Golfweek '14 Best in State You Can Play- IL

[apprenti23]

Anybody played all 15???

 

New Rankings for 2014

 

M- modern C- classic

1. Cog Hill (No. 4-Dubsdread), Lemont (m)

2. Highlands of Elgin, Elgin (m)

3. Harborside International (Starboard), Chicago (m)

4. The Glen Club, Glenview (m)

5. Weaver Ridge, Peoria (m)

6. Ravisloe CC, Homewood ©

7. TPC at Deere Run, Silvis (m)

8. Bowes Creek, Elgin (m)

9. Eagle Ridge (The General), Galena (m)

10. Cantigny, Wheaton (m)

11. Pine Meadow, Mundelein (m)

12. ThunderHawk, Beach Park (m)

13. Kankakee Elks Club, Saint Anne ©

14. Stonewall Orchard GC, Grayslake (m)

15. Gateway National Golf Links, Madison (m)*

[zer0]

Not me, I've played 9 of them. Will try and play the Glen Club this year if I can get over there when the rates are reduced. That will give me 10.

[ctfuzz21]

No, 9 as well. I would've liked to seen Stonewall much higher up on that list

[zer0]

[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1395627962' post='8935575']
Not me, I've played 9 of them. Will try and play the Glen Club this year if I can get over there when the rates are reduced. That will give me 10.
[/quote]

Agreed. I would rate Stonewall ahead of Harborside (extrememly overrated), Pine Meadow (shouldn't be on the list), Ravisloe (living off of name of designer) for sure and probably ahead of Bowes Creek, Cantigny and Thunderhawk. Although I have only played some of those courses one time so probably need to go back and give them a thorough look.

Surprised that Prairie Landing didn't make the cut, its pretty similar to Highlands. Haven't played Aldeen, but from everything I hear it should be on the list.

I also think Shepard's Crook is much better than a few of those courses and deserves recognition.

[Gdane]

I've played #2, #11, #12, and #14 from this list.

This summer I'd like to make a trip to either Galena to play The General or Silvis to play the TPC course. I know Galena has the charm and other courses, but I was curious as to which course people prefer, based purely on golf.

[fanofsaosin]

i've played 11 of the 15... im surprised the glen club was ranked so high...

[lilc2334]

I don't think the highlands should be ranked that high. I actually prefer bowes creek, which is right down the street from the highlands. I believe bowes creek is a top 5 course no doubt.

[Argonne69]

13 out of 15. Haven't played Kankakee Elks Club or Gateway National Golf Links. I believe Kankakee is new to the list this year.

A few surprises, but for the most part, it's the same old list.

[DavePelz4]

Have played 12/15. Haven't played KKK Elks, Weaver Ridge or Gateway.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='lilc2334' timestamp='1395888337' post='8959495']
I don't think the highlands should be ranked that high. I actually prefer bowes creek, which is right down the street from the highlands. I believe bowes creek is a top 5 course no doubt.
[/quote]

Interesting...I'm exactly the opposite.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396025448' post='8969149']
Have played 12/15. Haven't played KKK Elks, Weaver Ridge or Gateway.
[/quote]

It's a pity that we have a fourth-world passenger rail system in this country. It would be cool to hop on a high speed train out of Chicago in the early morning, be on the course at Gateway by 10 am, and be home for dinner. I say fourth-world because many so-called thirld-world countries have better passenger rail than we do. Sigh.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396032233' post='8970015']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396025448' post='8969149']
Have played 12/15. Haven't played KKK Elks, Weaver Ridge or Gateway.
[/quote]

It's a pity that we have a fourth-world passenger rail system in this country. It would be cool to hop on a high speed train out of Chicago in the early morning, be on the course at Gateway by 10 am, and be home for dinner. I say fourth-world because many so-called thirld-world countries have better passenger rail than we do. Sigh.
[/quote]

We were going to build that but we had to pay the cost to keep the former governors in jail.

