of membership available:

• Full Golf Membership: This type of membership provides access to all of the club's amenities, including the golf courses, tennis courts, pool, fitness center, and spa.
• Social Membership: This type of membership provides access to all of the club's amenities, except for the golf courses.
• Junior Membership: This type of membership is available to individuals under the age of 35. Junior members have access to all of the club's amenities, except for the golf courses.

History

Thorn Apple Country Club was founded in 1896 as a private hunting and fishing club. The club's original golf course was built in 1897, and the Championship Course was designed in 1906.

Over the years, Thorn Apple Country Club has undergone a number of expansions and renovations. In 1929, the clubhouse was enlarged and remodeled. In 1959, the South Course was added. And in 2020, the club completed a major renovation of the fitness center and spa.

Famous Members

Thorn Apple Country Club has a long list of famous members, including:

• Michael Jordan: NBA legend
• Bill Murray: Actor
• Mitt Romney: Former Governor of Massachusetts
• Jim Belushi: Actor

Effective Strategies for Playing the Thorn Apple Country Club

If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play the Thorn Apple Country Club, here are a few effective strategies to help you score well:

• Play the course from the correct tees. The Championship Course is a long and challenging layout, so it is important to play from the tees that are appropriate for your skill level.
• Hit fairways. The fairways at Thorn Apple Country Club are narrow and lined with trees, so it is important to hit your drives straight.
• Control your distance. The greens at Thorn Apple Country Club are undulating and well-protected by bunkers, so it is important to control your distance on your approach shots.
• Putt well. The greens at Thorn Apple Country Club are fast and true, so it is important to make your putts.

Tips and Tricks for Playing the Thorn Apple Country Club

• Take a practice round before you play the Championship Course. This will help you get a feel for the layout and the greens.
• Pay attention to the pin placements. The pin placements at Thorn Apple Country Club can make a big difference in the difficulty of the greens.
• Use a caddie. A caddie can provide you with valuable information about the course and the greens.
• Be patient. The Thorn Apple Country Club is a challenging course, so don't get discouraged if you don't score well on your first round.
• Have fun. The most important thing is to enjoy your round of golf.

Call to Action

If you are interested in joining Thorn Apple Country Club, or if you would like to learn more about the club's golf courses, amenities, or real estate, please contact the club's membership office at (630) 355-1400.

Useful Tables

Golf Course Information

Membership Information

Real Estate Information