Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round2)

[trilerian]

Hello, sorry to hijack, but I'm going to be in Hammond this weekend and I'm looking to play a round of golf. Anyone want to join? I prefer to walk if that is possible.

[Argonne69]

Hello, sorry to hijack, but I'm going to be in Hammond this weekend and I'm looking to play a round of golf. Anyone want to join? I prefer to walk if that is possible.

 

How early are you looking to get out? There are a number of openings at Lost Marsh starting at 7:57 am though 8:42 am.

[trilerian]

Hello, sorry to hijack, but I'm going to be in Hammond this weekend and I'm looking to play a round of golf. Anyone want to join? I prefer to walk if that is possible.

 

How early are you looking to get out? There are a number of openings at Lost Marsh starting at 7:57 am though 8:42 am.

 

Early times are good by me. Just means I might be able to get two rounds in.

[Argonne69]

Lost Marsh at 7:57 am on Saturday morning. There are two additional spots available if anyone else would like to join. 'Should be a nice day weatherwise.

[geochitown]

Shepherd's Crook was fantastic yesterday...

Good west-northwest wind meant we were upwind of landfill for the entire round

 

greens in great shape

 

I love the layout, especially the routing which is focused on that island of trees which one plays/passes through on 5-6, 7-8-9, 17-18

[MountainKing]

Lost Marsh at 7:57 am on Saturday morning. There are two additional spots available if anyone else would like to join. 'Should be a nice day weatherwise.

 

Still a course I need to get out and play just once

[Argonne69]

Lost Marsh at 7:57 am on Saturday morning. There are two additional spots available if anyone else would like to join. 'Should be a nice day weatherwise.

 

Still a course I need to get out and play just once

 

It might just be the last time, too. Lol. Seriously, this course has some serious love/hate going on in this thread. It's certainly not my favorite course, but I think it's a good combination of target golf, and bombs-away golf (on a number of holes). 'Just gotta know which holes are which.

[MountainKing]

Lost Marsh at 7:57 am on Saturday morning. There are two additional spots available if anyone else would like to join. 'Should be a nice day weatherwise.

 

Still a course I need to get out and play just once

 

It might just be the last time, too. Lol. Seriously, this course has some serious love/hate going on in this thread. It's certainly not my favorite course, but I think it's a good combination of target golf, and bombs-away golf (on a number of holes). 'Just gotta know which holes are which.

 

It's funny because this thread resembles the golfers I know in real life who have played it, people love it and people hate it but nobody seems to be in the middle about it. I think that alone is why I want to get out and play it at least once.

[Argonne69]

Lost Marsh at 7:57 am on Saturday morning. There are two additional spots available if anyone else would like to join. 'Should be a nice day weatherwise.

 

Still a course I need to get out and play just once

 

It might just be the last time, too. Lol. Seriously, this course has some serious love/hate going on in this thread. It's certainly not my favorite course, but I think it's a good combination of target golf, and bombs-away golf (on a number of holes). 'Just gotta know which holes are which.

 

It's funny because this thread resembles the golfers I know in real life who have played it, people love it and people hate it but nobody seems to be in the middle about it. I think that alone is why I want to get out and play it at least once.

 

I don't know anybody who loves it, but there are certainly a good number of haters. The course conditions are rarely great, and there are a few too many "meh" holes to really love it in my opinion. I'd say I fall in the middle. For me, it's a good change of pace over Harborside when I'm looking for a round close to the city. For a few years they didn't allow singles to book, so I didn't play it that much. They changed the the no-singles policy this year, so I'm likely to play it more frequently, at least when the winds are moderate. The course is a big no-no with strong winds. Unlike Harborside, it's just not designed for uber windy conditions.

