To acknowledge a recent and rapid rise in short courses, Golfweek’s Best introduced a ranking of these layouts in 2023. The Evans at Canal Shores was named No. 22 on this list in 2025.
The Evans at Canal Shores represents a bold new chapter for one of Chicagoland’s most historic golf properties—blending a reimagined course with a powerful mission focused on youth development, accessibility, and community impact. More than a renovation, it’s a commitment to growing the game and creating opportunity for generations to come.
By: Daniel Patton
What I Love About Golf is a 30-second spot featuring influential golf pro Paige Spiranac, who touts SWAG products while playing a round with a foursome. … Tandem director Tyler Jay shot the footage with a “small but mighty crew” at Canal Shores Golf Course in Evanston. Tapping into Spiranac’s stylish authority, he captured things that make golf excellent.
By: Walter Lis
While the Chicago area showed well, KemperSports also dominated nationally:
The Jewel Golf Club (MN) and Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West (NJ) each won awards in all four categories
Sand Creek Station (KS) and Skyway earned first place finishes in multiple categories
KemperSports claimed No … With deep roots in the Chicago area and a portfolio that includes both daily-fee and destination-style public facilities, the company has helped raise expectations for what public golf can and should be. … Harborside International Golf Center (Chicago): Features the Port and Starboard courses.
The Glen Club (Glenview): A premier daily-fee course.
Canal Shores Golf Course (Evanston): A 18-hole course along the canal.
Winnetka Golf Club (Winnetka): 18-hole course and 9-hole par-3.
By: Jeff Hirsh
Dave Lockhart looked out at the Canal Shores golf course, and said “I grew up playing here. This is where I hit my first golf shot.” … But, Sullivan said, it was “monsoon time” in Evanston then, so the celebration date was moved.
Golf course architect Todd Quitno said, “I love this course.”
“There are a lot of things here that you don’t see anywhere else,” he pointed out, such as five roads that run through the 80-acre course.
By: Wendi Kromash
At the Evans, all caddies walk the course with the golfer; they don’t use golf carts. Caddies go out in pairs for safety and to work as a team when caddying. It’s a shorter course than most private clubs, but a loop of 18 holes is close to five miles. … Later, they moved to Evanston, where he attended an alternative school called Evanston Academy. It’s not clear why he didn’t attend ETHS.
In 1888, he began caddying at Edgewater Golf Club.
By: Jeff Hirsh
But for 15-year old Danny Hesburgh, “C-I-T” stands for “caddie in training,” as a member of the brand-new Caddie Academy at the Canal Shores Golf Course.
The Academy kicked off, or rather, teed off this past weekend, as a key part of the renovated golf course. … Danny told Evanston Now that while he has played golf recreationally, he never caddied … until now.
Caddying is not just lugging bags from tee to tee. … Danny said a good caddie gives the golfer “an accurate read of the greens,” brings along extra golf balls, fixes divots, cleans the clubs, and gives the golfer the yardage from the tee box to the pin, “to help determine what club to use.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canal Shores Appoints Bill Sullivan as First-Ever Executive Director
Evanston, IL – April 25, 2025– The Canal Shores Board announced today the appointment of Bill Sullivan as its first-ever Executive Director. A longtime Glenview resident and an Evans Scholar Alum, Sullivan brings decades of leadership experience in business strategy, operations, and youth-focused nonprofits to the role.
Located in the heart of Evanston and Wilmette, The Evans at Canal Shores has been a community treasure since 1919. The course has long served as a neighborhood hub, a learning ground for young golfers, and a vital green space in the North Shore area. Its mission—centered on youth development and environmental stewardship—continues to evolve through a bold new chapter with Sullivan at the helm.
A proud graduate of Indiana University and recipient of the Evans Scholarship, Sullivan has held senior executive positions at ITW Inc. and currently leads NewMarket Strategies, his strategic advisory firm. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the Evans Scholars Foundation and has deep ties to youth development through his service with organizations like Make-A-Wish and Junior Achievement.
