Exploring The 10+ Best Golf Courses In Chicago 2023

by Alvin Daniel
Best Golf Courses In Chicago

Golfing in Chicago is an enjoyable experience for many, and the city boasts some of the best golf courses in the Midwest. With so many choices, deciding which is right for you can be difficult. This article will explore and compare the 13 best golf courses in Chicago in 2023, examining their features such as layout, design, amenities, and how they may suit different types of golfers. Dive in and explore them now!

 

1. Harborside International Golf Center (Chicago)

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Harborside International Golf Center. Image Source: harborsidegolf.com

Harborside International Golf Center, located in Chicago, is a top-ranked facility that offers the premier golfing experience in the Chicagoland area. Home to the Port & Starboard Courses, each course is known for its unique challenges. The Port Course, a links-style course, is famous for its par-3 15th hole that features a massive bunker in the shape of an anchor. On the other hand, the Starboard Course has smart bunkering and inventive routing. Currently ranked as the 12th finest course in Illinois, it’s an excellent choice for golf enthusiasts.

Apart from the beautiful courses, Harborside also offers amazing views of downtown Chicago. Additionally, the 57-acre practice facility has areas dedicated to chipping, pitching, and sand play and a large clock for putting drills providing everything a golfer needs to perfect their game. With a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse that includes an elegant restaurant and event space, it’s an ideal venue for both casual and formal events.

Harborside International Golf Center ensures that visiting golfers have an exceptional experience. The courses have bentgrass fairways and four target greens that help players achieve their desired levels while enjoying the game. In conclusion, visiting Harborside is an excellent decision for golfers who appreciate quality courses and amazing facilities.

Location: 11001 S. Doty Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, sand play area, putting practice green, GPS-equipped golf carts.

Course type: Links style (Port Course) and Traditional Course (Starboard Course)

 

2. The Glen Club (Glenview, IL)

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The Glen Club. Image Source: theglenclub.com

The Glen Club, previously the grounds of the Glenview Naval Air Station, is one of the best upscale public courses in Chicago. Designed by 18-hole architect Tom Fazio, the course boasts dynamic terrain with rolling berms, stunning vistas, and naturally harmonious transitions. The course features mature trees, natural areas, and meandering lakes and streams that make for picturesque surroundings, and the finishing 18th hole is particularly noteworthy, with two water features offering a stunning backdrop.

The course is known for its rolling terrain, elevation changes, and a view of Chicago’s skyline in the distance. It’s a challenging course that demands the best from golfers, and so it hosts the Illinois PGA and the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. The 40-foot drops on the course make it difficult and exciting to play. It’s a course that combines natural beauty with the technical aspects of golf.

The Glen Club’s majestic 48,000-square-foot clubhouse is a standout attraction, featuring superb dining options, overnight accommodations, and a grand ballroom. Its corporate amenities are unparalleled and make the club a business-friendly venue that is perfect for meetings or conferences. The Glen Club has everything a discerning golfer could want in a golf course and more, with luxurious amenities and challenging playmaking it a golfer’s paradise.

Location: 2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60026

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, sand play area, putting practice green, GPS-equipped golf carts.

Course type: Traditional Course with rolling terrain and elevation changes.

 

3. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (Lemont, IL)

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Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. Image Source: coghillgolf.com

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is a renowned destination for golfers across the United States. With 72 holes of golf spread across four courses, golfers have access to a driving range, learning center, and two golf shops. One of the most notable courses at Cog Hill is Dubsdread, which has been named one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Magazine. Dubsdread is known for its challenging design that tests even the best professionals in PGA Tours and USGA tournaments.

Dubsdread #4 is particularly famous for hosting the Western Open and BMW Championship, except for 2008. Its tightly-packed landing areas, along with heavily bunkered, large undulating greens, make it a true challenge for even the most accomplished golfer.