[ldchristopher]

I will also be at Lost Marsh on Saturday for my annual Trick or Treat round. I only play there once a year, but I cannot think of a more gimmick-tastic course than Hammvegas's finest in order to celebrate the Halloween season. There are plenty of treats at Lost Marsh (holes nine and 18, while essentially identical, are very nice, as are 16 and 17) but there are even more tricks. From the island fairway on the first hole, to the consecutive forced layups on four, to the absurdly-designed 10th hole in which golfers have to play a draw over the 18th fairway, to the zig-zag par five on 14, Lost Marsh truly has it all. But wait, there's more. I've seen many things on golf courses, but never in my life have I teed up a shot and seen methane torches in the distance. Perhaps golfers during the industrial revolution saw this on a regular basis, but I digress. My favorite hole is number 15. Along the left side of the fairway are giant tanks from a nearby refinery while the water hazard on the right side is so badly polluted that there is no life whatsoever in that "pond."

 

Enjoy your round at Lost Marsh, gentlemen. I can assure you I will enjoy mine.

[Argonne69]

I will also be at Lost Marsh on Saturday for my annual Trick or Treat round. I only play there once a year, but I cannot think of a more gimmick-tastic course than Hammvegas's finest in order to celebrate the Halloween season. There are plenty of treats at Lost Marsh (holes nine and 18, while essentially identical, are very nice, as are 16 and 17) but there are even more tricks. From the island fairway on the first hole, to the consecutive forced layups on four, to the absurdly-designed 10th hole in which golfers have to play a draw over the 18th fairway, to the zig-zag par five on 14, Lost Marsh truly has it all. But wait, there's more. I've seen many things on golf courses, but never in my life have I teed up a shot and seen methane torches in the distance. Perhaps golfers during the industrial revolution saw this on a regular basis, but I digress. My favorite hole is number 15. Along the left side of the fairway are giant tanks from a nearby refinery while the water hazard on the right side is so badly polluted that there is no life whatsoever in that "pond."

 

Enjoy your round at Lost Marsh, gentlemen. I can assure you I will enjoy mine.

 

Lol. Technically #1 is a peninsula. I've seen a few brave souls go for #4 in two, but it's a rare sight indeed. #10 is a great opportunity to work on that power fade. I know I have. The "pond" on #15 is a man-made retention "pond". 'Love the rubber liner. The methane torches are great targets for twilight golf. :taunt:

[trilerian]

I will also be at Lost Marsh on Saturday for my annual Trick or Treat round. I only play there once a year, but I cannot think of a more gimmick-tastic course than Hammvegas's finest in order to celebrate the Halloween season. There are plenty of treats at Lost Marsh (holes nine and 18, while essentially identical, are very nice, as are 16 and 17) but there are even more tricks. From the island fairway on the first hole, to the consecutive forced layups on four, to the absurdly-designed 10th hole in which golfers have to play a draw over the 18th fairway, to the zig-zag par five on 14, Lost Marsh truly has it all. But wait, there's more. I've seen many things on golf courses, but never in my life have I teed up a shot and seen methane torches in the distance. Perhaps golfers during the industrial revolution saw this on a regular basis, but I digress. My favorite hole is number 15. Along the left side of the fairway are giant tanks from a nearby refinery while the water hazard on the right side is so badly polluted that there is no life whatsoever in that "pond."

 

Enjoy your round at Lost Marsh, gentlemen. I can assure you I will enjoy mine.

 

Lol. Technically #1 is a peninsula. I've seen a few brave souls go for #4 in two, but it's a rare sight indeed. #10 is a great opportunity to work on that power fade. I know I have. The "pond" on #15 is a man-made retention "pond". 'Love the rubber liner. The methane torches are great targets for twilight golf. :taunt:

I'm starting to get a little nervous about the course. I'm going to have to get a dozen e6's for this one.

