Chicago area golf courses

[Tarantula18t]

Need help picking out a few to play

Some friends and I will be in Chicago next summer, and we are looking at a few courses to play. I have done a bit of research myself, and have come up with these listed below. I haven't played any of them, and really don't know much about them except what is on their websites. The thing we look for most in a course are the conditions. Second would probably be surroundings (no houses if possible, nice views, woods, water, etc), followed by layout. Seems sort of strange we put less emphasis on layout, but the conditions are always the most important for us. We LOVE courses with a LOT of water hazards also.

These are the courses we are thinking of playing. If we end up playing 3, which would you pick, and in what order:

Seven Bridges
Cantigny (which 18 holes?)
Thunderhawk
Stonewall Orchard
Glen Club
Pine Meadow
Harborside (which 18 holes?)

Thanks!

[oldpalchamp]

If it were me, I'd play Cantigny, Pine Meadow, and Thunderhawk. All are excellent parkland type courses usually in terrific condition, and not situated in a housing development.

[T Shaf]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' post='2040893' date='Nov 2 2009, 12:39 PM']Some friends and I will be in Chicago next summer, and we are looking at a few courses to play. I have done a bit of research myself, and have come up with these listed below. I haven't played any of them, and really don't know much about them except what is on their websites. The thing we look for most in a course are the conditions. Second would probably be surroundings (no houses if possible, nice views, woods, water, etc), followed by layout. Seems sort of strange we put less emphasis on layout, but the conditions are always the most important for us. We LOVE courses with a LOT of water hazards also.

These are the courses we are thinking of playing. If we end up playing 3, which would you pick, and in what order:

[s]Seven Bridges[/s]
Cantigny (which 18 holes?)
Thunderhawk
Stonewall Orchard
[s]Glen Club[/s]
Pine Meadow
Harborside (which 18 holes?)

Thanks![/quote]


Based upon your criteria:

Cantigny - Lakesid/woodside is the best combo - though hillside is no slouch. - great conditions, experience and beautiful property.
Thunderhawk - A little out of the way but a truly wonderful gem - usually in good condition.
Harborside - either one as far as I am concerned. again hard to get to unless your are staying in the city.

Pine Meadow is also a wonderful course - beautiful property and well maintained
Stonewall is also right up there - a few weird holes but a great property.

Scratch Seven Bridges - it is a nice course but has some tricked up holes that penalize good shots and is surrounded by houses
Never played The Glen Club because it's just to damned expensive for the feedback I have heard. Most say it is not worth it. Others may have to chime in.

Lastly what about Dubsdread at Cog Hill? if The Glen is on this list you must consider Dub's - same price and a truly beautiful course that is very challenging - played it about a month and a half ago - right after the BMW - it was awesome and tough.

Finally - if proximity is any issue - PineMeadow, Thunderhawk and Stonewall are all in the general vicinity and would be a great trio - all are in the Northern/Northwestern Burb's.

Hope this helps. PM me for more info if needed - I have played all the courses listed, except for The Glen, numerous times over the years.

[Siwash23]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' post='2040893' date='Nov 2 2009, 12:39 PM']Some friends and I will be in Chicago next summer, and we are looking at a few courses to play. I have done a bit of research myself, and have come up with these listed below. I haven't played any of them, and really don't know much about them except what is on their websites. The thing we look for most in a course are the conditions. Second would probably be surroundings (no houses if possible, nice views, woods, water, etc), followed by layout. Seems sort of strange we put less emphasis on layout, but the conditions are always the most important for us. We LOVE courses with a LOT of water hazards also.

