Illinois Golf Course Reviews
Hard to pronounce, easy on the eyes: 27 holes of golf in nature at Cantigny near Chicago
Cantigny Golf is one of the premier courses in the Chicago area, but golfers have an awful time pronouncing its name. But playing the course is nothing like trying to pronounce it. Sure, the course is challenging, but the beauty of this 27-hole layout can easily erase any unease one might have with correctly articulating its name. The trio of nine-hole courses is nestled into a 500-acre park, teaming with gardens, old-growth trees and several lakes. Cantigny Golf is not just a golf course; it's a nature retreat.
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Schaumburg Golf Club is a muni near Chicago that lives up to the hype
There was a time when municipal golf courses rarely lived up to their own publicity. Over the years, that has changed. And there may be no better example of this transformation than Schaumburg Golf Club just northwest of Chicago. The price is reasonable, the atmosphere is welcoming and the golf is fair yet challenging, Dave Berner writes.
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A great clubhouse and good golf await at Bowes Creek Country Club near Chicago
The clubhouse at Bowes Creek Country Club in Elgin is similar to the grand one at Royal Troon: a stately yet elegantly unassuming building that immediately says golf, good golf, pure golf. The greater Chicago area has a lot of splendid options. But when considering an experience that's above the typical municipal course and just below the ultra-expensive, Bowes is a great pick. Play the course, bring a camera, hang out in the clubhouse, and pretend for a moment you're spending some time at Scotland's Royal Troon.
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Schaumburg Golf Club is a muni near Chicago that lives up to the hype
There was a time when municipal golf courses rarely lived up to their own publicity. Over the years, that has changed. And there may be no better example of this transformation than Schaumburg Golf Club just northwest of Chicago. The price is reasonable, the atmosphere is welcoming and the golf is fair yet challenging, Dave Berner writes.
... full article »A great clubhouse and good golf await at Bowes Creek Country Club near Chicago
The clubhouse at Bowes Creek Country Club in Elgin is similar to the grand one at Royal Troon: a stately yet elegantly unassuming building that immediately says golf, good golf, pure golf. The greater Chicago area has a lot of splendid options. But when considering an experience that's above the typical municipal course and just below the ultra-expensive, Bowes is a great pick. Play the course, bring a camera, hang out in the clubhouse, and pretend for a moment you're spending some time at Scotland's Royal Troon.
... full article »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.
... full article »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.
... full article »Rend Lake is a Southern Illinois golf and recreation heaven
Rend Lake Recreation Complex is one of the few golf resorts in downstate Illinois. As part of the Conservancy District surrounding the 19,000-acre Rend Lake, the resort offers lodging, dining and all manner of outdoor activities.
... full article »Emeis Golf Course looks to vie for top Quad Cities 'hidden gem' title in Iowa
For all of us not ready for prime-time players Emeis Golf Course in Davenport, Iowa, is arguably the best non-tournament-venue value in the entire Quad Cities area, with greens fees at $14-$18 ($11 extra for a cart). And recent renovations all but guarantee the city-owned track top "hidden gem" status for a while to come.
... full article »Crab Orchard Golf Club the homiest stop on Southern Illinois Golf Trail
Crab Orchard may be the shortest and oldest of the courses on the Southern Illinois Golf Trail, but the layout is still a local favorite. Family-owned since 1972, the course boasts the best conditioning in southern Illinois and landscaping that will make weekend gardeners green with envy.
... full article »Gambit Golf Club in Vienna, Ill. aims for "destination" status
The Gambit Golf Club has been known for nearly a decade as a nice piece of property with management issues that have kept it from reaching its full potential. A new owner has the drive, vision and bankroll to fulfill that potential, and the metamorphosis to bona fide golf destination has already begun.
... full article »Carbondale's Hickory Ridge defies stereotypes as a superb municipal golf course
One of the two absolute "must plays" on the Southern Illinois Golf Trail is Hickory Ridge in Carbondale. This excellent 6,863-yard municipal golf course not only offers a solid challenge to power-hitters and shot-makers alike, it is home to an admirable kids' golf program as well as the Southern Illinois University Women's Golf Team.
... full article »Stone Creek Golf Club & Resort in Makanda: One killer view complements brutal course design
Stone Creek Golf Club & Resort bills itself as "Southern Illinois' Most Scenic Golf Course," and for good reason. The vista behind the 11th green is likely the best you'll see on any course with $35 green fees. Stone Creek is a fine stop on the Southern Illinois Golf Trail, and the only true golf resort in far-southern Illinois.
