best public courses in IL

[doublesuited77]

several people have PMed me asking about certain public courses in IL. So I just wanted to post my replies for all. Please note that this just covers Chicagoland since I have not played that much downstate. My greens fees are estimates based on the price I usually pay. May be off $10-15 but not more than that.



My Favorites



1) Pine Meadow-- Mundelein ($70) : I think this course has everything and I am shocked that they don't have more major tourneys here. I could probably write a 750 word review of the course. In great condition, some of the toughest and largest greens around and a good value especially compared to other courses around. When people come to visit, this is the one course I recommend they play.

2) Prairie Landing-- West Chicago ($80): An RTJ-links style course. great bunkering and always in good condition despite getting a ton of play. An very good course management course. I probably wouldn't recommend it for beginning because of the rolling nature hills and steep bunkering

3) Golf Club of Illinois-- Algoquin ($58) -- My favorite at this price tier. Very long prairie style golf course which usually plays VERY windy. A bit of a hidden gem and the staff there is great at managing pace of play. Only downside is that it is not very walkable and carts are HIGHLY recommended.

4) Willow Hill ($20) -- Northbrook A short 9-hole course built on a landfill. kept in good shape and a great course to sharpen your skills and work on wedge play. A great beginners course.

5) Wilmette Golf Course ($35)-- Wanted to have a public muni on the list. A good par 70 design which can play very tough from the black tees. Course definitely also forces some important course management decisions. Incredible customer service here (in stark contrast to Winnetka Golf Club) just down the street).


Other good courses that I am not that high on, but deserve a mention -- I am not saying that these aren't good courses, just ones that I don't like the price value relationship on.

1) Cog Hill Dubsdread-- Lemont ($140) -- In my opinion, one of the most overrated courses around Hopefully, Rees Jones will help improve the course, but it in my opinion, it is a very vanilla bombers course, not my cup of tee. If it didn't host a PGA event, I doubt most people would even know about it. If you are going to play at Cog Hill, I'd actually recommend the Ravines course at 1/3 the price.

2) Stonewall Orchard-- Grayslake ($90)-- very nice course in good but not great shape. A bit plain in the design but but very solid. Both times I've played though, I have had major issues with customer service.

3) Dunne National ($80)-- Owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve, this used to be a great course but they haven't invested in it and it has turned into everything bad about public course. They hosted a US Open qualy this year and from what I heard it turned into a boondoggle.

4) The Glen Club-- Glenview($160)-- I think this will be on the other list in a few years after the trees grow in. Built on a former Navy base, a very nice tract with Tour quality upkeep and pristine condition. Can play incredibly tough from the tips and almost unplayable when the wind blows.

[Dyna]

Ever play Shepherds crook in Zion?

[doublesuited77]

Ever play Shepherds crook in Zion?

yup, I liked it. thought it was good not great. I think the course would be markedly better if they put a bit more $$ in it.

[Dyna]

Anything has to be better than Greenshire though

[Guest]

Village links in Glen Ellyn.

[WhiteSoxFan]

I don't mean to hijack, but this is probably as good a place as any...

Any of you Chicago guys got any comments on Poplar Creek CC or Hilldale? I'm going to Chicago for my sister's wedding this weekend. I initially made a tee time at Poplar, but then I read a bad review about it. I found out Hilldale was a Robert Trent Jones course, so I switched my tee time to there.
Thanks, WSF

[Guest]

I don't mean to hijack, but this is probably as good a place as any...

I've never played Hildale, but from what I know , you made the right decision. I played Popular(sp?) and it's ok, couple decent holes but nothing memorable.

[ChiChiIsMe]

Westview in Quincy, IL is a very nice 27 hole public. $29.00 w/cart in season. Every year the course gets over-run by rug-rats with the Jr. Masters...........

[chigolf07]

I haven't played too much on different courses, but one that I like of the ones I played is Oak Brook Golf Club. Some challenging holes, and nice straight 550 yard par 5s for the starter.

I am hoping to try a lot more courses next season.

[myndcraft]

Ever played Prairie Islee ?