Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round2)

[apprenti23]

After yesterday's outer body experience at HoE I was itching to get back on the course. Decided to play my first ever round at Hilldale GC which is a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design that's about 20 min from my house (Palatine) and known to have the "best greens in the burbs." After playing, I don't think I'd ever say that about this place, in fact that's a flat out lie.
Course was short, tight, and overall a very fun design. The par 71 layout played about 6500 yards. Got paired up with two local college kids for the front nine and then two older ladies for the back nine. Pace of play for a Tuesday @ 11 was every bit of 4.5 hours, maybe 4.75 hours.
I hit my driver a whopping 4 times today. I can't remember the last time I hit so many irons and hybrids due to snap dog legs and not knowing where to go.
Bookend birdies today for a crowd pleasing 68. Felt good after yesterday's abomination. Only hit 5/14 fairways but still managed 14/18 greens with 28 putts, 5 birdies, and 2 bogeys. Had four lip outs, so it could have been a really nice bounce back.
The two older ladies I played with said they got it for $21 or $25 a piece? Totally worth it at that price. Wouldn't pay over $45 to play here.

[Scratch2Plus]

Great round Apprenti...I also completely agree about the "best greens in the burbs" NOT even close, just a big fat lie IMO.
It's a decent course, but like you said, it's nothing special.

[jimwgt26]

Played my first round at Tam O'Shanter. Its a few minutes from my house, and I've been to the bar a few times, but always assumed the course was a dump. It's actually not too bad. I know it used to be an 18 hole course where Hogan won an event, I also think the first televised golf broadcast was there. The starter said a couple of holes are from the original design. I wouldn't make a special trip to play there, but if you live on the Northwest Side it's not a bad option. Today's conditions were better than Billy Caldwell, and it's cheaper.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='Chicago Lefty' timestamp='1439920761' post='12162676']
At least it was profitable.
[/quote]
On an hourly basis you made about a buck 2 eighty.

[apprenti23]

[quote name='Scratch2Plus' timestamp='1439944250' post='12165696']
Great round Apprenti...I also completely agree about the "best greens in the burbs" NOT even close, just a big fat lie IMO.
It's a decent course, but like you said, it's nothing special.
[/quote]
Thanks! I was actually disapponted because that's a pretty big claim, ya know?

Bittersweet tomorrow at 11:45- another course I've never played.

[Hack1]

Apprenti, sounds like you've been practicing. . Great round!

[apprenti23]

[quote name='Hack1' timestamp='1439947419' post='12166166']
Apprenti, sounds like you've been practicing. . Great round!
[/quote]
Unfortunately not. Playing is more like it. Definitely need some practice though! Hope we can get out before fall!

[B-Man]

Anyone for night golf tonight? Natural lightning will show us the way. I meant lighting.

[Chicago Lefty]

Late notice but anyone want to play Harborside tomorrow around 10am for cheap cheap? Probably like $14. I've got teeoff.com credit to burn... PM me.

[apprenti23]

[quote name='Chicago Lefty' timestamp='1439949575' post='12166474']
Late notice but anyone want to play Harborside tomorrow around 10am for cheap cheap? Probably like $14. I've got teeoff.com credit to burn... PM me.
[/quote]
Bummer - would've jumped on this but already playing bittersweet. Enjoy the day! Love the side

[preiter20]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1439946516' post='12166018']
[quote name='Scratch2Plus' timestamp='1439944250' post='12165696']
Great round Apprenti...I also completely agree about the "best greens in the burbs" NOT even close, just a big fat lie IMO.
It's a decent course, but like you said, it's nothing special.
[/quote]
Thanks! I was actually disapponted because that's a pretty big claim, ya know?

Bittersweet tomorrow at 11:45- another course I've never played.
[/quote]

I can walk to Bittersweet in about 5 minutes so I have played it a couple of times. The front nine isn't as good as the back nine, in my opinion. The front nine winds through a subdivision. Nothing too spectacular but I do like #8, a dogleg right. I really prefer the back nine which has mature trees. The par 3 (16th?) is a fun hole with water to the left and behind the green. Enjoy!

