Illinois is home to a diverse array of golf courses that appeal to players of all skill levels, offering picturesque landscapes and challenging layouts. Golf enthusiasts looking to experience top-notch fairways and greens in the Prairie State are in for a treat, as numerous world-class courses are ready to put their skills to the test.
Among the most notable golf courses in Illinois, Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton emerges as one of the best, given its storied past and challenging design. Established in 1894, this prestigious course has solidified its place in golf history, as it was one of the five founding members of the United States Golf Association. Equally renowned, Butler National in Oak Brook is another standout course that attracts golfers from all around with its impeccable design and mesmerizing scenery.
Aside from these iconic golf clubs, Illinois boasts numerous hidden gems that are sure to delight passionate golfers. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned player looking to up your game, the Prairie State’s golf scene undoubtedly caters to every golfer’s taste and preference. So, make sure to book a tee time and experience these remarkable courses for yourself.
Top Golf Courses in Illinois
Chicago Golf Club
Chicago Golf Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Illinois. Located in Wheaton, this historic course offers a unique and challenging layout that is enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels.
Medinah Country Club
Medinah Country Club is another renowned golf course in Illinois, known for its three outstanding courses. Course #3, in particular, has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship.
Olympia Fields Country Club
Located in the Olympia Fields suburb of Chicago, the Olympia Fields Country Club offers two exceptional courses that are consistently ranked among the best in the state. The challenging layouts and beautiful scenery contribute to their popularity among golfers in Illinois.
Shoreacres Golf Club
Shoreacres Golf Club is another top-ranked course in Illinois. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Shoreacres offers a beautiful layout with a mix of challenging holes and stunning views.
Butler National Golf Club
Located in Oak Brook, Butler National Golf Club is an exclusive, members-only club boasting a challenging and beautiful course. Known for its pristine conditions and immaculate greens, Butler National is a favorite among avid golfers in the state.
These are just a few of the many fantastic golf courses that Illinois has to offer. Each course provides its own unique experience, and golfers will undoubtedly find enjoyment and challenge on the greens of the Prairie State.
Notable Private Golf Courses
Black Sheep Golf Club
Black Sheep Golf Club is a unique private golf course in Illinois, known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. The course features a variety of elevation changes, numerous bunkers, and undulating greens, making it an exciting challenge for golfers of all skill levels. With the absence of any residences surrounding the course, players can fully enjoy a serene and quiet golfing experience.
Old Elm Club
Located in Highland Park, the Old Elm Club is another prestigious private golf club in Illinois. The course was designed by the renowned Harry Colt and remains a classic, well-maintained gem. Old Elm is characterized by its tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and impeccable green complexes.
Skokie Country Club
Skokie Country Club, situated in Glencoe, is a historic and exclusive private club that takes pride in providing exceptional golfing experiences for its members. The course’s meticulously maintained greens and fairways, as well as its strategic bunkering and water hazards, make it a favorite among golf enthusiasts. Skokie also emphasizes its rich history, blending classic design elements with modern amenities.
Beverly Country Club
Beverly Country Club is located in Chicago and consistently ranks among the top private golf courses in Illinois. This course’s classic, parkland-style layout is well-regarded for its impeccably maintained conditions and challenging holes. Golfers can expect to navigate through a mixture of narrow, tree-lined fairways and more open designs, providing an engaging experience for all skill levels.
Knollwood Club
Found in Lake Forest, the Knollwood Club is a prestigious private club featuring a stunning, championship-caliber course. Renowned golf course architect Donald Ross designed the course, and its traditional character remains intact, providing members with a challenging and enjoyable golf experience. Knollwood Club’s picturesque setting, lush fairways, and strategic bunkering make it a beloved venue among Illinois golf enthusiasts.
Top Public Golf Courses
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club
Located in Lemont, Cog Hill Golf and Country Club is known for its four outstanding courses, with Course #4 Dubsdread being the most famous. Dubsdread has hosted numerous professional and amateur events, showcasing its challenging layout. With tree-lined fairways and undulating greens, it provides a true test of skill for golfers of all levels.
