 | |
| Club information | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°01′12″N87°47′41″W / 42.020068°N 87.794625°W /42.020068; -87.794625 |
| Location | Niles, Illinois |
| Website | www |
TheTam O'Shanter Golf Course is located inNiles, Illinois. The north branch of theChicago River flows through the course.
The course and clubhouse were previously owned byGeorge S. May and are currently under the ownership of the Niles Park District.
Under May's ownership, the course hosted several prominentgolf tournaments on thePGA Tour:All American Open (1941–57) andWorld Championship of Golf (1946–57) and theLPGA Tour:All American Open (1943–57) andWorld Championship (1948–57).
In 1953, May's associate, Chet Posson, approved the presence of television cameras at the World Championship of Golf, and allowed for one hour of the tournament to be televised, a broadcast that drew approximately 2 million viewers, and marking the first time that golf would be viewed live on American television. WhileChandler Harper was being declared the winner for the television audience, they sawLew Worsham use a wedge to hit an eagle from 104 yards for an unexpected win.[1]
In 1964 and 1965, the course hosted theWestern Open.
In 1971, the course was sold to a developer and reduced to 9 holes. The Niles Park District reopened the course in 1973.
Severe storms over the course of September 12–14, 2008 caused over$100,000 in damage to the course. Niles Park District Director Joe LoVerde was quoted "This is the biggest hit we've ever taken. That was one tough storm."[2]