Flying into Windy City gives golfers first-class options
For the golfing traveler, a short stopover at a Chicago airport can be torture. You know there are more than 200 public golf courses in the Chicagoland area, but you have a day or less in the Windy City before you're back on a plane to your next destination. Here are some of the closest, best bets for a quick round.
University of Chicago professor studies why some golfers choke under pressure
From Lefty's wayward driver at the U.S. Open, to Jean Van de Velde and Reteif Goosen's recent collapses, choking is an all-too-evident and painful part of golf. Now, University of Chicago assistant professor Dr. Sian Beilock offers a theory as to why "pressure-induced failure" occurs. And according to Beilock, it's not because of the gallery, so lay off 'em Monty!
Indianapolis overlooked option for family golf getaway
The Circle City is no more than four hours by car from most of eastern Illinois. After a major renovation and revitalization of the downtown that occurred in the mid-1990s, Indianapolis offers some big-city entertainment served up with a hearty helping of Hoosier hospitality. And surprisingly, Indy also offers some of the highest-quality, most accessible golf of any major metropolitan area in the Midwest.
Playing nine doesn't have to mean wimping out on real golf
So you want to golf, but are afraid a nine-hole course will ruin your rep? Well, Chicago's nine-holers are worthy of some play. "Squeezing in nine late on a summer day, over a long lunch break, or before work can be just enough to satisfy your cravings or help tune up your game," writes Senior Writer Dave Berner. Here are some of the best small courses in Chicago for you to scratch that itch.
Golf just west of Chicago shouldn't just be ignored
Chicagoland golfers tend to think Michigan and Wisconsin when considering a weekend golf trip. When it comes to avoiding the dastardly Second City traffic, however, West is the way to go - less traffic, an easier ride and darn good golf. Check out Galena’s Eagle Ridge Resort, Galena Golf Club, Aldeen and PrairieView. In Stockton, you’ll find Black Hawk Run, and Woodbine Bend is a good option near Elizabeth. Lastly, don’t miss Storybrook Country Club in Hanover.
Springfield: A 'capital idea' for a family golf trip
Abe Lincoln's 24-year presence in Springfield qualifies it as one of the most historic cities in the state. Happily for us, it isn't a bad place for a golf trip, either. The two premier daily-fee courses in Springfield, the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed Rail Golf Course and Piper Glen Golf Club, represent remarkable values. For even better deals, check out the park district courses in Springfield and, even more notably, in Decatur, just 30 minutes to the east.
Champaign-Urbana: More than meets the eye
Sure, there was a time when Urbana-Champaign's reputation as a sleepy cow-town surrounded by cornfields was perhaps justified. But today, the home of the Fighting Illini is experiencing a renaissance. All around the "Twin Cities" area, upscale bars and restaurants are opening that are guaranteed to appeal to the tastes of academics, scholars and, fortunately for us, golfers alike. Kiel Christianson runs down what to do in Urbana-Champaign when your round is finished.
The early bird's best bets for early-season golf in Chicago
Many courses in the spring are itching to open. Some of the higher-end tracks wait it out, knowing the weather can be temperamental, but others open anticipating hungry early-spring players starved for a game. But you have to be cautious about what courses are best for these early rounds. Some facilities simply open too early with grounds that just aren't ready for regular play - not enough time to dry out from the thaw, fairway grass that's still dormant or root-less and greens that are long and bumpy. Here's the best places to play early this season.
March madness on the links
With the Illinois men's basketball team in the thick of things at the NCAA Tournament, it's hard to think about any other sport than roundball. But knowing how good (and inexpensive) the golf courses can be around the U-of-I campus, golf comes in at a close second. TravelGolf.com takes a look at the best bets for golf in a region currently obsessed with college hoops.
- Rockford: The best little golf town in Illinois
- Golf skills of Illinois coach are no Small wonder
- SMT Golf: 'Swing Hard, You Might Hit Something'
- Some pricey places are really a rip-off
- WeaverRidge's owners love golfers more than golf
- So you want to design your own golf course?
- Chicago-area offers some great golf as autumn arrives
- St. Louis golfers shouldn't discount a round in the fall
- Need a good round? Try these Chicago-area courses to break 80
- Hend-Co Hills Golf Club is where Open champ learned to play
- Waiting for the call
- Woods prepares for U.S. Open, Western Open; insists he'll 'play great golf again'
- Chicago's best par-3s have it all -- beware!
- Legendary Chicago Amateur tournament turns 100 this summer
- Northern Bay to offer Midwest golfers newest 'replica' course
- Annika goes for three-peat in Chicago
- Where is the Golf Center of the World? It's not where you think
- Chicago Golf Show marks start of spring season
- PGA of America faces scrutiny on growing the game
- Windy City Rejuvenation puts Forest Preserve back on the map
- When will Illinois see Wie?
- February is for love and making plans for golf
- Dale Tallon's passion for golf runs deep
- There's plenty to crow about in Grand Strand
- Resolving to be a serious Illinois golfer
- The Glen Club takes Illinois' top 2003 honor
- West Kentucky road trip offers good golf, honest deals
- Chicago is home of the golf dome
- For Bears quarterback, golf is second love
- Cubs fans travel south for baseball and golf
- Chicago-area college golf courses graduate with honors
- Dr. Jim Suttie has the cure for your game
- Foxford Hills Golf Club welcomes one and all
- Playing Chicago on the cheap
- Tiger prepares for U.S. Open with an old friend
- Annika returns to LPGA riding high from Colonial
- U.S. Open puts focus on Chicago golf
- He's the world's best golfer, and he's not Tiger Woods
- Big changes come to old Chicago favorites
- The Glen Club heads top 10 places to play in Chicago
- Scratch that itch: Fantasy golf can be the cure for the winter golf blues
- This Fearsome Foursome Will Keep You Coming Back to Illinois
- Winter Golf in Chicago Worth a Second Look
- Fazio's ace in the hole is quite a Wise guy
- The Illinois Triangle: Well Worth the Trip
- On the Road in California: 17-Mile Drive's Historic Jaunt to Pebble Beach
- Best courses for your money in Illinois
- On the Links with Atlanta Hawks Coach Lon Kruger
- Illinois-based Lohmann Golf Designs Continues Renovation Efforts