These are the courses we are thinking of playing. If we end up playing 3, which would you pick, and in what order:

Seven Bridges - [color="#0000FF"]Fits you criteria of good conditions and a lot of water (too much). You are going to lose some balls. However, some of the holes have some houses on one side. It does not circle through a developement with houses on both sides, so it should not be an issue. There are a lot of mature trees and several nice looking holes[/color]
Cantigny (which 18 holes?)- [color="#0000FF"]Woodside to Lakeside or vice versa or just play all 27 for an extra $30 as Hillside is not bad either, just a shot or two easier. Do not skip Cantigny. It is my favorite public course to play and you will feel like you are at a private club.[/color]
Thunderhawk- [color="#0000FF"]Only played it once, it was very good, but it is way up north.[/color]
Stonewall Orchard-- [color="#0000FF"]Great layout and conditions and plenty of water for you (and no houses). 148 slope from the tips, so if you like them tough, head north to Stonewall. [/color]

Glen Club- [color="#0000FF"]Very nice Fazio layout with good conditions, but overpriced. If you are going to pay $150, go to Dubs. . . . or play both. Some houses, but just on one side of some holes . .[/color] .
Pine Meadow- [color="#0000FF"]Very good layout, above average conditions. Traditional parkland course.[/color]
Harborside (which 18 holes?)- [color="#0000FF"]Either one! It is like one big 36 holes course in my opinion. Great conditions and you will love it if you like Links style layouts. Plenty of water and no houses. A view of the City from a distance, but also some not so nice views of some industrial property. . . no housing development though.[/color]

Thanks![/quote]

Some comments above. Also, you left out Dubsdread (Cog Hill #4). Very nice parkland layout with no houses and great conditions now that it was recently re-done by Rees Jones in hopes of getting a U.S. Open. Former U.S. Am site and host the PGA Tour's BMW Championship/Western Open. Tiger has won there several times. . . . A must play on a visit to Chicago if you don't mind paying $150.

If you are looking for some bang for your buck, try Heritage Bluffs, Mistwood, or Orchard Valley. All under $70 to play and they are very fun courses with good conditions. Maybe not as good of conditions as Cantigny, Dubs, Harborside, or the Glen Club . . . . but the next tier and well above average.

If you are staying in the city, plan on about 45 minutes to 1 hour to any of these courses in various directions, with the exception of Harborside which is not far from the city.

If you play 3 and money is not an object, spend a day at Cantigny, one at Harborside, and one at Cog Hill (Dubs). That is a good mix of courses with some variety. If you are not staying in the city and are closer to the north suburbs, maybe substitute Stonewall, Greyhawk or The Glen Club for Harborside. BolingBrook or Prairie Landing are good links layouts with nice conditions as well, but in the Western Suburbs if you are far from Harborside.

[David Hillman]

Unfortunately, I have to disagree with some of that last post. Orchard Valley is wildly over-rated. It's nothing but an average housing-development course whose 'signature' hole, a short par 3 over a pond, is adjacent one of the busier roads in the Chicagoland area ( plan on yelling, or not being heard ). It is also barely even in the Chicagoland area. I live in a western suburb, 22 miles from downtown, and it's still an hour west of me. Skip it.

Also, if conditions are higher on your list than reputation, skip Dubsdread. It's the toughest course around, but in poor condition, or at least it was right before they shut it down for the BMW. Ballmarks everywhere, and even more divot holes. Worth it ($150 anytime) only to say you've played a tournament course. You might want to consider Cog Hill's Ravines course, which is in better shape ( people who pay less apparently can bend over and touch the ground ).

Seven Bridges is one of my favorites, and the condition is normally top-notch, however there are houses on some holes, and even apartment buildings across the creek from #10. That said, there aren't a whole lot of courses around here without houses.

Keeping your priorities in mind, I'd definitely suggest Prairie Landing. It's a links course in excellent shape, and there's not a single house on it. Unfortunately, it's right next to a small airport, so unless you are an aviation fan, you might not like getting buzzed by Gulfstreams all day. If strategy is interesting to you, this might be the best course in the area though. I can't think of any other courses I've played that are in excellent condition, yet don't feature houses on most holes. Harborside would be one, but you already know about it. If you like playing target golf among a lot of water, there's a course called Glendale Lakes, and they really mean it. I think there might be water on every hole ( but it's otherwise nothing special in terms of houses and condition ).

