KemperSports’ newest club partnership hits close to home in two ways: One, the partnership is with the owner of McHenry Golf Club, whereby KemperSports wil manage the historic 18-hole private club in McHenry, ILL – just 53 miles northwest of its Northbrook, ILL., headquarters.
Two: McHenry Golf Club is the “birthplace’’ of TaylorMade Golf. It’s where Vale Adams, who was Club head professional from 1962-1981, tested the first metal wood made by his son, Gary Adams, founder of TaylorMade Golf, and designer of the first metal wood in 1979. TaylorMade was headquartered in McHenry until moving to its current headquarters in Carlsbad, CA, in the late 1980’s.
Gary Adams, however, never forgot his McHenry Golf Club roots. In fact, most any conversation with Adams, who died in 2000, included talk about the Club. When Adams left TaylorMade, one of the companies he started was called “McHenry Metals.’’
Gary Adams (TaylorMade Golf)
KemperSports will look to continue to grow membership while working on golf course enhancements and improving member engagement.
“I’m very excited to partner with KemperSports,” said club owner Ed Hinz. “As a Chicago-based company, they understand the market well and have the tools needed to lead McHenry Golf Club into the future.”
“McHenry Golf Club has a great history as one of the most influential clubs in golf,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “We look forward to working with the ownership group to celebrate the history while leading the club into the next generation.”
McHenry Golf Club, which opened in 1922, represents KemperSports’ 12th property in Chicago, including two other private clubs (Royal Melbourne Country Club, Hawthorne Woods Country Club).
KemperSports continues its strong start to 2025, including a recent announcement to partner with Touchstone Golf and add more than 40 properties to KemperSports’ growing portfolio of golf courses and sports venues. KemperSports also announced partnerships with four Morris County golf courses, Porto Cima Golf Club, Brickshire Golf Club, Palmilla Beach Golf, The Country Club of New Hampshire, and Swansea Country Club each at the beginning of 2025.
Feature Photo Courtesy of McHenry Golf Club