[willias1]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396032233' post='8970015']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396025448' post='8969149']
Have played 12/15. Haven't played KKK Elks, Weaver Ridge or Gateway.
[/quote]

It's a pity that we have a fourth-world passenger rail system in this country. It would be cool to hop on a high speed train out of Chicago in the early morning, be on the course at Gateway by 10 am, and be home for dinner. I say fourth-world because many so-called thirld-world countries have better passenger rail than we do. Sigh.
[/quote]

It's no high speed system, but the Metra does deliver to one of the courses on this list, Ravisloe. Hop on at millenium park and you're to the first tee in less than an hour (Homewood Stop). If you don't always have access to a car and live in the city, this is a great course to play and an easy way to get there.

Now if only they'd let me through the gates two stops further at Olympia Fields we'd really be in business.

[fore_life]

I'll be in Algonquin in June, one played Bowes creek, I'd like to play something more parkland style, not windy links-ish. Any of those fit the bill?

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='Gdane' timestamp='1395864003' post='8956995']
I've played #2, #11, #12, and #14 from this list.

This summer I'd like to make a trip to either Galena to play The General or Silvis to play the TPC course. I know Galena has the charm and other courses, but I was curious as to which course people prefer, based purely on golf.
[/quote]

You can't go wrong with either...however I'd prefer to play the General. Packard and North did a great job of using the natural aspects of the land and each hole is truly unique. Plus...if you have time to play 36, you have 2.5 other courses right on property. The South course is every bit as challenging as the General without the acclaim.

[stringbean502001]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396109265' post='8974733']
I'll be in Algonquin in June, one played Bowes creek, I'd like to play something more parkland style, not windy links-ish. Any of those fit the bill?
[/quote]

Not sure how far you are willing to drive--not on the list, but a very solid parkland course IMO, is Foxford Hills which might be about 15-20 min or so?

[Argonne69]

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396109504' post='8974761']
[quote name='Gdane' timestamp='1395864003' post='8956995']
I've played #2, #11, #12, and #14 from this list.

This summer I'd like to make a trip to either Galena to play The General or Silvis to play the TPC course. I know Galena has the charm and other courses, but I was curious as to which course people prefer, based purely on golf.
[/quote]

You can't go wrong with either...however I'd prefer to play the General. Packard and North did a great job of using the natural aspects of the land and each hole is truly unique. Plus...if you have time to play 36, you have 2.5 other courses right on property. The South course is every bit as challenging as the General without the acclaim.
[/quote]

Actually, if you're going to make the trek out there, I would highly suggest that you maximize your golf and play both. :-) If you book a late morning round at TPC, you can leave in the early morning, play a round in Silvis, and then take a nice late afternoon drive up the Mississippi River valley to Galena (~1.5 to 2 hours). Spend the evening at the Eagle Ridge Resort, and play the General in the morning, and be home in time for dinner. If you make a 3 day weekend out of it, you can add an additional round at Eagle Ridge, or spend some time walking around Galena.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396122780' post='8975903']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396109504' post='8974761']
[quote name='Gdane' timestamp='1395864003' post='8956995']
I've played #2, #11, #12, and #14 from this list.

This summer I'd like to make a trip to either Galena to play The General or Silvis to play the TPC course. I know Galena has the charm and other courses, but I was curious as to which course people prefer, based purely on golf.
[/quote]

You can't go wrong with either...however I'd prefer to play the General. Packard and North did a great job of using the natural aspects of the land and each hole is truly unique. Plus...if you have time to play 36, you have 2.5 other courses right on property. The South course is every bit as challenging as the General without the acclaim.
[/quote]

Actually, if you're going to make the trek out there, I would highly suggest that you maximize your golf and play both. :-) If you book a late morning round at TPC, you can leave in the early morning, play a round in Silvis, and then take a nice late afternoon drive up the Mississippi River valley to Galena (~1.5 to 2 hours). Spend the evening at the Eagle Ridge Resort, and play the General in the morning, and be home in time for dinner. If you make a 3 day weekend out of it, you can add an additional round at Eagle Ridge, or spend some time walking around Galena.
[/quote]

Agree completely. We do this as part of a guys weekend. Eagle Ridge also has a top notch spa that your bride will enjoy.

