Established in 1916, Kankakee Country Club has been part of the fabric of the Kankakee community for more than a century.

The Club was founded by A.L. Granger, an attorney who relocated to Kankakee from French Lick, Indiana, and served as Kankakee Country Club’s first president. The original golf course and clubhouse were built on 62 acres in the southeast portion of the city.

The original nine-hole course was designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Bendelow, who was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in 2005. Bendelow designed hundreds of courses throughout the United States during his career, including work associated with Medinah Country Club near Chicago.

From 1916 until 1963, Kankakee Country Club operated as a nine-hole private club. The original clubhouse featured a welcoming reception area anchored by two large fireplaces. That space, still known today as the Fireplace Room, remains one of the Club’s most recognizable and treasured historic features.
 

In 1962, the Club purchased additional property northwest of the original grounds, creating the opportunity to expand the golf course to 18 holes.

Golf course architect John Darrah was selected to redesign and expand the course. His work created the character members continue to enjoy today: tight, tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and small, challenging greens.

Two holes from the original Bendelow layout remain part of the course. Today’s ninth hole closely follows the original No. 9, while the current 10th hole was originally the fourth hole.

The clubhouse was expanded during this period as well, while carefully preserving the character and beauty of the historic Fireplace Room.
 

Kankakee Country Club has long been known for a golf course that rewards accuracy, strategy, and thoughtful course management. While not defined by extreme length, the course provides a significant challenge through narrow fairways, mature trees, well-positioned bunkers, and small, fast greens.

The Club’s signature hole is No. 17, affectionately known as “The Monster.” Set along the Kankakee River, the hole demands precision from start to finish. Players must find a tight fairway from the tee, navigate a second shot toward an island-style landing area, and then challenge the water once again on the approach to an undulating green.

Maintained with pride and attention to detail, the golf course has earned a reputation throughout the Kankakee area for outstanding playing conditions.

Just as important, the Club has always embraced accessibility and camaraderie. Members are encouraged to enjoy the course at their leisure, participate in a full calendar of golf events, and introduce the game to future generations through family and youth programming.
 

Throughout its history, Kankakee Country Club has continued to evolve alongside the needs of its membership.

Today, the Club offers an exceptional variety of amenities and activities, including an 18-hole golf course, practice facilities, swimming and aquatics programming, dining, social events, and spaces designed for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

The clubhouse has expanded over the years to provide experiences for every membership category. Members can enjoy everything from relaxed casual dining and a lively bar atmosphere to private events, business meetings, banquets, and larger social celebrations.

One of the Club’s most distinctive features is its setting along the Kankakee River.

Expansions and renovations have taken advantage of these scenic surroundings, creating dining and gathering spaces with beautiful river views.
 

Kankakee Country Club is more than a collection of amenities. It is a place where generations of members have come together to play, relax, celebrate, and build lasting friendships.

It is a place to enjoy a round of golf, spend an afternoon by the pool, share dinner with friends, attend a Club event, or watch children and grandchildren create memories of their own.

Family participation has always been an important part of the Club experience, supported through youth golf, swimming and diving programs, family activities, and a strong calendar of social events.

For more than 100 years, Kankakee Country Club has remained a hidden gem along the Kankakee River—a place rooted in tradition while continuing to grow for the generations ahead.