... full article »- Marion's Kokopelli Golf Club is finally living up to its potential
- Highland Springs in Rock Island, Ill. is everything a park district course should be
- Byron Hills Golf Course is a picturesque Quad Cities layout in Illinois
- TPC at Deere Run: Play the golf course that felled Michelle Wie
- Meadowview Golf Course in Mattoon, Ill. keeps getting better
- Red Tail Run Golf Club by Ray Floyd is crown jewel of Decatur Parks in Illinois
- Public Brookhill and Willow Pond golf courses shine in Champaign-Urbana area
- Illinois' Ironwood Golf Course in Normal, Ill. is nice, but normal
- The Den at Fox Creek makes Bloomington-Normal a legit golf destination in Illinois
- Angus Links serves up a tasty round of golf in Windsor, Illinois
- Trees make a test at Highland Park Golf Course in Bloomington, Illinois
- Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. is challenging but fair
- Illinois State University Golf Course is a shot-maker's dream in Normall, Illinois
- Mistwood Golf Club emerges out the mist of severe financial storm
- Piper Glen G.C. in Springfield, Ill., deserves critical praise
- For $30 you can golf where the pros play: The Rail in Springfield
- Decatur's Hickory Point G.C. home to Futures Tour event
- Decatur's Scovill Golf Club a shot-maker's muni
- Lincoln Greens Golf Course in Springfield: Better than a night at the theater
- RailSide Golf Club in Gibson City: Golf oasis in a corn field desert
- Historic St. Andrews Golf Club in West Chicago shoots high, scores
- Ironhorse Golf Club: East-central Illinois' "new" upscale public
- Stone Creek in a class by itself in Champaign-Urbana
- Lake of the Woods offers best value and hills in central Illinois
- Go Orange! Go Blue! Illini courses offer great value
- Ugly duckling Thunderbird Country Club turns into a swan with Makray Memorial
- Cantigny Youth Links is not your father's golf course
- Remoteness, odd layout add to mystique of The Bourne
- Village Links of Glen Ellyn gets good marks from regular golfers after $5 million renovation
- Whispering ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park is music to Illinois golfers' ears
- Orchard Valley Golf Course: Not your father's muni
- Chicago suburb brings big golf to small town
- From garbage to golf, Harborside is a study in urban renewal
- Chicago area course inspired by golf's greatest holes
- The TPC at Deere Run is a big deal in Quad Cities
- Indian Lakes Resort gets new lease on life
- Stonewall Orchard is a thinking man's course
- Railside Golf Club in Gibson City: Suburban style golfing in the country
- Lake of the Woods Golf Club offers a player-friendly track
- One Visit to The General, and You Won't Believe You're Still in Illinois
- White Deer Run Golf Club: Water brings a challenge in Vernon Hills
- Annbriar Golf Course in Waterloo: An Unforgettable Golf Story
- Changes afoot at The Arboretum Club in Buffalo Grove, Ill.
- Aspen Ridge Golf Course: A Pleasant Surprise Near Chicago
- Big changes at Big Run Golf Club in Lockport, Ill.
- Going inside the private, male-only Black Sheep Golf Club
- Hosting large golf groups at Carillon Golf Club in Plainsfield, Ill.
- Cinder Ridge Golf Course in Wilmington, Ill.
- The Den at Fox Creek: Walking in Arnie's Footsteps
- The Glen Club: Chicago's Nationally Ranked Resort
- Kemper Lakes Golf Club: Even Better Live than on Television
- Kokopelli Golf Club: This Southern Illinois Trickster is a Real Treat
- Fly First Class at La Grange Country Club
- Mistwood Golf Course in Romeoville, Ill.
- Pine Meadow Golf Club: A Must-Play for the Traveling Golfer
- The Rail Golf Club: Bunkers Tell the Story
- Ruffled Feathers Golf Club: A nice escape from the city life
- Shepherd's Crook Golf Course: Head North to a Golfer's Paradise
- Water's Edge Golf Course: Take the Plunge for Great Golf
- Whisper Creek Golf Course makes you feel like country club elite
- Country Lakes is No Walk in the Park
- Old Orchard Country Club: Plenty of Tests at Every Waiting Turn in Illinois
- Nettle Creek Is One of Chicago’s Finest
- Four Winds Golf Club: The Brown Deer of Chicago
- Chalet Hills Country Club: Part of Nature's Majestic Beauty
- Golf Club of Illinois: One of Chicago's Classiest Courses
- Bittersweet Golf Club Leaves A Pleasant Aftertaste
- Cantigny Golf Course: A Simply Breathtaking Experience
- Prairie Landing Golf Club: A Full Menu of Delights in Chicago
- St. Andrews Golf Club: Practice makes perfect in West Chicago
- Oak Brook Golf Club: A Challenging Track for Every Skill Level
- Heritage Bluffs Golf Club: Great Service, Facilities, and a Challenging Course
- Ruffled Feathers Golf Club: A Nice Escape from the City Life
- Kemper Lakes Golf Club: Even Better Live than on Television
- Geneva National: The Trevino Course
- Glynns Creek Golf Club: Where Deer and Golfers Come to Play
- Lincolnshire Marriott Resort Golf Club: A Great Place to Play and Stay in Chicago
- Pine Meadow Golf Club: A Must-Play for the Traveling Golfer
- Aspen Ridge Golf Course: A Pleasant Surprise Near Chicago
- Shepherd's Crook Golf Course: Head North to a Golfer's Paradise
- Water's Edge Golf Course: Take the Plunge for Great Golf
- Wilmette Golf Course: Home for Many Chicagoans
- Highland Park Country Club: Time to Get Back to the Basics
- Thunderhawk Golf Course: Service with a Smile and More
- Glencoe Golf Club: A Touch of History in Illinois
- Gleneagles Country Club: Traditional Golf Thrives in Illinois
- Fly First Class at La Grange Country Club