Northbrook Park District's par-3 course offers a great setting to introduce golf to juniors or tune your short game. Anetsberger has a useful practice area with bunkers and an area for wedge shots up to 50 yards.
The village of Bartlett owns this fun and relaxed 9-hole par-3 venue. Apple Orchard Golf Course opened in 1960 and has been introducing people to the game for generations.
The Arboretum Club is a shot-makers course that puts a premium on accuracy. Intriguing holes with well-defined landing areas implore you to hit good shots. You'll need your entire bag of tricks to score well here.
Arlington Lakes definitely lives up to its name. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for with water hazards and tight fairways. This site was actually a military base until the course was built in 1979.
Arrowhead is one of those places that feels like a private club. Three impeccable 9-hole courses await golfers on this historic property, along with a magnificent clubhouse and even a golf museum inside.
Owned by the village of Bartlett, the star of the show here is the hilly terrain, which spices up practically every hole. 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the club.
Though it's now a 9-hole course, this property was the site of America’s very first 18-hole golf course, built in 1892 by legendary architect Charles Blair MacDonald. The course was formerly known as Downers Grove Golf Club.
There's truth in advertising at Big Run; this course is long if you want to play it that way. Hilly terrain and two holes at 600+ yards make for an awesome challenge. The clubhouse is dated but you can have a great time here.
For city-dwellers, this fun 9-hole track in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood is convenient to play before or after work and has some tricky holes. It's adjacent to the Chicago River, and sometimes gets flooded after heavy rain.
Owned by the village of Gurnee, this waterworld of a golf course keeps you on your toes the entire round. Great practice facilities let you tune up for the challenge beforehand.
Blackberry Oaks’ 18-hole course hosts the popular annual Blackberry Amateur tournament. The track is 6,400 yards with lots of water to avoid. The practice facility features a grass tee range and two greens.
Opened in 2006, Blackstone sports a beautiful, challenging, and well-manicured golf course along with one of the most stunning clubhouses in the Chicago area.
Water is abundant at this short 18-hole course, but you already knew that because the word Creek is in the name. The track travels 5,632 yards and the longest hole is 464 yards.
This historic club has everything you need for a great day of golf: a beautiful clubhouse, a solid pro shop, good practice facilities, a fun golf course, and good food.
Built in 2002, Bolingbrook provides a wonderful golf experience with a massive clubhouse, impressive practice facilities, and an incredible links-style golf course. The 600-yard 5th hole will test you, as will the island green on the 17th.
Historic Bonnie Brook opened in 1926 and is owned by the Waukegan Park District. Narrow fairways defend the course, but you’ll also need to look out for Yeoman Creek, which runs through the heart of the property.
Bonnie Dundee is a historic muni known for its affordability and shorter layout. While lacking fancy practice facilities or a pro shop, the course is well-maintained.
This 27-hole facility in McHenry County sports three reasonably priced 9-hole courses. The practice area has a grass tee range and one of the biggest putting greens in all of Chicagoland.
This 9-hole executive length course run by the Bolingbook Park District is only 2,227 yards but provides a challenge with water in play on 7 holes. Boughton is good for a relaxed golf experience.
The city of Elgin owns this spectacular and challenging golf course, which was given a Design Excellence Award in 2013 by the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
Brae Loch is a historic muni nearing its 100th birthday. Traveling 5,891 yards, it’s a shorter course with a relaxed atmosphere owned by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
As the name implies, this track has a lot of bridges, and therefore a lot of water. But don't let that dissuade you from playing this excellent course or using its fantastic practice facility.
Three 9-hole courses, each with their own vibes, allow golfers to mix things up at Broken Arrow. The grass-tee driving range is the highlight of the practice facility.
Narrow fairways and interesting hole layouts defend par here at Buffalo Grove GC. In addition, a small tributary named Buffalo Creek runs through the heart of the course and spices things up quite a bit.
