Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round2)

[VNutz]

I'd love to see more pictures of some of these holes, especially the courses I've not played. Looks to be kind of a mixture of fun/cool holes and quite difficult ones. Surprised to see Glendale Lakes got a mention, but I do like the hole they mentioned. Very risk/reward and not an easy layup.

[MountainKing]

Glad to see that list isn't sticking with only the pristine courses but based on that I'm curious about nothing from Dunne, Big Run or numerous other courses making it on there but then Highlands getting two holes (and yes they are two really really good holes).

[Argonne69]

Yeah, lots of great courses/holes missing from the list. #18 at Dubs?

[MountainKing]

Yeah, lots of great courses/holes missing from the list. #18 at Dubs?

 

And am I the only one who thinks #2 from Cantigny should not be on that list or any list? I'm not sure where most stand on it but I think it's one of the more ridiculous holes in the area.

[2zlinks]

Agree about the second at Cantigny. For as nice a course as it is I think their 5's are poorly designed. JMO

[Argonne69]

Yeah, lots of great courses/holes missing from the list. #18 at Dubs?

 

And am I the only one who thinks #2 from Cantigny should not be on that list or any list? I'm not sure where most stand on it but I think it's one of the more ridiculous holes in the area.

 

It's been a while, but isn't that the long, narrow one with a hazard right, and a creek and large tree guarding the green? I thought it was one of the toughest holes in Chicago, but I wouldn't classify it as one of the top 18 in the area. It's put Big Run #9 ahead of it.

[MountainKing]

Yeah, lots of great courses/holes missing from the list. #18 at Dubs?

 

And am I the only one who thinks #2 from Cantigny should not be on that list or any list? I'm not sure where most stand on it but I think it's one of the more ridiculous holes in the area.

 

It's been a while, but isn't that the long, narrow one with a hazard right, and a creek and large tree guarding the green? I thought it was one of the toughest holes in Chicago, but I wouldn't classify it as one of the top 18 in the area. It's put Big Run #9 ahead of it.

 

Yes that's it, it's super tough. You need a perfect drive to a narrow fairway if you don't hit the fairway you're either in the tree's, OB or in a creek and then the layup isn't much better unless you want to lay way back. If you mishit a shot par is almost an impossible number. I don't mind tough holes but I feel like even a tough hole should give you a shot at scrambling for a par, this one does not.

[cane700]

What about 18 at Dunne? That list was very Northside-centric

[Argonne69]

What about 18 at Dunne? That list was very Northside-centric

 

It's a one trick pony. It's very difficult because of the tee shot, but the approach is very meh. I wouldn't classify it as one of the best holes in the burbs.

 

The author was going for "best" holes, and to me a best hole is not simply a hard hole. Sure, it has to be challenging, but it has to be tee to green, and have a great look.

[preiter20]

How about a WAYPT-Chicago best 18? The stipulation being holes 1 through 18 have to be represented by the hole position on the course identified. Public courses only?

 

What's the best opening hole in the Chicagoland area?

 

[Argonne69]

I like the 1st at Dubs. It's not overly difficult, but it's no pussycat either. One can easily make par, or a double if you find the inside corner bunker, or one of the greenside bunkers.

 

#1 at Glencoe is one of the hardest starting holes. 'Hard to make par on days when the wind is blowing off the lake, and the driving range on the right often pushes you to go left into the trees.

[preiter20]

I like the 1st at Dubs. It's not overly difficult, but it's no pussycat either. One can easily make par, or a double if you find the inside corner bunker, or one of the greenside bunkers.

 

#1 at Glencoe is one of the hardest starting holes. 'Hard to make par on days when the wind is blowing off the lake, and the driving range on the right often pushes you to go left into the trees.

 

I was going to mention the 1st at Dubs in my original post but decided against it. Played Dubs for the first time this year was so full of anticipation I wasn't sure if the first hole was that good or if I was finally playing Dubs.

[jimwgt26]

Glencoe 1 is one of the best holes on the course. I wish it was in the middle of the round. It would be even better if there was a fairway bunker on the left side at the base of the hill. Something to frame the hole and aim at.

 

IMO, Dubs is a great course. Every hole is solid.

[Argonne69]

I'm heading down to Scottsdale on Wednesday for 4 or 5 rounds. The temperatures will only be in the 40's to low 60's, but it sure beats this cr*p. First round on Thursday at We Ko Pa Cholla. And so it begins.....

 

[MountainKing]

Glencoe 1 is one of the best holes on the course. I wish it was in the middle of the round. It would be even better if there was a fairway bunker on the left side at the base of the hill. Something to frame the hole and aim at.

 

IMO, Dubs is a great course. Every hole is solid.

