The course and clubhouse were previously owned by George S. May and are currently under the ownership of the Niles Park District.

Under May's ownership, the course hosted several prominent golf tournaments on the PGA Tour: All American Open (1941–57) and World Championship of Golf (1946–57) and the LPGA Tour: All American Open (1943–57) and World Championship (1948–57).

In 1953, May's associate, Chet Posson, approved the presence of television cameras at the World Championship of Golf, and allowed for one hour of the tournament to be televised, a broadcast that drew approximately 2 million viewers, and marking the first time that golf would be viewed live on American television.

While Chandler Harper was being declared the winner for the television audience, they saw Lew Worsham use a wedge to hit an eagle from 104 yards for an unexpected win.

Niles Park District Director Joe LoVerde was quoted "This is the biggest hit we've ever taken.