The Evolution and Modernization of Chicago Golf: A Conversation with Matt McIntee of Troon
In this episode of the Chicago Golf Report Podcast, we talk with Matt McIntee, a longtime golf industry leader whose career spans the Crown family’s golf portfolio, Green Golf Partners, and now Troon , the largest golf management company in the world. McIntee shares an insider’s perspective on how the industry has evolved over the past 30 years—and where it’s headed next. Our conversation explores the major economic and cultural forces shaping golf today, from the construction boom of the 1990s to the difficult contraction following the 2008 financial crisis, and finally the extraordinary resurgence that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to McIntee, golf became “essential recreation” during the pandemic years, triggering one of the largest participation surges in the sport’s history. But while demand for golf remains strong, the industry is also facing important questions about accessibility, affordability, and the future of public golf. The Cycles of the Golf Industry Over the past three decades, the golf industry has gone through three distinct phases. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the game experienced a massive expansion fueled largely by the popularity of Tiger Woods. Golf course construction surged across the United States, with new facilities opening at a pace rarely seen before. In the Chicago region, courses such as ThunderHawk Golf Club and Bolingbrook Golf Club represented the optimism of that era. However, the years between 2007 and 2019 proved far more difficult. Participation remained relatively flat nationwide while the supply of golf courses remained high, creating intense pressure for operators. McIntee describes this period as one of the most stressful stretches the industry had faced. Then came the pandemic. Golf emerged as one of the few recreational activities that could be enjoyed safely outdoors, and participation surged almost overnight. Tee sheets filled, new players discovered the game, and many courses saw record demand. Today, the industry is still benefiting from that momentum. The Historic Renovation of Jackson Park One of the most important projects currently underway in Chicago golf is the renovation of Jackson Park Golf Course . Jackson Park Golf Course Located on the city’s South Side, Jackson Park holds an extraordinary place in American golf history. It is widely recognized as one of the oldest public 18-hole golf courses west of the Allegheny Mountains and has deep connections to Chicago’s African-American golf community. The current renovation aims to restore the original design vision of legendary architect Tom Bendelow while modernizing the course with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The project includes: Installing advanced drainage systems using capillary concrete Modernizing irrigation systems to improve environmental sustainability Creating more flexible yardages to accommodate beginners, juniors, seniors, and competitive players The renovation also includes a major upgrade to the practice facilities, including a new putting green and practice area designed to encourage learning and community engagement. For Chicago’s public golf system, Jackson Park represents a flagship project—a model for how historic municipal courses can be modernized while preserving their heritage. A Cultural Shift in Golf While infrastructure improvements are important, McIntee believes the most significant transformation in golf may actually be cultural. For decades, many golf facilities were defined by rigid rules and exclusionary traditions—strict dress codes, limited tee times for women and children, and an overall atmosphere that could feel intimidating to newcomers. That culture is rapidly changing. Modern operators are focused on making golf more inclusive, social, and fun. The goal is to create an environment where golfers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels feel welcome. Diversey Driving Range One example McIntee highlights is Diversey Driving Range , one of the busiest driving