Have fun.

[Siwash23]

[quote name='David Hillman' post='2041383' date='Nov 2 2009, 04:15 PM']Unfortunately, I have to disagree with some of that last post. Orchard Valley is wildly over-rated. It's nothing but an average housing-development course whose 'signature' hole, a short par 3 over a pond, is adjacent one of the busier roads in the Chicagoland area ( plan on yelling, or not being heard ). It is also barely even in the Chicagoland area. I live in a western suburb, 22 miles from downtown, and it's still an hour west of me. Skip it.

Also, if conditions are higher on your list than reputation, skip Dubsdread. It's the toughest course around, but in poor condition, or at least it was right before they shut it down for the BMW. Ballmarks everywhere, and even more divot holes. Worth it ($150 anytime) only to say you've played a tournament course. You might want to consider Cog Hill's Ravines course, which is in better shape ( people who pay less apparently can bend over and touch the ground ).

Seven Bridges is one of my favorites, and the condition is normally top-notch, however there are houses on some holes, and even apartment buildings across the creek from #10. That said, there aren't a whole lot of courses around here without houses.

Keeping your priorities in mind, I'd definitely suggest Prairie Landing. It's a links course in excellent shape, and there's not a single house on it. Unfortunately, it's right next to a small airport, so unless you are an aviation fan, you might not like getting buzzed by Gulfstreams all day. If strategy is interesting to you, this might be the best course in the area though. I can't think of any other courses I've played that are in excellent condition, yet don't feature houses on most holes. Harborside would be one, but you already know about it. If you like playing target golf among a lot of water, there's a course called Glendale Lakes, and they really mean it. I think there might be water on every hole ( but it's otherwise nothing special in terms of houses and condition ).

Have fun.[/quote]

Sorry, but I have to disagree with much of your post. . . I have never heard anyone say Orchard Valley is over-rated. It is nowhere near my top 3 recomended courses as I laid out in my prior post. I just mentioned it as a good course for a lower greensfee. It has houses, but there is no hole with houses on both sides. The houses surround the outer perimeter of the course. IMO, a bad housing develepment course is one that has holes that cut through the develpment with houses on both sides . Orchard is a much better course than Seven Bridges and Glendale Lakes is an extremely short dog track. Also, there is no Western suburb that is anywhere near one hour east of Orchard Valley unless you are sitting in a traffic jam. It is right on I-88 and I can get there in a half hour from Oak Brook every day of the week. It is just over 40 miles from the Loop . . .straight west and all highway. #12 is by no means the signature hole just because it is on the road and his their sign on the wall. #2 and #13 are two of the best holes around. There are a few holes that are not great, but as a whole the course is a very good layout and fun to play for all level golfers. Also, if you think either Galena Rd or Orchard are one of the busiest roads in Chicagoland, you must not get around much. One is a two lane road and the other is barely an exit off the highway.

Next, if you have played Dubsdread this year, you are missing out. I played it right before BMW as well and there were not ballmarks everywhere (the new greens are too hard for this to possibly be true). It is now in excellent condition after the renovation last year and the Ravines Course (#2) is nowhere close to comaparable. The Ravines is an overpriced average course at best. They market it as a U.S. Amateur course and charge a premium rate just becuase it hosted one of the rounds of the stroke play qualifying by default. It has nice mature trees and some decent holes, but it is short and very easy. . . .and not very memborable either. The greens are not close to what the greens are on Dubsdread, which now have the sub-air system in them.

I do agree with you that he would probably really enjoy Prairie Landing based on his criteria. . . check out their website. It is a good RTJ Jr. course with nice conditions and lots of water and risk reward holes. It is a lot of fun to play. Dupage airport is not busy enough to be much of an issue.

[David Hillman]

I don't want to turn this into an argument, since we clearly disagree on a lot and that won't change.

