The Situation
Nestled within one of Chicago’s most prestigious residential communities, The Club at Wynstone has long been known for its championship Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and vibrant social culture. However, several years ago, the club ran headlong into significant economic challenges. As a member-owned club at the time, they needed a significant creative solution. Century Golf helped coordinate and navigate a change of ownership to a small group of families that lived in the community and loved their club.
Like many visionary leaders, Wynstone’s new ownership saw opportunities on the horizon – to deepen engagement among its members, expand access for new families, and evolve its offerings to meet current market expectations, all while enhancing the prestige of the Wynstone brand.
The club’s new ownership sought a partner who understood that true growth wasn’t about change for its own sake, but building upon what already makes a club exceptional
The Century Partnership
In collaboration with Wynstone’s Board and leadership, Century Golf Partners engaged with a clear purpose: to sustain Winstone’s legacy of excellence while unlocking new levels of growth, engagement and brand strength.
Century’s approach combined operational precision with a partnership-driven mindset – refining rather than reinventing. Through data-driven strategy, community insight, and disciplined management, Century focused on three core objectives:
- Elevate the Wynstone brand: Modernize how the club is experienced, communicated, and celebrated – while preserving its proud traditions
- Enhance member value: Broaden programming and amenity use to create more reasons for members and families to engage year-round
- Ensure enduring success: Strengthen the club’s financial foundation by focusing on what members value most – quality experiences, engaged participation, and a sense of belonging that keeps members connected year after year.
The Results
Under Century’s partnership-driven leadership, The Club at Wynstone improved every aspect of the member experience – strengthening engagement, deepening community pride, and raising the club’s position to one of the region’s most respected private clubs.
Membership reached full capacity across both Golf and Non-Golf categories, supported by strengthened retention and an enhanced sense of belonging among members.
Century’s strategy focused on amplifying the Wynstone brand – elevating quality throughout the club, programming to increase utilization, and generating pride in belonging. Through refined events, family-forward experiences, and improved service standards, member engagement and amenity use expanded dramatically, driving a substantial increase in food & beverage revenues.
By pursuing quality at every level, Century Golf helped Wynstone increase net operating income, strengthening financial sustainability while evolving the club’s brand perception – from being known as “great value” to being recognized as genuinely valuable.
The Legacy
Today, The Club at Wynstone stands as a model of what partnership-driven leadership can achieve – a thriving membership community with pride in belonging, financial strength, and enduring prestige.
From championship golf to family dining and social gatherings, Wynstone continues to deliver the quality experience its members desire – and the proud, welcoming spirit that the ownership families have generated.
