6 Best Golf Courses in Chicago, IL

Michael Maier June 21, 2024
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With its unique architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and bustling neighborhoods, Chicago, IL offers a dynamic lifestyle. Imagine living where iconic skyscrapers share the skyline with beautiful parks and the serene waters of Lake Michigan. The city's thriving real estate market means there are always amazing homes for sale in Chicago, IL, from historic brownstones to modern high-rises.

One of Chicago's most enticing aspects is its rich sports and music scene. From cheering on the Cubs at Wrigley Field to enjoying live jazz at a downtown club, there's never a dull moment. The city's lakefront is a treasure trove of activities with scenic trails, beaches, and expansive green spaces. And if you're a golf enthusiast, you're in luck. Chicago has many golf courses, each offering unique challenges and stunning views.

Harborside International Golf Center

11001 S Doty Ave East, Chicago

Harborside International Golf Center has two challenging courses: Port and Starboard. Designed by the renowned architect Dick Nugent, both courses provide players with an unforgettable experience. The links-style layout, a nod to traditional Scottish courses, features rolling fairways and strategic water hazards that keep golfers on their toes. The Port Course boasts 57 bunkers, while the Starboard Course ups the ante with 79, ensuring that every round is demanding and exhilarating.

The courses feature stunning views of the Chicago skyline, creating a picturesque backdrop as you play. The facility has an expansive and award-winning driving range and practice facility, making it a perfect place for golfers to hone their skills. Harborside International Golf Center has earned its place among the top public courses in the country, consistently ranked in Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play 2023.

The Glen Club

2901 W Lake Ave, Glenview

The Glen Club is a top-rated course in the Chicagoland area, designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. This championship course is in the heart of a tranquil 195-acre sanctuary, providing a serene escape for golfers. The scenic layout features picturesque lakes and notable elevation changes, creating a challenging yet enjoyable course that captivates players with its natural beauty.

Consistently ranked among the best public courses in Illinois, The Glen Club is renowned for its stunning views and meticulous landscaping. Each hole is thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings, offering a visually appealing and immersive experience. The course's excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green, make it an ideal place for golfers to refine their skills.

The on-site hotel provides convenient and comfortable accommodation for a weekend golf getaway. The expansive 48,000-square-foot clubhouse is a hub of activity, featuring a fine-dining restaurant where golfers can unwind and enjoy a delicious meal after a day on the greens.

Cantigny Golf

27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton

Cantigny Golf offers an outstanding golfing experience with 27 holes of championship golf spread across three distinct nines: Lakeside, Woodside, and Hillside. Designed by Roger Packard, this beautiful course has a backdrop of rolling terrain, covering nearly 300 acres, making it a picturesque and serene destination.

Each of the three nines at Cantigny presents a unique challenge, with multiple tees catering to various skill levels. Well-placed water hazards and mature trees accentuate the scenic layout. The course's design and maintenance are of such high quality that it has been chosen five times to host the Illinois State Amateur Championship.

Cantigny Golf is also known for its award-winning junior golf programs. These programs nurture young talent, allowing them to develop skills in a supportive and educational environment. The combination of excellent practice facilities and a welcoming atmosphere makes Cantigny a favored choice for families and serious golfers.

Olympia Fields Country Club

2800 Country Club Dr, Olympia Fields

Olympia Fields Country Club is a historic private club established in 1925, once acclaimed as the world's largest private golf club. Its iconic 80-foot, four-faced clock tower, visible from all four first tees, is a distinguished feature that adds to the club's classic charm and prestige. Over the years, Olympia Fields has hosted multiple major championships, including the U.S. Open.

The club boasts two exceptional courses, the North and South. The North Course is particularly famous for its challenging design, attracting golfers who seek to test their skills on a championship-level layout. Both courses reflect the club's championship pedigree, demanding precision and strategy from players of all levels.

Beyond the fairways, Olympia Fields offers an elegant clubhouse and top-notch amenities catering to the needs of its exclusive membership. The clubhouse exudes sophistication, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and socializing after a round of golf. Members enjoy high service standards, ensuring a premier golfing experience beyond the greens.

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

12294 Archer Ave, Lemont

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is a historic public golf course featuring four distinct courses. Dubsdread Course is the most famous, designed by the talented duo Joe Lee and Dick Wilson. Its challenging layout is characterized by narrow fairways and fast greens, demanding precision and skill from golfers.

Cog Hill has hosted prestigious PGA Tour events, including the Western Open and the BMW Championship. Its reputation as a challenging and demanding course attracts some of the best golfers worldwide. The extensive practice facilities provide players with ample opportunities to improve their game.

As a year-round facility, Cog Hill boasts a range of amenities. The driving range features heated Toptracer stalls. The learning center and two well-stocked golf shops provide everything a golfer might need, from lessons to equipment. Dining at Cog Hill is a treat, with a restaurant offering patio seating and a cozy atmosphere. The 280-seat banquet hall and historic clubhouse provide a charming and elegant setting for events and gatherings.

Ruffled Feathers Golf Club

1 Pete Dye Dr, Lemont

Ruffled Feathers Golf Club, designed by the legendary Pete Dye, offers a challenging and picturesque golfing experience. This par-72, 6,898-yard championship layout is renowned for its demanding holes and beautiful scenery. The course is framed by mature trees that line the lush fairways, creating a serene and visually appealing environment.

The course's strategic layout features numerous water hazards and 114 bunkers, ensuring players approach each shot with precision and strategy. The presence of native wetlands and well-placed water features adds to the course's difficulty and charm.

The practice facilities include a driving range and a well-maintained putting green, allowing golfers to fine-tune their skills before heading out onto the course. The recently renovated clubhouse, complete with a wrap-around deck, provides a welcoming and comfortable space for relaxation and socializing after a round of golf.

Living the golf lifestyle in Chicago

Chicago is a golfer's dream come true, offering various exceptional courses that provide both challenge and beauty. Michael Maier Real Estate is your go-to team when finding your perfect home in this dynamic city. With over 20 years of experience, they offer white glove service and a consultative sales approach, ensuring every client finds the ideal property to suit their lifestyle.



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