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Welcome to Bloomington Country Club, nestled in the heart of Bloomington, Illinois. As an esteemed establishment with a rich history dating back to 1896, our club embodies the essence of elegance, leisure, and community. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, our premier facility offers an exclusive haven for golf enthusiasts, social gatherings, exquisite dining experiences, and unparalleled recreational amenities.

Whether you’re seeking a round of golf on our meticulously manicured course, a relaxing afternoon by the poolside, or a refined dining affair with friends and family, Bloomington Country Club promises a sanctuary where cherished memories are made and cherished traditions thrive. Experience the epitome of sophistication and leisure at Bloomington Country Club, where every moment is a celebration of refined living.

Bloomington Country Club History and Founding

The Bloomington Country Club was founded in 1896 by a group of prominent businessmen in Bloomington, Illinois. The club’s original location was on land leased from the Illinois Central Railroad, just east of the city limits. The first clubhouse was a small, two-story building that was designed by local architect George W. Maher.

Maher was a prominent architect in the Midwest at the time, and he designed several notable buildings in Bloomington, including the McLean County Courthouse and the Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home. The original clubhouse at the Bloomington Country Club was a simple, yet elegant building that reflected the club’s early years.

In 1913, the club purchased its land, which is its current location at 1701 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61704. The club then commissioned Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin to design a new clubhouse. Griffin was a leading figure in the Prairie School of Architecture, and he designed several notable buildings in the Chicago area, including the Robie House and the Unity Temple.

The new clubhouse at the Bloomington Country Club was a much larger and more elaborate building than the original clubhouse. It was designed in the Prairie School style, and it featured several unique architectural elements, such as a large central fireplace, exposed beams, and stained glass windows. The new clubhouse was completed in 1916, and it has been the centerpiece of the club ever since.

The Bloomington Country Club has undergone some renovations and expansions over the years. In 1998, the club added a new swimming pool complex. In 2006, the club renovated its golf course. In 2014, the club completed a major renovation of its clubhouse.

The Bloomington Country Club is a thriving private club with over 500 members. The club offers a variety of amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a banquet hall. The club is also home to several social events and activities throughout the year.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Bloomington Country Club

While Bloomington Country Club in Bloomington, Illinois, hasn’t hosted any of the major professional golf tournaments like the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, or The Open Championship, it has been the venue for several prestigious amateur and regional professional tournaments throughout its history. Here are some of the notable ones:

Illinois State Men’s Amateur Championship: The club has proudly hosted this championship an impressive seven times, in 1943, 1953, 1975, 1983, 1991, 1997, and 2009. This event features some of the best amateur golfers in the state competing for the title.
Illinois Open: In 1980, Bloomington Country Club had the honor of hosting the Illinois Open, a professional golf tournament open to any golfer who meets the eligibility requirements.
Illinois State Women’s Amateur Championship: The club has also been the stage for the Illinois State Women’s Amateur Championship five times, in 1944, 1957, 1972, 1977, and 1989. This championship showcases the talents of the top female amateur golfers in the state.
Bloomington Amateur Championship: This annual event, held at Bloomington Country Club, is a 36-hole stroke play tournament open to amateur golfers of all ages and skill levels. It’s a great opportunity for golfers to test their skills on a challenging course and compete for prizes.

These are just a few of the many tournaments that Bloomington Country Club has hosted over the years. The club’s commitment to providing a challenging and enjoyable golf experience has made it a popular destination for both amateur and professional golfers alike.

Bloomington Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

Unfortunately, Bloomington Country Club does not publicly disclose its membership costs and dues. However, based on information gathered from various sources, here are some estimated and rumored figures:

Bloomington Country Club Membership Costs:

Initiation Fee: Estimated to range from $15,000 to $25,000.
Monthly Dues: Estimated to range from $300 to $500.

Additional Fees:

Social Capital Contribution: A one-time fee of around $2,000.
Annual Food and Beverage Minimum: Around $3,000 annually.

These are just estimates, and the actual costs may vary depending on the type of membership you choose, your residency status, and any current promotions or discounts offered by the club.

Here are some factors that can affect the cost of membership:

Type of membership: There are different types of memberships available, such as full golf, social, and corporate. Full golf memberships typically have the highest initiation fees and monthly dues, while social memberships have the lowest.

Age: Some clubs offer discounts on initiation fees and monthly dues for younger members.

Residency: Some clubs offer discounts on initiation fees and monthly dues for residents of certain areas.

Bloomington Country Club Amenities

Bloomington Country Club offers an array of amenities designed to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of its members. Here’s a snapshot of some of the amenities typically found at the club:

Championship Golf Course: A meticulously manicured 18-hole golf course designed to challenge players of all skill levels while providing scenic views and a peaceful environment.
Practice Facilities: Practice areas include driving ranges, putting greens, and chipping areas for members to refine their golfing skills.
Tennis Courts: Well-maintained tennis courts available for casual play, organized matches, and tennis lessons with professional instructors.
Swimming Pool: A refreshing swimming pool area where members can relax, cool off, and enjoy leisurely swims during the warmer months.
Fitness Center: A fully equipped fitness center with modern exercise machines, free weights, and fitness classes to help members stay active and healthy.
Dining Options: Various dining options ranging from formal dining rooms serving gourmet cuisine to casual restaurants offering relaxed atmospheres and diverse menus.
Social Spaces: Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including lounges, bars, and patio areas, where members can gather, socialize, and enjoy each other’s company.
Event Spaces: Private event spaces and banquet halls are available for hosting weddings, parties, meetings, and other special events with customizable catering options.
Junior Programs: Specialized programs and activities for junior members, including golf clinics, tennis lessons, summer camps, and social events tailored to younger age groups.

