Golfweek '14 Best in State You Can Play- IL

[Gdane]

Although I have always wanted to, I have never played Harborside. The general consensuses on this board seems to be that it is overrated. At any rate, I might try to take advantage of their early season rates on golfnow. Is the Starboard that much better than the Port course?

[Argonne69]

[quote name='Gdane' timestamp='1396634667' post='9020721']
Although I have always wanted to, I have never played Harborside. The general consensuses on this board seems to be that it is overrated. At any rate, I might try to take advantage of their early season rates on golfnow. Is the Starboard that much better than the Port course?
[/quote]

The general consensus is that the Starboard course is better than the Port course. I wouldn't say the difference is huge, though. IMHO, the Starboard course has fewer forced carries, which can be tough in windy conditions, although the 14th on Starboard is brutal into the wind. I find myself in far more fairway bunkers on the Port course after reasonably good drives, so it does feel more penal.

[apprenti23]

ha! figures gateway would be in the st. louis area... never mind the 14/15 I've actually played all 15... forgot i played there while in college.

As for Harborside I like both courses a lot and if you were to play them both back to back in the same day, you'd probably like the one you scored on better because they really aren't all that different. I have a tendency to enjoy the starboard more only for the simple fact that i've played it less.

We are very lucky that there is an abundance of great golf courses within an hours drive, don't even mention two hours drive!

[sopel10]

Played port and starboard, I remember maybe 2-3 holes from port, but almost all from starboard. I say play it if you can get a deal for $50 or less.

Playing Pinemeadow this Sunday, that course is growing on me.

[apprenti23]

I'm a huge fan of pine meadow- it's very much alike George dunne forest preserve national which I'm surprised didn't make the list. Has that facility gone back in the dumps again? Anybody know?

[DavePelz4]

George Dunne is a pace of play disaster. 5 hour rounds are the norm. It's sad because it's a great course.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396691830' post='9025049']
I'm a huge fan of pine meadow- it's very much alike George dunne forest preserve national which I'm surprised didn't make the list. Has that facility gone back in the dumps again? Anybody know?
[/quote]

I don't believe Dunne has ever made the top courses you can play in the state list. It is the best conditioned course in the Forest Preserve system, but that isn't saying much. They sank a lot of money into re-doing the bunkers over a period of years, as they don't become swing pools when it rains now. I remember one round years ago I lost 6 balls in the [b]bunkers[/b]. Overall, it's an excellent course, bur as DaveP mentioned, the pace of play is a train wreck. I haven't been back in a year and a half since my 5:45 round on Labor Day in 2012. The previous round to that was 5:30.

I still say #18 at Dunne is the 2nd hardest hole in Chicagoland public golf.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396702727' post='9025467']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396691830' post='9025049']
I'm a huge fan of pine meadow- it's very much alike George dunne forest preserve national which I'm surprised didn't make the list. Has that facility gone back in the dumps again? Anybody know?
[/quote]

I don't believe Dunne has ever made the top courses you can play in the state list. It is the best conditioned course in the Forest Preserve system, but that isn't saying much. They sank a lot of money into re-doing the bunker over a period of years, at they don't become swing pools when rains now. I remember one round years ago I lost 6 balls in the [b]bunkers[/b]. Overall, it's an excellent course, bur as DaveP mentioned, the pace of play is a train wreck. I haven't been back in a year and a half since my 5:45 round on Labor Day in 2012. The previous round to that was 5:30.

I still say #18 at Dunne is the 2nd hardest hole in Chicagoland public golf.
[/quote]

What do you have listed as the hardest hole Arg?

[ssp]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396331235' post='8992549']
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.
[/quote]I grew up playing the Elks. A solid fun golf course. Funny, Couple years back I decided to try to qualify for teh IL Mid Am. Elks was an options so I decided to go down and play. I hadn't played there in 20+ years. The greens really surprised me ... I just don't remember them being so challenging. For the price .... it is the best bargin/fun design on the list.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396705250' post='9025635']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396702727' post='9025467']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396691830' post='9025049']
I'm a huge fan of pine meadow- it's very much alike George dunne forest preserve national which I'm surprised didn't make the list. Has that facility gone back in the dumps again? Anybody know?
[/quote]

I don't believe Dunne has ever made the top courses you can play in the state list. It is the best conditioned course in the Forest Preserve system, but that isn't saying much. They sank a lot of money into re-doing the bunker over a period of years, at they don't become swing pools when rains now. I remember one round years ago I lost 6 balls in the [b]bunkers[/b]. Overall, it's an excellent course, bur as DaveP mentioned, the pace of play is a train wreck. I haven't been back in a year and a half since my 5:45 round on Labor Day in 2012. The previous round to that was 5:30.