Besides Dubsdread #4, Cog Hill features three other top public venues, namely #1, #2, and #3. Course No. 1 route is through gently rolling, wooden terrain and offers both lengths and difficulty. It features water on six holes and enough sand to test the players without punishing the beginner. Meanwhile, Course No. 2 is a championship layout, which is routed through wooded, rolling terrain, providing golfers with ravines on almost half of the holes. Its closing “19th hole” is a unique feature, making it a challenging par-3 course. Course No.3 at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is famous for its layout, which routes through gentle, rolling, wooden terrain. The course features water on seven holes and enough sand that even accomplished players find it challenging.

Location: 12294 Archer Ave, Lemont, IL 60439

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, practice putting green, GPS-equipped golf carts

Course type: Traditional Course with rolling terrain and elevation changes. Featuring four courses for players of all levels.

 

4. Cantigny Golf Club (Wheaton, IL)

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Cantigny Golf Club

Cantigny Golf Club opened in Wheaton, Illinois, in a beautiful 300-acre plot of greenery. It includes The Academy, a practice, teaching, and training center for golfers of all ages and ability levels. The 27-hole layout is divided into three nines: Woodside, Lakeside, and Hillside, where golfers can enjoy a challenging course with native oak, maple, and hickory trees that give a natural environment. The course includes various water features such as lakes and streams, which require accuracy as tree-filled wastes, over 70 sand bunkers, and two creeks, making the game more fun and competitive.

Cantigny Golf Club offers excellent amenities, and it provides a nine-hole junior course that allows children to play golf. Also, the golf club had the honor of hosting several major Illinois tournaments, including multiple State Amateur Championships. Golf enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate the challenge and beauty that Cantigny Golf Club has to offer.

Location: 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, practice putting green, GPS-equipped golf carts

Course type: Traditional Course with rolling terrain and elevation changes featuring three nine-hole courses for players of all levels.

 

5. The Beverly Country Club

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The Beverly Country Club

The Beverly Country Club is a historical cornerstone of Chicago, known for its challenging golf course. Spanning 18 holes with a par of 71 and a length of 7016 yards, it features exciting and demanding play. The course’s champions include legendary golfers such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Francis Ouimet, and Chick Evans, and in recent years, it has hosted several well-known tournaments.

One of the striking features of the course is its layout. It occupies a rectangle bordered by three arterial streets and a railroad line. The design has made excellent use of the dominant geological feature of the property – a prominent ridge that runs from behind the fifth green eastward through the promontory above the second fairway. In 2020, the course underwent a renovation that included expanding the greens, fairways, and bunkers and re-grassing the greens. Additional features, such as a short Par 3 course and a Himalayan putting green, were added to enhance the short game practice area and long-range during the 2022 season, with full use set to commence in 2023. In short, the Beverly Country Club is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in the Chicago area.

Location: 87th St & Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60620

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, practice putting green, GPS-equipped golf carts

Course type: Traditional Course with rolling terrain and elevation changes featuring 18 holes for experienced golfers. Features a short Par 3 course and a Himalayan putting green. Renovations to the course began in 2020, with full use set for 2023.

 

6. Billy Caldwell Golf Course

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Billy Caldwell Golf Course. Image Source: billycaldwell.forestpreservegolf.com

Billy Caldwell Golf Course is a wonderful weekday nine-hole course situated on Chicago’s lush north side. With intriguing features and challenging holes, it offers 3029 yards of pure golfing fun. Moreover, a slope rating of 115 and a course rating of 34.8 make it appealing to both amateur and professional golfers alike.

This course, located in the forest preserve, boasts incredible scenery, including the infamous fifth hole that even challenges skilled golfers. The friendly staff makes golfers of all skill levels feel most welcome. A 293-yard par 4, hole 5 is an attractive challenge for big hitters who are tempted to go for the green. Experience quick, easy, and affordable golfing that is perfect for Chicago’s bustling north side.

Location: 6200 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, practice putting green

Course type: 9-hole course with a 293-yard par 4 hole 5. Perfect for golfers of all skill levels who are looking for an affordable, quick round of golf.