One of ten courses owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve, Burnham Woods is coming up on its 100th birthday! The course is nestled up right against the border between Illinois & Indiana. Tall, mature trees line every hole.
This short and very unique 18-hole course is deeply woven into the communities of Evanston & Wilmette, where you'll play along the Chicago River and cross numerous city streets while doing so. A relaxed and fun atmosphere awaits; you're likely to see families and pets enjoying the course during your journey.
This wonderful golf playground consists of three formidable 9-hole courses, a world-class golf academy, an upscale restaurant, and more. Cantigny has hosted numerous tournaments.
This course in south suburban Beecher, Illinois has three 9-nine hole tracks you can combine into 18 hole rounds for variety. The South Course is the longest and hardest of the three.
With a max course rating of 74.2 for men, this club asks tough questions of a golfer, even though water only comes into play on two holes. The clubhouse at Carriage Greens shows its age.
Cary CC celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023! The course is short at 6,247 yards, but the fairways are exceptionally narrow, so make sure your ordnance is precisely delivered.
Owned by the town of Munster, Indiana, this 9-hole muni is hilly and has links-style vibes. It’s a component of the larger Centennial Park footprint, which also has an amphitheater, dog park, tennis courts, and more.
One of the few par-73 tracks in Illinois, Chalet Hills offers beautiful scenery and dramatic elevation changes. The course will test every aspect of your talents.
This affordable 18-hole course out in McHenry County doesn’t boast the best amenities but it does have a unique feature. The 17th hole is a 703-yard beast, perhaps the longest hole in Illinois!
Opened in 1927, Chevy Chase is a beautiful club with an interesting history and a grandiose event space. It doesn’t feel like a muni at all, but it’s owned by the Wheeling Park District.
Chicago Heights Park District owns two 9 hole courses: East & West. They are affordably-priced and have separate tee boxes for front & back nines, so you can simulate playing 18 different holes instead of 9.
Narrow fairways defend this historic, yet relatively short 18-hole course in Morton Grove. At 5,634 yards, length off the tee is not a requirement, but accuracy is.
The amazing golf mecca known as Cog Hill has four great courses, awesome practice facilities, three separate golf shops, and everything a golfer could want. Course #4, Dubsdread, has been a premier midwestern golf destination since it was built in 1964.
This historic 9 hole track was built in 1910 and is owned by the Chicago Park District. It offers a relaxed, modest, and unpretentious golf experience. There is no pro shop, barely any trees, and the holes are mostly straight lines.
Owned by the Lake County Forest Preserve, Countryside offers two 18-hole courses, each with a distinct experience. The practice area is robust with a full range, putting green, and chipping green.
Owned by the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, Coyote Run has a fun 18-hole course, a short 3-hole practice course, and a great driving range. They also serve one of the biggest hot dogs in Chicagoland.
This 9-hole executive-length course (2,400 yards) is owned by Crystal Woods across the street. There’s a healthy amount of water to avoid, including the island green 3rd hole.
Housed within the grounds of the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Crane’s Landing is a George Fazio-designed track with water on practically every hole. Narrow fairways and small greens demand accuracy.
Crystal Woods has a throwback feel, and the pro shop, restaurant, and locker room are all separate buildings. The narrow fairways will test you, but the solid practice facility will prep you for the challenge.
Deer Creek’s 6,900 yard course will test you from the back tees, though it shows its age. Their dedicated short game practice area is a welcome and friendly touch.
Marking its 60th anniversary in 2023, Deerfield Golf Club has been a core part of this community for over a half century. The practice facilities are fantastic and the course will challenge every part of your game.
Deerpath's been a pillar of Lake Forest for almost a century, but constant renovations and additions since 2015 make the course feel fresh as ever. The property is in great shape, and the massive new 30,000 sq ft putting green called "The Lawn" is a triumph.
The golf course at the Eaglewood Resort is short but is overflowing with character and flair. The hilly terrain here makes this track stand out, and the dramatically deep bunkers add panache.
