Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round2)

[zer0]

agreed with others, there are no links courses in Illinois, at least none that I've seen.

 

 

I wouldn't even call Erin Hills links style. It plays like target golf IMO.

[cane700]

I appreciate all the suggestions.

 

Its funny about Harborside. They supposedly water the hell out of it. You'd think that they'd let it firm up and play like a links course. It already has the look and the wind. I'm guessing most people don't appreciate that type of setup.

[Argonne69]

I appreciate all the suggestions.

 

Its funny about Harborside. They supposedly water the hell out of it. You'd think that they'd let it firm up and play like a links course. It already has the look and the wind. I'm guessing most people don't appreciate that type of setup.

 

The course is built on a clay capped dump. There is no natural drainage, and I'm betting the soil they dumped on the clay doesn't naturally hold (much) water. They have to overwater it to keep the turf alive. I think if they tried to get it fast and firm they'd risk killing the grass.

 

I think Dick Nugent did a great job with the design given the land he had to work with. With no trees, he wasn't going to suggest planting hundreds of them with the expectation that they'd have a parkland style course in 50 years. I'm not sure "prairie-style" is an official term used for these types of courses with no trees and native grasses, but it sure fits. I think of them as parkland style without the trees. Prairie Bluff, Harborside, Bolingbrook, Prairie Landing, Thunderhawk, and Highlands of Elgin all play like parkland courses.

[geochitown]

I agree. I read an interview with Tom Nugent, Dick's son, where he stated the same about having to over water

 

Also any trees on property would risk having their roots puncture the cap

[Argonne69]

I agree. I read an interview with Tom Nugent, Dick's son, where he stated the same about having to over water

 

Also any trees on property would risk having their roots puncture the cap

 

Doesn't Willow Hill have the same issue? Is Settler's Hill built on an old dump? The Meadows in Blue Island has similar issues.

[geochitown]

Yes, Tim mentions willow hill in the same article

 

Right on settler's hill (not Nugent built, as far as I know)

 

 

[VNutz]

Settlers Hill is built on a dump, as is Waters Edge. Not surprisingly both have been known to have water retention issues in certain areas.

[ldchristopher]

The only way to get a links style course in the Chicago area is to build it on a garbage dump or, in the case of HOE, an old quarry. The downside to that is it will never play like an actual links course for reasons people have already mentioned. The closest thing to a faux-links course around here that, if baked out, would play like a real links course is probably Chicago Highlands (another one built on a dump, but it was a dump that strictly held clean construction debris), but that's a private country club.

[Holy Moses]

Anyone play Hilldale recently? I grew up in that area and haven't played it in at least 15 years. Heading out there Sunday (Golfnow hot deal of $28) so it's not like I'm out anything if it's bad, but was hoping they've kept it up decently, as I remember it being a fun track in the past.

 

I just did. In decent shape, but greens are slow as they almost all are now.

[VNutz]

Anyone play Hilldale recently? I grew up in that area and haven't played it in at least 15 years. Heading out there Sunday (Golfnow hot deal of $28) so it's not like I'm out anything if it's bad, but was hoping they've kept it up decently, as I remember it being a fun track in the past.

 

If you do play there, be mindful of your cart and belongings. I played there a few years back with regulars who warned me of the same thing, that some of the local kids living in the nearby apartments had a tendency to take a thing or two from carts when they had a chance, next to the 10th green in particular.

[DavePelz4]

Anyone play Hilldale recently? I grew up in that area and haven't played it in at least 15 years. Heading out there Sunday (Golfnow hot deal of $28) so it's not like I'm out anything if it's bad, but was hoping they've kept it up decently, as I remember it being a fun track in the past.

 

If you do play there, be mindful of your cart and belongings. I played there a few years back with regulars who warned me of the same thing, that some of the local kids living in the nearby apartments had a tendency to take a thing or two from carts when they had a chance, next to the 10th green in particular.

 

It's why walking is always a great thing.

[VNutz]

Anyone play Hilldale recently? I grew up in that area and haven't played it in at least 15 years. Heading out there Sunday (Golfnow hot deal of $28) so it's not like I'm out anything if it's bad, but was hoping they've kept it up decently, as I remember it being a fun track in the past.