“It’s a tremendous honor to step into this new role at Canal Shores,” said Sullivan. “As someone whose life was changed by the game of golf and the support of the Evans Scholars Foundation, I believe deeply in the mission of this course. Canal Shores is more than just a place to play—it’s a space where young people learn, communities connect, and legacies are built.”
Matt Rooney, Canal Shores Board President, shared his excitement: “Appointing our first Executive Director is a landmark moment for Canal Shores. Bill’s leadership, business acumen, and lifelong commitment to youth golf and service make him uniquely suited to guide us forward. We’re thrilled to have him leading the next chapter of this remarkable community asset.”
Under Sullivan’s leadership, Canal Shores will continue to strengthen its programs in ecology and youth development and partnerships with The First Tee of Greater Chicago, The Golf Practice , and the Evans Scholars Foundation and build on its century-long legacy as a welcoming, purpose-driven green space for all.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.canalshores.org.
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About The Evans at Canal Shores
Nestled along the scenic North Shore Channel, The Evans at Canal Shores offers a unique golfing experience steeped in history and charm. Originally opened in 1919, this beloved course is a gem for golfers of all skill levels, blending natural beauty with a challenging, yet accessible layout. With its meandering fairways, towering trees, and serene water features, The Evans is more than just a round of golf—it’s a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown Chicago.
Recent renovations have enhanced the course while preserving its classic appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, The Evans provides a welcoming environment, community-driven atmosphere, and a rich legacy tied to the area’s golfing tradition.
Canal Shores is committed to fostering an environment that focuses on the core pillars of Golf, Ecology, Youth Development and Community. Kemper Sports proudly manages The Evans at Canal Shores – bringing more than 40 years of industry knowledge and proven track record in golf course management, agronomy and marketing to this historic community gem.
Media Contact:
Ellen DePodesta
Email: edepodesta@gmail.com
Phone: 312-550-2454
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canal Shores Announces $100,000 Gift from the Wirth Family and Dedication of the Don Wirth Hiking Trail
Evanston, IL – February 14, 2025 – Canal Shores is honored to announce a generous $100,000 donation from the family of Don Wirth, a beloved figure in Evanston’s parks and recreation community. In recognition of his legacy and enduring contributions, the newly completed hiking trail along the canal will be named The Don Wirth Hiking Trail at Canal Shores.
For over 20 years, Don Wirth served as the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry for Evanston while also dedicating his time as a board member at Canal Shores. His passion for open spaces, environmental stewardship, and community engagement left a lasting impact, making this dedication a fitting tribute. The newly completed three-mile loop, built by the Lumberjacks, spans both sides of the canal along the entire length of the golf course, providing a scenic and accessible outdoor space for the community.
“This generous gift from the Wirth family allows us to continue our mission of preserving and enhancing Canal Shores as a space for recreation, nature, and community engagement,” said Board President Matt Rooney. “Naming this trail in Don’s honor is a meaningful way to celebrate his lifelong commitment to Evanston and its outdoor spaces.”
The Lumberjacks, a dedicated volunteer group, played a pivotal role in building the trail, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Chris Broch, Ecology Chair at Canal Shores, added, “The completion of this trail embodies Don’s vision for accessible and well-maintained outdoor spaces. It’s a testament to what community-driven efforts can accomplish.”
Beyond honoring Don Wirth’s legacy, this donation will also support ongoing ecological initiatives at The Evans at Canal Shores. Megan Hart, Ecology Coordinator at Canal Shores, noted, “This contribution will help us further our ecological restoration efforts, fostering increased native plant and animal diversity and maintaining the natural beauty of the course for future generations.”
Speaking on behalf of the Wirth family, Shelly Wirth Williams shared, “We are incredibly proud of everything our father did for Evanston and Canal Shores. Supporting the ecology program and having this trail dedicated in his name is a perfect way to continue his legacy. He would have loved to see how this space is bringing people together.”
Don Wirth’s impact on Evanston extends beyond Canal Shores, as he played a vital role in numerous projects that enhanced parks, recreational spaces, and community engagement across the city. He was also a fierce advocate for protecting the urban tree canopy.
