History of the Lincoln Highway

Founded in 1922

Members from 6 country clubs in got together at the Nachusa Tavern in Dixon, IL on November 28, 1922 to think of a way to better promote the game of golf in Northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. From that meeting, the Lincoln Highway Golf Tournament was born. Kishwaukee Country Club in DeKalb, IL; Dixon Country Club in Dixon, IL; Morrison Country Club in Morrison, IL; Edgewood Golf Club in Polo, IL; Rock River Country Club in Sterling, IL; and Clinton Country Club in Clinton, IA decided on 72 holes over two days to settle who would be the best club and individual in the area.

The first few decades saw the tournament played on a Wednesday and Thursday, teeing off early in the morning and coming in late at night each day. Finally settling on playing two days of 27 holes per day in the 1940’s, the tournaments still maintains this format today.

After years of bouncing between 8 man teams and 6 man, it was settled in 1946 to use the 6 man teams from each member club that continues until today. While starting with the inaugural six clubs, new members were added throughout the years. Clubs from Oregon, Freeport, Mt. Morris, Princeton, Geneva, Deer Grove, Rock Falls, Rochelle, Byron all started joining in to the fray over the years. Some for decades, others for just a few tournaments. A maximum of a 12 team field was decided early on, to keep play moving, but with allowing these new clubs to come in so that they can showcase their home courses to other competitors.

Captains of multiple college golf teams, including Notre Dame and Northwestern, have participated in the past, as well as future professionals. To get a glimpse of some of the best players in the area, this is the tournament to attend.

Players from all walks of life, and of all ages, have participated throughout the decades and continue to this day. No matter the age or years of participating, nerves are still unsettled when on the first tee. Players taking pride in representing their home course and city, look forward to giving their absolute best to bring the trophy back to their fellow members and celebrate.

To this day, the record for team championships is:

Dixon CC/Timber Creek GC - 32 Championships

Kishwaukee CC - 31 Championships

Clinton CC - 12 Championships

Prairie View GC - 4 Championships

Emerald Hill GC - 3 Championships

Oregon CC - 3 Championships

Rock River GC - 2 Championships

Edgewood GC - 2 Championships

Sunset GC - 2 Championships

Shady Oaks GC - 2 Championships

Morrison CC - 2 Championships

Plum Hollow GC - 1 Championship