 

If you do play there, be mindful of your cart and belongings. I played there a few years back with regulars who warned me of the same thing, that some of the local kids living in the nearby apartments had a tendency to take a thing or two from carts when they had a chance, next to the 10th green in particular.

 

It's why walking is always a great thing.

 

Very true, but the specific spot they warned me about was the 10th green, which has a creek in front so you can't walk up and a path that goes alongside the green on the right, with bushes surrounding it and an apartment building and parking lot next to it, with a short walk to the green. Even if you're walking, IIRC there's a clear spot to leave your things to go to the green. If you're not aware someone can easily sneak up to even a walkers bag left unattended and take something.

[stg099]

Anyone play Hilldale recently? I grew up in that area and haven't played it in at least 15 years. Heading out there Sunday (Golfnow hot deal of $28) so it's not like I'm out anything if it's bad, but was hoping they've kept it up decently, as I remember it being a fun track in the past.

 

If you do play there, be mindful of your cart and belongings. I played there a few years back with regulars who warned me of the same thing, that some of the local kids living in the nearby apartments had a tendency to take a thing or two from carts when they had a chance, next to the 10th green in particular.

 

It's why walking is always a great thing.

 

Very true, but the specific spot they warned me about was the 10th green, which has a creek in front so you can't walk up and a path that goes alongside the green on the right, with bushes surrounding it and an apartment building and parking lot next to it, with a short walk to the green. Even if you're walking, IIRC there's a clear spot to leave your things to go to the green. If you're not aware someone can easily sneak up to even a walkers bag left unattended and take something.

 

Wow... Sad that it's come to having to worry about your stuff while playing golf... I had heard that some of the area had gotten a little rougher around the edges, but stealing stuff from people right in front of them while playing is a new one to me. Thanks for the heads up and I'll keep a keen eye out

[ldchristopher]

I played Lost Marsh this morning. It's a different course from the back tees and opens up quite a bit. It feels much less like gimmicks and target golf and more like a legit course. I was one over through the Trash Chute but got a stroke back by making birdie on 5. Finished with a 75. I'd like to get back but I'm not sure how much longer they're on Spring rates.

[Scratch2Plus]

Mt Prospect GC is dry and greens are rolling great. It was in excellent shape considering all the rain. Very small undulating greens so you better bring your short game.

One downside is it could get pretty dangerous out there on a busy day. A lot of holes running parallel to one another along with several tee boxes close to the previous hole's green.

Fortunately, I got out as a single and no one was in front of me.

FYI. Go to their website for better rates vs GN.

 

HoE on Saturday!

[CMCSGolf]

Is MT Prospect too hard now? I never played it before the renovation, but played it last year and those greens and the mounding around them are super difficult. I'm a solid player and that course has eaten my lunch both times. The greens are definitely playable and not over the top, but I wonder if they are the right type of greens for a muni that has so much play. I think the course is fantastic and infinitely interesting, I'm just very surprised they built that type of course in that spot.

[disk]

Wowza after a rib injury, shoulder injury and thumb injury (that's what skiing does do you) I played round #1 on the year today. I probably had a dozen or so by this time last year, winter was just too long and wet I couldn't find the time to get out and shot a smooth 96 at waters edge today, the course looked almost as bad as my game. Looking for some quality time on the range soon to help with some serious rust...

[Scratch2Plus]

Is MT Prospect too hard now? I never played it before the renovation, but played it last year and those greens and the mounding around them are super difficult. I'm a solid player and that course has eaten my lunch both times. The greens are definitely playable and not over the top, but I wonder if they are the right type of greens for a muni that has so much play. I think the course is fantastic and infinitely interesting, I'm just very surprised they built that type of course in that spot.

 

You hit the nail on the head. Par 70 and at only 6300 yards from the back tees they have 4 par 4's that are 435-465 yards with trouble everywhere. The greens are playable but they are plenty fast and undulating.

For the location and clientele MPGC gets I do think it is abit unfair.

I just can't imagine what the pace of play is out there on the weekends with a full tee sheet.