A couple points, though; the OV site says "Golfers of any level will find Orchard Valley's signature 12th hole especially memorable." ( [url="http://foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/?q=node/460"]http://foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/?q=node/460[/url] ) They seem to think it's their signature hole, and it is pretty... they just need to plant some trees between it and the road. It should be cheaper than really nice private courses, because it's a muni owned by the town park district. They must have the negatives on someone to have gotten it ranked like it is by some publications. It's a nice course, but that's all. I'll give you that I over-stated the traffic on Orchard Rd, but with a couple diesels always idling at the light by the 12th green, it's loud enough to prevent conversation ( and for me, anyway, enjoyment of the hole ).

I do agree that Glendale Lakes is quite short, and nothing special, but if you love water hazards ( like the OP ), it's got them in spades.

You must have been in the group behind us at Dubsdread. We played right before the BMW, too, and we fixing ballmarks left, right and center. We got delayed on one green ( no one waiting behind ) and spent a solid 10 minutes doing nothing else, out of boredom. Traps weren't raked ( until we visited them ), and the landing areas of the fairways were a disaster. The 'premium rate' at Ravines is just $73 to ride on weekends, which is very reasonable for a quality course.

I guess diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks, but I don't know why anyone would drive all the way out to west Aurora to play OV, when you have similar options right next door, like Oak Brook GC, Willow Crest, or the much nicer Pete Dye course at Ruffled Feathers, which hasn't been mentioned yet, I don't think. The first two are on-par with OV, and much closer to civilization, and the latter is a really great course ( not cheap, though, tops out around $100 ).

[Tarantula18t]

I appreciate all the suggestions.

Dubs is always an option as well.

I was also wondering about Stonebridge CC in Aurora? That is a course I can get on as well. Should I consider that for one of the rounds?

[ksavy17]

two words, Pine Meadow!!!! but im somewhat biased since my dad is the greens keeper there

[powerfade_maller]

You may want to drive on up to Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg and play Hilldale. It is a little short (6700ish) but was designed by Robert Trent Jones and has some pretty great holes. All of the greens are immaculate as well. A little housing development grew up around it and on maybe half the holes there are houses visible, but they don't really come into play. It is also very affordable for as nice a course as it is. ($40ish for 18 w/cart)

[nyhc23]

Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard, Oak Grove, Pine Meadow, Glen, White Deer Run (Houses EVRYWHERE though), Dubs, OV... all good

If possible, try and get to some of the privates out here... some of the best in the country.

[T Shaf]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' post='2046323' date='Nov 4 2009, 08:14 PM']I appreciate all the suggestions.

Dubs is always an option as well.

I was also wondering about Stonebridge CC in Aurora? That is a course I can get on as well. Should I consider that for one of the rounds?[/quote]


By all means - yes go to Stonebridge - great course - there are houses but they are not an issue.

Stonebridge, Dubsdread and Cantigny would be quite a trio!

[buckman821]

I agree with whoever said Thunderhawk, Cantigny, and Pine Meadow. I would maybe consider stonewall instead of pine meadow but both are really good options.

[buckman821]

also let me just add that the glen club is NOT worth the money. I live right down the street from there but almost never play it because it is just not worth it. If you want to spend that much play Cog Hill Dubsdread even though it is probably a little more.

[dhaab]

Seven Bridges is not close to being worth the greens fees. It's a tricked up course with a few holes that have landing areas of about 40 feet across with creeks on both sides! It's just not a very consistent layout at all. To top it all off, they don't even have a driving range.

I think Orchard Valley is a really nice layout. And the price is very reasonable.

If you're anywhere in the south suburbs, you can play Heritage Bluffs. A very tough challenge from the tips. It's located in the Joliet area.

If money isn't an issue, Dubsdread, Pine Meadows and Harborside are the places to play.

