Spotlight

Oak Terrace Golf Course - hole 11

With enjoyable golf and more, Oak Terrace Resort and Spa in Pana is a central Illinois rarity

Offering nearly every imaginable amenity, from fishing and boat rentals to a lakeside spa to 18 holes of golf, Oak Terrace deserves a vote for "Most Unexpected" golf resort in Illinois, Kiel Christianson writes. The vast difference between the resort's two nines gives the golf course a bit of a split-personality, but the medium-length track provides plenty of shot-making bang for a reasonable amount of buck.
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Lake of the Woods Golf Course - hole 15

Lake of the Woods Golf Course in Mahomet boasts recent upgrades

Located in the forest preserves of Illinois' Champaign County, Lake of the Woods Golf Course has long been a favorite of Mahomet golfers. Now, thanks to recent renovations, this Robert B. Harris design is better than ever. Improved greens, more interesting elevations and much-needed tee boxes are part of the new look, which met with enthusiastic response from regulars.
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Oak Terrace Resort in Pana - hole 11

Photo gallery: Oak Terrace Resort in Pana

Offering nearly every imaginable amenity, from fishing and boat rentals to a lakeside spa to 18 holes of golf, Oak Terrace Resort deserves a vote for "Most Unexpected" golf resort in the state.
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Illinois Golf Destinations

  • Chicago

    It's a special town that shares the love of Frank Sinatra, the Blues Brothers and Michael Jordan, but Chicago is just that: special. From Wrigley Field to the Lincoln Park Zoo to the Navy Pier, the Windy City offers something for the entire family. Golfers will have a blast in Chicago, with its abundance and diversity of public golf courses.

    Bowes Creek Country Club is situated on the western edge of Elgin amidst gently rolling hills. The golf course enjoys an idyllic setting, sprawling across lush farmland accented with stands of mature trees, natural wetlands, and rocky bluffs. The layout incorporates the natural hazards provided by the terrain but massive, sweeping bunkers were also strategically placed throughout for added challenge.
    The 27-hole course at Schaumburg Golf Club is divided into three nines that are played in different 18-hole combinations. Schaumburg's Players/Baer combination starts out with a few tricky carries over water on the front nine and a more forgiving back nine.
    Crane's Landing Golf Club is the centerpiece of Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Designed by George Fazio, the course winds across 110 acres of preserved woodlands. It is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary that offers stunning views of the Des Plaines River nearby. At just over 6,300 yards, the golf course is not particularly lengthy but it still offers some formidable challenges.
  • St. Louis

    Sure, St. Louis is in Missouri, but this border city is close enough to Illinois that five southern Illinois counties make up the Metro East suburbs of St. Louis. Golfers have a lot to choose from here, including Emerald Greens Golf Course, Gateway National, and Stonewolf Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus design.

    Far Oaks Golf Club in Caseyville has a unique layout with a front nine that is designed in a Scottish-links style and a back nine that plays through rolling woodlands. The links holes are framed with native prairie grasses and wildflowers while mature oak trees line the fairways on the back nine.
    Sun Valley Golf Course in Elsberry boasts one of the country's longest holes. Measuring a beastly 720 yards from the tips, the fifth hole is considered a par 6. It plays from an elevated tee to fiercely guarded landing area with creeks crisscrossing the fairway and the final shot plays to an elevated green.
    Quail Creek Golf Club is tied for being the most difficult public course in the St. Louis area. Designed by Hale Irwin, the course is laid across rolling hills laced with meandering streams. The layout requires accuracy with narrow fairways and hard-to-read greens.
  • Peoria

    It speaks volumes about your city when it has become a metaphor for wholesome Americana. Just a few hours from Chicago, Peoria is full of small-town charm and Midwestern flavor packed into a suddenly bustling metropolis. Naturally, golfers have plenty of options here, including standouts Quail Meadows Golf Course and WeaverRidge G.C.

    The 18-hole Quail Meadows Golf Course in Washington, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1970. Quail Meadows Golf Course measures 6956 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 124 and a 72.9 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels.
    The 18-hole WeaverRidge Golf Club in Peoria, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1997. Designed by Dana Fry and Dr. Michael Hurdzan, WeaverRidge Golf Club measures 7030 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 136 and a 73.
    The 18-hole Coyote Creek Golf Club in Bartonville, IL is a public golf course that opened in 2001. Coyote Creek Golf Club measures 6701 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 130 and a 71.
  • Quad Cities

    Looking for a "sure bet" on a Midwest destination? You might want to roll the dice on The Quad Cities – Moline and Rock Island, Ill., and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa. Standout golf courses include the TPC at Deere Run, Emeis Municipal Golf Course, Byron Hills, Highland Park C.C., and Glynn's Creek.