 

I dunno if I totally agree with that, 8 & 17 are kind of dull holes and by the time I get to hole 14, the last par 3 I swear I already played that hole 3 other times. I for sure am one who does not like to be hitting the same clubs into all 4 par 3's. Otherwise yeah the rest are pretty killer.

[jimwgt26]

I like Dubs 8 and 17. 8, is probably the best scoring opportunity on the front. I like the up hill short iron approach. 17 requires a good tee shot, but gives a good chance to score before your faced with 18. I think 2 and 14 are good par threes, I agree 6 and 12 are too similar. Overall, Dubs is excellent. I don't think it's US Open caliber. I've played Bethpage Black a lot, and Torrey Pines South. Bethpage is really hard, Torrey is great and the location is spectacular. I highly recommend Bethpage if your ever in NY. I'm always happy to pay the out of state green fee. Torrey is expensive, I'm not sure I would pay it again.

[VNutz]

A little bit late, but a few thoughts. For starting holes I generally dislike when a course starts with a par 5. There are some courses out there with "gettable" par 5s that you can't be aggressive on yet because you're not loose. I like courses that give you options on the opening hole, let you work your swing in a little bit if you need to, or be aggressive and get off to a quick start if you choose to. Orchard Valley, Settlers Hill, Prairie Landing, and Blackstone all come to mind. Challenging short par 4s to start, can be played fairway wood/iron off the tee with a short iron/wedge in, or you can take driver and play for birdie. Either way you can get off to a good start, or you can mess up pretty quickly.

 

Worst by far goes to Tanna Farms. Sets the tone for the rest of the course...

[Argonne69]

A little bit late, but a few thoughts. For starting holes I generally dislike when a course starts with a par 5. There are some courses out there with "gettable" par 5s that you can't be aggressive on yet because you're not loose. I like courses that give you options on the opening hole, let you work your swing in a little bit if you need to, or be aggressive and get off to a quick start if you choose to. Orchard Valley, Settlers Hill, Prairie Landing, and Blackstone all come to mind. Challenging short par 4s to start, can be played fairway wood/iron off the tee with a short iron/wedge in, or you can take driver and play for birdie. Either way you can get off to a good start, or you can mess up pretty quickly.

 

Worst by far goes to Tanna Farms. Sets the tone for the rest of the course...

 

I'm fine with a short par 5 or par 4. A par 5 is generally more forgiving of a mediocre drive, as it allows a 2nd shot to still get into position for a 3rd to the green. One of my favorite opening holes is Harborside Starboard #1. The landing area is generous off the tee, and while a bit pinched, the layup area is still fairly generous.

[VNutz]

A little bit late, but a few thoughts. For starting holes I generally dislike when a course starts with a par 5. There are some courses out there with "gettable" par 5s that you can't be aggressive on yet because you're not loose. I like courses that give you options on the opening hole, let you work your swing in a little bit if you need to, or be aggressive and get off to a quick start if you choose to. Orchard Valley, Settlers Hill, Prairie Landing, and Blackstone all come to mind. Challenging short par 4s to start, can be played fairway wood/iron off the tee with a short iron/wedge in, or you can take driver and play for birdie. Either way you can get off to a good start, or you can mess up pretty quickly.

 

Worst by far goes to Tanna Farms. Sets the tone for the rest of the course...

 

I'm fine with a short par 5 or par 4. A par 5 is generally more forgiving of a mediocre drive, as it allows a 2nd shot to still get into position for a 3rd to the green. One of my favorite opening holes is Harborside Starboard #1. The landing area is generous off the tee, and while a bit pinched, the layup area is still fairly generous.

 

I'd prefer a par 5 to be later in the round, even the 2nd hole is fine by me, I love the 2nd at Village Links. When it's on the first I feel like it compromises one of the 4 good scoring opportunities I've got per round. Take Oak Brook for example. Straight away par 5, but a road to the right, at least a full fairway over, should be simple and safe, yet I've seen so many shots go OB there and you're off to a bad start. Any other time during the round you're not going to miss a full fairway right, but off the first tee anything's possible, so one of your scoring chances is taken away a little right at the start.

[Argonne69]

A little bit late, but a few thoughts. For starting holes I generally dislike when a course starts with a par 5. There are some courses out there with "gettable" par 5s that you can't be aggressive on yet because you're not loose. I like courses that give you options on the opening hole, let you work your swing in a little bit if you need to, or be aggressive and get off to a quick start if you choose to. Orchard Valley, Settlers Hill, Prairie Landing, and Blackstone all come to mind. Challenging short par 4s to start, can be played fairway wood/iron off the tee with a short iron/wedge in, or you can take driver and play for birdie. Either way you can get off to a good start, or you can mess up pretty quickly.