[pingmatt]

I like Ravisloe Country club in Homewood, a Donald Ross Design, its a bit of a hike from just about anywhere. But if you're staying downtown you can take the Metra train and it drops you off right outside the gates. Its an old country club recently turned public. I played it twice last summer and it was in great shape both times. I might be a little biased because I shot my personal best there, but its worth a look.

I also agree that Harborside is a must.

[Chicago Mac]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' date='02 November 2009 - 01:39 PM' timestamp='1257187154' post='2040893']
Some friends and I will be in Chicago next summer, and we are looking at a few courses to play. I have done a bit of research myself, and have come up with these listed below. I haven't played any of them, and really don't know much about them except what is on their websites. The thing we look for most in a course are the conditions. Second would probably be surroundings (no houses if possible, nice views, woods, water, etc), followed by layout. Seems sort of strange we put less emphasis on layout, but the conditions are always the most important for us. We LOVE courses with a LOT of water hazards also.

These are the courses we are thinking of playing. If we end up playing 3, which would you pick, and in what order:

Seven Bridges
Cantigny (which 18 holes?)
Thunderhawk
Stonewall Orchard
Glen Club
Pine Meadow
Harborside (which 18 holes?)

Thanks!
[/quote]

Hi, Stonewall and Harborside my favs from your list. Both real challenging, peacefull, great shape, and fun tracks.
Pine Meadow good traditional course.
Seven Bridges the most overrated course in Chicagoland. They had a Senor tour stop there years ago and use that to market the course. No driving range and first few holes tight. Many holes run into each other so you're dealing with balls in your fairway.
Have not played the others.
Enjoy Chicagoland! Mac

[sabram]

Here is a link to a good list of the top 30 public courses in the Chicago area. It is from 2007, but I don't think too much has chnaged since then.

[url="http://www.wegoblogger31.com/2007/05/chicago-golf-definitive-guide-to.html"]Jim Colton's guide to Chicago Golf[/url]

[Chicago Lefty]

I tried Hilldale the other day. Super tight fairways, and short. The greens however were awesome. Already rolling at around 11 on the stimp according to the sign on the first tee, they roll true and fast. Nice little course and you can't beat $25 with a cart on the weekdays.

[birdieboy52]

Seven Bridges--Don't waste your time
Cantigny (which 18 holes?)--Very nice, always in good shape but you walk away waiting for the WOW to hit you since you paid so much. By the way, the WOW never shows up
Thunderhawk--Worth the drive
Stonewall Orchard-Worth the drive
Glen Club-A bit pricey but a very good course
Pine Meadow--if yoru norht, the npaly it
Harborside (which 18 holes?)--Both are fine

Others to consider:

Village Links--very good redesign, very solid, very god condition, properly priced
Cog Hill 4- wonderful redesign
Oak Grove is way out of town by the Wisconsin line nad well west of the pond but it too is worth the drive.
Ravisloe--South suburbs, recently renovated and in great shape. An early 20th century course that plays short by today's standards but the conditions are very good. Went public in 2009, They had over 220 members but somehow couldn't pay the bills
Big Run--a few miles from Cog HIll. Bluegrass fairways but good bent greens. This may be the best piece of property within 75 miles of Chicago for a golf course. They have been gradually redesigning the course for 20 years and have only 5 holes left to work on. The 13th holes IMO is the best par three in the Chicago area
Makray in Barrington-a wonderful redesign of a terrible old run down course. Bring your long ball

[Skitzo71]

My top 3 around Chicago have to be Cantigny, Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard.

Next batch would be The Glen, Harborside, Prairie Landings, Pine Meadow.

[wrbush31]

[quote name='Skitzo71' date='19 May 2010 - 08:17 AM' timestamp='1274275060' post='2452677']
My top 3 around Chicago have to be Cantigny, Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard.

