Ruth Lake Country Club Hinsdale IL | Membership Cost, Amenities, History, What To Know When Visiting

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Ruth Lake Country Club is a private country club located in Hinsdale, Illinois. It is situated about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. The club is known for its beautiful golf course and various recreational facilities. The course is well-maintained and provides a great golfing experience for members and their guests. The club provides a welcoming and exclusive environment for its members to relax, socialize, and enjoy various recreational activities.


Ruth Lake Country Club stands as a premier private retreat for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a refined social experience, blending natural beauty with challenging play. It embodies elegance, community, and a commitment to creating memorable experiences in a serene and exclusive setting.

Ruth Lake Country Club History and Founding

Ruth Lake Country Club has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The club was founded in 1912 by a group of prominent individuals from the Hinsdale area who shared a passion for golf and socializing.

The club’s name, Ruth Lake, was inspired by Ruth Eleanor Greene, the daughter of one of the club’s founding members, William P. Greene. The Greene family owned the land where the country club is located today, and they generously donated it for the establishment of the club.

The original course at Ruth Lake was designed by the renowned golf course architect Harry Colt, who was known for his work on prestigious courses around the world. Colt’s design incorporated the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, including the lake after which the club was named.

Over the years, Ruth Lake Country Club has undergone several enhancements and renovations to maintain its high standards and provide an exceptional experience for its members. The club has continuously invested in improving its facilities, including the golf course, clubhouse, and amenities, to ensure a first-class environment for golf and social activities.

Throughout its history, Ruth Lake Country Club has maintained its reputation as one of the premier private country clubs in the Chicago area. It has become a cherished institution where members can enjoy a wide range of recreational and social opportunities while surrounded by a beautiful and well-maintained setting.

Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. For more detailed and accurate historical information about Ruth Lake Country Club, it is recommended to contact the club directly or consult reliable local sources.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Ruth Lake Country Club

There isn’t a famous golf tournament that is regularly held at Ruth Lake Country Club. While the club has a rich golfing history and is highly regarded among its members, it does not typically host professional or widely recognized golf tournaments on a regular basis.

Ruth Lake Country Club primarily focuses on providing its members with a high-quality golfing experience within its private setting. The course, designed by Harry Colt, is well-regarded among golf enthusiasts, but it is not a regular venue for major professional tournaments or national events.

However, it’s worth noting that private country clubs like Ruth Lake occasionally host smaller-scale tournaments or events that are exclusive to their members or invited guests. These events may showcase the club’s facilities and provide an opportunity for friendly competition among members, but they are not widely known outside of the club’s community.

Ruth Lake Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

ruth lake country club

As a private country club, Ruth Lake Country Club does not publicly disclose its membership costs and dues. However, it is known that membership at the club is by invitation only, and prospective members must be sponsored by a current member.

However, it is widely known that membership to the club is by invitation only and is limited to a select number of individuals and families. However, estimated initiation fees of approximately $10,000 – $100,000 and rumored annual fees of around $1,000 – $10,000, though these are merely speculation, of course, as the costs are kept private.

Ruth Lake Country Club Amenities

Ruth Lake Country Club offers a range of amenities to cater to the recreational and social needs of its members. While specific amenities may be subject to change or updates, here are some common amenities that private country clubs like Ruth Lake typically provide:

  1. Golf Course: Ruth Lake features a championship-level golf course designed by Harry Colt. The meticulously maintained course offers 18 holes of challenging play, incorporating natural elements like lakes and trees.
  2. Practice Facilities: The country club may provide practice areas such as a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas to help members refine their golf skills.
  3. Clubhouse: The clubhouse serves as the central hub for socializing and relaxation. It typically includes dining options, lounge areas, banquet facilities, and locker rooms.
  4. Tennis Courts: Many country clubs, including Ruth Lake, have tennis facilities that may include multiple courts. These facilities can be used for casual play or organized tournaments.
  5. Swimming Pool: A swimming pool offers a refreshing escape during the summer months. It provides members and their families with a space to relax, swim, and enjoy poolside amenities.
  6. Fitness Facilities: Some country clubs have fitness centers or gyms equipped with exercise machines, weights, and other fitness amenities.
  7. Dining and Social Events: Country clubs often have dining facilities that offer a variety of culinary options. They may host social events, themed dinners, holiday celebrations, and other gatherings for members to enjoy.
  8. Children’s Programs: Many clubs provide activities and programs tailored for children, including youth golf lessons, swimming lessons, summer camps, and other recreational opportunities.
  9. Private Event Spaces: Country clubs often offer private event spaces that can be rented for special occasions like weddings, corporate events, or private parties.

