Chicago in the Fall

Headed to Chicago at the end of September for my 30th birthday (I refuse to acknowledge it). Wanting to play the best course Chicago has to offer. Not concerned about the price of the course as I'm looking to splurge. I am thinking Cog #4 because it obviously is the most well known AND they are not punching their greens until the beginning of October on this course. Are there any other courses I should consider instead of Cog? Keep in mind the fall kinda tricky with all the aeration. I don't want to pay a lot and play punched greens. So looking for some local knowledge on conditions and recommendations.

One thing that has me cautious about Cog #4 is they wont let me make a tee time for 1 until 48 hours out. I could make a tee time for 2 and then cancel one of them closer to the date to ensure I get to play.

Thanks!

First, golf in Chicago in the fall is awesome! Temps still solid and not as many people playing. With money being no object, I'd consider Cantigny with a caddie. Tremendous course and if you haven't had a caddie before, it's such a great way to enjoy a round.

Headed to Chicago at the end of September for my 30th birthday (I refuse to acknowledge it). Wanting to play the best course Chicago has to offer. Not concerned about the price of the course as I'm looking to splurge. I am thinking Cog #4 because it obviously is the most well known AND they are not punching their greens until the beginning of October on this course. Are there any other courses I should consider instead of Cog? Keep in mind the fall kinda tricky with all the aeration. I don't want to pay a lot and play punched greens. So looking for some local knowledge on conditions and recommendations.

 

One thing that has me cautious about Cog #4 is they wont let me make a tee time for 1 until 48 hours out. I could make a tee time for 2 and then cancel one of them closer to the date to ensure I get to play.

 

Thanks!

Play Cog. There are other really good courses, but if you a visiting and want to play the top course that is it and it is relatively simple to get to and from the city if that is where you are staying. Harborside gives you a view of the city if that interest you and is pretty good 36 holes. I am assuming you are from the St. Louis area (username) Harborside is basically Chicago's Gateway National, but not quite as good.

You'll get some suggestions for Blackstone, Prairie Landing, Cantigny, and courses up north but for a trip to Chicago, convenience, big name, and solid course make it easy and play Cog.

Since I'm a single, do you think I'll have any trouble getting on the course during the week? They won't let me make a tee time until 48 hours out. Thinking of playing Thursday or Friday around lunch time.

Since I'm a single, do you think I'll have any trouble getting on the course during the week? They won't let me make a tee time until 48 hours out. Thinking of playing Thursday or Friday around lunch time.

I have never had an issue with #4. In fact, in the 10 or so times I have played it I would guess there were less than 40 other players on the course. I played last October mid week in under 2 hours and it was a beautiful day. I may have been lucky all these times, but in my experience #4 is never really that busy in the afternoon.

You will definitely not have a problem getting out on Dubs as a single during the week.

Dubs is excellent, but I would consider The Glen Club. Yeah, it's overpriced, but it's a great layout. It hosted a Nationwide Tour (now Web.com) event for five years. Fall rates start 9/26, so midweek rates will range from $100 to $120.

I’d also throw Mistwood, Bowes Creek and Highlands of Elgin in the mix. The Chicago area is best known for a lot of really top-notch private clubs but you can’t go wrong with any of the courses people have mentioned.

Ravisloe is the best designed public course. Cantigny is nice but boring. Cog Hill is tricked up, it’s why the PGA bailed on them. Harborside is close to the city but also pretty boring.

I’d play Mistwood or Ravisloe

Here's a link to a good list of Chicagoland courses with good reviews

http://www.wegoblogger31.com/2007/05/chicago-golf-definitive-guide-to.html

Here's a link to a good list of Chicagoland courses with good reviews

 

http://www.wegoblogg...e-guide-to.html

Lots to debate on this list and lots to agree with. Dubs as the best public facility...not buying it. No Whitetail RIdge on there, no Timber Point, Randall Oaks at #98?

Lol. Dubs is in no way, shape, or form the best public facility. Ignoring the course itself, I wouldn't put it in the top 25.

George Dunne? Excuse me. I have to go throw up.

