Which Course to play - Olympia Fields, Medinah, Butler, Whistling Straits?

So I will have an opportunity to play one of these courses in August. Which one should I play?

My thought process...

I have a reliable connection at both Olympia Fields and Medinah. My connection at Butler is a little more temporary. Whistling Straits is a course I could play at any time, but I don’t foresee a lot of travel to Wisconsin moving forward. So I’m thinking I need to play Butler or WS.

But which one is the MUST play?

So I will have an opportunity to play one of these courses in August. Which one should I play?

 

My thought process...

I have a reliable connection at both Olympia Fields and Medinah. My connection at Butler is a little more temporary. Whistling Straits is a course I could play at any time, but I don't foresee a lot of travel to Wisconsin moving forward. So I'm thinking I need to play Butler or WS.

 

But which one is the MUST play?

Butler, WS, Medinah, Olympia. I haven't played Butler though, but that is how I would rank the other 3, and then Butler is a dream course. Overall, if I had already played all 4, I think I would play WS. But like you said, you can play there whenever it is just about getting to Wisconsin and paying for it.

I have played them all and Butler is the hardest to get on certainly IME. I have played it once and really, really enjoyed it. Very difficult greens and long, it is a Fazio. Medinah is the one I think is the best club of all of them as it has three courses with 2 very good the recently Doak renovated #1 and then the Championship #3. Olympia Fields is always underrated because it is on the South side, however I'm going to join this summer as a national member. WS will always be there as it is public. IME you play private clubs when the opportunity arises and you have the opportunity that may not be around again.

1. Butler

2. Medinah

3. OF

4 WS

Flossmoor, extremely underrated.

Have played all but Butler. Think it's the most difficult to get on with the exception of Chicago Golf Club. It's not terribly difficult to get on OF or Medinah so I'd go Butler for the win.

The good news is you can't lose.

Flossmoor, extremely underrated.

:ontopic:

definitely go with any of the 3 private courses listed. you can play WS any time and it's also a rip off.

Haven’t played OF, but of the others, Butler since it is a tougher “get” and my favorite of the 3. Medinah #3 was great too. Whistling felt like a corporate machine, and I’m less into that. Course was fun though.

I play Butler a couple times a year, and have played all you mentioned BUT WS. I would highly recommend playing Butler especially if you think your connection is only temporary. IMO it is far and away a much better course than what Medinah and Oly Fields have to offer. It will be one of the most difficult courses you ever play. after the first couple holes hang on b/c it gets very very difficult! The stretch of holes from 7 thru 11 might be one of my favorite stretches of holes I have ever played and it is for sure one of the most difficult stretches. Make sure you play 10 from all the way back to get the full shot value Fazio wanted. Course is always in PERFECT condition and the staff is absolutely amazing!

Not Straits

Butler is fantastic and very unique experience.