 

7. Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course

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Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course. Image Source: sydneymarovitz.cpdgolf.com

Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course is known for its stunning views and challenging course. Located just off the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The course offers nine holes with par 36, spanning over 3265 yards with a rating of 35.5 and a slope of 127. With its convenient location and dedicated rangers, the course ensures the proper pace of play.

The course is famous for its breathtaking view of Chicago’s skyline, harbors and lush trees, especially from the second green. Not only is it visually spectacular, but also uniquely designed to fit comfortably into a lakefront environment. The course features a beautiful par-five fifth hole hugging the lakeshore, while the long greens offer an additional challenge for golfers. Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course hosts evening leagues for both men and women and offers rental carts and equipment. The old church-turned clubhouse boasts fantastic stone walls and walkways still intact and is also home to one of the eight Chicagoland Golf Academy locations.

Location: 3600 N. Recreation Drive, Chicago, IL 60613

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, practice putting green, rental carts and equipment

Course type: 9-hole course with a par 36 spanning over 3265 yards. Offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline. Features a par-five fifth hole hugging the lakeshore and long greens for an additional challenge. 

 

8. ThunderHawk Golf Club (Beach Park, IL)

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ThunderHawk Golf Club. Image Source: thunderhawkgolfclub.org

Located on 241 awe-inspiring acres covering beautiful forest, marsh, and prairie terrain, ThunderHawk Golf Club is one of the most scenic inland public golf courses in the Midwest. This award-winning course is overwhelmingly known for its diverse topography, including mature forests, marshland, and prairie. As the first public course in Illinois to be recognized by the Audubon Society, ThunderHawk boasts a commitment to preserving the natural terrain as much as possible.

With some of the most generous fairways, ThunderHawk offers a unique balance of challenge and playability. Players are sure to face a unique challenge with some tricky blind shots as well as numerous strategically placed bunkers. Golfers will appreciate the best par-5 collections that the course has to offer. Beautifully maintained fairways and greens of bent grass only add to the playing experience. 

For those seeking to host an event, ThunderHawk offers banquet facilities as well.

It’s no wonder that ThunderHawk Golf Club has been recognized as one of the finest public golf courses in the Midwest. Visitors to the course are sure to enjoy an unparalleled day of golfing amidst the picturesque landscape.

Location: 39700 N. Lewis Avenue, Beach Park, IL 60099

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, chipping & pitching area, practice putting green, rental carts and equipment

Course type: 18-hole championship golf course with generous fairways and beautifully maintained bent grass greens. Recognized by the Audubon Society for its commitment to preserving the natural terrain. Banquet facilities available.

 

9. Mistwood Golf Club

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Mistwood Golf Club. Image Source: mistwoodgc.com

Mistwood Golf Club is a distinguished establishment that has received several prestigious accolades for its commitment to providing a top-tier golfing experience. Its impressive features include 18 meticulously groomed and challenging holes, with 72 par set across 7005 yards of bent grass. Rated 74.7, with a slope of 144, the course is semi-private, ensuring privacy and enjoyment.

The golfing experience at Mistwood Golf Club is further enhanced by its state-of-the-art facilities. Guests have access to five tee placements per hole, allowing for customizable gameplay, and 20 St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers that provide a subtle yet significant challenge. Other facilities include a newly constructed 5,000-square-foot Performance Center located at the foot of the driving range that offers custom-fitting, club repair services, and lessons. Additionally, the new 26,000-square-foot clubhouse, staffed by exceptional personnel, provides a great putting green as well as a state-of-the-art driving and chipping area. Given its impressive facilities and attentive staff, it is no wonder that Mistwood Golf Club has been selected as Golf Magazine’s Renovation of the Year, one of Golf Digest’s Best New Courses, and one of Golf Range Magazine’s Top 50 Public Ranges.

Location: 1500 W. Renwick Rd Romeoville, IL 60446

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Driving range, practice putting green, rental carts and equipment available. Performance Center for custom fitting and club repair services as well as lessons. 26,000-square-foot clubhouse with a great putting green.