[Argonne69]

I will also be at Lost Marsh on Saturday for my annual Trick or Treat round. I only play there once a year, but I cannot think of a more gimmick-tastic course than Hammvegas's finest in order to celebrate the Halloween season. There are plenty of treats at Lost Marsh (holes nine and 18, while essentially identical, are very nice, as are 16 and 17) but there are even more tricks. From the island fairway on the first hole, to the consecutive forced layups on four, to the absurdly-designed 10th hole in which golfers have to play a draw over the 18th fairway, to the zig-zag par five on 14, Lost Marsh truly has it all. But wait, there's more. I've seen many things on golf courses, but never in my life have I teed up a shot and seen methane torches in the distance. Perhaps golfers during the industrial revolution saw this on a regular basis, but I digress. My favorite hole is number 15. Along the left side of the fairway are giant tanks from a nearby refinery while the water hazard on the right side is so badly polluted that there is no life whatsoever in that "pond."

 

Enjoy your round at Lost Marsh, gentlemen. I can assure you I will enjoy mine.

 

Lol. Technically #1 is a peninsula. I've seen a few brave souls go for #4 in two, but it's a rare sight indeed. #10 is a great opportunity to work on that power fade. I know I have. The "pond" on #15 is a man-made retention "pond". 'Love the rubber liner. The methane torches are great targets for twilight golf. :taunt:

I'm starting to get a little nervous about the course. I'm going to have to get a dozen e6's for this one.

 

I played a round there a few summers ago and there was a young man selling golf balls outside the OB fence at the 4th tee box. He was doing a generous business. Lol.

 

Don't worry. I'm full of useful information. Tipping optional.

[ldchristopher]

I will also be at Lost Marsh on Saturday for my annual Trick or Treat round. I only play there once a year, but I cannot think of a more gimmick-tastic course than Hammvegas's finest in order to celebrate the Halloween season. There are plenty of treats at Lost Marsh (holes nine and 18, while essentially identical, are very nice, as are 16 and 17) but there are even more tricks. From the island fairway on the first hole, to the consecutive forced layups on four, to the absurdly-designed 10th hole in which golfers have to play a draw over the 18th fairway, to the zig-zag par five on 14, Lost Marsh truly has it all. But wait, there's more. I've seen many things on golf courses, but never in my life have I teed up a shot and seen methane torches in the distance. Perhaps golfers during the industrial revolution saw this on a regular basis, but I digress. My favorite hole is number 15. Along the left side of the fairway are giant tanks from a nearby refinery while the water hazard on the right side is so badly polluted that there is no life whatsoever in that "pond."

 

Enjoy your round at Lost Marsh, gentlemen. I can assure you I will enjoy mine.

 

Lol. Technically #1 is a peninsula. I've seen a few brave souls go for #4 in two, but it's a rare sight indeed. #10 is a great opportunity to work on that power fade. I know I have. The "pond" on #15 is a man-made retention "pond". 'Love the rubber liner. The methane torches are great targets for twilight golf. :taunt:

I'm starting to get a little nervous about the course. I'm going to have to get a dozen e6's for this one.

As long as you can laugh at the absurdity of Lost Marsh, I promise you'll enjoy yourself. Just brace yourself for the following:

1. A golf course located within a sea of industry

2. The slowest greens on an 18 hole course ever

3. The aforementioned insane layout of holes 1, 4, 10, and 14

4. One of the most legitimately difficult par 4s in the Chicago area in hole 3

5. No living bacteria in any of the water hazards. The water of Hammvegas is so heavily polluted that I don't think anything has lived in it for decades.

6. The most over-the-top clubhouse ever found on a municipal golf course. It seriously looks like a military fortress.

7. An honest-to-God waterfall inside the clubhouse (yes, it's man-made and yes, it can be turned on and off. It's still a God d--- waterfall!)

 

Also, a word to the wise but don't hit driver on the first hole. It's short enough to hit three wood, five wood, hybrid, or a long iron off the tee. Lost Marsh is truly a one-of-a-kind golfing experience, but the people who hate on it take themselves and the game too seriously. It's that rare course that's designed to be laughed at.

