John Hughes' Widow Donates $500,000 To Deerpath Golf Course

LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF, IL - From The City of Lake Forest: Nancy Hughes, a long-time Lake Forest resident, has donated $500,000 toward the renovation of Deerpath Golf Course, owned by the City of Lake Forest. The contribution was announced at the Lake Forest City Council meeting on December 18. "I am very pleased to make a gift for this community cause. The Golf Course is a Lake Forest treasure, which is a beautiful and serene place for everyone to enjoy during all four seasons," said Mrs. Hughes. The Club House at the course will be renamed the "John and Nancy Hughes Club House" in honor of this significant gift.

The City began updates of the course in 2016 with improvements to the Club House, course work and landscaping, and has budgeted a total of $1,200,000 for the project. The public/private partnership includes raising $2,000,000 over a four-year time period to complete the project renovations, which include greens drainage, halfway house/restrooms, golf cart fleet and new cart barn, driving range expansion and a new short game practice area.

Mayor Rob Lansing states "Since 1926, Deerpath Golf Course has been enjoyed by Lake Forest residents of all ages, and, as a public course, has also attracted others from beyond our borders. Mrs. Hughes's generosity demonstrates that the course is valuable as a heritage amenity, a place with roots in the community's philanthropic past and lasting value for generations to come."

Donations are being accepted toward the enhancements at the course over a four-year period. Various giving level thresholds are available, along with naming rights opportunities.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit The Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation.

Photo: Deerpath Golf Course | Courtesy City of Lake Forest