[Scratch2Plus]

Wowza after a rib injury, shoulder injury and thumb injury (that's what skiing does do you) I played round #1 on the year today. I probably had a dozen or so by this time last year, winter was just too long and wet I couldn't find the time to get out and shot a smooth 96 at waters edge today, the course looked almost as bad as my game. Looking for some quality time on the range soon to help with some serious rust...

 

Rib injuries are crazy painful. Fractured a rib several years ago and the pain just trying to breathe, sleep etc was pretty awful.

Hope you took your time and let everything heal up the way they should!

[Holy Moses]

St Andrews driving range opening their grass tees Friday morning

[CMCSGolf]

Is MT Prospect too hard now? I never played it before the renovation, but played it last year and those greens and the mounding around them are super difficult. I'm a solid player and that course has eaten my lunch both times. The greens are definitely playable and not over the top, but I wonder if they are the right type of greens for a muni that has so much play. I think the course is fantastic and infinitely interesting, I'm just very surprised they built that type of course in that spot.

 

You hit the nail on the head. Par 70 and at only 6300 yards from the back tees they have 4 par 4's that are 435-465 yards with trouble everywhere. The greens are playable but they are plenty fast and undulating.

For the location and clientele MPGC gets I do think it is abit unfair.

I just can't imagine what the pace of play is out there on the weekends with a full tee sheet.

 

I played it on a weekend afternoon and it was a 5 hour round. There is no way to speed up play there in my eyes, other than spacing tee times out more. It is one of the best publics in Chicago in my opinion, but it can be a slog with a lot of average hacks out there.

[disk]

Wowza after a rib injury, shoulder injury and thumb injury (that's what skiing does do you) I played round #1 on the year today. I probably had a dozen or so by this time last year, winter was just too long and wet I couldn't find the time to get out and shot a smooth 96 at waters edge today, the course looked almost as bad as my game. Looking for some quality time on the range soon to help with some serious rust...

 

Rib injuries are crazy painful. Fractured a rib several years ago and the pain just trying to breathe, sleep etc was pretty awful.

Hope you took your time and let everything heal up the way they should!

 

All healed and ready to go! It wasn't quiet a cracked rib but I couldn't take more than half breaths without all kinds of pain and sleeping was almost impossible for about a month.

[Scratch2Plus]

Is MT Prospect too hard now? I never played it before the renovation, but played it last year and those greens and the mounding around them are super difficult. I'm a solid player and that course has eaten my lunch both times. The greens are definitely playable and not over the top, but I wonder if they are the right type of greens for a muni that has so much play. I think the course is fantastic and infinitely interesting, I'm just very surprised they built that type of course in that spot.

 

You hit the nail on the head. Par 70 and at only 6300 yards from the back tees they have 4 par 4's that are 435-465 yards with trouble everywhere. The greens are playable but they are plenty fast and undulating.

For the location and clientele MPGC gets I do think it is abit unfair.

I just can't imagine what the pace of play is out there on the weekends with a full tee sheet.

 

I played it on a weekend afternoon and it was a 5 hour round. There is no way to speed up play there in my eyes, other than spacing tee times out more. It is one of the best publics in Chicago in my opinion, but it can be a slog with a lot of average hacks out there.

 

It's a hidden gem. They have a very nice short game area and it's 3.5 miles from my office so win win...

[Waterboy]

Is MT Prospect too hard now? I never played it before the renovation, but played it last year and those greens and the mounding around them are super difficult. I'm a solid player and that course has eaten my lunch both times. The greens are definitely playable and not over the top, but I wonder if they are the right type of greens for a muni that has so much play. I think the course is fantastic and infinitely interesting, I'm just very surprised they built that type of course in that spot.

 

You hit the nail on the head. Par 70 and at only 6300 yards from the back tees they have 4 par 4's that are 435-465 yards with trouble everywhere. The greens are playable but they are plenty fast and undulating.

For the location and clientele MPGC gets I do think it is abit unfair.

I just can't imagine what the pace of play is out there on the weekends with a full tee sheet.

