Aurora Country Club in Illinois has appointed architect Raymond Hearn to create a master plan for the renovation and restoration of its golf course.
The club’s original nine holes were designed by Tom Bendelow in 1914, before being expanded to 18 the following year, with several published sources suggesting possible collaboration from William Langford. In 1935, AW Tillinghast was consulted for selected improvements.
“What an honour and privilege it is to work with this historic club,” said Hearn, founder of Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs. “Our goal is to create a comprehensive master plan that involves sympathetic restoration – a careful balance between honouring the past and adapting to the present.”
The restoration will aim to restore the original design and character of the course while accommodating the modern game and contemporary maintenance practices. Hearn will work with the club’s master planning committee, which includes PGA head professional Curtis Malm and superintendent John Gurke.
“We will be communicating with them in each phase,” said Hearn. “After the master planning is approved, my next assignment will be assisting the club in project construction phasing implementation that the club feels comfortable with.”
An aerial of Aurora Country Club taken in 1939 (Image: Aurora Country Club)
Tom Cross, chairman of the master plan committee, said: “We’re taking a thoughtful, long-term approach to ensure our course continues to be among the finest in the region for generations to come. Our partnership with Ray Hearn demonstrates our commitment to investing in world-class expertise as we plan for Aurora’s future. This process will be entirely member-driven, ensuring that any enhancements align with our club’s values and our membership’s vision.”
Hearn has completed a number of long range master plans for both historic and modern courses, including work at Crestmont Country Club, Savannah Country Club and Lincolnshire Fields Country Club, among others.
“Over my 35 years here I’ve immersed myself in the history and significance of this golf course, with architects the likes of Bendelow, Langford and Tillinghast behind its Golden Age design,” said Gurke. “Ray is a renowned veteran designer who brings great passion, knowledge, and respect for our club’s past, and will tap into those qualities to lead Aurora Country Club and its members into the future.”