I still say #18 at Dunne is the 2nd hardest hole in Chicagoland public golf.
[/quote]

What do you have listed as the hardest hole Arg?
[/quote]

#3 at Lost Marsh. 430+ yards. Water left. Water right. Water left of the green. OB right of the green. Two-tier green. On a windy day, it's brutal.

[apprenti23]

Hardest hole in the state? If you're trying to birdie I would say hands-down #9 at Big Run

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396724719' post='9027175']
Hardest hole in the state? If you're trying to birdie I would say hands-down #9 at Big Run
[/quote]

Haven't played Lost Marsh...think that's Hammond?

Would agree on #9 at Big Run. Hard to find the fairway, no flat lie on any shot and even with two flushed shots, you're still hitting uphill, side hill into the green. I hit a driver and 3 wood about as good as I could hit them and still had a 9 iron into the green.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396724719' post='9027175']
Hardest hole in the state? If you're trying to birdie I would say hands-down #9 at Big Run
[/quote]

I would put it at #3. Yeah, it's tough at 600+ yards. Narrow, and an uphill approach. Heck, I think I par'd it one time. However, being a par 5, it does have a bit of forgiveness, but not much.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396725466' post='9027225']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396724719' post='9027175']
Hardest hole in the state? If you're trying to birdie I would say hands-down #9 at Big Run
[/quote]

Haven't played Lost Marsh...think that's Hammond?

Would agree on #9 at Big Run. Hard to find the fairway, no flat lie on any shot and even with two flushed shots, you're still hitting uphill, side hill into the green. I hit a driver and 3 wood about as good as I could hit them and still had a 9 iron into the green.
[/quote]

Yeah, Lost Marsh is in Hammond. The first 5 holes around the lake are probably the toughest starting holes on any course I've played. There's practically no room for error. On top of that, it's wide open with water and OB galore, so when the wind is up, it's a real kick in the teeth. Nothing beats getting to the 6th teebox at +8. Oy. They do have a fantastic clubhouse, though, to lick your wounds.

[zer0]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396709314' post='9025991']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396705250' post='9025635']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396702727' post='9025467']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396691830' post='9025049']
I'm a huge fan of pine meadow- it's very much alike George dunne forest preserve national which I'm surprised didn't make the list. Has that facility gone back in the dumps again? Anybody know?
[/quote]

I don't believe Dunne has ever made the top courses you can play in the state list. It is the best conditioned course in the Forest Preserve system, but that isn't saying much. They sank a lot of money into re-doing the bunker over a period of years, at they don't become swing pools when rains now. I remember one round years ago I lost 6 balls in the [b]bunkers[/b]. Overall, it's an excellent course, bur as DaveP mentioned, the pace of play is a train wreck. I haven't been back in a year and a half since my 5:45 round on Labor Day in 2012. The previous round to that was 5:30.

I still say #18 at Dunne is the 2nd hardest hole in Chicagoland public golf.
[/quote]

What do you have listed as the hardest hole Arg?
[/quote]

#3 at Lost Marsh. 430+ yards. Water left. Water right. Water left of the green. OB right of the green. Two-tier green. On a windy day, it's brutal.
[/quote]

I think #4 at Lost Marsh is tougher than #3, but that's like saying what would feel better, an ice pick through the right eye or an ice pick through the left eye.

Every time I play that #4 there's a stiff left to right wind pushing you into the water. Left is obviously not an option since its all OB 5 yards left of the fairway. First shot is a 180-200 yard shot to a target with water short and right and OB left. Second shot is a 160 yard shot with water on 3 sides and OB on the other side. 3rd shot is a 80-100 yard shot over water to a small green surrounded by OB.

#3 is brutal, but at least there's a little bit of bail out room for the 2nd shot if you go short and to the right. But of course the pin is always tucked in teh back left which is a tough ledge to get to.

Yeah, they both suck lol. I have been saying for years that the opening 5 holes at Lost Marsh is the hardest opening stretch of holes in the Chicagoland area. maybe even the hardest stretch of holes period regardless of where they fall on the course.

