Known for its nickname—the Windy City—deep-dish pizza, breweries, and five-star private clubs, Chicago is an underrated destination for budding and avid golfers. You can play these daily-fee courses anywhere from within the city to its more picturesque outskirts. If you are traveling to Chicago for the first time, here are a few of its most renowned golf courses that you won’t want to miss.
Cantigny Golf Club - Wheaton
Not only is this golf club home to one of the most impressive courses in the country, but it is also famous for its fantastic facilities, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. Perfect for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this course boasts three nines with spectacular views of Chicago’s greatest lakes.
You can wind down with a burger and a mug of your favorite ale at the Cantigny outdoor patio, which overlooks the course in its entirety.
Harborside International’s Port Course - Chicago
Previously a landfill, Harborside International’s Port Course is the site of 36 challenging holes and Scottish-style links. Plus, the course is just within city limits, so you won’t have to worry about rushing back to walk Millennium Park if it’s on your itinerary.
Harborside’s windy conditions will give you a run for your money—if you’re up for the challenge, you may want to take along your most forgiving driver. Sitting atop one of Chicago’s highest points, you’ll get excellent views of the skyline and lake from here.
The Glen Club - Glenview
This upscale, private golf club has an impressive clubhouse and on-site accommodations that make it easy for visitors to access the course. This once Navy airbase is now home to challenging rolling berms, trees, and lush landscapes—perfect for a four-hour ride with your most expensive golf club.
Corporate groups can make the most of its luxurious 48,000 square foot clubhouse where you can wine and dine in a beautifully decorated grand ballroom. You can even take a stroll through the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame if you want to squeeze in a history lesson.
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club - Lemont
Over 90-years-old, the Cog Hill Golf and Country Club is occasionally the famed PGA Tour and BMW Championship site. Budding golfers can improve their swing and skill over a variety of course difficulties at this versatile club.
Keep in mind that there are over a hundred bunkers on this course, which means packing a sand wedge and handicapper before your Chicago trip is a must!
Stonewall Orchard Golf Club - Grayslake
If you’re one to get your daily dose of nature, the Stonewall Orchard Golf Club is the place to be. Nestled in this serene, untouched landscape north of Chicago, you can play a tranquil round of golf surrounded by over 60,000 trees.
It is also sometimes a US Open qualifying site, so don’t forget to visit when the season rolls around—you may lock eyes with a star athlete or two.
The Bottom Line
Whether heading to Chicago to enjoy a quintessential holiday barbecue with your family or grace one of its popular landmarks, you can’t miss a trip to the golf course. You never know when one of these impressive courses will make it onto your itinerary!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who loves to travel around the globe for golf. During his off times, he writes about golf on http://golfinfluence.com/. His enthusiasm for golf starts at an early age when his father brought him to a local golf course. For more tips and tricks about golf, Jordan has a lot to share on his site.