Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round2)

[Scratch2Plus]

Bowes Thursday, Redtail and Turnberry on Saturday...Just got back from Streamsong in FL. What a fantastic resort.

 

Woah! Streamsong looks good. Do tell.

 

Streamsong is about 1.5hrs SE of Tampa, out in the middle of nowhere. Weather cooperated, no rain all weekend. A balmy 95 with a 105-107 heat index.

Its only about 4 years old but both courses are rated in the top 100 places to play...Red course is 46 and Blue is 58 I believe. The Black course was completed earlier this year but its scheduled to open in the Fall of 2017. Suppose to be phenomenal. Tips out at 7800-7900 yards, LoL.

Course was in great condition. Greens running around 11-12 and very smooth for Bermuda. The forecaddie we had was a very good player. Plays for USF so I had him reading the putts and the kid knew his sh!t.

I'll definitely be going back. I might have to coax the old lady in joining me as they have a very nice spa on site...

[geochitown]

FYI- Blackstone will punch their greens on monday

 

Ugh. What's with the early aeration this year? September is an awesome month for golf, and yet course after course are punching their greens. Can't it wait until late October?

 

At least Prairie Landing is waiting until Oct 10 (?)

I think Stonewall may not punch their greens in the fall.

 

This thread is a good resource for people to post up aerating schedule info.

 

Let's keep informing each other.

 

Boulder Ridge yesterday was a lot of fun, challenging course, but fair with some tough well-conditioned greens.

It was fun to meet some new people and support the CDGA.

[Argonne69]

Bowes Thursday, Redtail and Turnberry on Saturday...Just got back from Streamsong in FL. What a fantastic resort.

 

Woah! Streamsong looks good. Do tell.

 

Streamsong is about 1.5hrs SE of Tampa, out in the middle of nowhere. Weather cooperated, no rain all weekend. A balmy 95 with a 105-107 heat index.

Its only about 4 years old but both courses are rated in the top 100 places to play...Red course is 46 and Blue is 58 I believe. The Black course was completed earlier this year but its scheduled to open in the Fall of 2017. Suppose to be phenomenal. Tips out at 7800-7900 yards, LoL.

Course was in great condition. Greens running around 11-12 and very smooth for Bermuda. The forecaddie we had was a very good player. Plays for USF so I had him reading the putts and the kid knew his sh!t.

I'll definitely be going back. I might have to coax the old lady in joining me as they have a very nice spa on site...

 

Yeah, Streamsong is quite special. It's not Bandon Dunes, but it's seriously good. The nice thing is that it's only an hour from Tampa, and 90 minutes from Orlando, so you have the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere while still being fairly accessible to us east of the Mississippi. I've played the Red and Blue courses twice each, and look forward to a future trip to check out the new Black course.

 

Red #18

 

[wrbush31]

Bowes Thursday, Redtail and Turnberry on Saturday...Just got back from Streamsong in FL. What a fantastic resort.

 

Woah! Streamsong looks good. Do tell.

 

Streamsong is about 1.5hrs SE of Tampa, out in the middle of nowhere. Weather cooperated, no rain all weekend. A balmy 95 with a 105-107 heat index.

Its only about 4 years old but both courses are rated in the top 100 places to play...Red course is 46 and Blue is 58 I believe. The Black course was completed earlier this year but its scheduled to open in the Fall of 2017. Suppose to be phenomenal. Tips out at 7800-7900 yards, LoL.

Course was in great condition. Greens running around 11-12 and very smooth for Bermuda. The forecaddie we had was a very good player. Plays for USF so I had him reading the putts and the kid knew his sh!t.

I'll definitely be going back. I might have to coax the old lady in joining me as they have a very nice spa on site...

 

Yeah, Streamsong is quite special. It's not Bandon Dunes, but it's seriously good. The nice thing is that it's only an hour from Tampa, and 90 minutes from Orlando, so you have the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere while still being fairly accessible to us east of the Mississippi. I've played the Red and Blue courses twice each, and look forward to a future trip to check out the new Black course.

 

Red #18

 

 

Did you take that picture?

[Argonne69]

I wish! No, that's a stock photo. I did take a few nice ones, but I'm at work, and the IT security folks have disabled access to Dropbox, so I can't access my photos at this time.

[VNutz]

IT folks are the worst, THE WORST!!

[wrbush31]

I wish! No, that's a stock photo. I did take a few nice ones, but I'm at work, and the IT security folks have disabled access to Dropbox, so I can't access my photos at this time.

 

I was gonna say, that's a hell of a shot.

 

IT folks are the worst, THE WORST!!

 

Oh man, truer words have never been spoken. #flushyourcache #didyourestartyourmachine?

[DavePelz4]

#flushyourcache = what happens when Vnutz and I play skins.

[VNutz]

#flushyourcache = what happens when Vnutz and I play skins.

 

Eww, what are you doing on your phone mid-round??