Built over a century ago in 1910, Edgebrook is owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve. It’s a short 18 hole course with a par of 66, fit for a mellow, informal round of golf.
This short 9-hole muni is jointly owned by the city of Countryside and the Pleasant Dale Park District. Flagg Creek’s driving range is an unexpected nice touch at a course of this length.
The Skokie River runs dead center through the heart of this 18-hole muni, which is owned by the Foss Park District. A lighted driving range and full restaurant are also on the property.
The 9-hole course owned by the Alsip Park District opened in 1995 on a former landfill site. The practice area has a fully lit driving range with grass tees and two greens, one with a bunker.
Hilly terrain adds flavor and drama to the golf here at Fox Lake CC. Originally built back in 1925, the course is historic and was a private club until 1983. And it's very playable, topping out at 6,359 yards.
Owned by the Elk Grove Park District, in 2020 the clubhouse was rebuilt from the ground up in a $10 million renovation. The well-manicured track has an off-course driving range east of Meacham Rd.
Foxford Hills is owned by the Cary Park District and offers a stern test of golf on beautiful and hilly terrain. The lighted driving range and two practice greens will get you dialed in before the challenge begins.
The practice facility is the highlight here, with a large range and short game practice area. Unfortunately, without a working clubhouse or pro shop, set your expectations low for the golf course itself.
The crown jewel of the Cook County Forest Preserve golf circuit, this muni is a real test and puts up stiff resistance at every opportunity. Lots of water, bunkers, and tricky greens aim to spoil your day.
This historic club recently celebrated its 100 year anniversary. With tree-lined fairways on practically every hole and more undulating greens than most Chicagoland public courses, Glencoe tests your ability to score.
Owned and operated by the Village of Glendale Heights, this course is tougher than its 6,186 yards of length imply due to the omnipresent water throughout. Bring some extra balls for the round!
At only 6,113 yards from the tips, Glenview Park's length won't challenge you as much as the many bunkers and tight fairways will. And rent a Finn Golf Scooter to really have some fun on the course.
Owned by the Glenview Park District, this 9 hole executive-length course is a hotbed of junior golf activity. The grounds are very well maintained, with double greens and water on five holes.
This historic track opened in 1926 but has always been called Glenwoodie. The village of Glenwood purchased it in 1995 and improved every aspect of the well-maintained club.
While the massive driving range here is undoubtedly the focal point, there’s a fun par-3 golf course too, along with a restaurant, pro shop, short game area, and GOLFTEC instruction.
Not only does this links-style track have hills and mounds that mess with your sightlines, it has a 678 yard par-5! It was built in 1987 by Dick Nugent.
Grayslake Park District owns this fun 9-hole par-3 course. The longest hole is 165 yards. It has squared-off tee boxes, a really nice touch for a par-3!
9 holes of casual play await golfers at Green Meadows, which is one of three courses owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. This shorter course is great for beginners.
Waukegan Park District’s 9-hole par-3 course has holes ranging from 90 to 210 yards. It’s great for a relaxed time out on the course to get started with golf, or tune up your short game.
The premier golf facility within Chicago's city limits, Harborside has two exceptional links-style golf courses and a magnificent practice area, with more greens than I can count.
The club formerly known as Sportsman's re-opened in 2021 after $13 million in renovations, and golfers are the beneficiary. This beautiful course features thoughtfully designed and challenging holes, along with a great practice facility.
This historic club lives up to its name; hills, ridges, and elevation changes contribute to an adventurous round at Hickory Hills. In addition to the 18-hole main course, there is also a 9-hole executive course.
This executive 9-hole course (1,750 yards) has three par-4s and is especially appropriate for kids, new golfers, and folks wanting to squeeze in a quick round.
One of ten courses owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Highland Woods was built in 1976 and measures almost 7,000 yards. The fairways have room to breathe here and are spaced well.
