Top 10 Golf Courses in the Chicago Area: From Hidden Gems to Suburban Stunners
Chicago might be known for deep-dish pizza and the Bears, but it’s also home to some fantastic golf courses. We’ve scoured the Windy City and its suburbs to bring you our top 10 picks. Whether you’re a local looking for a new challenge or a visitor hoping to squeeze in a round, these courses won’t disappoint.
1. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (Dubsdread)
-
Location: 12294 Archer Ave, Lemont, IL 60439
-
Phone: (630) 257-5872
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: Host of the BMW Championship, this course is a true test of golf
-
Eagle’s Nest: The par-3 2nd hole will make you question your club selection skills
-
Rates: $125-$225 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 40-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
2. Harborside International Golf Center
-
Location: 11001 S Doty Ave E, Chicago, IL 60628
-
Phone: (312) 782-7837
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: Two links-style courses with stunning Chicago skyline views
-
Eagle’s Nest: The wind. Always the wind. Bring your low ball flight!
-
Rates: $75-$175 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 50-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
3. Cantigny Golf
-
Location: 27W270 Mack Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189
-
Phone: (630) 668-5161
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: 27 holes of scenic, challenging golf
-
Eagle’s Nest: The Island Course’s par-3 9th is a Instagram worthy risk-reward shot
-
Rates: $80-$180 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 30-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
4. Mistwood Golf Club
-
Location: 1700 W Renwick Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446
-
Phone: (815) 254-3333
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: Recently renovated with a distinct Scottish flair
-
Eagle’s Nest: The par-5 3rd hole with its split fairway will test your decision-making
-
Rates: $60-$150 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 20-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
5. Chicago Highlands Club
-
Location: 2 Park Ave, Westchester, IL 60154
-
Phone: (708) 865-8200
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: A hidden gem with panoramic city views
-
Eagle’s Nest: The elevation changes will make you forget you’re in Illinois
-
Rates: $80-$180 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: No
6. Ravisloe Country Club
-
Location: 18231 Park Ave, Homewood, IL 60430
-
Phone: (708) 798-5600
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: A Donald Ross design that’s now open to the public
-
Eagle’s Nest: Those classic Ross greens will test your short game
-
Link:Ravisloe Country Club – https://www.ravisloecountryclub.com/
-
Rates: $60-$150 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 15-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
7. Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course
-
Location: 351 Green Bay Rd, Zion, IL 60099
-
Phone: (847) 872-2080
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: Links-style golf that won’t break the bank
-
Eagle’s Nest: The par-4 14th is a short but tricky risk-reward hole
-
Link: https://www.shepherdscrook.org
Rates: $40-$90 (depending on the time of day and season)
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
Driving Range: Yes, 10-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
8. The Glen Club
-
Location: 2901 W Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60025
-
Phone: (847) 724-7272
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: Tom Fazio design on the site of a former naval air station
-
Eagle’s Nest: The par-5 18th is a fantastic finishing hole with the clubhouse backdrop
-
Rates: $100-$220 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 25-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
9. Thunderhawk Golf Club
-
Location: 39700 N Lewis Ave, Beach Park, IL 60099
-
Phone: (847) 872-4295
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with a great mix of holes
-
Eagle’s Nest: The par-3 17th over water will test your nerves
-
Rates: $60-$150 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 20-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
10. Pine Meadow Golf Club
-
Location: 1 Pine Meadow Ln, Mundelein, IL 60060
-
Phone: (847) 566-4653
-
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April – October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November – March)
-
Why we love it: Well-maintained course with a great variety of holes
-
Eagle’s Nest: The risk-reward par-5 9th is a great way to close out the front nine
-
Rates: $50-$120 (depending on the time of day and season)
-
Amenities: Golf shop, restaurant, bar, practice facilities
-
Driving Range: Yes, 15-station driving range with grass tees and target greens
Remember, golf is about the journey, not just the destination. So even if you spray it into the trees on these courses (like we often do), you’re still playing some of the best tracks Chicago has to offer. Just be sure to bring an extra sleeve of balls… or three.
Pro Tip: Many of these courses get busy, especially on weekends. Book your tee times well in advance, and maybe practice your slice-proof shot before tackling some of these beauties!