[Argonne69]

[quote name='preiter20' timestamp='1439958200' post='12167242']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1439946516' post='12166018']
[quote name='Scratch2Plus' timestamp='1439944250' post='12165696']
Great round Apprenti...I also completely agree about the "best greens in the burbs" NOT even close, just a big fat lie IMO.
It's a decent course, but like you said, it's nothing special.
[/quote]
Thanks! I was actually disapponted because that's a pretty big claim, ya know?

Bittersweet tomorrow at 11:45- another course I've never played.
[/quote]

I can walk to Bittersweet in about 5 minutes so I have played it a couple of times. The front nine isn't as good as the back nine, in my opinion. The front nine winds through a subdivision. Nothing too spectacular but I do like #8, a dogleg right. I really prefer the back nine which has mature trees. The par 3 (16th?) is a fun hole with water to the left and behind the green. Enjoy!
[/quote]

Bittersweet is one of the handful of Chicago public courses that doesn't allow singles to book. I've wanted to play the course for some time, but they basically don't want my business.

[Waterboy]

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1439985575' post='12168010']
[quote name='preiter20' timestamp='1439958200' post='12167242']
[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1439946516' post='12166018']
[quote name='Scratch2Plus' timestamp='1439944250' post='12165696']
Great round Apprenti...I also completely agree about the "best greens in the burbs" NOT even close, just a big fat lie IMO.
It's a decent course, but like you said, it's nothing special.
[/quote]
Thanks! I was actually disapponted because that's a pretty big claim, ya know?

Bittersweet tomorrow at 11:45- another course I've never played.
[/quote]

I can walk to Bittersweet in about 5 minutes so I have played it a couple of times. The front nine isn't as good as the back nine, in my opinion. The front nine winds through a subdivision. Nothing too spectacular but I do like #8, a dogleg right. I really prefer the back nine which has mature trees. The par 3 (16th?) is a fun hole with water to the left and behind the green. Enjoy!
[/quote]

Bittersweet is one of the handful of Chicago public courses that doesn't allow singles to book. I've wanted to play the course for some time, but they basically don't want my business.
[/quote]

This kind of surprises me. I haven't been out there in a few years but from what I remember the Village bought it when it was in really bad shape. You would think that any play is good play.

[VNutz]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1439937870' post='12164974']
Decided to play my first ever round at Hilldale GC which is a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design that's about 20 min from my house (Palatine) and known to have the "best greens in the burbs." After playing, I don't think I'd ever say that about this place, in fact that's a flat out lie.

[/quote]

Interesting, every time I've been there they've been fantastic. I wouldn't say best in the burbs, but far better than what I'd expect for a public course, and much better than some higher end courses around. I'm not sure they were good enough to go out of their way for, but definitely a pleasant surprise.

[quote name='B-Man' timestamp='1439948483' post='12166340']
Anyone for night golf tonight? Natural lightning will show us the way. I meant lighting.
[/quote]

Got caught in the middle of that driving some cars. Got pummeled with wind and rain, then my phone lit up with tornado warnings, in Downers Grove, right where I was. Go from driving through it to being in a building full of glass windows with tornado sirens blaring. Brilliant.

[zer0]

[quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1439944611' post='12165764']
Played my first round at Tam O'Shanter. Its a few minutes from my house, and I've been to the bar a few times, but always assumed the course was a dump. It's actually not too bad. I know it used to be an 18 hole course where Hogan won an event, I also think the first televised golf broadcast was there. The starter said a couple of holes are from the original design. I wouldn't make a special trip to play there, but if you live on the Northwest Side it's not a bad option. Today's conditions were better than Billy Caldwell, and it's cheaper.
[/quote]

If I'm around there I'd rather go to Edgebrook than either. 18 holes for the same price as 9 at BC. Granted its a par 66, but you get to hit every club in your bag if you want (unless you drive it 280+). Sometimes tough to find a place to tee your ball up and the greens are slow as it gets, but where else can you play 18 holes for $20 and finish in 2:15?