Consistently ranked in GolfWeek’s top 3 public courses in Illinois for over a decade, this links-inspired muni delivers an exciting and challenging round of golf. Solid practice facilities will help you tune up beforehand.
Designed by legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr, Hilldale is a tight and challenging venue that demands precision. It was built on land that previously housed the Marshall Field hunting club and shooting range.
Owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve, Indian Boundary offers a casual golf experience. A great course to start learning the game on. You can rent a golfboard to spice things up!
This historic course was built in 1931 and is one of three courses owned by the Joliet Park District. With a lit driving range, practice facility with three greens, and a restaurant, Inwood is a full-service muni.
This historic course was built in 1899 and was the first public golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains! At 5,508 yards, it’s a short layout, but the slender fairways don’t offer a lot of breathing room.
The Cook County Forest Preserve owns this course, which opened in 1928 and is named after the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1937 to 1949 who used to play here.
This Dick Nugent designed course is not considered lengthy by modern standards but will give you fits unless you strike the ball accurately. 35% of the bunkers here have been removed since 2019 to make it more playable.
There is something very satisfying about the straight fairway lines on this well-groomed course, which you can appreciate from the aerial photo. Water rarely comes into play at Lake Bluff, but narrow fairways provide the primary course defense.
This par-3 course offers 18 holes of low stress golf, perfect for kids learning the game or adults wanting to tune up their short game. The longest hole is 115 yards, so leave your woods in the trunk.
This historic venue opened in 1927 and was designed by famed architect Tom Bendelow. Short by today’s standards at 6,186 yards, the narrow fairways defend par.
The centerpiece of the 2,000+ home Carillon residential community is this 27-hole golf course. Don’t be intimidated by the gates blocking your entry; they’ll let you in to play this public track.
The Lombard Park District owns this 9-hole track which measures 3,051 yards from the back tees. Water hazards play a major role during the round, so make sure you have enough balls.
One of the most ambitious land reclamation projects in the midwest led to this beautiful golf course. Lost Marsh has a great 18 hole track, an incredible clubhouse, and a 9 hole youth academy course.
This beautiful and challenging golf course has one of the nicest clubhouses in the Chicagoland area. Hills and water abound throughout the landscape, making this a particularly tough test.
One of three courses owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Maple Meadows offers good value for the green fee. Water is prominent throughout the club, putting a premium on accuracy.
With “Ridge” in the name, you know this place has hills. The front 9 was built 25 years after the back 9, resulting in a different feel for the two. 10 holes have water hazards and there’s plenty of huge bunkers.
Situated on Chicago’s south side, this historic 9-hole course is owned by the Chicago Park District. A casual, laid-back round awaits golfers, coupled with modest fees, like most CPD courses.
Owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve, Meadowlark offers nine holes of unpretentious, relaxed golf. With no bunkers and only one water hazard, it’s a good course for beginners.
This links-style 18-hole course is owned by the city of Blue Island and aims to provide value for your buck. Use the grass tee driving range to tune up before taking on the 6,581 yard track.
Next to the Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve, Midlane snakes its way through wetlands and residential communities. The often-narrow fairways and numerous water hazards provide a stern test.
With an awesome practice facility, a 9-hole pitch & putt course, and a full-length 18-hole layout, Mill Creek takes golf seriously. The clubhouse was under construction when I was here last.
This absolute gem in Romeoville has won numerous awards and deserves every one. Mistwood is cleverly designed and imposes all sorts of challenges on a golfer. Try to play with someone who's played the course before, this place is tricky!
Mt. Prospect was renovated in 2015 to restore the course to its 1920’s era roots. It features classic holes and green concepts like the Biarritz, Punchbowl, Redan, and Eden, rarely seen in public muni’s, let alone collectively at one course.
This muni opened in 1991 and is owned by the Naperville Park District. The links-inspired track has a solid practice facility and even features a double green connecting the 12th and 16th holes.
This hilly and fun par 3 course has a major claim to fame. Walter Payton lived nearby and ran up and down the the hills here to work out. There is a hill here named in his honor.
