Top Golf Courses Near Chicago
Chicago, known for its deep-dish pizza, rich history, and world-class museums, is also home to some of the finest golf courses in the Midwest. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking for a new course to challenge your skills, Chicago has many options. From private country clubs to public gems, the golf scene around Chicago offers something for everyone. In this post, we cover the top golf courses near Chicago, highlighting the features that make each course special and worth visiting.
1. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Location: Lemont, IL
Distance from Chicago: 30 miles southwest
Cog Hill is perhaps the most iconic public golf course near Chicago. It is renowned for its championship-level course, Dubsdread, which has hosted numerous PGA Tour events, including the Western Open and BMW Championship. Dubsdread is the toughest of Cog Hill’s four 18-hole courses and offers a stern challenge with its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens.
2. Medinah Country Club
Location: Medinah, IL
Distance from Chicago: 30 miles northwest
Medinah Country Club is a prestigious private club known worldwide for its rich golfing history. Course #3 is the crown jewel of Medinah and is regarded as one of the top courses in the United States. It has hosted multiple major championships, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, as well as the Ryder Cup in 2012.
Designed by Tom Bendelow and later redesigned by Rees Jones, Medinah #3 features immaculate conditions, dramatic elevation changes, and challenging water hazards. The course is exclusive to members and their guests, but its reputation and historical significance make it a must-mention in any list of top Chicago-area golf courses.
3. Harborside International Golf Center
Location: Chicago, IL
Distance from Downtown: 15 miles south
Harborside International Golf Center is one of the best public golf facilities within the city limits of Chicago. It offers two links-style courses: Port and Starboard. Both courses feature rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Harborside’s proximity to downtown makes it a convenient option for golfers looking for a great round without venturing far from the city.
The courses were designed by Dick Nugent and are praised for their challenging layouts and impeccable conditions. Harborside also boasts excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and short-game area, making it a popular destination for golfers of all abilities.
4. The Glen Club
Location: Glenview, IL
Distance from Chicago: 20 miles north
The Glen Club, located on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station, is a beautiful Tom Fazio-designed course that has quickly become one of the top golf destinations near Chicago. The course features rolling terrain, strategic water hazards, and Fazio’s signature bunkering.
In addition to its 18-hole championship course, The Glen Club also has a state-of-the-art practice facility and a luxurious clubhouse, making it a perfect destination for golfers seeking a top-notch experience. The course has hosted the **Korn Ferry Tour’s Chicago Open** and is known for its pristine conditions and challenging yet fair layout.
5. Cantigny Golf
Location: Wheaton, IL
Distance from Chicago: 30 miles west
Cantigny Golf is a beautiful 27-hole facility located in the western suburbs of Chicago. It’s known for its scenic beauty, challenging layout, and top-notch conditions. The course is divided into three nines: Lakeside, Woodside, and Hillside, each offering a unique set of challenges.
Cantigny is consistently ranked among the top public courses in Illinois and offers excellent practice facilities, including a large driving range, multiple putting greens, and a short-game area. The course has hosted numerous amateur championships, and its well-maintained fairways and greens make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
6. ThunderHawk Golf Club
Location: Beach Park, IL
Distance from Chicago: 45 miles north
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., ThunderHawk Golf Club is a natural beauty nestled in Lake County. It’s a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, meaning it prioritizes environmental conservation and is home to a variety of wildlife. The course offers a serene, scenic setting with a challenging layout featuring wetlands, tall grasses, and deep bunkers.
ThunderHawk has earned a reputation as one of the best public golf courses in Illinois, offering championship conditions and a top-tier golfing experience. Its peaceful environment and unique design make it a must-play for golfers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
7. Ravisloe Country Club
Location: Homewood, IL
Distance from Chicago: 25 miles south
Once a private club, Ravisloe Country Club is now a public course and one of the hidden gems of the Chicago golf scene. Designed by renowned architect Donald Ross, the course features classic design elements like elevated greens, strategic bunkering, and tree-lined fairways.
Ravisloe is known for its charming, old-world feel, with a Spanish-style clubhouse and a layout that has stood the test of time. The course is meticulously maintained and provides a fair yet challenging test for golfers of all skill levels.
8. The Preserve at Oak Meadows
Location: Addison, IL
Distance from Chicago: 25 miles west
The Preserve at Oak Meadows, recently renovated by architect Greg Martin, is an award-winning public course known for its environmental sustainability and strategic design. Located in the DuPage County Forest Preserve, the course features wide fairways, pristine greens, and scenic water features.
The Preserve has been praised for its layout, which balances playability for average golfers with enough challenge to test low handicappers. The course is also home to a driving range and short-game practice area, making it a great spot for honing your skills.
9. Pine Meadow Golf Club
Location: Mundelein, IL
Distance from Chicago: 40 miles north
Pine Meadow Golf Club is a premier public golf course located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Designed by Joe Lee and Rocky Roquemore, the course is known for its large greens, tree-lined fairways, and numerous water hazards. Pine Meadow offers a peaceful, picturesque setting and is consistently ranked among the top public courses in Illinois.
The course’s spacious layout and well-maintained conditions make it a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels. Its combination of beauty and challenge ensures a memorable round for anyone who visits.
10. Stonewall Orchard Golf Club
Location: Grayslake, IL
Distance from Chicago: 45 miles northwest
Designed by Arthur Hills, Stonewall Orchard is a challenging yet enjoyable public golf course located in the far northern suburbs of Chicago. The course features rolling hills, mature trees, and numerous water hazards, providing a picturesque and demanding round of golf.
Stonewall Orchard has hosted U.S. Open qualifying events and is widely regarded as one of the best public courses in the region. Its well-designed layout and pristine conditions make it a must-play for serious golfers.
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