Page 51 - 2021 Western Amateur Championship at Glen View Club Program Book

WGA_Program_2021_V5_SoriaAlt__ 6/30/2021 3:59 PM Page 49
History of Glen View Club

Two more Scottish professionals were
hired for the 1898 season — Richard
Leslie and Harry Turpie. Then, in 1899,
a contingent made headlines by
traveling to St. Andrews and hiring a
gentleman with a name well-known
in the golf world. Laurie Auchterlonie
was the brother
of 1893 Open
Champion, Willie
Auchterlonie.
Laurie himself had
been awarded the
gold medal as low
When the golf day is done, the train back to Evanston. amateur in 1897,
before turning
Since many of the early members A Prominent Role in the Early professional. Along Laurie Auchterlonie
worked in the city, a frequent mode of Years of American Golf with Leslie, Auchterlonie oversaw every
travel to the club were the trains from At the beginning of the 1890’s, golf was aspect of the club’s golf activity — from
downtown Chicago. Plus, one of the gaining acceptance in every major part teaching the game to members and
members headed a major railroad. Soon, of the British Empire. Still, there were making their clubs, to organizing new
a sign was placed alongside the tracks only a handful of true golf courses in tournament events, and improving and
near the club’s western gate. It simply the United States and none yet maintaining the golf course. As a player,
read “Golf” — so that conductors would consisted of 18 holes. By the end of the Auchterlonie distinguished himself
know where to allow certain passengers decade, Chicago had established itself with a record of consistency that was
to depart. A separate spur was added for at the forefront of this expanding game practically unmatched. In eleven
parking private railcars during overnight with at least 23 public and private clubs. Western Opens, he finished among the
and weekend visits. Eventually, a As the nation and its newest sport top ten in all but one — winning the
community of homes sprung up around moved into a new century, Glen View title in 1901 and finishing second twice.
this unlisted train stop and the village Club drew much attention. In the U.S. Open, he placed in the top
in which Glen View Club is located five on five occasions, never finishing
took shape. Golf, Illinois. To meet the growing demands of an
expanding golf membership, Glen View lower than 23rd, and taking home the
Prior to the automobile becoming part Club continued to look to Scotland. trophy in 1902.
of normal suburban life, members and
their families would arrive at the club
in horse drawn carriages, with a few
individuals choosing horseback.
However, in 1906, a group of members
underwrote the construction of a four-
mile trolley line that started in
downtown Evanston and ended at a
portico near the north end of the Glen
View clubhouse. This dedicated line
operated until 1921. The rails were
removed in the 1940’s, with the steel
donated to the war effort.

Crowds gather for 1904 U.S. Open.

2021 Western Amateur Championship History of Glen View Club l 49