Located adjacent to Butler National, Oak Brook GC is is a beautiful golf course with a solid practice facility to match. The double dogleg 16th hole is one of the trickier holes in all of Chicagoland.
This historic 9-hole course weaves through homes of the Oak Hills Country Club Village. Elevation changes add intrigue to the round, and water on six holes ensures a challenge.
Odyssey is a tremendous golf course with an important mission. Since 2013, it’s been owned by a non-profit foundation whose mission is to understand the unique needs of veterans and assist them.
Built in 1926 with trees everywhere, Old Oak lives up to its name. This historic course has rolling hills and a fine practice facility with four separate greens. Water is in play on at least 8 holes.
Orchard Valley turned 30 years old in 2023, and the track is as fun as ever. The muni is a challenging test that was ranked the #6 public golf course in Illinois by Golf Magazine in 2016.
This 18-hole course owned by the Palatine Park District celebrated 50 years in 2018. A long and challenging test awaits golfers who play from the back tees. Has a fantastic short game practice area.
9 holes of challenging golf await patrons of Palos Country Club. The hills and water hazards are a ubiquitous presence throughout the 3,154 yard track, which is also known as Southmoor Golf Club.
The relaxed atmosphere at this 9-hole muni owned by the city of Palos Hills is perfect for a laid-back round of golf. Oodles of bunkers await your arrival to the greens here.
Historic Phillips Park has both an 18-hole championship course and a 3-hole short course. The back nine is a throwback treat with charisma and character. The driving range has grass tees.
Pine Meadow is an award-winning golf course with a superb practice facility to match. Part of the Jemsek family golf empire, the club debuted in 1985 to rave reviews, including Golf Digest’s “best new public course.”
Pinecrest’s fine practice facility, combined with their excellent pro shop and fun 18-hole course make it a great golf destination. It’s been owned by the Huntley Park District since 2003.
Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr, this historic 9-hole muni nestled against the Fox River is a treat. The St. Charles Park District has owned it since it opened in 1939.
This links-style track owned by the Lockport Park District is a great value for the price. The strong winds here add to the challenge of the 7,000+ yard course and make you glad there are few trees in play.
This beautiful 18-holer in McHenry County is well maintained and has water on 2/3rds of the holes, so bring some extra balls. Hilly terrain adds to the adventure.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this prairie-links style treasure which opened in 1994. The beautiful and challenging course is coupled with a superb practice area and a solid pro shop.
Owned by the West Dundee Park District, Randall Oaks is an awesome golf playground with a stellar 18 hole course, two short courses, and top-notch practice facilities.
This Donald Ross-designed southside gem was a private club for over 100 years until 2009. It’s in Golfweek’s top 10 “Best Public Golf Courses” in Illinois and also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1992 and owned by the village of Lakewood, RedTail’s 18 holes flow along the rolling hills of McHenry County. The pro shop is small but they pack a ton of logo merch there.
With almost comically narrow fairways, this 18-hole course requires precision. Luckily there’s a driving range to tune up before the round at this Round Lake Area Park District muni.
The word River is in the name, so you know there's lots of water on this course. Indeed, water hazards are on 7 holes here. With interesting hole designs and challenges everywhere, this 9 hole course is to be taken seriously.
This interesting 9-hole track weaves its way through a community of homes called the Rob Roy Country Club Village. Accuracy is at a premium due to the tight fairways surrounded by trees, homes, water, and roads.
This 9-hole course tucked into Chicago's West Ridge neighborhood doesn't have many amenities, but it's a good value for the price and perfect for beginners learning to play the game.
This Pete Dye gem is a glorious test of golf in Lemont, next to Cog Hill. Now 30 years old in 2022, immaculate greens and fairways traverse the property. Challenges abound, especially the par-3 island green 11th hole.
The Wood Dale Park District owns this short 18 hole muni, which is technically two separate 9-hole courses. Junior golf is very popular here. Foot golf is also offered if you need a change of pace.