 

I played it on a weekend afternoon and it was a 5 hour round. There is no way to speed up play there in my eyes, other than spacing tee times out more. It is one of the best publics in Chicago in my opinion, but it can be a slog with a lot of average hacks out there.

 

It's a hidden gem. They have a very nice short game area and it's 3.5 miles from my office so win win...

 

I've heard that they might soften some of the greens. Not sure if and when that is supposed to happen. Its a bummer because at 6300 yds, the green complex are really the only defense for the course.

 

Have I mentioned some of the best drainage for a golf course in the area. Whoever did that knew what he was doing.

 

Chance to go to Green Lake, Wi this summer. Outside of Lawsonia, whats good in the area?

[zer0]

Is MT Prospect too hard now? I never played it before the renovation, but played it last year and those greens and the mounding around them are super difficult. I'm a solid player and that course has eaten my lunch both times. The greens are definitely playable and not over the top, but I wonder if they are the right type of greens for a muni that has so much play. I think the course is fantastic and infinitely interesting, I'm just very surprised they built that type of course in that spot.

 

You hit the nail on the head. Par 70 and at only 6300 yards from the back tees they have 4 par 4's that are 435-465 yards with trouble everywhere. The greens are playable but they are plenty fast and undulating.

For the location and clientele MPGC gets I do think it is abit unfair.

I just can't imagine what the pace of play is out there on the weekends with a full tee sheet.

 

I played it on a weekend afternoon and it was a 5 hour round. There is no way to speed up play there in my eyes, other than spacing tee times out more. It is one of the best publics in Chicago in my opinion, but it can be a slog with a lot of average hacks out there.

 

It's a hidden gem. They have a very nice short game area and it's 3.5 miles from my office so win win...

 

I've heard that they might soften some of the greens. Not sure if and when that is supposed to happen. Its a bummer because at 6300 yds, the green complex are really the only defense for the course.

 

Have I mentioned some of the best drainage for a golf course in the area. Whoever did that knew what he was doing.

 

Chance to go to Green Lake, Wi this summer. Outside of Lawsonia, whats good in the area?

 

 

Did someone say Green Lake?????

 

 

Besides Lawsonia, the only course worth playing within 30 minutes is Mascoutin located about 10 minutes north of Lawsonia in Berlin. Mascoutin has 27 holes, 18 of which are pretty standard parkland style. The other 9, the Blue course, is really cool. Some really interesting unique holes. Definitely play the Blue 9 if you play there.

[Waterboy]

 

Did someone say Green Lake?????

 

 

Besides Lawsonia, the only course worth playing within 30 minutes is Mascoutin located about 10 minutes north of Lawsonia in Berlin. Mascoutin has 27 holes, 18 of which are pretty standard parkland style. The other 9, the Blue course, is really cool. Some really interesting unique holes. Definitely play the Blue 9 if you play there.

 

Could Green Lake be used as a base camp for Sand Valley? I saw it was 1.5hr drive or so.

 

I really want to get up to Sand Valley, I just don't know when I can make it happen with the short summer for kids near me.

[zer0]

Did someone say Green Lake?????

 

 

Besides Lawsonia, the only course worth playing within 30 minutes is Mascoutin located about 10 minutes north of Lawsonia in Berlin. Mascoutin has 27 holes, 18 of which are pretty standard parkland style. The other 9, the Blue course, is really cool. Some really interesting unique holes. Definitely play the Blue 9 if you play there.

 

Could Green Lake be used as a base camp for Sand Valley? I saw it was 1.5hr drive or so.

 

I really want to get up to Sand Valley, I just don't know when I can make it happen with the short summer for kids near me.

 

 

Sure, if you don't mind the drive. Its definitely a lot nicer town than anything near Sand Valley. I use Green Lake as a base for our annual golf trip and routinely make the 1.5 hour drive to kohler and will do so to Sand Valley at some point in the coming years, but my family has a house there so it makes financial sense to do so.

[cane700]

Does anybody know when Oak Meadows is re-opening?

[DavePelz4]

Does anybody know when Oak Meadows is re-opening?

 

Planned for July.

[cane700]

Does anybody know when Oak Meadows is re-opening?

 

Planned for July.

 

Thanks DP4