    The 18-hole TPC At Deere Run in Silvis, IL is a semi-private golf course that opened in 2000. Designed by D. A. Weibring, TPC At Deere Run measures 7183 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 130 and a 75.
  • Galena

    Located on the banks of the Galena River, Galena boasts rolling hills, scenic roads, historic charm and a quaint, old-fashioned Main Street. The city also offers 10 beautiful golf courses within a 20-mile radius including the award-winning Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa and Galena Golf Club.

    Situated just outside of Galena, Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort offers three 18-hole championship courses and one nine-hole course that are nestled amongst rolling, wooded hills. The General, North, and South Courses are the championship layouts while the East Course is the nine-hole course. The East is not long at 2,648 yards but don't underestimate its level of difficulty.
  • Springfield-Decatur

    Springfield, Illinois is where Abraham Lincoln made his name as a lawyer and politician, and it's where he lies at rest today. Not only does Springfield claim this most revered of native sons, it also boasts (along with nearby Decatur) a bevy of excellent public-access golf courses and lots to do off the course as well.

    The 18-hole Lake Shore Golf Course in Taylorville, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1968. Designed by William J. Spear, Lake Shore Golf Course measures 6850 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 117 and a 72 USGA rating.
    The 18-hole Scovill Golf Club in Decatur, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1922. Designed by Dick Nugent, Scovill Golf Club measures 5895 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 119 and a 67.8 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels.
    The 18-hole Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1970. Designed by Larry Packard, Hickory Point Golf Course measures 6790 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 121 and a 71.
  • Southern Illinois

    Golfers itching for an early-season escape or an out-of-the-way vacation will find several other surprises in "down-state" Illinois. In addition to a 12-month golf season, the courses here have in common incredible value, and friendly Southern-style service you just won't find in and around big cities.

    Clinton Hill Golf Course has a classic, player-friendly layout that has been open to the public since 1970. The traditional design is gentle enough for beginners but there are still challenges in store for the more experienced golfer.
    Far Oaks Golf Club in Caseyville has a unique layout with a front nine that is designed in a Scottish-links style and a back nine that plays through rolling woodlands. The links holes are framed with native prairie grasses and wildflowers while mature oak trees line the fairways on the back nine.
    Gateway National Golf Club is the top public golf course in St. Louis. The course sprawls across gently rolling pasturelands crossed with ribbons of tall native grasses and sprinkled with mature cottonwood trees. There are also several sparkling lakes that dot the course, providing challenges on several holes.
  • Bloomington-Normal

    Golfers in Bloomington-Normal are abnormally blessed with affordable, quality golf, along with a host of other entertainment options. You can't hardly swing a rusty sand wedge without hitting a great course at a great price. Standouts here include Weibring Golf Club, home of the Illinois State Redbirds; The Den at Fox Creek, probably the lowest priced Arnold Palmer design anywhere; Highland Park; Ironwood; and Prairie Vista.

    The 18-hole Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1997. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, Den at Fox Creek measures 6926 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 128 and a 72.
  • Champaign-Urbana

    Champaign-Urbana or Urbana-Champaign? Locals just call it Chambana. Whatever you call it, bargain-priced yet quality golf courses abound. The University of Illinois Orange and Blue courses are home of the perennial Big 10 powerhouse men's team. Stone Creek in Urbana is the most expensive in the area, but also the best groomed. Other area standouts include Brookhill and Willow Pond in Rantoul; Lake of the Woods in Mahomet; RailSide in Gibson City; and Ironhorse in Tuscola.

    The 18-hole Railside Golf Club in Gibson City, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1993. Designed by Paul Loague, Railside Golf Club measures 6755 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 122 and a 71.6 USGA rating. The course features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels.
    The 18-hole Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1999. Designed by Dick Nugent and Tim Nugent, Stone Creek Golf Club measures 7118 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 131 and a 74.
    The 18-hole Ironhorse Golf Course in Tuscola, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1997. Designed by Paul Loague, Ironhorse Golf Course measures 7046 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 120 and a 72.7 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels.