The Evans at Canal Shores has received noteworthy recognition in Golfweek’s 2025 “Golfweek’s Best” rankings, securing a place among the Top 25 Public-Access Par-3, Short, and Non-Traditional Courses in the United States at No. 22.
This achievement highlights the course’s appeal and potential for growth.
Originally designed by Tom Bendelow, it has been recently revitalized through the innovative vision of architect Todd Quitno, enhancing the overall experience for golfers.
I believe these are the reasons why Evans at Canal Shores is so popular:
- The course runs through a picturesque, urban-suburban corridor along the North Shore Channel, with mature oak forest, and some holes cross or run very near the canal.
- Because it’s so embedded in the community (with streets running through, etc.), it feels more like a “neighborhood gem” rather than a remote golf resort.
- They emphasize “affordable, accessible golf for all” — this makes it very appealing to casual golfers, beginners, and community members.
- In recent years (starting in 2023), the course underwent a $5.9 million renovation to modernize infrastructure (irrigation, drainage) and improve course conditions.
- One very distinctive hole: a 65-yard par-3 where, as some reports say, you even tee off with a putter.
- The course is not just for golf: a youth development training center and a caddie academy are being built in partnership with the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars.
- They also partner with First Tee – Greater Chicago, which uses golf to teach kids life skills.
- This mission-driven approach gives the course a “higher purpose,” which resonates strongly with many golfers and community members.
- The site emphasizes sustainability: during the renovation, invasive species were removed, native shrubs and trees were replanted, and the land was more carefully managed.
- Despite being shorter, the course is not trivial; its design, tree-lined fairways, quirky routing, and varied greens give it a great deal of character.
- For many golfers, shorter doesn’t mean “boring”: the charm, community feel, and unique holes (like that 65-yard par-3) make it a memorable golfing experience.