[VNutz]

Well didn't exactly expect that. GDN yesterday. Teed off 11am and it was slow. 5hr round. Lush fairways from Sunday's rain but not wet other than a few patches. Green were lightly punched early last week and well sanded but rolled a good pace and were generally firm. A byatch to chip on with a lot of skidding and no spin. Not many leaves to contend with as most were blown away. Birdies on 1, 5 and 6 on the front and bogeyed 9. More birdies on 12 and 14 with a bogey on 15 for a 69. Didn't hit it super great but it was playing fairly short and all birdies were from hitting it close to the pin with gap wedge or less. Probably last day in shorts for a while.

 

Ho hum. Good thing you didn't let the POP get to you...

[Argonne69]

I love Lost Marsh's prairie-style clubhouse. Harborside should steal it. I still think Arrowhead has the most over-the-top clubhouse of any muni in the area, though.

 

Yup, 5 iron or less off the 1st tee, and don't drink the water. Lol.

[DavePelz4]

I love Lost Marsh's prairie-style clubhouse. Harborside should steal it. I still think Arrowhead has the most over-the-top clubhouse of any muni in the area, though.

 

Yup, 5 iron or less off the 1st tee, and don't drink the water. Lol.

 

Arrowhead is really about the restaurant/bar/banquets it hosts and golf is a throw in.

 

2015 revenue from food/beverages/events was over $5M. Golf revenues were just under $2.3M. FBB contributed over $1M in profits, golf under $700K. Better margin on golf surprisingly at nearly 30%.

[VNutz]

I love Lost Marsh's prairie-style clubhouse. Harborside should steal it. I still think Arrowhead has the most over-the-top clubhouse of any muni in the area, though.

 

Yup, 5 iron or less off the 1st tee, and don't drink the water. Lol.

 

Arrowhead is really about the restaurant/bar/banquets it hosts and golf is a throw in.

 

2015 revenue from food/beverages/events was over $5M. Golf revenues were just under $2.3M. FBB contributed over $1M in profits, golf under $700K. Better margin on golf surprisingly at nearly 30%.

 

I was at Arrowhead once prior to the clubhouse rebuild and it was nothing special from what I remember, far more casual. What it is now is night and day better and allows for winter revenues as well. Very smart move.

[DavePelz4]

I love Lost Marsh's prairie-style clubhouse. Harborside should steal it. I still think Arrowhead has the most over-the-top clubhouse of any muni in the area, though.

 

Yup, 5 iron or less off the 1st tee, and don't drink the water. Lol.

 

Arrowhead is really about the restaurant/bar/banquets it hosts and golf is a throw in.

 

2015 revenue from food/beverages/events was over $5M. Golf revenues were just under $2.3M. FBB contributed over $1M in profits, golf under $700K. Better margin on golf surprisingly at nearly 30%.

 

I was at Arrowhead once prior to the clubhouse rebuild and it was nothing special from what I remember, far more casual. What it is now is night and day better and allows for winter revenues as well. Very smart move.

 

Agree. The old place was nothing. Last year they had almost 800 events there.

[VNutz]

I love Lost Marsh's prairie-style clubhouse. Harborside should steal it. I still think Arrowhead has the most over-the-top clubhouse of any muni in the area, though.

 

Yup, 5 iron or less off the 1st tee, and don't drink the water. Lol.

 

Arrowhead is really about the restaurant/bar/banquets it hosts and golf is a throw in.

 

2015 revenue from food/beverages/events was over $5M. Golf revenues were just under $2.3M. FBB contributed over $1M in profits, golf under $700K. Better margin on golf surprisingly at nearly 30%.

 

I was at Arrowhead once prior to the clubhouse rebuild and it was nothing special from what I remember, far more casual. What it is now is night and day better and allows for winter revenues as well. Very smart move.

 

Agree. The old place was nothing. Last year they had almost 800 events there.

 

Exactly, and the course prior to that I don't remember being as highly regarded. I really think the off course atmosphere made the golf more popular there. Or at least the golf costs a lot more than it used to...