TPC Deere Run
Located in Silvis, TPC Deere Run is a championship course and a popular public-access destination for golf enthusiasts. This course offers both stunning beauty and challenging play, as it winds its way through the natural landscape. TPC Deere Run is a favorite stop on the PGA Tour, hosting the John Deere Classic annually.
Cantigny Golf
Cantigny Golf in Wheaton is a unique public golf facility with three different nine-hole layouts: Woodside, Lakeside, and Hillside, as well as a Youth Links course. These courses cater to various skill levels, and golfers can mix and match the nines to create a customized 18-hole round. This facility also offers a beautiful clubhouse, excellent practice facilities, and a renowned golf academy.
Mistwood Golf Club
Situated in Romeoville, Mistwood Golf Club is a stunning public golf course that offers a spectacular layout with water, sand, and rolling terrain. This Scottish-inspired design offers various tee options and hole strategies, making it a popular choice for golfers of all abilities. Mistwood has earned numerous accolades and is often ranked among the top public courses in Illinois.
Weaver Ridge
Nestled in Peoria, Weaver Ridge is an impressive public golf course designed by famed architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. With its beautiful, rolling terrain and multiple elevation changes, Weaver Ridge provides an enjoyable and challenging experience for golfers. The course is well-maintained, with pristine greens and scenic views.
The Glen Club
Located in Glenview, The Glen Club is a top-rated public golf course and home to the Illinois PGA section. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is built on the former site of a naval air station, offering a challenging layout and beautiful surroundings. With its top-notch practice facilities and clubhouse, The Glen Club is a premier golfing destination for both serious and casual golfers.
Golf Course Ratings and Rankings
In Illinois, there are several top-notch golf courses that have received recognition for their outstanding design, layout, and challenges. Some of these courses have even made it into the top 100 golf courses in the U.S..
The course rankings are often determined by well-respected organizations such as Golf Digest and Golfweek, along with popular platforms such as GolfPass, which rely on expert panel ratings, reviews, and index scores.
One of the notable golf courses in Illinois is Flossmoor Country Club, which was designed by Seth Raynor. This historic course is well-regarded for its challenging design and beautiful surroundings. Additionally, Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois, has been consistently named among the 15 best golf courses in the state by GOLF.com.
Here are some of the best-rated golf courses in Illinois based on different platforms:
Golf Digest’s Best Courses in Illinois:
- Chicago Golf Club
- Flossmoor Country Club
- Cantigny Golf: Woodside/Lakeside/Hillside/Youth Links
GolfPass’ Golfers’ Choice Best Golf Courses in Illinois:
- Mistwood Golf Course
- Arrowhead Golf Club
- TPC Deere Run
Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in Illinois:
- Cog Hill No. 4 – Dubsdread
- Pine Meadow Golf Club
- Stonewall Orchard Golf Club
These golf courses offer exceptional playing experiences for golfers of all levels, catering to both competitive and recreational golf enthusiasts. Their ratings are based on factors such as course conditions, layout, and overall playing experience, as evaluated by expert panels and golfer reviews.
By keeping up-to-date with these rankings and reviews, you can ensure you’re playing at the finest golf courses in Illinois, making for memorable experiences on the greens.
Classic and Noteworthy Courses
In recent years, Illinois has gained recognition for its impressive collection of golf courses. Golf enthusiasts can find both classic and noteworthy courses throughout the Prairie State, catering to players of all levels.
Back in 2020, a selection of top-quality golf courses was highlighted by GOLF Magazine’s raters. Fast forward a couple of years, and the list of best golf courses in Illinois for 2022/2023 showcases some enduring favorites and exciting newcomers.
When it comes to classic courses, the Lake Bluff Golf Club is a must-visit. Established in 1968, the club has been a staple in Lake Bluff for over 50 years. Located near Chicago’s North Shore, this course offers stunning landscapes and a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players.