Course type: 18-hole semi-private golf course with 72 par set across 7005 yards of bent grass. Five tee placements per hole, 20 St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers, and a newly constructed 5,000-square-foot Performance Center provide challenging gameplay and a premium experience.

 

10. Ruffled Feathers Golf Club, Lemont

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Ruffled Feathers Golf Club. Image Source: ruffledfeathersgc.com

Ruffled Feathers Golf Club is a must-visit golf destination that is renowned for its impressive course layouts, professional staff, and luxurious amenities. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye and his son, P.B. Dye, the 6,900-yard par-72 layout boasts 114 beguiling bunkers, strategic water features, and multiple tees on each hole. The signature hole, No. 11, is an especially thrilling experience as it features a 100-yard carry to a peninsula green surrounded by water. Golf enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate the all-grass driving range, the renovated restaurant, the beverage cart, and the world-class golf shop.

Visitors to Ruffled Feathers Golf Club can enjoy more than just a spectacular golf course. The clubhouse is opulently appointed and features a myriad of dining options. Dining in the Feathers Bar & Grill is a delightful experience with a wide range of gastronomic offerings to choose from. On top of that, the club’s outstanding event management team and golf operations professionals can help organize tournaments for an extra dose of fun.

In order to maintain the club’s reputation as one of Chicagoland’s finest wedding and banquet facilities, guests are treated to impeccable service from the PGA Professional staff, who specialize in individual or group lessons. Majestic trees frame lush, exquisitely-sculpted fairways and manicured greens. Ruffled Feathers Golf Club is undoubtedly a must-play destination for golfers of all levels seeking world-class golfing experience and luxurious amenities.

Location: 1 Pete Dye Dr, Lemont, IL 60439

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Amenities: All-grass driving range, renovated restaurant and beverage cart, world-class golf shop with PGA Professional staff offering individual or group lessons. The opulently appointed clubhouse offers a wide range of dining options in the Feathers Bar & Grill. The event management team and golf operations professionals can help organize tournaments.

Course type: 18-hole semi-private golf club with 72 par set across 6900 yards of bent grass. Signature hole No. 11 featuring a 100-yard carry to a peninsula green surrounded by water.

 

11. Stonewall Orchard Golf Club

best golf courses in chicago

Stonewall Orchard Golf Club. Image Source: stonewallorchard.com

Stonewall Orchard Golf Club stands out in the Chicago area thanks to its 18-hole, par-72 layout spanning 7,124 yards. With a 150 slope and 75.0 ratings, the course can balance plenty of challenges with its very playable holes. Its greens are in excellent condition, though difficulty may be encountered on the back nine.

This has made Stonewall Orchard Golf Club highly esteemed by the United States Golf Association (USGA), attracting multiple U.S. Open Qualifiers since 2003 and the Illinois PGA Section Championship. With more than 65,000 mature pine and oak trees dotting the rolling landscape with thick forests and wetlands, the backdrop of Stonewall Orchard Golf Club is unrivaled.

Being recognized as one of the best Chicago golf courses is no small feat, but Stonewall Orchard Golf Club does it with elegance. It is hosting of multiple U.S. Open qualifiers, combined with the natural beauty of the course, makes this venue a top choice for golfers who want to experience the finest in the sport.

Location: 8100 W 183rd St, Tinley Park, IL 60487

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Hosts multiple U.S. Open qualifiers and the Illinois PGA Section Championship. 65,000 mature pine and oak trees dotting the rolling landscape with thick forests and wetlands provide a beautiful backdrop.

Course type: 18-hole, par-72 golf course stretching 7,124 yards with a 150 slope and 75.0 rating. Greens are in excellent condition and more difficult on the back nine. Accolades include recognition as one of the best Chicago golf courses by the USGA.