 

No wonder I cashed out pretty well last time.

[Argonne69]

What the? On my "quest" to play all the public courses in the Chicago area, of played just over 135 at this point. I'm thinking that I have maybe 20 or 30 eighteen hole tracks left to play, but I stumbled across a copy of Chicagoland Golf, a monthly golf newsletter. They have a course directory in the back, and much to my surprise there are ~50 courses I haven't played, which is not including the nine hole courses. I loaded them on my SkyCaddie, and many of them are listed as semi-private. I have to do a bit of research on many of these, but it appears that my quest is going to take a few more seasons. Some of these course are quite a way outside the city, including a number in the Rockford area.

[Argonne69]

A few of my Streamsong favorites:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[propman]

I'm heading to White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, IN this Saturday. Anybody play it? My sister lives close to the course, so I found an excuse to drive the hour out there to visit her.

 

If it's kinda near Balmoral, I played it a few years ago and remember liking it.

 

Just played WH today. Played the red/silver courses.. This complex is great (they have 4 nine hole courses with the silver course being the most challenging). All the greens were rolling true and fast. And to boot, the senior rate during the week is $25, Any comparable course around Chicago would be at least 3 times more.

 

It was my first time playing WH and I definitely plan on coming back.

[stasek]

Morning scramble at Village Greens - surprisingly we won at an honest -12. Course is in so so condition. Lots of bare spots/patches in the fairways, but the greens were pretty decent. Started an afternoon round at Ruffled Feathers, but played only 9 holes - phone started ringing off the hook, so had to walk off and take care of business. While far from great shape, the conditions are definitely improving. We probably could have finished in 3 hours (threesome) had we stayed.

Saturday Ryder Cup style 2 man match play at Bowes Creek. South side Polacks (yours truly) vs Northsiders. We haven't lost since the inception (10 years?). Let's keep it that way...

[golfer912]

Been curious to know: including private courses, how many are in the Chicagoland area?

 

What the? On my "quest" to play all the public courses in the Chicago area, of played just over 135 at this point. I'm thinking that I have maybe 20 or 30 eighteen hole tracks left to play, but I stumbled across a copy of Chicagoland Golf, a monthly golf newsletter. They have a course directory in the back, and much to my surprise there are ~50 courses I haven't played, which is not including the nine hole courses. I loaded them on my SkyCaddie, and many of them are listed as semi-private. I have to do a bit of research on many of these, but it appears that my quest is going to take a few more seasons. Some of these course are quite a way outside the city, including a number in the Rockford area.

[Argonne69]

Been curious to know: including private courses, how many are in the Chicagoland area?

 

What the? On my "quest" to play all the public courses in the Chicago area, of played just over 135 at this point. I'm thinking that I have maybe 20 or 30 eighteen hole tracks left to play, but I stumbled across a copy of Chicagoland Golf, a monthly golf newsletter. They have a course directory in the back, and much to my surprise there are ~50 courses I haven't played, which is not including the nine hole courses. I loaded them on my SkyCaddie, and many of them are listed as semi-private. I have to do a bit of research on many of these, but it appears that my quest is going to take a few more seasons. Some of these course are quite a way outside the city, including a number in the Rockford area.

 

Over 350 total if you include all private and public 9 and 18 hole courses. I believe the CDGA has a full directory.

[Joe Roe]

Played in an outing at Aurora Country Club yesterday. I love variety, but I also love the ambience of the private club experience. They have some rates right now that are stupid low and with 3 (4 once my 2yr-old starts) golfers in the family, it's damn near a no-brainer.

But the best part was the invite to play 27 at Black Sheep on Sunday. I should be fine as long as I remember to breath and try to keep my heart-rate below 200 between now and then.

 

[Scratch2Plus]

Played Bowes this am...aerated on 9/6 - 9/7.

Very good shape all things considering...

[DavePelz4]

Played in an outing at Aurora Country Club yesterday. I love variety, but I also love the ambience of the private club experience. They have some rates right now that are stupid low and with 3 (4 once my 2yr-old starts) golfers in the family, it's damn near a no-brainer.

But the best part was the invite to play 27 at Black Sheep on Sunday. I should be fine as long as I remember to breath and try to keep my heart-rate below 200 between now and then.

 

Would enjoy hearing your reviews on Black Sheep. Only know a few folks who have played it but they all said great things...

[Holy Moses]

Played Bowes this am...aerated on 9/6 - 9/7.

Very good shape all things considering...

 

Playing there for the first time tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

[ldchristopher]

I played a twilight round at Foxford Hills today. It's in Cary, which is a pain in the butt to get to, but the course is in great shape. They haven't gotten much rain and have yet to aerate the course so the fairways were rock hard. I got an insane amount of roll, which shortened it up considerably. Foxford is listed at 7047 yards but, between the roll and number of holes that go downhill, it felt like it played less than 6850. Not bad considering the rating/slope is 74.2/142. I also don't know of many other 7000+ yard courses that can be walked for $25 in the Chicago area. Oak Grove and Foxford might very well be the only two.