On Friday I posted about some rather questionable treatment by Orchard Valley canceling our tee times. Received a note of apology from the GM along with gift certificates for 2 free foursomes with no restrictions. BCG did the right thing and should be recognized for fixing an error.

I grew up around Rav, play Rav all the time, it is probably the best layout for public golf in Chicago, but if you want the best experience it would probably be Dubs or Cantigny. If you are some GCA snob, then I would say Ravisloe, but it isn't in the condition that Dubs and Cantigny are.

Ravilsoe is solid, but it lacks "Wow!". There are a number of quality holes, but otherwise it's a rather pedestrian layout. Yeah, if you're a golf architecture buff, it has its place, but otherwise I'd likely tee it up at a dozen or more courses in the area.

Cog isn't what it used to be, nor is it the best or even top 5, maybe 10 in Chicago....there are so many beautiful courses in Chicago area (I lived there for 35 years) hard to choose just one. Depends what style of course, the history of the course, etc. you prefer and would enjoy most.

Don't deny you're going to be 30, you can't stop it....40 comes fast so go play a couple if you have time.

Cog isn't what it used to be, nor is it the best or even top 5, maybe 10 in Chicago....there are so many beautiful courses in Chicago area (I lived there for 35 years) hard to choose just one. Depends what style of course, the history of the course, etc. you prefer and would enjoy most.

 

Don't deny you're going to be 30, you can't stop it....40 comes fast so go play a couple if you have time.

Everyone has their opinion on golf courses, and people like different things. But Cog not being top 10 in Chicago is a tough sell. I'd be interested in hearing the 9 you prefer.

#4 is in very good shape right now, has good greens, good green complexes, strategic bunkers and can play very long if you want it. Idk what is wrong with it? The 3 other courses are garbage, the facility is a little old feeling but that doesn't take away from #4.

I'm surprised that Ravisloe is looked down upon for only being for architecture buffs. Isn't that what the original post was asking for?

Compare Ravisloe to Cantigny - both have equally fast (slow) greens. Tee to green, Cantigny probably has more lush conditions by a hair. Cantigny has someone who will put your bag on a cart (wearing knickers) and they have a bar. Besides those points, Ravisloe is better. Ravisloe forces you to think about more shots. On atleast 8 tee boxes you have to make a decision, on 13 greens you have to think about the approach. Cantigny is literally mindless golf. Hit in the fairway on either side, draw or fade, then hit it on the green and have a relatively flat putt. With exception of #8 and #9 Lakeside, and #7 Hillside - you'll find more character on the practice putting green than the greens you'll play that day. Every tee ball is either "Do I want to go for it, or play conservative?" It's not that memorable.

Harborside is even worse, though I play there most often due to proximity. You can land a 747 on their fairways, and their greens are as big and flat as their parking lot with the exception 3 of holes. I find Harboside at 7200 yards easier than Ravisloe at 6300 when posting for index. I recommend it because non-Chicagoians get a kick out of the city views.

Mistwood probably has the best facilities and an adequate design. If I were an out of towner I'd probably go there as it's memorable. Much more than Cantigny. Another I throw out there is Stonewall Orchard, but if I'm in Chicago for only a few days, I don't want to spend 2-3 hours in a car because of traffic.

I haven't played Dubs in 2 years, and have no desire to go back. It's memorable as not being fun. I really have no idea how they are still in business for $155 a go.

I'm surprised that Ravisloe is looked down upon for only being for architecture buffs. Isn't that what the original post was asking for?

 

Compare Ravisloe to Cantigny - both have equally fast (slow) greens. Tee to green, Cantigny probably has more lush conditions by a hair. Cantigny has someone who will put your bag on a cart (wearing knickers) and they have a bar. Besides those points, Ravisloe is better. Ravisloe forces you to think about more shots. On atleast 8 tee boxes you have to make a decision, on 13 greens you have to think about the approach. Cantigny is literally mindless golf. Hit in the fairway on either side, draw or fade, then hit it on the green and have a relatively flat putt. With exception of #8 and #9 Lakeside, and #7 Hillside - you'll find more character on the practice putting green than the greens you'll play that day. Every tee ball is either "Do I want to go for it, or play conservative?" It's not that memorable.