If you like treeless fairways, Sanctuary is the course for you. Owned by the New Lenox Park District, this prairie links style course has a solid practice facility and lots of fans.
Schaumburg is an upscale muni with three 9-hole courses, all well-manicured. It’s hosted US Open qualifiers, among other tournaments. The practice facility is solid, as is the restaurant.
The Kane County Forest Preserve finished a $6.8 million renovation here in 2022, touching practically every aspect of this hilly course. They also have a four hole par-3 course.
Water is in play on 14 of 18 holes at this beautiful course, fed by the East Branch of the DuPage River. So bring a lot of balls. From the tips, this is one of the toughest courses in Chicagoland.
Owned by the Zion Park District, this fantastic hilly links-style track along the Wisconsin border has earned almost universal praise from golfers. Very well maintained grounds and thoughtful design make it a gem.
Historic Silver Lake is home to 45 holes of golf, spread across two 18-hole courses and a short 9-hole course. The Coghill family has owned the club for almost a century, which has a solid practice facility and pro shop.
Historic South Shore Golf Course began as a private club in 1906. Owned by the Park District since 1974, you get beautiful views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan at this 9-holer.
Springbrook underwent a year-long $3.5M renovation, reopening in June 2023 after substantial improvements. A great practice facility will help you tune-up before your round.
Frankfort Square Park District’s executive golf course has 10 holes, not 9, for some reason -- a quirk I love. The venue has two par-4’s, while the rest are par-3’s.
West Chicago's St. Andrews pays tribute to the home of golf in Scotland with the same name. This club has history, with two great courses built in the 1920s, a fantastic practice area, multiple pro shops, and more.
The pride of the Mundelein Park District, this well-groomed course has massive whimsically-shaped bunkers, oodles of water, and hilly topography all looking to thwart your day.
This masterpiece of a course in Grayslake was designed by storied architect Arthur Hills. The beautifully maintained property has hosted 4 US Open qualifying tournaments. The 615-yard 18th hole is an incredible finisher.
At just over 5,000 yards, this short 18-hole course is convenient for casual golfers and folks learning the game. The club has a lot to offer, including a full driving range, a miniature golf course, and a golf simulator building.
There’s water on every hole of this 9-hole muni owned by the Village of Streamwood. Coupled with the tight fairways, this place presents a real challenge.
Villa Park's short and fun 9 hole course is great for golf beginners and laid-back players who don't view their game super seriously. The full driving range is a nice touch for a 9 hole course.
Extensively renovated in 2018 for $7 million, Sunset Valley is a beautiful course that's exquisitely maintained. The Heathland-style design provides a stern test and has a rich history dating back to 1921.
Sydney R. Marovitz offers Chicagoans a convenient and fun place to play 9 holes by the lake. The course has developed a reputation for slow play, as its popularity has perhaps become its Achilles heel.
Tam has an amazing history you might not expect for a local 9 hole muni. It originally opened in 1925 and hosted the first nationally televised golf tournament in 1953. Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, and Arnold Palmer all played here.
With an abundance of water on the course and well-defined landing areas, Tamarack is a shot-makers course. There are relatively few trees on the course. The squared-off tee boxes are a nice touch.
You’ll need to take care to avoid both the many homes that border this course, and the water hazards present on 12 holes at Tanna. There’s no driving range here but visit nextdoor Mill Creek GC to hit balls.
Tom Fazio transformed this former naval base into one the premier golf properties in the state. Hilly terrain and complex greens challenge golfers on this impeccably maintained course. The Glen Club hosts a Korn Ferry Tour event and is also the home of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.
A massive renovation finished in 2017 turned this historic but faded course into a masterpiece. Winner of several awards, this DuPage County track is now a golf landmark and is as challenging as it is beautiful.
Of the three courses owned by the Lake County Forest Preserves, Thunderhawk is by far the nicest. In fact it’s one of the premier courses in Chicagoland.
