For more than half a century, Village Greens of Woodridge has served as one of the southwest suburbs’ most welcoming and playable public golf courses. Known for its friendly layout, approachable rates, and deep connection to the Woodridge community, the course has been a staple for beginners, leagues, seniors, and families since the 1960s. But as of November 11, 2025, the future of Village Greens has become uncertain. That date marked the official end of the Woodridge Park District’s management of the course, leaving many golfers wondering: Is Village Greens closing? And what comes next?
As of today, Village Greens has not announced a permanent closure, nor has a definitive plan for 2026 been publicly finalized. The facility is in a transitional phase as the Park District steps away from operations. While this change has led to speculation about redevelopment or a full shutdown, the Park District has stated that decisions are still being evaluated. For now, all eyes remain on what the next chapter for Village Greens will look like.
What is clear, however, is that Village Greens holds a special place in Chicagoland golf history—and its legacy deserves to be remembered, preserved, and ideally, continued.
A Brief History of Village Greens of Woodridge
Village Greens sits on land that was once open farmland as the Village of Woodridge rapidly expanded in the 1960s and 70s. As the community grew, the Woodridge Park District sought to create recreational amenities that would serve the new residents moving into the area. Golf, which was booming in the post-war era, became a priority.
The course was developed as part of this plan and officially opened in the late 1960s, offering Woodridge residents an affordable and accessible place to learn the game. It was designed with playability in mind—wide fairways, manageable distances, and greens that rewarded both high-handicap golfers and those looking to sharpen their scoring clubs.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Village Greens had firmly established itself as a community hub. It hosted countless leagues, junior programs, charity scrambles, high-school practices, corporate outings, and weekend regulars who considered it their home course. The Park District frequently updated irrigation, turf management practices, and clubhouse amenities to keep the facility modern and enjoyable.
One of the course’s defining features has always been its welcoming atmosphere. While many public courses in Chicagoland developed reputations for difficulty or congestion, Village Greens stood out for its balance—challenging enough for serious golfers, but forgiving enough for newcomers. That accessibility became its identity.
The Course Layout: Playable, Friendly, and Surprisingly Strategic
Village Greens of Woodridge
Village Greens is an 18-hole, par-72 course stretching just under 6,800 yards from the back tees. Though not considered long by modern standards, its design blends open landing areas with well-placed bunkers, water hazards, and mature tree lines that continue to influence shotmaking today.
Signature Features
Generous fairways that encourage aggressive tee shots.
Soft doglegs that create strategic angles rather than punishing mis-hits.
Large greens, many slightly elevated, offering receptive but nuanced putting surfaces.
Water hazards on a number of holes—especially the back nine—that quietly influence decision-making.
Mature trees that frame holes beautifully and require accuracy when playing approaches.
The front nine typically introduces golfers to the rhythm of the course: straightforward, open, and ideal for building confidence. The back nine, long considered the stronger and more scenic half, incorporates more water and tighter landing areas, finishing with holes that require both precision and nerve.
Whether you were a weekend golfer or a league veteran, Village Greens always provided enough variety to keep your rounds interesting.
A Community Asset With a Passionate Following
What made Village Greens special wasn’t just the layout—it was the culture. Many golfers who learned the game here as children returned as adults, bringing friends, spouses, and eventually their own kids. The course was known for:
Affordable rates compared to other suburban options
Friendly staff, many of whom worked at the club for years
Strong junior golf programs
Accessible tee times without excessive wait times or crowding
Popular leagues and outings that brought the community together
The course’s long tenure under the Woodridge Park District ensured it stayed aligned with the community’s needs—not profit margins—which is a big reason so many golfers feel emotionally attached to it.
Village Greens of Woodridge
Why the Park District Stepped Away — And What It Means
On November 11, 2025, the Park District officially ended its operational management of Village Greens. The decision stemmed from long-term financial considerations, rising maintenance costs, environmental pressures, and the shifting economics of public golf course management.
Importantly:
The land remains owned by the Park District.
The course is not officially closed permanently.
Future plans have not yet been finalized.
This limbo has raised questions among golfers and residents. Could the course be leased to a private operator? Redeveloped? Reimagined as a hybrid recreation space? At this point, all possibilities remain on the table.
Given the resurgence of golf in the Chicago area over the past decade—especially with the explosion of indoor simulator facilities and the major uptick in participation post-2020—many golfers hope Village Greens can be modernized or re-positioned to meet today’s demand.
What’s Next for Village Greens?
The Park District has communicated that no immediate redevelopment or demolition plans are in place, but evaluating the long-term future of the land is ongoing. In the coming months, more clarity is expected regarding:
A potential new operator or lease agreement
Off-season maintenance plans
Whether 2026 tee times will be offered
Community input sessions
Park District board decisions regarding capital needs
The future of the clubhouse and practice facilities
Until an official announcement is made, Village Greens remains in a holding pattern—a familiar situation for many municipal courses across the country navigating rising costs and evolving recreational trends.
The Village of Woodridge has also announced an important next step in determining the future of the course. On December 4, 2025, the Village Board will hold a Study Session featuring a presentation from their golf course consultant, JJKeegan+, who recently completed an independent analysis of Village Greens. During the session, the Board will also review the results of the Village’s Request for Proposals (RFP), which invited qualified golf management companies to submit plans to potentially operate the course on an interim basis.
While no formal vote will take place, trustees will discuss the findings and provide initial feedback. The meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and share comments—offering residents and golfers a chance to hear the consultant’s assessment firsthand and weigh in on potential next steps.
The Study Session will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the Werch Board Room at 5 Plaza Drive, immediately following the regularly scheduled Village Board meeting.
A Course Worth Preserving
Village Greens of Woodridge isn’t just 18 holes—it’s a community memory bank. It’s where thousands learned to hit their first drive, made their first birdie, or played their first league. It’s where retirees gathered on weekday mornings and where local kids found their love for the game.
In a golf landscape where many older municipal courses are disappearing, preserving a place like Village Greens matters—not just for Woodridge, but for the entire Chicago golf community.
As we wait to learn its next chapter, one thing is certain: Village Greens has left a lasting impact on Chicago golf. And golfers across the region are hoping this story isn’t over yet.