[fore_life]

[quote name='stringbean502001' timestamp='1396120340' post='8975623']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396109265' post='8974733']
I'll be in Algonquin in June, one played Bowes creek, I'd like to play something more parkland style, not windy links-ish. Any of those fit the bill?
[/quote]

Not sure how far you are willing to drive--not on the list, but a very solid parkland course IMO, is Foxford Hills which might be about 15-20 min or so?
[/quote]


I actually played Foxford and Bowes my last visit, really enjoyed foxford! My wife's family lives right by golf club of Illinois, any recent updates on that? It's links style though, right?

Ps sorry to sidetrack this!

What's stonewall like?

[Argonne69]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396123926' post='8976007']
[quote name='stringbean502001' timestamp='1396120340' post='8975623']
[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1396109265' post='8974733']
I'll be in Algonquin in June, one played Bowes creek, I'd like to play something more parkland style, not windy links-ish. Any of those fit the bill?
[/quote]

Not sure how far you are willing to drive--not on the list, but a very solid parkland course IMO, is Foxford Hills which might be about 15-20 min or so?
[/quote]


I actually played Foxford and Bowes my last visit, really enjoyed foxford! My wife's family lives right by golf club of Illinois, any recent updates on that? It's links style though, right?

Ps sorry to sidetrack this!

What's stonewall like?
[/quote]

Stonewall is a great course. I'd call it a linksie parkland course. Plenty of trees, but an element of prairie. 'Definitely worth a visit.

[fore_life]

Cool. I'll make a thread when it gets closer, I'm planning on playing with JakeBarnes, would love to meet some other wrx guys too

[mikes919]

Oddly, the only course on the list I've played is the Glen Club. I'm making a point of getting around to some more courses this year though. Hopefully this season I can get to Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard, Pine Meadow, and at least one of the two Elgin courses. I'll play Dubs once I get down to a single cap.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='willias1' timestamp='1396106713' post='8974545']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396032233' post='8970015']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396025448' post='8969149']
Have played 12/15. Haven't played KKK Elks, Weaver Ridge or Gateway.
[/quote]

It's a pity that we have a fourth-world passenger rail system in this country. It would be cool to hop on a high speed train out of Chicago in the early morning, be on the course at Gateway by 10 am, and be home for dinner. I say fourth-world because many so-called thirld-world countries have better passenger rail than we do. Sigh.
[/quote]

It's no high speed system, but the Metra does deliver to one of the courses on this list, Ravisloe. Hop on at millenium park and you're to the first tee in less than an hour (Homewood Stop). If you don't always have access to a car and live in the city, this is a great course to play and an easy way to get there.

Now if only they'd let me through the gates two stops further at Olympia Fields we'd really be in business.
[/quote]

Yeah, I've done that. I've also taken the Metra Electric to Jackson Park. However, I was referring to the lack of high speed trains in the "sweetspot" of 250 to 400 miles. Basically, a PITA to drive, and too much of a hassle to fly. I once calculated that ~20% of flights originating in Chicago travel to cities less than 400 miles away, including Milwaukee!, Springfield, Louisville, Cleveland, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Cincinnati, Columbus, St Louis, Madison, Minneapolis/St Paul, Lexington,and Indianapolis. Instead of spending >$8 billion adding a runway at O'Hare, we could have started to improve the rail network in the Midwest.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1396272844' post='8985793']
Oddly, the only course on the list I've played is the Glen Club. I'm making a point of getting around to some more courses this year though. Hopefully this season I can get to Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard, Pine Meadow, and at least one of the two Elgin courses. I'll play Dubs once I get down to a single cap.
[/quote]

You've forked over the $$$ to play The Glen Club, but not Dubs?! ;-) I wouldn't wait for the single digits. 'Definitely try to get out to the courses you mentioned, as all are top notch and close enough to the northern burbs.

