Western Illinois is worth the trip

The major U.S. golf hubs may not be threatened by what the western half of Illinois brings to the table as a national, or even regional destination. That said, however, there are a handful of courses worth the deviation into this intriguing terrain west of Chicago.

The first thing that comes to mind once you travel outside a major golf destination like Chicago is value. Courses are willing to reward golfers traveling the extra miles with a few bucks off. Lost Nation in Dixon, hometown of former President Ronald Regan, is touted as one of the best values in the state.

The only true golf resort in western Illinois is Eagle Ridge in the town of Galena, on the banks of the Mississippi River in northwest Illinois. Galena's claim to fame is being the hometown Civil War General Ulysess S. Grant. Eagle Ridge's General course, built in 1997 sent the resort from being a quick getaway for Chicagoland residents to a resort worthy of national attention. There are three 18-hole courses on the property and an equally difficult 9-hole course as well.

You've gone too far once you hit the Mississippi River, which drafts the entire western border of Illinois. While the west part of the state may be desolate, you are never too far from a major city. The Mississippi River is the main attraction. Either hop on a riverboat and head south with the current, or follow the tracks of Huck Finn and discover your own adventure down the Mississippi.

Western Illinois Courses

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• Best Value Golf Courses in Illinois
• Illinois-based Lohmann Golf Designs Continues Renovation Efforts
• This Fearsome Foursome Will Keep You Coming Back to Illinois