What I will say about Conway Farms is when I first played it in 1992 (I think) as a teen who's primary exposure was small town golf courses and Chicago area Country Clubs that all fancied themselves as "shorter Medinah's" overgrown with trees, Conway Farms was eye opening. I believe it was the first time I saw "whispy fescue" or any real contrast to the tree-lined prevalent trend of the day.
What I can say without a doubt is at that time, I enjoyed and remember those 4 - 5 rounds in the early-mid 90's at Conway Farms more than rounds played at courses like Flossmoor, Ravisloe, Glenview, Onswentsia, etc. Looking back, I believe it was because it was so different and sparked something deeper about width, bunker asthetics, etc.
Now, most of the top clubs have been renovated and restored much of their charm, while Conway's changes from the original design have not improved it's character, IMO. I also thought the current 3rd made a better starting hole with the current 1st and 2nd wedged into the 8th and 9th. Conway is still a fun place to go, even if it's not the greatest course in the area, but it does deserve some credit for bringing a fresh look to Chicago at a time when the "elite clubs" norm was very different.