A formal dedication ceremony for The Don Wirth Hiking Trail at Canal Shores will be announced soon.
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About The Evans at Canal Shores
Nestled along the scenic North Shore Channel, The Evans at Canal Shores offers a unique golfing experience steeped in history and charm. Originally opened in 1919, this beloved course is a gem for golfers of all skill levels, blending natural beauty with a challenging, yet accessible layout. With its meandering fairways, towering trees, and serene water features, The Evans is more than just a round of golf—it’s a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown Chicago.
Recent renovations have enhanced the course while preserving its classic appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, The Evans provides a welcoming environment, community-driven atmosphere, and a rich legacy tied to the area’s golfing tradition.
The Evans at Canal Shores is committed to fostering an environment that focuses on the core pillars of Golf, Ecology, Youth Development and Community. KemperSports proudly manages The Evans at Canal Shores – bringing more than 40 years of industry knowledge and proven track record in golf course management, agronomy and marketing to this historic community gem.
Media Contact:
Ellen DePodesta
Email: edepodesta@gmail.com
Phone: 312-550-2454
The Evans at Canal Shores Progress Update
Volume 1
July 25, 2024
This is Chris Charnas Vice President of Golf for The Evans at Canal Shores – If you’re a baseball fan your 4 favorite words are “Pitchers and Catchers Report”. If you are a golf fan your 4 favorite words are “Tee Times are Available”. 12 months after we started construction on the renovation of what was then Canal Shores Golf Course I am excited to announce that we are opening 12 holes for Preview Play on August 1, 2024 of The Evans at Canal Shores.
If you want to get out and play here is the link to our new Evans Course Website and our Tee Time Reservation system. https://www.canalshores.org/
The first 12 holes feature: #7 the 65 yard putting hole, #4 with the cross canal tee shot, # 8 with the Rodan green, #11 with the Biarritz green and a host of other fun features. Be sure to check out our new tee posts, directional signs and fencing and stop by the pro shop to be one of the first people to wear our new Owl logoed items. We plan to open our newly refurbished patio for limited Food and Beverage Friday and Saturday nights starting August 9th.
Having raised over $5.9 million – oh yeah we reached our goal last week! and completed construction and growing in the course in just over 12 months – the list of people to thank is almost endless. This is just a start, we will formally thank everyone at the Grand Opening next Spring, but I would be remiss if i did not thank the following individuals and entities for getting us to this point in the project.
Josh Lesnik – for his incredible vision, unwavering support and unmatched network – without Josh this project does not happen.
John Kaczkowski and the Western Golf Association – for his trust in the Canal Shores Board to turn this dream into a reality.
Lea Jesse and the First Tee – for their commitment to this project and their mission to teach golf to kids
Eric Wadsworth and Doug Myslinski and the whole Wadsworth Golf team – for their long term support of Canal Shores and their incredible expertise in building this amazing new golf course.
Todd Quitno for his vision and ability to turn a table top into what may be one of the top short courses in the country.
Tom Grey and Brad Helms and the entire EC Staff – for their herculean efforts to get the golf course ready to open August 1 and for their patience in dealing with the Canal Shores Board.
Matt Rooney, Karl Leinberger, Rick Bald, Dan Chow and the entire Canal Shores Board past and present for leaning in not giving up even when the odds seemed stacked against us.
Steve Skinner and the entire Kemper Sports team for bringing us into the Kemper Sports Family and all the support that comes with that.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, The City of Evanston and the Wilmette Park District (Our landlords) for trusting us with the Gem in their Front Yard.
Patrick Hughes, Chris Broch and the 250 member strong Lumberjack crew for creating a community unlike any other in the golf world.
And especially to the 180 donors who stepped up and supported this project and our mission to Preserve a Cherished Course and Provide a Path for Kids.
And finally to our neighbors in Evanston and Wilmette for their unending patience during this project
THANK YOU
We can’t wait to see you on the course.
Chris
*** Photo Credit to Patrick Hughes, Jr.
THE EVANS at CANAL SHORES
PRESERVING A CHERISHED COURSE
PROVIDING A PATH FOR LOCAL KIDS