107 YEARS OF RAVISLOE

Back in 1901 an energetic group of South Side Chicago men went around the city enthusiastically talking to their friends about creating a new golf club.  Golf in those days was in its infancy in the United States, and many had to be told just what was involved in playing the game.  This new club was to be built on farmland owned by the Ravisloot family at 147th Street, divided by the Calumet River.  When the club became a reality, many thought the name Ravisloot too guttural and promptly changed it to Ravisloe as we now know it.

Ravisloe was franchised on August 10, 1901.  Acreage known as the Briggs farm was purchased, instead of the original site on the Calumet River.  The original name has so much appeal and received so much publicity that it was retained.

In 1910 an additional 55 acres were purchased and soon thereafter another five acres, adjacent to our fourth hole, where until a few years ago, two members' dormitories were located.  The founders of our golf club in conjunction with William Watson, a well-known golf architect, planned the changes in the course from 1910 to 1913.

In 1913, the famous English golf professional Harry Vardon and Edward Ray played an exhibition match with the outstanding Chicago amateurs Warren Wood and Charles Evans.  Acting upon their suggestions, more changes were made, and in 1916 golf course architect Donald J. Ross was commissioned to lend his ideas.

In 1916, the financing and building of our present clubhouse, together with the moving of the cottages to other locations, was planned out.  The work was completed prior to our country's entry into World War I.

Major projects were undertaken by the membership periodically to continue to refurbish the facility and improve the amenities.  Many of these projects were addressed over the past twelve years, including our $2 million dollar renovation of the clubhouse, state-of-the-art sprinkler system, and new children's wading pool.

Ravisloe enjoys a reputation unsurpassed in golf club history.  The cuisine is recognized as the finest, parties are plentiful and original, course maintenance is excellent and gardens are fantastic.  All throughout the history of the club, Ravisloe's reputation for good fellowship has thrived and expanded.

The building of Ravisloe's golf course, clubhouse and grounds goes on.  Each generation of members makes its own special contribution to the club and continues the tradition of charm, beauty and comfort which began over 100 years ago.

We, the present members, are grateful to those who preceded us for their generous contributions, foresight and wisdom in endowing us with this marvelous place we call Ravisloe.


NOTABLE GOLFING CLUB MEMBERS