[Argonne69]

There are a handful of other clubhouses at the public courses that are fairly impressive, but I think Arrowhead takes the crown. Bolingbrook, Makray Memorial, Bowes Creek, and The Glen Club.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, there are courses that have some real dive clubhouses. The Forest Preserve and Chicago Park District courses are pretty Spartan. Glencoe doesn't win any awards. Big Run is underwhelming.

[ldchristopher]

There are a handful of other clubhouses at the public courses that are fairly impressive, but I think Arrowhead takes the crown. Bolingbrook, Makray Memorial, Bowes Creek, and The Glen Club.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, there are courses that have some real dive clubhouses. The Forest Preserve and Chicago Park District courses are pretty Spartan. Glencoe doesn't win any awards. Big Run is underwhelming.

I also like the clubhouses at Highlands of Elgin, Thunderhawk, Blackstone, White Deer Run, and Chevy Chase. Stonewall's is also alright. Places that don't also host events such as weddings don't have much of a need for nice clubhouses. Hence, the cookie cutter ones at Big Run, Pine Meadows, all of the Cook County Forest Preserve courses, Glencoe, Sunset Valley, etc.

[jimwgt26]

There are a handful of other clubhouses at the public courses that are fairly impressive, but I think Arrowhead takes the crown. Bolingbrook, Makray Memorial, Bowes Creek, and The Glen Club.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, there are courses that have some real dive clubhouses. The Forest Preserve and Chicago Park District courses are pretty Spartan. Glencoe doesn't win any awards. Big Run is underwhelming.

 

I kinda like the old bar at Big Run.

 

[apprenti23]

Favorite part of LM is that the beverage cart girls and bartenders work on the industrial strip right there too!

[PuttCurseRepeat]

I kinda like the old bar at Big Run.

 

I appreciate well designed and appointed building spaces and Big Run will not impress anyone in that regard, but there is something about their clubhouse which gives me comfort. The pro shop is stocked with just enough BR merch, which is of a quality higher than the setting would suggest. Big (wasted) dining area. Big bar. Big locker room. Oh, and the walk-up food window. The whole thing really could use a major update, though. Even the padlocks on many of the lockers look to be from the 1950's.

[Argonne69]

I agree that courses that don't host banquets don't need palaces, but a new, open bar area is conducive to hanging around for a few drinks. The old, dark, musty, wood paneled bars gotta go.

[Argonne69]

'Just booked The Glen Club for Sunday morning. I know I'm a sucker to pay $135 to walk 18, but I'm certainly not shelling out $25 for a cart. Talk about a cash cow. I've walked one round there before, and it's certainly doable. The weather on Sunday is supposed to be very pleasant.

[DavePelz4]

There are a handful of other clubhouses at the public courses that are fairly impressive, but I think Arrowhead takes the crown. Bolingbrook, Makray Memorial, Bowes Creek, and The Glen Club.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, there are courses that have some real dive clubhouses. The Forest Preserve and Chicago Park District courses are pretty Spartan. Glencoe doesn't win any awards. Big Run is underwhelming.

 

I kinda like the old bar at Big Run.

 

Agree. Reminds me of being in Wisconsin. Same with the bar at Crystal Woods.

 

Favorite part of LM is that the beverage cart girls and bartenders work on the industrial strip right there too!

 

Pictures or it's not believable.

[VNutz]

Favorite part of LM is that the beverage cart girls and bartenders work on the industrial strip right there too!

 

Pictures or it's not believable.

 

I'll believe it if Scratch confirms.

[MountainKing]

There are a handful of other clubhouses at the public courses that are fairly impressive, but I think Arrowhead takes the crown. Bolingbrook, Makray Memorial, Bowes Creek, and The Glen Club.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, there are courses that have some real dive clubhouses. The Forest Preserve and Chicago Park District courses are pretty Spartan. Glencoe doesn't win any awards. Big Run is underwhelming.

 

I kinda like the old bar at Big Run.

 

I really like the courses that still have the same clubhouse standing from when I was a kid. Big Run, Cog Hill ect...they all could use updating but like mentioned there's just something about the memories of walking into those places with my Dad when I was younger.