The club shares a name with the famous Scottish course, but resembles it in no way whatsoever. This McHenry County track came to life in the early 1970s and was designed by the prolific E. Lawrence Packard.
Not to be confused with the Twin Lakes golf course in Palatine, this short 9-hole course is all par-3’s, save for the opening par-4 hole. Owned by the Westmont Park District.
This short 9-holer owned by the Salt Creek Rural Park District has two par-4’s and seven par-3’s. The driving range here is interesting in that you hit balls into Lake Irene.
Owned by the village, this 18-hole muni is characterized by narrow, parallel fairways and a healthy amount of water. There’s no driving range here but visit the Hidden Meadows range next door to hit balls.
This short 18-holer was formerly Antioch Golf Club, and you still see that name prominently on the scorecard and signage around the venue. The historic course opened in 1927.
Known as “The Muni” in these parts, this 9-hole track is family-friendly with tees as short as 1,583 yards. The Seavey Drainage Ditch runs through the heart of the property and is to be avoided at all costs.
Veterans Memorial is owned by the Navy, but don’t worry, the general public is welcome to play here. And for a Navy course, it’s interesting that the venue has almost no water hazards -- perhaps by design!
The Bartlett Park District runs this resort property, which turns into a ski hill in the winter. The historic track opened in 1926 and was bought by the Park District in 2010.
Oddly enough, this course has been owned by Mundelein High School since 2004. Not to be confused with Village Greens of Woodridge, which is about an hour south of here.
Owned by the Woodridge Park District since 1972, this 18-hole muni measures 6,638 yards and has a full driving range. With nine ponds on the property, water is a constant presence.
Glen Ellyn's magnificent golf property offers both 18 and 9 hole courses and excellent golf practice facilities. While both tracks are great, the 18 hole course is a real gem and wonderfully maintained. Water's in play on 14 holes and bunkers are abundant.
Owned by the village of Worth, this course runs along the Cal-Sag Channel canal, hence its name. Mature trees line most fairways and six separate water hazards provide a stern test. Has a large driving range and practice area.
Wedgewood is one of three Joliet Park District courses, with a lit driving range and short game practice area. The course hosts the popular Joliet Amateur Championship annually.
This prairie-links style track weaves its way through the Del Webb community in northern Kane County. The large pro shop here is really well stocked with merch.
Between the excellent practice facilities, the difficult yet elegantly manicured golf course, and the stately clubhouse, this club offers everything you need for a first class round of golf.
A 9-hole executive course, driving range, miniature golf, batting cages -- this place has it all. Not to mention an awesome golf shop absolutely packed with equipment at very competitive prices.
Owned by the Bensenville Park District, this historic venue opened in 1929 and is home to two 18 hole golf courses, a driving range, and the 37 Bar & Grill Restaurant.
Part of the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, Willow Crest offers a beautiful and challenging golf course, upscale restaurant, and stocked pro shop to make your round of golf a great experience.
Located on the highest point in Cook County, Willow Hill offers 9 holes of Scottish links-style golf, a full driving range, and even a golf dome in the winter. On a clear day you’ll enjoy views of Chicago’s skyline.
This north shore classic opened a century ago in 1923. Wilmette is well-maintained and has a nice practice facility. The par-70 layout makes the 6,363 yard track feel longer than it is.
Owned by the city of Elgin, Wing Park has the distinction of being the oldest 9-hole muni in Illinois. It opened in 1908 and was designed by Tom Bendelow. In 2009 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The quintessential north shore course, Winnetka offers a fair and challenging course with a robust practice facility. The course is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to re-open August 2024.
Joliet Park District has three golf courses, and Woodruff is the oldest, built in 1926. It’s also the shortest, with no par 5’s, and the easiest. Fun hills add drama to the round.
While Zigfield Troy’s huge driving range is the core of the golf complex, the par 3 course has notoriety and a ton of fans. The practice facilities here are great and there’s a mini golf course too.