 

12. Schaumburg Golf Club (Schaumburg, IL)

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Schaumburg Golf Club. Image Source: schaumburggolf.com

Schaumburg Golf Club is a public course with all the amenities of a country club, offering golfers a top-notch experience at affordable prices. The club, located in Chicagoland, features manicured bent grass tees, fairways, greens, undulating terrain, and generous playing conditions. With a full-service practice facility and The Academy, a top-rated professional teaching service, the Schaumburg Golf Club has everything a golfer needs to improve their game.

In addition to its impressive facilities, the Schaumburg Golf Club has a rich history of hosting various events. It has hosted U.S. Open Qualifying, Illinois State Amateur Qualifying, Illinois Open Qualifying, Chicago District Golf Association Mid-Am Championship, IPGA Pro-Junior Championship, Links Technology Cup, The Daily Herald Shootout, and King of the Hill Twosome Championship. With a course that spans over 6700 yards and a vibrant landscape full of bent grass trees, fairways, and trees, the Schaumburg Golf Club stands among the busiest public courses in the area.

The clubhouse at Schaumburg Golf Club is an architectural gem designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the prairie style. The clubhouse features a complete array of amenities, including a pro shop, banquet halls, meeting rooms, locker rooms, and a restaurant. Guests can enjoy an exquisite mix of delicious and unique cuisines while soaking in the ambiance of the beautiful surroundings. From its impressive facilities and manicured greens to its rich history and stunning architecture, Schaumburg Golf Club offers golfers and visitors alike an unforgettable experience.

Location: 401 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Full-service practice facility and The Academy – a top-rated professional teaching service; hosts U.S. Open Qualifying and other events; 6700+ yards spanning bent grass tees, fairways, and greens; prairie-style clubhouse featuring a pro shop, banquet halls, meeting rooms, locker rooms, and a restaurant.

Rating: 72.7/127

Course Type: 18 holes; Par 71.

 

13. The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Addison

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The Preserve at Oak Meadows

The Preserve at Oak Meadows spans 288 acres of land and boasts a par-72, 7,089-yard golf course that finds a spot in the “Golfweek Magazine 2018 Best Courses You Can Play” list. The golf course is a part-parkland, part-links layout and won two major awards upon completion, thanks to its tournament-caliber layout, habitat resource, and preservation of local natural landscapes. From a playability standpoint, the course offers eco-friendly highlights and more durable playing conditions that can withstand flooding.

Apart from being a great layout and being in great shape, The Preserve at Oak Meadows has been ingeniously designed to serve as an environmental refuge for both golfers and wildlife. The golf course architects have demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship by taking an eco-conscious approach while designing this masterpiece. The result is a unique blend of golf-centric features that offer a true test of skill and nature-centric elements that provide a serene escape from the hustle-bustle of city life. The course effortlessly highlights the importance of environmental preservation, and it is this ethos that makes The Preserve at Oak Meadows one of the top-rated golf courses in the country.

Location: 700 Oak Meadows Dr, Addison, IL 60101

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Amenities: Part-parkland, part-links layout; named in “Golfweek Magazine 2018 Best Courses You Can Play” list; tournament-caliber design; eco-friendly features and more durable playing conditions; an environmental refuge for both golfers and wildlife.

Rating: 73.3/127

Course Type: 18 holes; Par 72.

 

Conclusion

After exploring all the features that each of the 13 best golf courses in Chicago has to offer, you are now equipped with all the knowledge needed to choose the best course for your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for a challenging layout or a peaceful atmosphere, there is sure to be a course in this list suitable for you in 2023. Now that you have read this article, nothing is stopping you from booking your next tee time! Get on out there and enjoy playing Chicago’s top-tier fairways and greens, whichever one may be your favorite. So please don’t wait any longer; grab your clubs, and let’s head to the golf course.

Author

  • Alvin Daniel

    Hello everyone, I'm Alvin Daniel. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was 16 years old. I started playing golf at that age and have loved it ever since. I turned professional when I was 21 and have been working as a golf instructor and guide ever since. My goal is to help everyone know more about this great game of golf. And, hopefully, through my instruction, they can improve their skills and enjoy the game even more.

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