Looking for a country club day trip? Here are some of the best golf courses to practice your swing around Chicago.
You’ll want to make plenty of free time in your schedule when heading over to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. With 72 holes across four courses, a driving range, learning center and two golf shops, this sweeping range has received national recognition for its great courses and fabulous teachers. Since 1964, Course No. Four, also known as “Dubsdread,” has been distinguished for its ability to test some of the best professionals in PGA Tours and USGA tournaments. Are you up for the challenge of beating Tiger Woods’ course record? 12294 Archer Ave., Palos Park, 866.264.4455
Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course
Get the ultimate Chicago golf experience while swinging at the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course. First opening as the Waveland Golf Course in 1932, the breathtaking property that sits on Lake Michigan gained recognition for its unparalleled views of the city skyline, harbors and lush trees. The club hosts evening leagues for both men and women and is home to one of the eight Chicagoland Golf Academy locations. Here, golf lessons are offered to individuals and groups at any skill level. The course also offers GolfBoards to get around—just picture a skateboard, surfboard, snowboard and golf cart all in one. 3701 N. Recreation Drive, 773.661.0140
Designed by Dick Nugent, an acclaimed Illinois golf course architect, the Port and Starboard courses at Harborside International on the city’s South Side are ranked as some of the best public courses you can play in the state. The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, including a restaurant and event space, is less than 20 miles south of the Loop. Harborside’s 57-yard practice facility is also one of the top ranges in the country. Golfers will love the bent grass fairways, four target greens, areas for chipping, pitching and sand play, as well as a large putting clock for drills. 11001 S. Doty Ave. E., 312.782.7837
Cantigny Golf
Head west of the city for challenging championship golf courses across 300 acres of greenery in Wheaton. Cantigny Golf is home to a dense woodside course, a lakeside course with two-thirds of the holes impacted by water and a hillside course with some of the facility’s toughest holes. In 2008, Cantigny Golf opened The Academy, a practice, teaching and training center for golfers of all ages and ability levels. 27W270 Mack Road, Wheaton, 630.668.3323
Designer Pete Dye and his son P.B. Dye outdid themselves when putting together Ruffled Feathers’ golf course. Located in Lemont, the daunting par-72, 6,898-yard layout boasts a 100-yard carry-over water to a blind fairway, tricky twists and turns, and a 518-yard, par-five No. 6 hole. Along with the spectacular course, experience all that Ruffled Feathers has to offer with an all-grass driving range, renovated restaurant, beverage cart and golf shop. You also won’t want to miss a tournament with the club’s outstanding event management team and golf operations professionals. 1 Pete Dye Drive, Lemont, 630.257.1000
The Glen Club
Located on the former grounds of the Glenview Naval Air Station, this prestigious golf club is home to the Illinois PGA and the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. The Glen Club is known for its fabulous 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed course with rolling terrain, elevation changes, lakes, streams and Chicago’s skyline in sight. Off the course, guests can enjoy the club’s 48,000-square-foot clubhouse including fine dining, cozy overnight accommodations and a grand ballroom. Whether you stay at the Glen Club for tee-off or for tea time, you’re bound to fall in love with its wonderful experiences and amenities. 2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, 847.724.7272
Ravisole was designed by the famed golf course architect Donald Ross. The course features gorgeous rolling mounds and was ranked by Golfweek as one of Illinois’ best public golf courses. 18231 Park Ave, Homewood, 708.798.5600
The Brute course at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
The Brute is one of the most challenging layouts in the Midwest at over 7,000 yards. The course itself was designed by Robert Bruce Harris with water features and massive sand traps. Always immaculately maintained and manicured, this course is extremely beautiful and a must-visit. 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, 262.248.8811
Photography by: courtesy of Arcis Golf