These amenities combine to create a vibrant and inclusive club environment where members can pursue their passions, connect with others, and enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and social opportunities.

Bloomington Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

Bloomington Country Club offers a variety of events and occasions to celebrate throughout the year. Some of the events members can celebrate at the club include:

Holiday Celebrations: Bloomington Country Club often hosts festive events to celebrate major holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day. These events may include special dinners, brunches, themed parties, and family-friendly activities.
Member Socials: The country club organizes regular member socials, mixers, and happy hours, providing opportunities for members to connect, network, and socialize in a relaxed and casual setting.
Golf Tournaments: Golf enthusiasts can celebrate their love for the game by participating in various golf tournaments and events organized by the club. These tournaments may include member-guest tournaments, club championships, charity fundraisers, and more, offering opportunities for friendly competition and camaraderie on the golf course.
Tennis Events: For tennis enthusiasts, Bloomington Country Club hosts tennis events, round-robin tournaments, and social mixers. Members can celebrate their passion for the sport while enjoying the friendly competition and improving their skills.
Themed Parties and Events: Throughout the year, the club may host themed parties and events based on various themes such as casino nights, luau parties, decade-themed parties, and more. These events provide members with fun and unique experiences to celebrate and enjoy with friends and family.
Member Milestones: Bloomington Country Club celebrates significant milestones and achievements of its members, such as birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and special accomplishments. Members can host private celebrations at the club and enjoy personalized service and attention to detail.
Cultural and Educational Events: The club may organize cultural events, guest speaker series, wine tastings, art exhibitions, and educational workshops to enrich the member experience and provide opportunities for learning and exploration.

Bloomington Country Club offers a variety of dining options to cater to the tastes and preferences of its members. Here are some typical dining options you might find at the club:

Formal Dining Room: The formal dining room provides an elegant setting for members to enjoy gourmet cuisine prepared by talented chefs. This is an ideal option for special occasions, fine dining experiences, or intimate dinners.
Casual Dining: For more relaxed dining experiences, the club may offer a casual dining area or bistro-style restaurant. Here, members can enjoy a diverse menu of comfort foods, sandwiches, salads, and other casual fare in a laid-back atmosphere.
Outdoor Patio or Terrace: During the warmer months, members can dine al fresco on the outdoor patio or terrace, taking in scenic views of the golf course or surrounding landscape while enjoying their meals.
Bar and Lounge: The club’s bar and lounge area provide a cozy and inviting space for members to unwind with cocktails, craft beers, wines, and spirits. This is a great spot to socialize with friends, watch sporting events on TV, or enjoy appetizers and small plates.
Private Dining and Events: Bloomington Country Club may offer private dining options for members who wish to host special events, parties, or gatherings at the club. These private dining spaces can be tailored to accommodate various group sizes and preferences, with personalized menus and attentive service.
On-the-Go Options: Some clubs also provide on-the-go dining options such as grab-and-go stations, snack bars, or takeaway menus for members who prefer quick and convenient meals or snacks while on the go.

Bloomington Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Bloomington Country Club typically maintains a dress code to ensure a certain level of decorum and respect for the club’s atmosphere. While specific dress codes may vary depending on the occasion and area of the club, here is a general overview of what members and guests can expect:

Dress Code:

Golf Course and Practice Facilities: Proper golf attire is usually required on the golf course and practice facilities. This typically includes collared shirts, tailored golf pants or shorts, golf skirts or skorts for women, and golf shoes with soft spikes. Denim, cargo shorts, athletic shorts, and T-shirts are often not permitted on the golf course.
Dining Areas: The dress code for dining areas may vary depending on the level of formality. In formal dining rooms, business casual or upscale attire may be required, such as collared shirts, slacks or skirts, and closed-toe shoes for both men and women. In more casual dining areas, neat and presentable attire is usually acceptable, but beachwear, swimwear, and excessively casual attire are typically discouraged.
Clubhouse and Common Areas: Neat and presentable attire is generally expected in clubhouse and common areas. This may include business casual attire or country club casual attire, such as collared shirts, khakis, casual dresses, and casual footwear. Torn or excessively worn clothing, gym attire, and clothing with offensive graphics or language are typically not permitted.

Guest Policy:

Bloomington Country Club typically has a guest policy that outlines the rules and regulations regarding bringing guests to the club. While guest policies may vary, they often include the following guidelines:

Members are usually allowed to bring guests to the club, but there may be restrictions on the number of guests allowed per visit or per month.
Members are typically responsible for their guests’ conduct and adherence to the club’s rules and regulations, including the dress code.
Some facilities and amenities may be restricted to members-only or have limited guest access.
Members may be required to register their guests in advance and accompany them during their visit to the club.
Guest fees or charges may apply for certain facilities or services, such as golf, dining, or recreational amenities.

Bloomington Country Club stands as a beacon of elegance, community, and leisure in the heart of Bloomington, Illinois. With its rich history, impeccable amenities, and vibrant social atmosphere, the club offers members a sanctuary where cherished traditions thrive and lasting memories are made. From its championship golf course to its upscale dining options and diverse array of events, Bloomington Country Club provides a welcoming environment where members can pursue their passions, connect with others, and enjoy the finer things in life.

Whether it’s a round of golf with friends, a gourmet meal with loved ones, or a special celebration, Bloomington Country Club remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences and fostering a sense of belonging for generations to come.