FEATURE
STORY
Best courses for your money in Illinois
By Jeff Reynolds,
TravelGolf.com Staff Writer
A member of the neighborhood country club isn't likely to stroll to the first tee at Indian Boundary Forest Preserve's 18-hole course and declare the exclamatory appreciation for the grounds before him. Likewise, a regular at the $18 course laden with weekday hacks can't find comfort in the plush surroundings and highbrow welcome he could expect in his cut-off Levi's, Dave Matthews Band T-shirt and assorted garage sale club set.
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1. Shepherd's Crook
A steal of a deal for walkers at $35 anytime, Shepherd's Crook is one of the Top 10 courses in northeast Illinois. Though you'll have to travel to the northernmost point in the state and you can smell Wisconsin on the first tee, finely tended grounds and the attention to detail on the course are top-notch. You won't find a driving range, but there is more than enough water and sand that you won't leave the Zion, Ill., course without getting a day's worth of swings. At just under 6,500 yards it isn't a struggle to walk this gentle terrain and the course rarely backs up. Expect to play a three or three-and-a-half hour round.
Why Shepherd's Crook?: $35 to walk seven days a week
2. Lost Nation Golf Club
Located in Lee County, not far from the hometown of former President Ronald Reagan in Dixon, Ill., Lost Nation Golf Club is the best public course for your dollar in the area. Though sand and water hazards are minimal, a heavily wooded back nine and an initial nine with more doglegs than a pet shop, it isn't easy. Superintendent of grounds Todd Rosequist is working to create more challenges on a course playable for intermediate golfers but challenging enough to keep accomplished swingers coming back. Thicker rough and more trees are on the way. The top hole on the course is the 17th, a par-4, 290-yard dogleg right at a 90-degree angle. Deep woods keep big hitters from cutting the hole short and one of the course's biggest greens is found only after clearing a canopy of foliage created by woods on either side.
Why Lost Nation?: $35 for 18 w/ cart seven days a week; $25 after 4 p.m.
3. Bloomington-Normal Park District Courses
The Twin Cities of Central Illinois are the premier spot to tee it up for down-staters or anyone passing through. The price (consider $20 twilight rates start at 2 p.m. every day) and pace of play are superb. The Den at Fox Creek, an Arnold Palmer design, is the class of the park district plays. A Scottish links style course, The Den is very challenging with a professional atmosphere, though golfers of all skill levels are welcome to take a swing at Palmer's piece of perfection. Prairie Vista Golf Course is wide open and lengthy, well-groomed and just off of Interstate 74. The course is friendly on the pocketbook and practice facilities are second only to those at The Den.
"I think what we offer is private-course courses at public prices, really," said Brad James, The Den's Director of Golf.
Why B-N Park District?: $20 twilight golf after 2 p.m.
4.
Weaver Ridge
Peoria's newest course, Weaver Ridge was constructed in the mid-90s and play began in 1997. Located in the center of Illinois on Interstate 74, Weaver Ridge would be a top play in Chicago. Current specials call for $59 with a cart, but will rise to just under $100. Wide-open generally, Weaver Ridge is 7,090 yards from the tips and is the most challenging once you reach the greens. Known for its banquet facilities as well, the course suggests booking a weekend tee time as much as two weeks in advance. Not impossible, don't be surprised if your first visit to this sprawling course is less than enjoyable because of the degree of difficulty.
Why Weaver Ridge?: Current special for $59 w/cart for 18 holes
5. Chicago Forest Preserve Courses
If speed isn't a concern and cost is the bottom line, this is your answer. You can find one of 13 in your neighborhood if you live in the Chicago area. This is a great place to learn the game for kids and a cheap alternative to the driving range for anyone looking to lower their handicap. You won't find much window-dressing here - minimal water and bunkers and few par-5s - but it can be a peaceful experience, encountering white-tailed deer or a flock of Canadian Geese on any given fairway. "(They) don't play real long, but (Forest Preserves) are good places to learn," said Tom Steindt of Chicago.
The fact that beginners and veterans are sprinkled throughout the course means pace can vary greatly.
Why Chicago Forest Preserves?: 18 holes for $18 walking
6. The Arboretum Club
Water is in play on 13 holes and the course has renovated to lengthen and round out some of its fairways. Challenging par-3s and thick prairie grass for rough on many holes, The Arboretum is a unique links experience. Located in Buffalo Grove (northwest of Chicago), it is easy to find and you can take advantage of monthly specials to sneak on for less than $40 almost anytime. Minimal practice facilities are the only major drawback.
Why The Arboretum Club?: Constant specials get you on for $40 or less
7.
Mistwood Golf Course (Illinois)
Its twin resides in Michigan - literally a near-mirror of the championship course - but you'll fall in love with this golf giant based on scenery alone. No slouch by comparison, the quality of golf is equivalent to Chicago's top courses but the price is much, much better at $42 to walk, Monday through Friday. Built around a 65-acre lake, Ray Hearn's masterpiece makes this 18 a true walk in the clouds. An 18-acre practice facility has all you need to sharpen your game before taking to the course or after and the pro shop is in a league of its own. Five tee placements can reduce the yardage for prodigies or increase it for a novice (6,727 from back, 5,231 up front). A 500-plus yard par-5 with water right and in front of the green makes for a great finish.
Why Mistwood?: $42 to walk M-F; Breathtaking scenery
8. Cinder Ridge Golf Course
Built on an old coal mine, Cinder Ridge is just beginning to blossom. Located on Interstate 55 just over an hour south of Chicago, it is reachable for weekend golfers from the city. Pace can be an issue, but $35 to walk is a great deal that probably won't last. Noticed by Golf Digest for its design following its Grand Opening in 1995, Cinder Ridge has five sets of tees that make the course as long as 6,909 or as stubby as 4,810. You'll find more water than you want (14 holes) and natural mounds can cause additional struggles. A 10,000 square foot clubhouse is state-of-the-art and practice facilities include bunkers, chipping and putting greens and a 295-yard driving range with multiple launch angles.
Why Cinder Ridge?: $35 to walk 18, one of a kind
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
