Single Friendly Courses - Chicago Area

[Argonne69]

Great list and excellent topic. I play a lot of weekday golf after work. For the courses that don't allow singles to book in advance, I just call, ask about how busy they are, and, if they aren't crowded (between 3:00-4:00 on a weekday is rarely busy), I show up, pay, and play. Highlands of Elgin, Stonewall, Thunderhawk, Oak Grove, Glencoe, Shephard's Crook, Pine Meadows, and Chevy Chase were all okay with me doing this. I'm assuming if it's busier they'd insist on pairing me up with someone but they haven't forced me to do so yet.

 

Yeah, I imagine that during the week it's not as much of an issue. However, on weekend mornings it's a crapshoot. Over 85% of the courses in the area allow singles to book online in some form, so I've never quite figured out the reasoning of the holdouts.

[Argonne69]

Added The Glenview Park GC (4 stars)

[DavePelz4]

The fine folks at Oak Grove are now actually encouraging walking. For years we've been b****** at when we check in about walking and of course, they weren't providing a price break.

[Argonne69]

The fine folks at Oak Grove are now actually encouraging walking. For years we've been b****** at when we check in about walking and of course, they weren't providing a price break.

 

I bet they still don't have water on the course.

[DavePelz4]

The fine folks at Oak Grove are now actually encouraging walking. For years we've been b****** at when we check in about walking and of course, they weren't providing a price break.

 

I bet they still don't have water on the course.

 

Agree...and although we usually pack extra fluids, it's even rare that there is a bev cart on the course.

[Argonne69]

The fine folks at Oak Grove are now actually encouraging walking. For years we've been b****** at when we check in about walking and of course, they weren't providing a price break.

 

I bet they still don't have water on the course.

 

Agree...and although we usually pack extra fluids, it's even rare that there is a bev cart on the course.

 

It has to be one of the nuttiest things in Chicago golf. I've played over 130 courses in the area, and as far as I recall they are the only course that doesn't have some type of water on the course, either fountains or (locked) coolers. Their excuse that locked jugs of water can be poisoned is asinine.

[DavePelz4]

The fine folks at Oak Grove are now actually encouraging walking. For years we've been b****** at when we check in about walking and of course, they weren't providing a price break.

 

I bet they still don't have water on the course.

 

Agree...and although we usually pack extra fluids, it's even rare that there is a bev cart on the course.

 

It has to be one of the nuttiest things in Chicago golf. I've played over 130 courses in the area, and as far as I recall they are the only course that doesn't have some type of water on the course, either fountains or (locked) coolers. Their excuse that locked jugs of water can be poisoned is asinine.

 

Didn't hear the poison thing but remember that there was a course out west that didn't clean the jugs often enough and a bunch of people got sick. If I remember, someone died and the course had to pay our $3M in a settlement. People will use that as an excuse sometimes. Heck, just wash the jugs daily and put water in them!

[ldchristopher]

The fine folks at Oak Grove are now actually encouraging walking. For years we've been b****** at when we check in about walking and of course, they weren't providing a price break.

 

I bet they still don't have water on the course.

 

Agree...and although we usually pack extra fluids, it's even rare that there is a bev cart on the course.

 

It has to be one of the nuttiest things in Chicago golf. I've played over 130 courses in the area, and as far as I recall they are the only course that doesn't have some type of water on the course, either fountains or (locked) coolers. Their excuse that locked jugs of water can be poisoned is asinine.

 

Didn't hear the poison thing but remember that there was a course out west that didn't clean the jugs often enough and a bunch of people got sick. If I remember, someone died and the course had to pay our $3M in a settlement. People will use that as an excuse sometimes. Heck, just wash the jugs daily and put water in them!

GCI also doesn't have any water, which is totally insane. The ones that bother me the most are courses that have the stand/holder for water jugs but never have an actual water cooler in it. Palmira has that and I've seen it in a couple of other places that I can't recall. I'm glad Oak Grove is okay with walkers since waiting until the 4:00 twilight to get a low price is a pain in the butt. It's not a very hilly place and the walk is relatively easy. It's a hike from the 9th green to the 10th tee and from the 10th green to the 11th tee but that's it.

[Argonne69]

Moved Ravisloe CC from 2 to 3 star category. Singles can now book online for rounds anytime on Monday through Friday, and weekends starting at 12 pm.

 

Moved Oak Brook from 2 stars to 4 stars. It appears that they now allow singles to book with an existing twosome or threesome.

 

Moved Lost Marsh from 3 stars to 5 stars. It appears that are kvetching is slowly starting to pay off.

 

Whitetail Ridge now appears to allow singles to book with an existing twosome or threesome on weekends.

[Argonne69]

Moved Traditions at Chevy Chase from 2 star to 4 star category. Welcome to the 21st century, gang.

 

Added Fresh Meadow to 5 star. Lol. That's a singles-friendly category, and not a course rating. :taunt:

[ldchristopher]

Moved Traditions at Chevy Chase from 2 star to 4 star category. Welcome to the 21st century, gang.

 

Added Fresh Meadow to 5 star. Lol. That's a singles-friendly category, and not a course rating. :taunt:

I didn't think I'd see the day when Fresh Meadows' course was given a five star rating for anything on this site.

[Argonne69]

Added University Park GC and Villa Olivia CC.

[Argonne69]

Moved Naperbrook and Springbrook from the 0 star to 5 star category. 'Welcome to the new century gang.