[DZ1454]

[quote name='Chicago Lefty' timestamp='1439949575' post='12166474']Late notice but anyone want to play Harborside tomorrow around 10am for cheap cheap? Probably like $14. I've got teeoff.com credit to burn... PM me.[/quote]

Wish I saw this sooner..

[jimwgt26]

[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1439997895' post='12169350'][quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1439944611' post='12165764']
Played my first round at Tam O'Shanter. Its a few minutes from my house, and I've been to the bar a few times, but always assumed the course was a dump. It's actually not too bad. I know it used to be an 18 hole course where Hogan won an event, I also think the first televised golf broadcast was there. The starter said a couple of holes are from the original design. I wouldn't make a special trip to play there, but if you live on the Northwest Side it's not a bad option. Today's conditions were better than Billy Caldwell, and it's cheaper.
[/quote]

If I'm around there I'd rather go to Edgebrook than either. 18 holes for the same price as 9 at BC. Granted its a par 66, but you get to hit every club in your bag if you want (unless you drive it 280+). Sometimes tough to find a place to tee your ball up and the greens are slow as it gets, but where else can you play 18 holes for $20 and finish in 2:15?[/quote]

I'll pass on Edgebrook. For a close 18, I'll play Wilmette or Glencoe.

[zer0]

[quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1440002701' post='12169860']
[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1439997895' post='12169350'][quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1439944611' post='12165764']
Played my first round at Tam O'Shanter. Its a few minutes from my house, and I've been to the bar a few times, but always assumed the course was a dump. It's actually not too bad. I know it used to be an 18 hole course where Hogan won an event, I also think the first televised golf broadcast was there. The starter said a couple of holes are from the original design. I wouldn't make a special trip to play there, but if you live on the Northwest Side it's not a bad option. Today's conditions were better than Billy Caldwell, and it's cheaper.
[/quote]

If I'm around there I'd rather go to Edgebrook than either. 18 holes for the same price as 9 at BC. Granted its a par 66, but you get to hit every club in your bag if you want (unless you drive it 280+). Sometimes tough to find a place to tee your ball up and the greens are slow as it gets, but where else can you play 18 holes for $20 and finish in 2:15?[/quote]

I'll pass on Edgebrook. For a close 18, I'll play Wilmette or Glencoe.
[/quote]


yea I would too, but I put those courses in a different bracket. I only go with Edgebrook if I don't have time for a normal 18 hole round, want to stay close to home and would rather play 18 crappy holes vs 9 better but still mediocre holes.

[jimwgt26]

[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1440005594' post='12170208'][quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1440002701' post='12169860']
[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1439997895' post='12169350'][quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1439944611' post='12165764']
Played my first round at Tam O'Shanter. Its a few minutes from my house, and I've been to the bar a few times, but always assumed the course was a dump. It's actually not too bad. I know it used to be an 18 hole course where Hogan won an event, I also think the first televised golf broadcast was there. The starter said a couple of holes are from the original design. I wouldn't make a special trip to play there, but if you live on the Northwest Side it's not a bad option. Today's conditions were better than Billy Caldwell, and it's cheaper.
[/quote]

If I'm around there I'd rather go to Edgebrook than either. 18 holes for the same price as 9 at BC. Granted its a par 66, but you get to hit every club in your bag if you want (unless you drive it 280+). Sometimes tough to find a place to tee your ball up and the greens are slow as it gets, but where else can you play 18 holes for $20 and finish in 2:15?[/quote]

I'll pass on Edgebrook. For a close 18, I'll play Wilmette or Glencoe.
[/quote]


yea I would too, but I put those courses in a different bracket. I only go with Edgebrook if I don't have time for a normal 18 hole round, want to stay close to home and would rather play 18 crappy holes vs 9 better but still mediocre holes.[/quote]

Respectfully, the only thing I agree with is the use of the word "crappy:)"

[Argonne69]

Speaking of Glencoe, when are they going to replace their god awful online reservation system with something that was written in the 21st century? If I'm not mistaken, they are the [b]only [/b]public course in the area that requires a login to simply view the tee sheet.

