Page 53 - 2018 Western Amateur Commemerative Program—Skokie Ridge Country Club

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HISTORY OF SUNSET RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

— By SRCC Members H.A. “Buzzy” Bizzel and Paul Kissane

THE BEGINNING: (1911), Old Elm (1913), Indian Hill On July 3, 1924, following construction
SUNRISE AT SUNSET (1914), Bob O’Link (1916) Northmoor of the golf course and clubhouse,
Sunset Ridge Country Club was (1918), Shore Acres (1921), Briarwood Sunset Ridge’s Inaugural Dinner Party
established in 1923 by a group of (1921), Green Acres (1923) and now was held. By this time the club had
Chicago-area business executives. Sunset Ridge (1923). Also under officially reached its membership goal
development was Knollwood in Lake of 250 golfers. The following day, July
According to Chicago Tribune reports
Forest (1924) and Mission Hills in 4, 1924, the first SRCC foursome
from 1923, Sunset Ridge Country Club
Northbrook (1926). By 1926 there consisting of Forest Lowrey, Club
was formed by “10 young men with a
would be 20 private golf courses on President; Howard Walton, Vice-
strong desire to play golf together on
the North Shore. President; Bob Pirie, Head Golf
the same private course. They came Professional; and architect Bill Diddel,
to the conclusion that there was a On April 23, 1923, the original founders teed off to officially open the golf
sufficient number of congenial men of Sunset Ridge — under the course. Harold Walton carded the best
of similar inclination and age on the leadership and direction of President score that opening day of 7-over par 77.
North Shore to organize and support Forrest Lowrey — signed up the club’s
a club. They decided that 132 acres of first 100 members. On May 4, 1923, Every year Sunset Ridge honors and
farmland west of Winnetka and 14 the sale closed for the purchase of the recognizes the anniversary of its
miles north of Chicago’s Loop would farmland property at 2100 Sunset founding with a spectacular third of
be the club site, and it was purchased Ridge Road in Northfield. After closing July fireworks celebration that is
for $47,000.” on the land, Club President Lowery always the club’s most popular social
and his Board of Directors took out a event. Members along with their
The Tribune article noted that the North
$65,000 mortgage at 7 percent for families and guests form a gathering
Shore of Chicago was an exceptional
construction of both the golf course of well over 1,000 to enjoy a hearty
golf area like no other in the country.
and clubhouse. They immediately barbeque, great comradery, seasonal
The region featured private courses hired Bill Diddel, a protégé of the libations and view spectacular
such as Onwentsia (1895), Exmoor legendary Donald Ross, as golf course fireworks from the club’s spacious
(1896), Glen View Club (1897), architect. The Board then retained driving range. The third of July
Evanston (1898), North Shore (1900), prominent North Shore architects anniversary celebration is a cherished
Skokie (1904), Lake Shore (1908), Beman & Huszagh to design and Sunset Ridge tradition and every year
Highland Park (1910), Westmoreland build the clubhouse. it is the club’s signature event that
salutes our past and toasts our future.

Approved sketch of the clubhouse as submitted by Beman and Huszagh, architects.

2018 WESTERN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP History of Sunset Ridge Country Club 51