It’s important to note that the specific amenities available at Ruth Lake Country Club may vary, and some may require additional fees or reservations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the amenities offered at Ruth Lake Country Club, I recommend reaching out to the club directly.

Ruth Lake Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

Ruth Lake Country Club offers a variety of events and celebrations that can be hosted within its exclusive facilities. Some of the events that can be celebrated at Ruth Lake Country Club include:

  1. Weddings: The club provides a beautiful setting for weddings, with elegant indoor and outdoor event spaces that can be customized to create a memorable wedding ceremony and reception.
  2. Anniversary Parties: Celebrate milestone anniversaries with a private gathering at Ruth Lake Country Club. The club’s event spaces can be tailored to suit the size and style of the celebration, ensuring a special and personalized experience.
  3. Corporate Events: The club’s facilities are well-suited for corporate events such as conferences, meetings, seminars, and team-building activities. The event spaces offer a professional and sophisticated atmosphere, combined with excellent catering and audiovisual capabilities.
  4. Social Galas: From charity fundraisers to themed galas, Ruth Lake Country Club can host a range of social events. The club’s experienced staff can assist in planning and executing these gatherings, ensuring a memorable and successful occasion.
  5. Holiday Celebrations: Ruth Lake Country Club provides a festive backdrop for holiday parties and celebrations. Members can enjoy special events and themed dinners during holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving.
  6. Golf Tournaments: The club can organize and host golf tournaments for members and their guests. These events can range from casual member outings to more competitive tournaments with various formats and prizes.
  7. Family Celebrations: Members can host family-oriented events such as birthdays, graduations, and reunions at Ruth Lake Country Club. The club offers a range of event spaces and catering options to suit different family sizes and preferences.

It’s worth noting that specific event offerings and availability may vary, and it’s recommended to contact Ruth Lake Country Club directly to discuss event planning, available dates, and any additional services or requirements for specific celebrations.

Ruth Lake Country Club offers a range of dining options to cater to the culinary preferences and desires of its members. While specific menus and offerings may vary, here are some common dining options you might find at the club:

  1. Formal Dining: The club typically features a formal dining room where members can enjoy elegant and refined dining experiences. This may include a la carte menus or multi-course meals featuring a variety of cuisines prepared by skilled chefs.
  2. Casual Grille: Ruth Lake Country Club often has a casual grille or bar area where members can enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back dining atmosphere. This space may offer a diverse menu of lighter fare, sandwiches, salads, and other casual dining options.
  3. Outdoor Patio: The club may have an outdoor patio or terrace where members can dine al fresco while enjoying beautiful views of the golf course or surrounding scenery. Outdoor dining spaces often provide a more relaxed and casual setting for meals or socializing.
  4. Private Dining: Ruth Lake Country Club likely offers private dining options for special occasions or intimate gatherings. Members can reserve private rooms or event spaces to host personalized dining experiences for family celebrations, business meetings, or other private events.
  5. Catering Services: The club may provide catering services for events and gatherings both on and off-site. This allows members to enjoy the club’s culinary expertise and service for their special events held outside the club’s premises.

Please note that the specific dining options, menus, and availability may vary at Ruth Lake Country Club. It’s recommended to reach out to the club directly to inquire about their current dining offerings, reservations, and any additional details you may need.

Ruth Lake Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Ruth Lake Country Club, like many private country clubs, typically has a dress code and guest policy in place to maintain a certain level of decorum and atmosphere. While specific details may vary, here are some general guidelines that are often followed:

Dress Code:

  1. Golf Course: Proper golf attire is usually required on the golf course. This typically includes collared shirts or golf-specific tops for both men and women. Shorts, skirts, or pants are typically acceptable for the bottom half of the outfit. Denim, athletic shorts, and tank tops are usually not allowed. Golf shoes or appropriate footwear designed for the course are typically required.
  2. Clubhouse: The dress code in the clubhouse is often more relaxed but still maintains a neat and presentable appearance. Business casual or smart casual attire is usually appropriate. Specific guidelines may include collared shirts, slacks, dresses, or skirts for women. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and athletic wear are often not permitted in certain areas of the clubhouse, such as dining rooms or formal lounges.

Guest Policy: Private country clubs like Ruth Lake typically have specific policies regarding guests. The ability to bring guests may depend on the type of membership and any guest restrictions that may be in place. Members usually have the privilege of bringing guests, but there may be limitations on the number of guests allowed and the frequency of their visits. Some clubs may require that guests be accompanied by a member at all times.

It’s important to note that dress codes and guest policies can vary among different country clubs, and they may be subject to change or specific exceptions for certain events or occasions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the dress code and guest policy at Ruth Lake Country Club, I recommend reaching out to the club directly. They will provide you with the specific guidelines and policies that apply to their establishment.