The Evans at Canal Shores Recognized Among Golfweek’s Best Par-3 and Short Courses in America

The Evans at Canal Shores has been named one of the Top 25 Public-Access Par-3, Short and Non-Traditional Courses in the United States by Golfweek in its 2025 “Golfweek’s Best” rankings, coming in at No. 22 nationwide.

The recognition celebrates the historic Evanston and Wilmette community course’s unique design and recent transformation, which has reimagined the 105-year-old layout into a welcoming and engaging golf experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

Originally designed by Tom Bendelow and recently re-envisioned by architect Todd Quitno, The Evans at Canal Shores now features 19 holes stretching 3,362 yards (par 60)—a creative, community-centric layout that blends tradition with modern playability.

“We’re incredibly proud to see The Evans at Canal Shores recognized among the best short courses in the country,” said Cade Beckley, General Manager. “This honor reflects the vision behind our renovation—to preserve the course’s history while creating an accessible and fun golf experience that connects our community to the game.”

“This recognition from Golfweek highlights how far The Evans at Canal Shores has come,” said Matt Rooney, Canal Shores Board President. “Our renovation was about more than rebuilding a course—it was about creating a place where golf and community intersect in meaningful ways. We’re proud to see that vision resonating on a national level.”

The Evans at Canal Shores reopened in 2024 following a comprehensive renovation led by KemperSports in collaboration with the Canal Shores Board, the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, First Tee – Greater Chicago, Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, the Chicago District Golf Association, Quitno Golf Designs, and generous private donors. The project modernized the course infrastructure, enhanced sustainability, and introduced new short-game and community spaces—all while maintaining the charm and character that have defined the property since 1919.

For more information on The Evans at Canal Shores or to book a tee time, visit www.canalshores.org.