 

Harborside is even worse, though I play there most often due to proximity. You can land a 747 on their fairways, and their greens are as big and flat as their parking lot with the exception 3 of holes. I find Harboside at 7200 yards easier than Ravisloe at 6300 when posting for index. I recommend it because non-Chicagoians get a kick out of the city views.

 

Mistwood probably has the best facilities and an adequate design. If I were an out of towner I'd probably go there as it's memorable. Much more than Cantigny. Another I throw out there is Stonewall Orchard, but if I'm in Chicago for only a few days, I don't want to spend 2-3 hours in a car because of traffic.

 

I haven't played Dubs in 2 years, and have no desire to go back. It's memorable as not being fun. I really have no idea how they are still in business for $155 a go.

What isn't fun about it? That is a blanket statement. Is the spending $155 to play golf the not fun part? Honest question, do you not hit the ball high, so the protected greens make it not fun? I don't get the criticism, Phil complained about it years ago and it became the cool thing to do.

Thinking at Ravisloe? #1 - driver. #2 - driver. #3 - driver, don't go right. #5 - OK, you can try to cut a driver, but a fairway wood is the smart play. #8 - driver over the right bunker. #9 - driver. #10 - driver. #12 - driver left or right. #13 - driver over the right mounds. #14 - driver. #16 - driver. #17 - driver. #18 - driver.

Where's the thinking? 90% of the par 4's are dead straight with few fairway bunkers coming into play.

'Don't disagree about Harborside, as it was designed for the generally windy conditions. Missing a fairway on a calm day requires a real cr*ppy shot on the Starboard course. Port is more difficult off the tee.

Thinking at Ravisloe? #1 - driver. #2 - driver. #3 - driver, don't go right. #5 - OK, you can try to cut a driver, but a fairway wood is the smart play. #8 - driver over the right bunker. #9 - driver. #10 - driver. #12 - driver left or right. #13 - driver over the right mounds. #14 - driver. #16 - driver. #17 - driver. #18 - driver.

 

Where's the thinking? 90% of the par 4's are dead straight with few fairway bunkers coming into play.

 

'Don't disagree about Harborside, as it was designed for the generally windy conditions. Missing a fairway on a calm day requires a real cr*ppy shot on the Starboard course. Port is more difficult off the tee.

I guess we hit the ball differnt distances. I’m usually 285ish with driver so only hit it 3x on front nine (2,8,9) - 2 you have to hit a draw, 8 a cut, 9 is bombs away.

Back 9 6x - 2 of which are low cuts (14 & 15)

1, 3, 18 I’m hitting layups off tee

I guess that’s why I find it more challenging than most bc it’s not bombs away on every hole

I'm surprised that Ravisloe is looked down upon for only being for architecture buffs. Isn't that what the original post was asking for?

 

Compare Ravisloe to Cantigny - both have equally fast (slow) greens. Tee to green, Cantigny probably has more lush conditions by a hair. Cantigny has someone who will put your bag on a cart (wearing knickers) and they have a bar. Besides those points, Ravisloe is better. Ravisloe forces you to think about more shots. On atleast 8 tee boxes you have to make a decision, on 13 greens you have to think about the approach. Cantigny is literally mindless golf. Hit in the fairway on either side, draw or fade, then hit it on the green and have a relatively flat putt. With exception of #8 and #9 Lakeside, and #7 Hillside - you'll find more character on the practice putting green than the greens you'll play that day. Every tee ball is either "Do I want to go for it, or play conservative?" It's not that memorable.

 

Harborside is even worse, though I play there most often due to proximity. You can land a 747 on their fairways, and their greens are as big and flat as their parking lot with the exception 3 of holes. I find Harboside at 7200 yards easier than Ravisloe at 6300 when posting for index. I recommend it because non-Chicagoians get a kick out of the city views.

 

Mistwood probably has the best facilities and an adequate design. If I were an out of towner I'd probably go there as it's memorable. Much more than Cantigny. Another I throw out there is Stonewall Orchard, but if I'm in Chicago for only a few days, I don't want to spend 2-3 hours in a car because of traffic.