Another noteworthy course in the region is the Highland Park Country Club, situated near Lake Michigan. The course is known for its well-maintained greens, making it an ideal place for golfers of all skill levels.
Additionally, golfers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to play at Glencoe Golf Club. This scenic course, located along the United States’ Great Lakes region, offers a serene setting for a great round of golf. Moreover, Glencoe’s commitment to environmental excellence makes it an even more attractive option for eco-conscious players.
The Prairie State is also home to Flossmoor Golf Club, a beautiful course steeped in history and charm. Established in 1899, Flossmoor GC has consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the U.S. Its unique combination of challenging play and lush greenery create a memorable golfing experience.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, Illinois offers an abundance of classic and noteworthy courses to explore. So grab your clubs and enjoy a round in the Prairie State!
Any given weekend and you might find me playing Indian Oaks Golf Club in Shabbona Illinois. It is a 9 hole course but there are a few different hole configurations that allow you to have a slightly different look if you feel like playing 18 holes. The image you see with this article was taken at Indian Oaks. This is a par 3 which was playing about 193 yards the morning I took this. Sad to say with a 3 hybrid in hand and the wind I put a ball in the lake.
Course Designers and Architects
In the state of Illinois, there are several renowned golf course designers and architects contributing to the unique layouts and challenges of the best courses. Let’s take a closer look at some of these notable designers who have left their mark on the Illinois golf landscape.
Dick Wilson
Dick Wilson is a legendary golf course architect known for his traditional and strategic designs. In Illinois, Wilson has designed the iconic Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook, which ranks second in the state. Known for its challenging layout and various water hazards, Butler National showcases Wilson’s exceptional ability to incorporate the natural landscape into his designs.
Joe Lee
Joe Lee is another prolific golf course architect, recognized for his ability to create enjoyable golf experiences for players of all levels. In Illinois, Lee has collaborated with Dick Wilson to design some acclaimed courses such as the Medinah Country Club’s Course No. 1. The course features tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and picturesque water hazards, promoting strategic play and natural aesthetics.
Rees Jones
Rees Jones, often referred to as the “Open Doctor,” has a reputation for redesigning courses in preparation for major championships. The son of the legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones has continued his father’s legacy in the world of golf course design. One of his notable contributions to the Illinois golf scene is found at ThunderHawk Golf Club. This northeastern Illinois gem, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, showcases the family’s architectural prowess with generous fairways, numerous bunkers, and tall fescue that can challenge golfers when the wind picks up.
In summary, Illinois is home to some exceptional golf courses designed by prominent architects, such as Dick Wilson, Joe Lee, and Rees Jones. Each of these designers has contributed to the state’s diverse golf landscape with their attention to detail, incorporation of natural elements, and strategic layouts that offer engaging and enjoyable experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
Notable Golf Tournaments in Illinois
Illinois has been home to numerous prestigious golf tournaments over the years, attracting top golfers and fans alike. One organization that’s played a significant role in shaping the Illinois golf scene is the United States Golf Association (USGA). This governing body has organized several memorable events at top Illinois courses.
One such tournament is the BMW Championship, which is part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs. Traditionally held at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, IL, the event draws international attention and top golfers vying for the title.
Another outstanding USGA event held in Illinois is the U.S. Open, which has taken place at several elite golf courses within the state, such as Olympia Fields Country Club and the historic Medinah Country Club.
On the amateur level, the Illinois State Amateur Championship showcases the state’s finest golf talent each year. Competitors are sure to find a challenging and beautiful setting in Highlands of Elgin, an award-winning public golf course known for its stunning design and exceptional playing conditions.
It’s worth noting that Illinois has also hosted impressive women’s golf tournaments, like the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes Golf Club and the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Chicago Golf Club.
In conclusion, the state of Illinois has a rich golf history, attracting prominent tournaments and golfers from around the world. From established USGA events to prominent state championships, Illinois continues to shine as a significant hub for the sport of golf.
