McHenry Country Club was originally established in 1922 as a nine-hole facility. Construction on the second nine holes began in 1925 and the course was opened for play as a full 18-hole facility in 1926. In 1953, substantial changes were made in the golf course, including lengthening several holes, planting numerous trees, adding sand traps and rebuilding greens. Since that time, although there have been aesthetic projects (the addition of stone walls behind some of the tee boxes and greens, the addition and removal of trees, etc.), the overall hole layout has generally remained unchanged.

The original clubhouse was a structure 14 feet by 30 feet and was built by three men in a single day. It simply contained a lunch counter and restrooms. The present clubhouse was constructed in 1953 with major and minor renovations in 1970, 1988 and most recently, a million dollar plus renovation in 2003. Unique in its river location, the views from the lounge and dining room are unsurpassed.

A club with our longevity has a long history of golf professionals. The first golf pro at McHenry Country Club was Harry Morris who came to us when the club was opened in 1922, serving the club for 14 years. Another pro with long years of service to the club is Vale Adams who continues to this day as a member of the club. Vale's tenure extended almost 20 years, from 1962 until his retirement in 1981. McHenry Country Club is honored to have an association with one of the pioneers in the development of modern golf equipment through Vale Adams; his son, Gary V. Adams. Gary Adams was the innovator of the metal wood, founding Taylor Made Golf, which was originally located in McHenry. Gary Adams went on to found two more companies featuring metal woods-Founders Club and McHenry Metals. The walking bridge on our signature 8th hole is a bridge dedicated to the memory of Gary Adams, one of our favorite sons.