 

I haven't played Dubs in 2 years, and have no desire to go back. It's memorable as not being fun. I really have no idea how they are still in business for $155 a go.

 

What isn't fun about it? That is a blanket statement. Is the spending $155 to play golf the not fun part? Honest question, do you not hit the ball high, so the protected greens make it not fun? I don't get the criticism, Phil complained about it years ago and it became the cool thing to do.

No problem with the money, it’s just a grind. My sentiment is the same reason I think Whistling Straits isn’t fun. I get done with a round at Cog thankful it’s over and I survived, not that I had a pleasure playing it. That’s the whole point of playing golf, to have fun.

I’ve never finished a round at Cog wishing to get back to play again, or that I got value for my money. I’ve spent a lot of money on golf and rounds in my life but of the big name courses only Cog, Kohler and Blue Monster are courses where I felt that way.

I find Dubs to be a solid test. I'm curious how one can find it gimmicky. If one is hitting fairways and greens, it's definitely scoreable. If not, yeah, it can be a long day. I have no complaints with the greens. They're challenging if one is not in the right quadrant. I think that's fair. If I want to guarantee an easy par simply by being on the green I'll play the pussycat greens at Harborside.

I like to play Dubs when my game is in peak form, and it's usually humbling to some extend. I certainly don't play it for "fun", but for the challenge.

Cog isn't what it used to be, nor is it the best or even top 5, maybe 10 in Chicago....there are so many beautiful courses in Chicago area (I lived there for 35 years) hard to choose just one. Depends what style of course, the history of the course, etc. you prefer and would enjoy most.

 

Don't deny you're going to be 30, you can't stop it....40 comes fast so go play a couple if you have time.

 

Everyone has their opinion on golf courses, and people like different things. But Cog not being top 10 in Chicago is a tough sell. I'd be interested in hearing the 9 you prefer.

 

#4 is in very good shape right now, has good greens, good green complexes, strategic bunkers and can play very long if you want it. Idk what is wrong with it? The 3 other courses are garbage, the facility is a little old feeling but that doesn't take away from #4.

Have you played cog hill in the last 5 yrs or so- embarrassing condition for what they get for greens fees. Talk about a course that has gone downhill. It’s a $50 course at best imo...I’ll never play there again. I played last played there this June. Greens slow, divots everywhere...just bad. For the money I think it’s #2 (mid priced one there) is way better.

7 better off the top of my head

Ravislo

Cantigny

Mistwood (personal favorite if I play public)

Glen club

Aldeen golf course

Village links

Sanctuary

To the original poster if your heart is set on #4 unless they have an outing you can easily get off any day of the week. No one plays it especially with how much they charge (regardless of condition).

I'm surprised that Ravisloe is looked down upon for only being for architecture buffs. Isn't that what the original post was asking for?

 

Compare Ravisloe to Cantigny - both have equally fast (slow) greens. Tee to green, Cantigny probably has more lush conditions by a hair. Cantigny has someone who will put your bag on a cart (wearing knickers) and they have a bar. Besides those points, Ravisloe is better. Ravisloe forces you to think about more shots. On atleast 8 tee boxes you have to make a decision, on 13 greens you have to think about the approach. Cantigny is literally mindless golf. Hit in the fairway on either side, draw or fade, then hit it on the green and have a relatively flat putt. With exception of #8 and #9 Lakeside, and #7 Hillside - you'll find more character on the practice putting green than the greens you'll play that day. Every tee ball is either "Do I want to go for it, or play conservative?" It's not that memorable.

 

Harborside is even worse, though I play there most often due to proximity. You can land a 747 on their fairways, and their greens are as big and flat as their parking lot with the exception 3 of holes. I find Harboside at 7200 yards easier than Ravisloe at 6300 when posting for index. I recommend it because non-Chicagoians get a kick out of the city views.

 

Mistwood probably has the best facilities and an adequate design. If I were an out of towner I'd probably go there as it's memorable. Much more than Cantigny. Another I throw out there is Stonewall Orchard, but if I'm in Chicago for only a few days, I don't want to spend 2-3 hours in a car because of traffic.