[zer0]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396733094' post='9027789']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396725466' post='9027225']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396724719' post='9027175']
Hardest hole in the state? If you're trying to birdie I would say hands-down #9 at Big Run
[/quote]

Haven't played Lost Marsh...think that's Hammond?

Would agree on #9 at Big Run. Hard to find the fairway, no flat lie on any shot and even with two flushed shots, you're still hitting uphill, side hill into the green. I hit a driver and 3 wood about as good as I could hit them and still had a 9 iron into the green.
[/quote]

Yeah, Lost Marsh is in Hammond. The first 5 holes around the lake are probably the toughest starting holes on any course I've played. There's practically no room for error. On top of that, it's wide open with water and OB galore, so when the wind is up, it's a real kick in the teeth. Nothing beats getting to the 6th teebox at +8. Oy. They do have a fantastic clubhouse, though, to lick your wounds.
[/quote]

lol, I wrote my response before reading this post. Good to know its not just me that finds that stretch of holes so difficult.

[apprenti23]

I am confident in saying that lost marsh is the worst designed golf course I've ever played in the entire country. I don't know anybody that enjoys playing out there. The routing, visuals, and sight lines are terrible. The holes don't make much sense. They squeezed the holes much too close together to fit a short course or practice holes or something. Not a very enjoyable golf course and I've played there about five times. The only positive is the beautiful clubhouse and that the beverage staff most likely works the industrial strip. Easy on the eyes and first time around beers are $3. Second time $2. Third time take whatever you want. Haha

[Argonne69]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396780003' post='9030661']
I am confident in saying that lost marsh is the worst designed golf course I've ever played in the entire country. I don't know anybody that enjoys playing out there. The routing, visuals, and sight lines are terrible. The holes don't make much sense. They squeezed the holes much too close together to fit a short course or practice holes or something. Not a very enjoyable golf course and I've played there about five times. The only positive is the beautiful clubhouse and that the beverage staff most likely works the industrial strip. Easy on the eyes and first time around beers are $3. Second time $2. Third time take whatever you want. Haha
[/quote]

I agree to a point. The place was an old landlocked slag heap, so they didn't have much to work with. The land used for the executive course could have been used, but I don't think that would have helped much. There are definitely some holes that require exact ball positioning for a shot to the green.

I take it for what it is: a tough, watery, target-golf course, with 2 long par 4's in #9 and #18. I wouldn't want to play it every day, but it is a challenge, especially on windy days.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1396753076' post='9029667']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396709314' post='9025991']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1396705250' post='9025635']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396702727' post='9025467']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1396691830' post='9025049']
I'm a huge fan of pine meadow- it's very much alike George dunne forest preserve national which I'm surprised didn't make the list. Has that facility gone back in the dumps again? Anybody know?
[/quote]

I don't believe Dunne has ever made the top courses you can play in the state list. It is the best conditioned course in the Forest Preserve system, but that isn't saying much. They sank a lot of money into re-doing the bunker over a period of years, at they don't become swing pools when rains now. I remember one round years ago I lost 6 balls in the [b]bunkers[/b]. Overall, it's an excellent course, bur as DaveP mentioned, the pace of play is a train wreck. I haven't been back in a year and a half since my 5:45 round on Labor Day in 2012. The previous round to that was 5:30.

I still say #18 at Dunne is the 2nd hardest hole in Chicagoland public golf.
[/quote]

What do you have listed as the hardest hole Arg?
[/quote]

#3 at Lost Marsh. 430+ yards. Water left. Water right. Water left of the green. OB right of the green. Two-tier green. On a windy day, it's brutal.
[/quote]

I think #4 at Lost Marsh is tougher than #3, but that's like saying what would feel better, an ice pick through the right eye or an ice pick through the left eye.

Every time I play that #4 there's a stiff left to right wind pushing you into the water. Left is obviously not an option since its all OB 5 yards left of the fairway. First shot is a 180-200 yard shot to a target with water short and right and OB left. Second shot is a 160 yard shot with water on 3 sides and OB on the other side. 3rd shot is a 80-100 yard shot over water to a small green surrounded by OB.

#3 is brutal, but at least there's a little bit of bail out room for the 2nd shot if you go short and to the right. But of course the pin is always tucked in teh back left which is a tough ledge to get to.

Yeah, they both suck lol. I have been saying for years that the opening 5 holes at Lost Marsh is the hardest opening stretch of holes in the Chicagoland area. maybe even the hardest stretch of holes period regardless of where they fall on the course.
[/quote]

Yeah, #4 is definitely a target hole. Can't tell you how many balls I've blocked into the lake. It's intimidating.

