A Golfer’s Guide to Chicago’s Premier Golf Courses and Facilities
Chicago, known for its iconic skyline, rich cultural scene, and passionate sports fans, also boasts a thriving golf culture. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or someone looking to hit the links for the first time, the Chicago area offers a diverse array of golf courses and facilities that cater to all skill levels. From historic, private country clubs to top-tier public courses and modern indoor facilities, golfers in the Windy City have access to some of the best golfing experiences in the country.
One of the most famous golf destinations in the Chicago area is Medinah Country Club, located just 30 miles west of downtown. This prestigious club is renowned worldwide for its rich history and challenging layouts. Established in 1924, Medinah has hosted Chicago Golf Courses and Facilities numerous major tournaments, including the Ryder Cup in 2012 and several PGA Championships. The club features three 18-hole courses, but the third course, often referred to as Course No. 3, is particularly famous. Designed by Rees Jones, it offers a challenging yet beautiful layout that tests the skills of even the most experienced players. Though a private club, Medinah occasionally opens its doors for charity events and special tournaments, providing rare opportunities for the public to experience its legendary courses.
Not far from Medinah is Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, located in Lemont, a suburb southwest of Chicago. Cog Hill is a well-known destination for golf enthusiasts, mainly because of its famed Course No. 4, also known as Dubsdread. This course has been a host for several PGA Tour events, including the BMW Championship. The layout is challenging, with strategically placed water hazards, bunkers, and undulating greens that test every aspect of a player’s game. Cog Hill offers four different courses, making it an excellent destination for golfers of all levels. The facility also features great practice areas, including a driving range and short-game facility, perfect for improving skills. Unlike Medinah, Cog Hill is open to the public, allowing players to experience a championship-level course without the high membership fees.
For golfers looking for a links-style experience within the city, Harborside International Golf Center, located on the south side of Chicago, provides just that. The center features two courses, The Port and The Starboard, both designed to mimic traditional seaside links courses. Wide fairways, deep bunkers, and scenic views of Lake Calumet make this a popular choice for golfers who enjoy a more open, wind-swept layout. The facility is public, making it a more affordable option for those who want to play a challenging course without committing to a private club. The lakefront setting also provides golfers with a unique perspective of Chicago’s skyline, making it a great spot for both locals and tourists.
In the heart of Chicago, Lincoln Park Golf Course offers a convenient urban golfing experience for city residents. This 9-hole, public course is nestled within the city’s beloved Lincoln Park, providing a quick and scenic round of golf with views of the skyline and the park’s natural beauty. Though it is shorter and less challenging than the more famous private clubs, Lincoln Park Golf Course is a fantastic spot for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a casual game without leaving the city. It also serves as an excellent location for people who enjoy walking while they play, as the course is compact and walkable.
For those looking to practice or play year-round, GolfHouse Chicago, an indoor golf facility located in Lincoln Park, is the perfect choice. With state-of-the-art golf simulators, GolfHouse allows players to virtually play on some of the world’s most famous courses, from Pebble Beach to Augusta National. This facility provides an ideal solution for Chicagoans who want to work on their game during the cold winter months. In addition to the simulators, GolfHouse Chicago also offers expert lessons and practice areas that cater to all levels of golfers. It’s a great place for improving swing mechanics, especially during the off-season when outdoor courses might be closed due to the weather.
A bit further out in the suburbs, The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison offers a tranquil, nature-filled golfing experience. Recently redesigned by Ray Hearn, the course combines the beauty of natural wetlands, mature trees, and scenic views with a challenging, well-balanced layout. The course is open to the public and provides golfers of all skill levels with a relaxed yet engaging round of golf. The redesign focused on improving both the aesthetics and playability of the course, making it a standout option in the western suburbs of Chicago.
For those interested in playing on a historic course, Riverside Golf Club, located in the village of Riverside, is a classic choice. Established in 1900, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the Chicago area. Designed by William S. Flynn, Riverside offers golfers a traditional, tree-lined layout with large greens and subtle elevation changes. This private club has a rich history and is known for its welcoming community and challenging course. Though membership is required, it remains a hidden gem for those who appreciate classic golf course design and a strong sense of tradition.
In addition to these exceptional courses, Chicago also offers numerous smaller public courses and practice facilities for golfers who prefer a more casual experience or want to fine-tune their game. From Wilson Park Golf Course on the city’s south side to St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago, there’s a course or facility for every kind of player. Whether you’re looking to spend a day on a championship-level course or just squeeze in a quick round after work, Chicago’s golf scene is vast, varied, and accessible.
In conclusion, Chicago is a fantastic city for golf enthusiasts, with a wide range of courses and facilities that cater to every level of golfer. Whether you’re looking for a historic private club experience, a modern public course with links-style features, or a state-of-the-art indoor facility to improve your game, Chicago has something for everyone. The city’s golf offerings are as diverse as its neighborhoods, providing golfers with plenty of options to enjoy the sport year-round, no matter the seaso