Next batch would be The Glen, Harborside, Prairie Landings, Pine Meadow.
[/quote]

Have you played Prairie Landing yet this year? I played last Saturday and they are charging full summer rates...and the course was in terrible shape. Typically this course is REALLY nice but the greens were garbage and there bunkers completely void of sand and were completely foundation dirt. If that's the condition of the course, that's fine...but right now I don't feel like the rates are justified.

[geochitown]

I played Seven Bridges yesterday for the first time and I loved it.
Great condition and lots of water on the back nine.
Interesting contrast of layout between front and back nines.

I'd highly recommend playing Big Run. Played there last Friday, June 4, and it's playing great.

I'm a big fan of Stonewall Orchard as well, but haven't played it yet this year.

I'll be playing Pine Meadow for the second time this coming Friday, and I'm excited!

[geochitown]

Played arrowhead today in wheaton and I think it fits your criteria nicely.
First, no homes. In good condition.
Not so many water hazards, but we only played the south 9.
Stopped by rain.

FYI. Slightly better track is South followed by East 9 which they use on weekdays.
South followed by west 9 is the weekend layout.

[geochitown]

going to play george w dunne in oak forest this Friday.
That would fill your criteria of no homes, lots of water

[jabrch]

[quote name='Skitzo71' date='19 May 2010 - 08:17 AM' timestamp='1274275060' post='2452677']
My top 3 around Chicago have to be Cantigny, Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard.

Next batch would be The Glen, Harborside, Prairie Landings, Pine Meadow.


[/quote]


I love The Glen Club - as long as I don't have to pay for it. It is a great course - but a very poor value at that price.

Thunderhawk, on the other hand, is a great course AND a great value. That's my favorite.

[birdieboy52]

[quote name='jabrch' timestamp='1279854586' post='2593874']
[quote name='Skitzo71' date='19 May 2010 - 08:17 AM' timestamp='1274275060' post='2452677']
My top 3 around Chicago have to be Cantigny, Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard.

Next batch would be The Glen, Harborside, Prairie Landings, Pine Meadow.


[/quote]


I love The Glen Club - as long as I don't have to pay for it. It is a great course - but a very poor value at that price.

Thunderhawk, on the other hand, is a great course AND a great value. That's my favorite.
[/quote]


Based upon your post I looked at the website of The Glen and they have to be nuts with their pricing, especially in this economy

[jabrch]

[quote name='birdieboy52' timestamp='1279890367' post='2594287']
[quote name='jabrch' timestamp='1279854586' post='2593874']
[quote name='Skitzo71' date='19 May 2010 - 08:17 AM' timestamp='1274275060' post='2452677']
My top 3 around Chicago have to be Cantigny, Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard.

Next batch would be The Glen, Harborside, Prairie Landings, Pine Meadow.


[/quote]


I love The Glen Club - as long as I don't have to pay for it. It is a great course - but a very poor value at that price.

Thunderhawk, on the other hand, is a great course AND a great value. That's my favorite.
[/quote]


Based upon your post I looked at the website of The Glen and they have to be nuts with their pricing, especially in this economy
[/quote]

They are not nuts. I just believe that they don't care about non-member play. If you want to come, great - if not - fine. The course is awesome. It's amazine - certainly when you think that just a few years ago it was an airstrip - flat as a board. But those prices? Not on my dime... Not anymore that is....

There are so many great courses in the north suburbs....this is a course I'll save for when my vendors are shmoozing me... :-)

I played Sunset Valley in Highland Park today - it is in GREAT shape. For $35, it is quite a value. Playing Winnetka this weekend - a bit more pricey, but very nice. Hoping to get out to Pine Meadows soon...again - great course - and still affordable.

[Scratch2Plus]

[quote name='geochitown' timestamp='1277181144' post='2525253']
going to play george w dunne in oak forest this Friday.
That would fill your criteria of no homes, lots of water
[/quote]

Ive lived in the Chicago area for 20+ years and I finally got out to G.Dunne and Im kicking myself for not trying it sooner. Love the course but be ready for a 6hr round if you play it on a weekend.