[dikaia22]

Im probably different than most on here but the only ones I have played are the ones not in the Chicago/Burbs areas. I have played Weaver, Gateway, and Deere Run.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='dikaia22' timestamp='1396279147' post='8986581']
Im probably different than most on here but the only ones I have played are the ones not in the Chicago/Burbs areas. I have played Weaver, Gateway, and Deere Run.
[/quote]

Two words: Road Trip. :-)

How was Gateway? I took a look at the Google satellite view, and the course looked really bland. 'Looks like a watered down version of Harborside. What's the attraction?

[mikes919]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396278960' post='8986551']
[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1396272844' post='8985793']
Oddly, the only course on the list I've played is the Glen Club. I'm making a point of getting around to some more courses this year though. Hopefully this season I can get to Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard, Pine Meadow, and at least one of the two Elgin courses. I'll play Dubs once I get down to a single cap.
[/quote]

You've forked over the $$$ to play The Glen Club, but not Dubs?! ;-) I wouldn't wait for the single digits. 'Definitely try to get out to the courses you mentioned, as all are top notch and close enough to the northern burbs.
[/quote]

Had a lot of perks at my last job. I got to play the Glen Club and Olympia Fields on someone else's dime. Could have played Dubsdread too, but I was out of town that day. Too bad I changed careers!

[Argonne69]

[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1396291115' post='8988211']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396278960' post='8986551']
[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1396272844' post='8985793']
Oddly, the only course on the list I've played is the Glen Club. I'm making a point of getting around to some more courses this year though. Hopefully this season I can get to Thunderhawk, Stonewall Orchard, Pine Meadow, and at least one of the two Elgin courses. I'll play Dubs once I get down to a single cap.
[/quote]

You've forked over the $$$ to play The Glen Club, but not Dubs?! ;-) I wouldn't wait for the single digits. 'Definitely try to get out to the courses you mentioned, as all are top notch and close enough to the northern burbs.
[/quote]

Had a lot of perks at my last job. I got to play the Glen Club and Olympia Fields on someone else's dime. Could have played Dubsdread too, but I was out of town that day. Too bad I changed careers!
[/quote]

Lol. Nice. Is your old job still available? ;-)

[apprenti23]

I'm at 14/15 missing only gateway as I've never heard of it until now.

The one course that's on that list that nobody ever mentions is The Elks. Funny that Kankakee Elks was actually #8 last year and still nobody has heard of it. Like Ravisloe, it's one of the few old school designs- shorter, big trees, crazy greens. When medinah redesigned their number one course, Tom Doaks guys made exact replicas of two of the Elk's greens and put them out there. Being so far south the rates are dirt cheap, never too busy, but it's always in good shape. Kind of a shame they never had any money, but at the same time they've never been able to change the course much off of the original design. If you guys knew the prices you'd be dumbfounded.

I'm glad to see the starboard course at Harborside getting some pub. Although extremely similar in design I've always preferred that to the port course.

[hayzooos]

I currently live in Elgin, didn't even know of Bowes Creek...what's wrong with me??!! I've played Dubsdread, Highlands (surprised that's #2, I like it, but surprised it's that high) and Gateway National where I got my first (and so far, only) hole in one. So I obviously like the course Was supposed to play Stonewall one day but got rained out, same with Prairie Landing.

Gateway was pretty cool, mainly a flat course which is expected, but I liked the fact you could see a lot of St. Louis from the course, just provides some relatively unique scenery. Dubsdread was hard...really hard. We actually played it kind of randomly honestly. We were at Cog to do some Cadillac thing with Leadbetter and AK (remember him). We were going through the three hole playing lesson with AK and me and the two guys decided to ditch out on it and see if we could just play the course. Sure enough, we did. Sucked as I didn't even had my clubs so I had to RENT. We played it maybe 3 weeks before they were holding the BMW there a few years ago. Stands were being put up as we were playing. Greens are undulating like crazy and all protected by a ton of traps. I still have some pictures on my phone from that day which gives it some perspective. Beautiful course though, no doubt about it.