 

Added Carriage Greens CC.

[Argonne69]

Added Blackberry Oaks GC in Bristol, and Foss Park in North Chicago.

[Argonne69]

Moved Bartlett Hills from 4 stars to 3 stars. I tried booking online as a single, and even though the booking engine displayed '1-2', it wouldn't allow me to book as a single. I had to call the pro shop, and even then the person on the phone had to ask the manager if it was OK to book me. Oy.

[Argonne69]

Moved Ravisloe to the 5 star category. 'Nice to see.

[TheBear95]

Moved Bartlett Hills from 4 stars to 3 stars. I tried booking online as a single, and even though the booking engine displayed '1-2', it wouldn't allow me to book as a single. I had to call the pro shop, and even then the person on the phone had to ask the manager if it was OK to book me. Oy.

 

Just had the same issue trying to book at Shepherds this weekend. Online would not allow me to book an open "1-2" spot, so I had to call the proshop. Was initially told no, we don't do single tee times. As I'm about to hang up, he then mentions he can. Ok, I guess. I mean, I want to give you my money... Alas, I don't know why this is so difficult at a number of courses.

[dbrokee]

I'm not sure it's a course many on here would play, but Eaglewood Resort & Spa Golf Course allows you to book as a single

[Argonne69]

I'm not sure it's a course many on here would play, but Eaglewood Resort & Spa Golf Course allows you to book as a single

 

You're right, it doesn't get much love around here, but I've added to the list. Thanks for the addition.

[TUGolfer06]

I was able to book the 3rd tee time of the day on a weekend as a single at Harborside International. That shocked me.....

[Argonne69]

I was able to book the 3rd tee time of the day on a weekend as a single at Harborside International. That shocked me.....

 

Harborside is very liberal, allowing a single to book any open slot, including an open four slot. I generally try not to do that on weekend mornings to avoid the risk of going out solo among a bunch of foursomes.

[TUGolfer06]

I was able to book the 3rd tee time of the day on a weekend as a single at Harborside International. That shocked me.....

 

Harborside is very liberal, allowing a single to book any open slot, including an open four slot. I generally try not to do that on weekend mornings to avoid the risk of going out solo among a bunch of foursomes.

 

I have the 3rd tee time of the day so I'm hoping the two groups in front of me let me play through!!

[Argonne69]

I was able to book the 3rd tee time of the day on a weekend as a single at Harborside International. That shocked me.....

 

Harborside is very liberal, allowing a single to book any open slot, including an open four slot. I generally try not to do that on weekend mornings to avoid the risk of going out solo among a bunch of foursomes.

 

I have the 3rd tee time of the day so I'm hoping the two groups in front of me let me play through!!

 

I wouldn't be surprised if a twosome or threesome books the remaining slots. It appears that the Starboard front is not being used, so even if you do manage to get ahead of the groups in front of you, you'll hit a wall when you make the turn, as groups will be teeing off on that nine. I had this happen earlier this year when they had nine holes closed. Luckily I was able to join a threesome, and finish the round with them. It wasn't quite the 2 hour round I was hoping for, but at least I wasn't stuck as a single following a dozen foursomes.

[Argonne69]

Bump for the new season. If you have any updates, please let me know. The list is maintained on the first page of the thread.

 

A quick peek seems to indicate more consolidation on the GolfNow and EZLinks booking engines. Both engines can be configured to allow singles to book in any open four-slot (5 stars), or with an existing twosome or threesome.

[DavePelz4]

Randall Oaks has a new reservation system as of last weekend. At first glance, it was allowing singles to book. That would most likely apply to Bonnie Dundee as well.

[Argonne69]

Added the three Joliet Park District courses, Inwood (5*), Wedgewood (4*), and Woodruff (4*).

[Argonne69]

It looks like DuPage County has changed the policy to allow single to book with a twosome or threesome, so Maple Meadows jumps up to 4*. I assume The Preserve at Oak Meadows will allow the same, so I'll place it in the 4* category unless we see otherwise.

[DavePelz4]

Some interesting changes to several courses. The Highlands now allows singles to book when there is 1 spot open and they provide a 2% discount. The Brooks courses also allow single booking and they have the option of cart/no cart.

 

NIce to see some courses coming into the age of technology.

[Argonne69]

Some interesting changes to several courses. The Highlands now allows singles to book when there is 1 spot open and they provide a 2% discount. The Brooks courses also allow single booking and they have the option of cart/no cart.

 

NIce to see some courses coming into the age of technology.

 

It looks like Highlands allows singles to book with an existing twosome, as I see "1-2", in addition to "1", available on the booking engine. I've updated the main list on page 1.

 

Where are you seeing the Brooke changes? Their booking engine is currently showing no available tee times for the next two weeks.

[DavePelz4]

Some interesting changes to several courses. The Highlands now allows singles to book when there is 1 spot open and they provide a 2% discount. The Brooks courses also allow single booking and they have the option of cart/no cart.

 

NIce to see some courses coming into the age of technology.

 

It looks like Highlands allows singles to book with an existing twosome, as I see "1-2", in addition to "1", available on the booking engine. I've updated the main list on page 1.

 

Where are you seeing the Brooke changes? Their booking engine is currently showing no available tee times for the next two weeks.

 

http://www.golfnaperville.org/teetimes/

 

Seeing availability on the site. Their pricing is a bit wacked since they dumped the Noon price change.