[VNutz]

Ha, I've played Edgebrook once, and I'll never forget it. One guy in our group lost grip of his club and it flew 50 yards ahead of him, never seen that before. Walking, we got to a par 3 on the back side, way on the far corner of the course from the clubhouse when a massive storm rolled through. We tried to wait it out for about an hour but the storm wasn't breaking. Eventually one of our guys ran in, got his truck and meandered the side streets to find where we were hiding out, we hopped the fence and never came back. Whatever highway we took back, Edens or Kennedy I can't recall, was flooded out and we barely snuck through. Crazy day. I'll never forget the mats for tee boxes, and the par 4 where you get a penalty for cutting the corner.

[zer0]

[quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1440009914' post='12170696']
[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1440005594' post='12170208'][quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1440002701' post='12169860']
[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1439997895' post='12169350'][quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1439944611' post='12165764']
Played my first round at Tam O'Shanter. Its a few minutes from my house, and I've been to the bar a few times, but always assumed the course was a dump. It's actually not too bad. I know it used to be an 18 hole course where Hogan won an event, I also think the first televised golf broadcast was there. The starter said a couple of holes are from the original design. I wouldn't make a special trip to play there, but if you live on the Northwest Side it's not a bad option. Today's conditions were better than Billy Caldwell, and it's cheaper.
[/quote]

If I'm around there I'd rather go to Edgebrook than either. 18 holes for the same price as 9 at BC. Granted its a par 66, but you get to hit every club in your bag if you want (unless you drive it 280+). Sometimes tough to find a place to tee your ball up and the greens are slow as it gets, but where else can you play 18 holes for $20 and finish in 2:15?[/quote]

I'll pass on Edgebrook. For a close 18, I'll play Wilmette or Glencoe.
[/quote]


yea I would too, but I put those courses in a different bracket. I only go with Edgebrook if I don't have time for a normal 18 hole round, want to stay close to home and would rather play 18 crappy holes vs 9 better but still mediocre holes.[/quote]

Respectfully, the only thing I agree with is the use of the word "crappy:)"
[/quote]

yea there's no doubt Edgebrook is just about the worst 18 hole track in the Chicago area. But, if I'm stuck looking for a place to play within a few miles of my condo my choices are Edgebrook, Billy Caldwell, Robert Black and Tam O'Shanter. Given those choices I prefer the 18 hole dogtrack just cause it costs the same and you get to hit more shots.

[Chicago Lefty]

Fun day out at Harborside with Buddha today. Brutal winds!

[Buddha]

It was a good day, just not for my scorecard. In all actuality. I didn't play horribly for what I do. I fell apart on a few holes, played a few really well, and lots of inbetween on the rest.

[B-Man]

Scramble tomorrow at Ravisloe. We shot 54.

[jimwgt26]

[quote name='B-Man' timestamp='1440083525' post='12176144']Scramble tomorrow at Ravisloe. We shot 54.[/quote]

How do you know?

[stasek]

Should be good for at least an honorable mention....

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='jimwgt26' timestamp='1440084289' post='12176266']
[quote name='B-Man' timestamp='1440083525' post='12176144']Scramble tomorrow at Ravisloe. We shot 54.[/quote]

How do you know?
[/quote]

BMan is from Australia. He's 14 hours ahead of the rest of us.

[VNutz]

[quote name='B-Man' timestamp='1440083525' post='12176144']
Scramble tomorrow at Ravisloe. We shot 54.
[/quote]

Never reveal your number before scores are announced. Too many pencils with erasers.

[dhartmann34]

Played Strawberry Creek in Kenosha yesterday. That place is incredible. Not a blade of grass out of place. Greens rolled fast and true. Owner Jay Hilgenberg was incredibly nice and chatted with us for a while. If I lived a bit closer I'd be a member for sure!! Just awesome.