 

I haven't played Dubs in 2 years, and have no desire to go back. It's memorable as not being fun. I really have no idea how they are still in business for $155 a go.

I wouldn’t call Cantigny mindless golf. Hillside is pretty easy but Woodside/Lakeside has some thinking to do.

Woodside:

1. Depending how aggressive you want to be anything from driver to iron could be played

2. Second shot you can go for it, layup to island fairway short or layup even shorter of creek

5. Again depending how aggressive you want to be anything from driver to hybrid off tee.

6. Slight dogleg but need an accurate drive with woods on both sides

7. Need an accurate drive to go for in 2. Green doglegs around trees up by green so go for it or layup

8. Island green with bunker short.

9. Layup off tee to back to front sloped green

Lakeside:

1. Tier in middle of green

2. Layup left or drive or pond. Then go for in 2 with woods around green or layup

3. Be aggressive with driver to a narrowing fairway with trees about 100 out or layup short to wider fairway to avoid trees

5. Need to avoid bunkers off tee to go for in 2

6. Get agressive with cut driver or 3 wood, hybrid layup

7. Draw driver or 3 wood layup

8. Tier on left and right side of green

9. Need to pick a club to get over water off tee but stay short of water through fairway.

Depending wind, tees I think there’s quite a bit of options you can play. Most greens have some sort of back to front slope so I wouldn’t call them flat. Greens are not Country Club fast to impact the slope as much but I’ve always enjoyed the course and it’s always been in great condition.

Cog isn't what it used to be, nor is it the best or even top 5, maybe 10 in Chicago....there are so many beautiful courses in Chicago area (I lived there for 35 years) hard to choose just one. Depends what style of course, the history of the course, etc. you prefer and would enjoy most.

 

Don't deny you're going to be 30, you can't stop it....40 comes fast so go play a couple if you have time.

 

Everyone has their opinion on golf courses, and people like different things. But Cog not being top 10 in Chicago is a tough sell. I'd be interested in hearing the 9 you prefer.

 

#4 is in very good shape right now, has good greens, good green complexes, strategic bunkers and can play very long if you want it. Idk what is wrong with it? The 3 other courses are garbage, the facility is a little old feeling but that doesn't take away from #4.

 

Have you played cog hill in the last 5 yrs or so- embarrassing condition for what they get for greens fees. Talk about a course that has gone downhill. It’s a $50 course at best imo...I’ll never play there again. I played last played there this June. Greens slow, divots everywhere...just bad. For the money I think it’s #2 (mid priced one there) is way better.

 

7 better off the top of my head

 

Ravislo

Cantigny

Mistwood (personal favorite if I play public)

Glen club

Aldeen golf course

Village links

Sanctuary

 

To the original poster if your heart is set on #4 unless they have an outing you can easily get off any day of the week. No one plays it especially with how much they charge (regardless of condition).

So absurd. #2 is awful. I get not liking a course for whatever reason. As Thunder Dan said, it is taxing and a grind, that makes sense. But to say it is in bad shape is just straight up wrong. Played there 2 weeks ago and it was great. Not really sure how there can be divots everywhere if no one plays there like you mentioned.

Also Village Links?!! Village links of what?! I can't tell if you are just trolling or have some personal reason you don't like cog hill.

Lol. OP, sorry about the debate. Chicago has over 200 public courses, so obviously there's going to be some debate. I believe the general consensus is that you can't go wrong with Highlands of Elgin, Mistwood, or Blackstone. Dubs has had periods were the conditioning has been spotty, but it's been good lately.

Is great!

If you had to play one course driving from O’Hare to SW Michigan on a Saturday morning where would you play. I don’t want to go west of 294

If you had to play one course driving from O’Hare to SW Michigan on a Saturday morning where would you play. I don’t want to go west of 294

Where in SW Michigan are you going? That opens up a lot of possibilities.

If you had to play one course driving from O’Hare to SW Michigan on a Saturday morning where would you play. I don’t want to go west of 294

Ravisloe