Chicago Golf Advice

[Artisinthecomposition]

Hi - I'm a new member looking forward to learning more about Chicago golf. Thanks

[Thunder Dan]

Martin,

I can't help too much with the clubs you listed. A couple are pretty exclusive so you might not find too many members on this forum. I'd suggest e-mailing their PGA pros to inquire.

 

A couple things I can help you with. First, there aren't many 20-25 minute drives north from Gold Coast unless you are leaving in the early AM or late in the evening, summer especially. You might be best served looking South as I find it easier to beat traffic heading south. Your best bet to get on highway from Gold Coast is LSD and many times you are dealing with beach traffic, Cubs traffic and just general traffic of being in Chicago's heart. It seems like every weekend something is going on to mess up your route. I used to live in that area and it's hard.

 

Secondly, Chicago has some of the best public golf in America. Much better than where you came from. There are tons of really good courses within driving distance until you find your club home. I live in River North and play early AM mostly to beat traffic both ways on the weekend.

[geochitown]

No helpful input other than...

I thought one had to live in the immediate area to join Indian Hill.

That may be an outdated membership requirement though.

[UCBananaboy]

I can't speak to any recommendations, but the idea of living downtown and belonging to a Club seems brutal in terms of accessibility, etc.

[ldchristopher]

Your best bet might be Beverly Country Club because of traffic issues but I'm not sure if they are accepting new members. Butterfield would be another option but they have a one or two year vetting process. Idlewild in Flossmore is another option, though the drive is longer. Same with Chicago Highlands, which is a faux-links course and is very different than pretty much every other Chicago area country club. Getting to a course on the North shore from the Gold Coast will be hard because of traffic, as several people have mentioned. It'll be much easier to take Lake Shore Drive to I 55 to 90/94 to 57 or to simply take LSD to 55 and look into those clubs. Personally, I recommend ignoring private clubs and taking advantage of the high-end public courses in the area, of which there are several.

[Artisinthecomposition]

Thanks for all the advice provided thus far. Following up to see if anyone else can provide information or help make introductions to clubs after updating my original post to expand my search parameters. Thanks!

[WindyCitySPN]

Thanks for all the advice provided thus far. Following up to see if anyone else can provide information or help make introductions to clubs after updating my original post to expand my search parameters. Thanks!

 

You may want to mention what clubs you have been in contact with as well as a range you are willing to pay, a initiation fee, etc? There is a big variance in private club pricing here in Chicago.

[Artisinthecomposition]

Thanks for all the advice provided thus far. Following up to see if anyone else can provide information or help make introductions to clubs after updating my original post to expand my search parameters. Thanks!

 

You may want to mention what clubs you have been in contact with as well as a range you are willing to pay, a initiation fee, etc? There is a big variance in private club pricing here in Chicago.

 

I have only played Idlewild so far and haven't spoken to any other clubs (not sure if it is ok to reach out to clubs directly without knowing an existing member). I'm also completely open on the initiation fee as my wife and I are committed to living in Chicago permanently, so we are looking for at long-term club benefits than focussing on the upfront costs. Thanks!

[WindyCitySPN]

Thanks for all the advice provided thus far. Following up to see if anyone else can provide information or help make introductions to clubs after updating my original post to expand my search parameters. Thanks!

 

You may want to mention what clubs you have been in contact with as well as a range you are willing to pay, a initiation fee, etc? There is a big variance in private club pricing here in Chicago.

 

I have only played Idlewild so far and haven't spoken to any other clubs (not sure if it is ok to reach out to clubs directly without knowing an existing member). I'm also completely open on the initiation fee as my wife and I are committed to living in Chicago permanently, so we are looking for at long-term club benefits than focussing on the upfront costs. Thanks!

 

A lot of clubs have a membership inquiry on their website. I'll send you a pm with the information I have.

[Gargoyle]

Northshore C.C Glenview, great course, tennis, paddle ball, and pool.

 

Park Ridge, very easy to get to from the G.C,.

[spartandds]

in the same boat. moving to Naperville area and looking for some good courses to play at!

[Schley]

So Martin did you join? What happened?

[apprenti23]

Do you want paddle tennis or shooting in the winter? Some have one or the other but not both. Glen oak in glen Ellyn isn’t the best course but has a lot of your needs.. Medinah checks all your boxes but I’m unsure as to the commute. I don’t know much of the courses that are on the north shore.

[Jerryamanning]

For those looking at a private club close to the city, check out Riverside Golf Club. Great course 10 miles west of the loop. 125 year old club with major renovations to the course, pool, and clubhouse in the last two years. Best value in the area by far. PM me if you would like more details.