Chicagoland

[JPV]

I am a fairly novice golfer looking for course recommendations in the Chicagoland area (preferably Northern ‘burbs). Really looking for a no frills course where I can go work on my game (which needs a lot of work!). Any and all comments would be appreciated.

[doublesuited77]

i'd recommend willow hill in Northbrook. Short, Prairie style golf course (e.g. no Trees) which should be good for a developing golfer. Also a very nice grass driving range.

[JPV]

i'd recommend willow hill in Northbrook. Short, Prairie style golf course (e.g. no Trees) which should be good for a developing golfer. Also a very nice grass driving range.

Thanks for the recommendation, doublesuited. Based on your note, I played this course this weekend and really enjoyed it!

[Soup Fan]

I mentioned this in a different thread, but definitely check out Twin Lakes . It is right off of 53 and Northwest Highway. The course is short but it gives you an opportunity to experience thick rough, soft sand and water, which is nice. Most of the shorter courses geared for beginners lack the look and feel of a bigger course.

$14 to walk 9 on the weekend, $12 on weekdays.

If you plan to play this course sometime, let me know. Maybe I can join you.

Here is that first tee shot I was talking about.

[David Hillman]

Side note, there are (at least) two courses in the Chicago area called "Twin Lakes". I know this because I live right off #7 of one, and it's not the course described above. It's a nice little muni par 3, though, with enough challenge to be good practice for your 3-iron on down ( longest holes are 200, 185 and 179 ). It's the SW 'burbs, so probably of no interest to the OP, but just so no one else gets confused.

[onez0183]

http://www.winnetkagolfclub.com/

This is a good course worth checking. This course has decent practice greens and driving range.

[doublesuited77]

http://www.winnetkagolfclub.com/

definitely agree. i played there at least twice a week. my only complaint is they have a bunch of willow tree which often hang into the fairway and redirect shots.

[onez0183]

definitely agree. i played there at least twice a week. my only complaint is they have a bunch of willow tree which often hang into the fairway and redirect shots.

A righthander has to play a fade around the willow tree on the first hole. I saw a couple stiffs hit that tree. Brutal way to start.

[doublesuited77]

A righthander has to play a fade around the willow tree on the first hole. I saw a couple stiffs hit that tree. Brutal way to start.

that's one of the things i like about the course is that it forces you to shape shots. one several holes if you are in the wrong side of the fairway, you won't have any type of angle to the green.

On the first hole, i usually take a 5-iron or hybrid off the tee, depending on the wind, leaving me an 8-iron to the green.

[Turkish]

I played my first big 18 hole round at White Pines last Saturday, West Course. It was beutiful, challenging without being frustrating.

www.whitepinesgolf.com

The only other two courses I've played are small 9 holes, Zigfield on 75th in Downers Grove and Green Meadows right down the street from my house. Hoping to go to Oak Meadows this weekend, $32 after 2PM special this saturday and sunday.

www.dupagegolf.com

I know it's not Northern burbs, but figured I'd put it out in this thread.

[Turkish]

Has anyone played Oak Meadows in Addison? Going to go there Saturday (around 2ish, should be hot!).

[Soup Fan]

My Dad played 18 there a few weeks ago and from what I recall, he said it was immaculately kept and gorgeous, but not the toughest track he has played. Said there were a few really cool holes and that it was well laid out. He also said the clubhouse was an old, big building that was beautiful and that their burgers are fantastic!

[Turkish]

Sweet, playing there tomorrow at 2:20 with my bud for their summer special rate. Should be fun if we don't melt!

[Soup Fan]

Pack lotsa fluids.

[Turkish]

It really is a nice course, unfortunately I don't think I'll play there any time soon. I liked the fact it had narrow fairways and tough greens .... but ... Very crowded, and my experience with the two ladies they paired us up with, spoiled it for me. They were great people, but very slow, and chatty (they were on a 1st date, so it was a bit understandable, just not on the course while I'm trying to shoot please). The one lady could really drive it though!

I'd recommend it if you can tee off at a quieter time. Took us 5 hours to finish the round...

[Soup Fan]

I hate playing on the weekends. Too damn busy.

[campb1pr]

Disclaimer - I haven't lived in the area for 20 years, and my father moved away 5 years ago, so haven't played any of these courses since he moved. My knowledge may be out of date...

Have you tried the Peter Jans course in Evanston? (growing up, we called it Canal Shores CC) http://www.peterjansgolf.org/ Not the most traditional course around, but they have done some nice renovations in the last 10 years, and seem to be putting money into the right things. Some of the fun is knowing that it used to have greens that looked like my front lawn, and the flag poles were 1x1's with plastic sheeting stapled to the top. They have actually turned it into a golf course. The length is right to start on, and there are some actual challenges, so that helps.

The other recommendation for a beginning golfer is Willow Hill golf course - a nine hold par 35. http://www.willowhillgolf.com/ Built on a former landfill, and 100 feet above the rest of the area - nice views, and some serious wind when it gets moving.

The last place to look into is the Forest Preserve courses of Cook County - they tend to be a bit easier, and cheaper. http://www.forestpreservegolf.com/