Cantigny offers corporate venues all year long
An interview with Terry Hanley, general manager at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the venue.
A: Cantigny (pronounced can-teenie) is the 500-acre former estate of Robert R. McCormick and is part of the McCormick Foundation. The property is open to the public and features formal gardens, two museums and a 27-hole golf course. Besides the permanent attractions we offer a full schedule of special events such as concerts, festivals and workshops of all kinds. Cantigny is a popular place for weddings, too, both ceremonies and receptions.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about the venue that most people may not know.
A: Cantigny is named after a small village in France, site of the Battle of Cantigny in 1918. Colonel McCormick participated in that event as a member of the U.S. Army's First Division. It was America's first victory in World War I.
Q: What does the venue offer when it comes to corporate meetings?
A: We offer meeting rooms large and small, and banquet space for up to 250 guests. One of our specialties, naturally, is golf outings. With 27 holes available we can handle very large groups, but we also welcome outings with as few as 24 players. Our museums and 30 acres of gardens, combined with the golf, make Cantigny a one-of-a-kind place.
Q: Describe the atmosphere.
A: It's unlike anyplace else in Chicagoland. Cantigny Golf, we are told, feels like a private club but without the stuffiness. Plus it's among the Top 10 courses in Illinois as ranked by Golf Digest; we've hosted the Illinois State Amateur Championship four times. Cantigny in general appeals to people who like history and the outdoors. It's a local treasure that tends to make a big impression. People remember their visits to Cantigny.
Q: What attracts clients here when booking meeting space?
A: Clients know they can count on good food and service, plus we are able to accommodate most special requests, such as private tours of the gardens and museums. Private events at the Cantigny Golf Academy are popular, too. We offer so much to do just outside the meeting room doors and our customers appreciate that.
Q: What about when the golf course is closed?
A: For meetings and private events we are open year-round. We are currently booking holiday parties and offering incentives for reservations placed before October 31. Our famous Sunday brunch in the Red Oak Room is very popular too.
Q: Tell us about catering options.
A: Catering for banquets and meetings is handled in-house by Cantigny's award-winning culinary team. Our menu choices are diverse, and special dietary needs such as gluten-free are not a problem. Clients who rent the Cantigny Education Center or the outdoor picnic pavilion are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages.
Q: What are people in your industry taking about?
A: Smaller golf outings are popular, including 9-hole outings. More and more, the companies and nonprofit organizations that use Cantigny value simplicity and ease of planning. Our hospitality staff understands that. The economic recession may be officially over but smart spending is still important and lavish off-site meetings are mostly out of favor. If you're going to invest in an off-site meeting or event, it makes sense to choose a place like Cantigny that will make the occasion memorable and special.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: Next year will be my 15th anniversary with KemperSports. Prior to Cantigny, which I joined in 2015, I was general manager of Hawthorn Woods Country Club and Buckingham Athletic Club in Chicago. I live in Lisle and now enjoy the shortest commute of my life.
- Kim Mikus
Cantigny Park & Cantigny Golf
Address: Wheaton, IL
Number of employees: 300+, including seasonal staff
When venue opened: 1958; Cantigny Golf opened in 1989
Web address: Cantigny.org and CantignyGolf.com
Owner: Robert R. McCormick Foundation; golf and hospitality operations managed by KemperSports