However, I'd say that #15 is tougher, for many of the same reasons. You've got OB along the entire left side, and the pond on the right pretty much takes driver out of your hands. If you lay back, you've got a mid iron into one of the toughest greens to hit on the planet. I swear, it seems that green is floating in space, as it drops off on three side to the OB, OB, and pond. In a wind, it's brutal.

[sjDucks]

[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]

Great call on Eagle Ridge. My buddies and I have been doing a long weekend there the last 4 years. We generally stay two nights and get in 3 rounds.

[dikaia22]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1396279711' post='8986675']
[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?
[/quote]

Links style and fairly tight in places, all bentgrass . Just always immaculate, always seems like the wind is blowing (usually in your face..haha), and if you're feeling froggy you can go back and play it at about 7200 from the tips. When I lived down there the teaching pro I worked with was based out of there and it was always a good place to play. It's getting more acclaim as the course matures (it really hasnt been around much more than maybe 15 years?, and they are starting to hold Open qualifiers there and PGA Section events there.

[Gdane]

I noticed Prairie Landing didn't make the cut. It looks like a beautiful course, and they have some great early season rates. How does it stack up? I'm a sucker for RTJ jr. courses, so I'm sure I'll be a fan if I make it out there.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='Gdane' timestamp='1397062245' post='9054789']
I noticed Prairie Landing didn't make the cut. It looks like a beautiful course, and they have some great early season rates. How does it stack up? I'm a sucker for RTJ jr. courses, so I'm sure I'll be a fan if I make it out there.
[/quote]

I think many would agree that it should be ranked in the top 10. Worst case, top 15.

[DavePelz4]

Great course that can be a bit pricey.

[zer0]

+1 on what Dave and Argonne said.

Try to find a deal on Golfnow and if you go try and give yourself extra time so you can take advantage of the practice holes. I've been there twice and haven't had time, but its tough when you're already driving an hour to get there. I think its normal rate is around $90. It's not worth that much. I could see paying $70 at most.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1397175294' post='9064761']
+1 on what Dave and Argonne said.

Try to find a deal on Golfnow and if you go try and give yourself extra time so you can take advantage of the practice holes. I've been there twice and haven't had time, but its tough when you're already driving an hour to get there. I think its normal rate is around $90. It's not worth that much. I could see paying $70 at most.
[/quote]

The practice holes are easily worth the extra $20. :-)

Seriously, there's nothing else like it. I've played over 350 courses around the country, and not one had the 2-hole practice area like PL. The closest is Blackthorn GC in South Bend. They have a 0th hole, i.e. The Blarney Hole, a short par 4 warm up hole located between the clubhouse and the first tee. 'Helps to get the first tee jitters out of the way.

[dikaia22]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1397231002' post='9068459']
[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1397175294' post='9064761']
+1 on what Dave and Argonne said.

Try to find a deal on Golfnow and if you go try and give yourself extra time so you can take advantage of the practice holes. I've been there twice and haven't had time, but its tough when you're already driving an hour to get there. I think its normal rate is around $90. It's not worth that much. I could see paying $70 at most.
[/quote]

The practice holes are easily worth the extra $20. :-)

Seriously, there's nothing else like it. I've played over 350 courses around the country, and not one had the 2-hole practice area like PL. The closest is Blackthorn GC in South Bend. They have a 0th hole, i.e. The Blarney Hole, a short par 4 warm up hole located between the clubhouse and the first tee. 'Helps to get the first tee jitters out of the way.
[/quote]
Thats a pretty awesome concept, I have never heard of or seen anything like that before.

[zer0]

Don't forget the par 3 19th hole on Cog Hill Ravines course. I think its there to settle any bets that remain tied after 18.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1397246385' post='9069949']
Don't forget the par 3 19th hole on Cog Hill Ravines course. I think its there to settle any bets that remain tied after 18.
[/quote]

Does it count if you hit the green on Dubs #18? :-)

[zer0]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1397249287' post='9070221']
[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1397246385' post='9069949']
Don't forget the par 3 19th hole on Cog Hill Ravines course. I think its there to settle any bets that remain tied after 18.
[/quote]

Does it count if you hit the green on Dubs #18? :-)
[/quote]

It counts, but then the clubhouse sends you an involce for $100 for a partial round on Dubs.