[Argonne69]

Teed it up for the first time at White Hawk CC (Grey/Silver) in Crown Point. The course is a very nice prairie style course, with plenty of wetlands. The are quite a few forced carries off the tee, which add to the look. Other than two funky holes, Silver 5 and 6, the course is well designed. The course reminded me of Bittersweet and Thunderhawk.

 

Conditions were wet after last night's rain, but still playable. The greens rolled nice, but were on the soft side. On a positive note, they were very receptive. Pace of play was excellent, as the place was mostly empty. I cruised unhindered around the course until I joined a threesome for the final 4 holes.

 

Solid day ballstriking, with 10 fairways and 12 greens. I made a bit of a mess on the par 3's, shooting 3 over, but 2 birdies on the par 5's led to a solid 4 over.

 

I'd definitely recommend a trip out here. They have 4 nines, so one can easily get in 36 holes.

 

[Ritzer81]

Two weeks ago I made a business trip down to the Chicago area and got a couple rounds in on The Highlands of Elgin. What a fabulous public course. The rate are decent and the course has some great holes. I was really impressed.

[stasek]

Played Bowes Creek in the morning. I forgot what a great course it is. Despite the recent aeration, the greens were in fantastic shape and definitely quickest I played around Chicago this year (which technically isn't saying much, since the season has been at best forgettable). Too bad it's a haul from Lemont - I would definitely play it more often.

[Argonne69]

A few pics from White Hawk CC today:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

What a picture perfect day for golf. I decided to stick close to home, so it was a short drive to Harborside to play the Starboard course. It was a rare no-wind day there, and scoring came easily. The fairways looked as good as I've seen them, but the greens were rather shaggy and slow. I assume they're going to aerate soon. The greenside bunkers are pure trash. It's getting to the point where I play the ball like it was on a cart part. There is absolutely no sand under the ball.

[Joe Roe]

Played all 27 at Black Sheep this morning for the first time. What an experience. As I had heard previously, the place is definitely all about golf. No pool, restaurant, banquet rooms, etc.

 

Wonderful grass range with pins at different angles and distances to practice, warm-up, or sweat out the beer from MSU's hang-on-for-dear-life victory over ND.

 

The course itself was fantastic. Being a private course, conditions were as you'd expect; fast greens that punish improper placement, yet very fair. Fairways that accept a well-struck shot and don't repel them to the rough. Rough that punishes, but doesn't demoralize a slightly errant tee ball. Fescue/heather that swallows and quickly digests extremely wayward drives. I applaud the management for marking most (if not all) of these fescue/heather areas as lateral hazards for pace-of-play purposes. We were pretty lucky and got one of the lowest-wind days of the year. I really enjoyed the options of shots off the tee. I don't really recall more than 1 or 2 tee shots being dictated by the design.

 

It really reminds me of a more spread-out Prairie Landing without trees. The bunkering, shot-values, risk-reward options, etc. felt very similar.

 

I played just okay. Hit some great shots, hit some forgettable shots. Lines, club selection, and confidence will be different on a few holes if I'm lucky enough to get out there again. The lack of a back-drop made some distances deceiving, so some shots that were executed as planned ended up through a fairway or short in a bunker.

 

I can't thank my host enough, and make sure and get a Jesse Juice if you get a chance - but be careful, they sneak up on ya!

[MountainKing]

Afternoon round down at the Sanctuary on what was more or less a perfect day to play golf. Course was in so so shape, the rough was ridiculously punishing, the tee boxes were a bit beat up but the greens rolled nicely. Given the weather and zero wind I was hoping to tear the course up but unfortunately my game was lost as it has been most ot this month. I was not hitting fairways, not really dropping any irons close and my putting was so so. I managed to scramble for a 78 but on that course on a day like today I feel like I should have been much lower.

[VNutz]

Blackstone this past Saturday. Gorgeous day, just perfect out there. Course was great, greens weren't slow but were a little on the shaggy side, but that could have been the afternoon tee time vs the morning like I'm used to. Nobody in our group could buy a putt, nothing over 8 feet made all day. All day my putts weren't taking the break like I saw them, so go figure on 18 I play my birdie putt lower than I was seeing, and lip out on the low side.

[B-Man]

GDN at 11:30 yesterday. Never played there that late on a weekend. Wasn't expecting much after the Halfway to St. Patrick's Day party the night before. Surprisingly we finished in 4:15. But the highlight was the amount of roll out there. Woah! Par 5s were easily reachable. Greens were in decent shape and running well. Managed to hole a bunker shot from the left side of the 6th for eagle. Finished with 1 more birdie and 3 bogeys. Pretty happy with that.

[leric90]

Anyone want to play today? GDN at 1:30?