Best golf courses in Illinois

Best golf courses in Illinois. At Inland Grove, we are passionately dedicated to uncovering the best golf courses in the United States. Because, the US boasts some of the world’s most renowned golf courses. In our earlier blogs, we’ve unveiled the best golf courses in South Carolina, Florida, California, Texas, and beyond.

But, have you ever experienced golfing in Illinois? If not, consider this your cue to experience the vibrant golf scene of Illinois. To make the golf course selection process less challenging for you, we will unveil a curated list of outstanding golf courses in Illinois. Join us on our journey to discover the hidden gems of The Prairie State. And keep reading to find the best golf courses in Illinois! Let’s get started.

What Are the Golf Courses in Illinois Like?

First and foremost, let’s clear the air of a very important question. What is golf life like in Illinois? Golf in this state is focused primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area. Therefore, Chicago is considered home to many of the nation’s best public and private golf courses.

In Chicago, you can find several emblematic golf courses with a century of history, such as Shoreacres, the Skokie Country Club, and the Olympia Fields Country Club. 

On the other hand, the state's continental climate is characterized by four seasons, featuring hot summers and cold winters. As long as the weather permits it, it is possible to enjoy Chicago’s best golf courses year-round.

How Many Golf Courses Are in Illinois?

 

As we’ve stated, Chicago features both private and public golf courses among the best golf courses in Illinois. This indicates that there is a diverse and dynamic golf scene.

In Illinois, there are around 700 golf courses. These courses serve as a stage for significant historical places and iconic moments from the many golf championships held in the state. While it's true that Chicago does not boast the largest quantity of golf courses compared to other states, one thing is certain. The Prairie State boasts many of the best golf courses in the entire country.

So, if you are in Illinois, you should not skip the opportunity to engage in a captivating game of eighteen holes while basking in the allure of a historic golf course.

How Many Golf Courses Are in Chicago, Illinois?

Many of the best golf courses in Illinois are situated in Chicago. In Chicago, you can find more than 200 golf courses. Chicago boasts a diverse range of options for both professionals and novices. As stated, Chicago showcases many golf courses rich in history, such as Jackson Park Golf. If you wish to visit world renowned golf courses for an unforgettable golfing experience, Chicago should be your next golf destination. And with that being said, let’s dig into the 10 best golf courses in Illinois.

10 Best Golf Courses in Illinois

 

Robert A. Black Golf Course

Robert A. Black Golf Course is a golf course located near Rogers Park and Loyola Beach.

This 9-hole golf course includes amenities such as putting green, cart and GolfBoard rentals. However, that’s not all.

This golf course offers challenging play with elevated tee boxes, sand traps, and greens. Additionally, like any quality golf course, beautiful views accompany your golfing experience at the Robert A.Black golf course.

 

Chicago Golf Club

Located in Wheaton, Illinois, the Chicago Golf Club stands as one of the oldest golf clubs in North America, featuring 18 majestic holes.

Moreover, this golf course was also one of the first five founding clubs of the Golf Association in the United States in 1894, making it a historic golf destination.

It is a private golf course that boasts bent grass fairways and offers a challenging yet rewarding gameplay by strategically placed water hazards. The back tees of this course spans over 6877 yards featuring a slope, which positions it as a rather lengthy and arduous course.

 

Harborside International Golf Center

Harborside International Golf Center is well-known as the home of golf in Chicago.It owes its place among the best golf courses in Illinois to its championship-style golf courses, which are open to the public.

This course combines the rough interior of the links with well-kept greens and sculpted fairways. It boasts two exceptional courses, Port & Starboard, which blend vistas of Lake Calumet with Harborside’s wildlife, and impeccable nature. It is the ideal golf destination for players who love traditional golf links.

 

Shoreacres Golf Club

Shoreacres Golf Club is located in Lake Bluff, Illinois. It owes its place among Inland Grove’s list of the best golf courses in Illinois to its 1920’s style architecture.

Designed by the renowned American golf course architect Seth Raynor, this 18-hole private golf course features large and fast greens, along with perfectly placed bunkers.

If you are looking to test your golf skills on a golf course that features a fascinating topography, you should jot down Shoreacres on top of your must-visit list.

 

Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course

The Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course is a public course that stands among the best golf courses in Illinois.

This 9-hole golf course offers amenities such as golf carts, a snack bar, and other essential equipment. It also boasts poa and bent grass greens along with ryegrass fairways that challenge golf players of all skill levels.

You can enjoy a unique golfing experience at The Sydney R.Marovitz golf course with immaculate views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. This course will surely leave you wanting more!

 

Jackson Park Golf Course

The Jackson Park Golf Course is another private golf course that owes its place among the best golf courses in Illinois to its reputation of being the oldest golf course in the state.

Established in 1899, this historic golf course boasts 18-holes with a mix of par 3s and par 5s that pose a challenge for all golf players.

Nestled within mature trees and large greens, the course is impeccably maintained for a brisk gameplay. A truly unique gem in Illinois’ dynamic golf scene.

 

Skokie Country Club

The Skokie Country Club, located in Glencoe, Illinois, is a private golf course established in 1897.

Although known as a majestic Donald Ross design, the course underwent renovations by Langford and Moreau in the late 1930’s. Situated atop a ridge, the course overlooks a broad oak savanna plain and spans over 7,091 yards, featuring 18-holes for a complete golfing experience.

 

The Glen Club

Nestled within mature trees and flowing streams, The Glen Club ranks among the top 100 in the nation. Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio, this golf course challenges both golf professionals and novices.

With its routing that features dramatic elevation changes and its dynamic terrain with rolling berms, it is a true treasure within the Illinois golf scene. But, what makes this course so challenging? Its 18-hole layout with a mix of par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s with strategically placed bunkers allow for a remarkable yet demanding gameplay.

 

Conway Farms Golf Club

Among the best golf courses in Illinois, Conway Farms Golf Club, located in Lake Forest, is another favorite.

Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio in 1991, the course is laid out on what is described as a gently undulating land, allowing for a refreshing and challenging round.

It boasts 18-holes featuring long and short par four 3rd and 5th. As other recognized golf courses, it is impeccably maintained year-round to offer a unique experience to golfers of all skill levels.

 

Pine Meadow Golf Club

Rounding off our list of the best golf courses in Illinois with Pine Meadow Golf Club. Nestled within pine trees, blue spruce trees, and attractive wildlife, this is a relatively new course that has ranked among the best new public golf courses in the United States. Additionally, it features a learning center and practice facilities.

You can enjoy extensive tees, chipping, and pitching greens, as well as strategically placed bunkers for a rewarding day on the fairway.

The best golf courses in Illinois blend Midwest’s lush tall grasses, gleaming ponds, and oak savannas with thoughtfully designed golf courses for exceptional gameplay. Discover the nation’s founding golf courses now with Inland Grove.

And we hope this guide has helped you to find the best golf course suitable for you in Illinois. Subscribe to Inland Grove’s blog to keep in the loop for future updates!