The Gem In Your Backyard In 1919, when the North Shore Channel was new, and the area surrounding it was largely unusable, some progressive and creative leaders of Evanston and Wilmette joined together with a vision for a golf course – not just any golf course, but one tailored to wind through our communities and provide a unique public golf experience. Situated on land owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the course was also originally known as the Peter Jans Golf Course, after an enthusiastic golfer who was responsible for organizing support for the course. Jans felt that people didn’t take up golf due to its expense, and wanted to improved access to the game. The course is managed by the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association, a volunteer organization composed of golfers and neighbors who want to preserve and improve this unique and special green space in our community.