 

Worst by far goes to Tanna Farms. Sets the tone for the rest of the course...

 

I'm fine with a short par 5 or par 4. A par 5 is generally more forgiving of a mediocre drive, as it allows a 2nd shot to still get into position for a 3rd to the green. One of my favorite opening holes is Harborside Starboard #1. The landing area is generous off the tee, and while a bit pinched, the layup area is still fairly generous.

 

I'd prefer a par 5 to be later in the round, even the 2nd hole is fine by me, I love the 2nd at Village Links. When it's on the first I feel like it compromises one of the 4 good scoring opportunities I've got per round. Take Oak Brook for example. Straight away par 5, but a road to the right, at least a full fairway over, should be simple and safe, yet I've seen so many shots go OB there and you're off to a bad start. Any other time during the round you're not going to miss a full fairway right, but off the first tee anything's possible, so one of your scoring chances is taken away a little right at the start.

 

I think the problem with Oak Brook is the location of the hole, not the hole's par. Any starting hole with serious trouble right or left, especially OB, is no good in my book. I pushed my tee shot OB at the 1st at Balmoral. Ugh. Klein Creek is another one.

[DavePelz4]

A little bit late, but a few thoughts. For starting holes I generally dislike when a course starts with a par 5. There are some courses out there with "gettable" par 5s that you can't be aggressive on yet because you're not loose. I like courses that give you options on the opening hole, let you work your swing in a little bit if you need to, or be aggressive and get off to a quick start if you choose to. Orchard Valley, Settlers Hill, Prairie Landing, and Blackstone all come to mind. Challenging short par 4s to start, can be played fairway wood/iron off the tee with a short iron/wedge in, or you can take driver and play for birdie. Either way you can get off to a good start, or you can mess up pretty quickly.

 

Worst by far goes to Tanna Farms. Sets the tone for the rest of the course...

 

They have this new invention now called a DRIVING RANGE. It's where you can hit a few balls to loosen up before playing. Then again, after flying it 280 on #1 at Maple Meadows, you might not need to warm up.

[Argonne69]

A little bit late, but a few thoughts. For starting holes I generally dislike when a course starts with a par 5. There are some courses out there with "gettable" par 5s that you can't be aggressive on yet because you're not loose. I like courses that give you options on the opening hole, let you work your swing in a little bit if you need to, or be aggressive and get off to a quick start if you choose to. Orchard Valley, Settlers Hill, Prairie Landing, and Blackstone all come to mind. Challenging short par 4s to start, can be played fairway wood/iron off the tee with a short iron/wedge in, or you can take driver and play for birdie. Either way you can get off to a good start, or you can mess up pretty quickly.

 

Worst by far goes to Tanna Farms. Sets the tone for the rest of the course...

 

They have this new invention now called a DRIVING RANGE. It's where you can hit a few balls to loosen up before playing. Then again, after flying it 280 on #1 at Maple Meadows, you might not need to warm up.

 

Looks full.

 

[Argonne69]

When it comes to "best" 2nd holes, I'm drawing a blank. It seems most courses have a fairly boring par 3, or a short-ish par 4. The vast majority are very forgettable. I do like the 2nd on Harborside Starboard, the slight downhill dogleg. I well placed drive can get you to the bottom of the hill, leaving a short wedge to the green. I long straight drive will get you in trouble, running through the fairway. A normal length drive will leave you with a tricky approach on the downslope. The green is long, but narrow, with a crest in the middle. If you're on the wrong side of the ridge, it can be a tricky two putt. There are some tough pin positions, and missing the green can leave a tough up and down. There's crap left and right of the green, so an errant approach can easily result in a lost ball.

 

I don't recall ever having a birdie on this hole. I'm very happy to simply drive away with a par.

[jimwgt26]

Number 2 holes I'll nominate are Big Run, Stonewall Orchard, Glencoe and Oak Meadows.

[geochitown]

Nice one with Stonewall #2, Jim, it puts the pressure on with the approach over water to a "side-ways" biarritz green

Number 2 at Palatine Hills is nice, long par 4 with a big undulating green

Number 2 at Mt Prospect

Number 2 at Makray

 

Other second holes (par 5's) I'd say are Foxford Hills, Thunderhawk, Village Links, Pine Meadow, Cantigny (Hillside and Woodside), Hilldale

 

Number 2 at Orchard Valley is a solid par 3, with a longish carry over water.

[DavePelz4]

#2 at Oak Grove. Healthy par 4 around 450 that generally plays into the wind. Need to carry the drive over wetlands about 220. It's an ample fairway but you have to be on the right side which is protected a trap if you go too far right. If you're on the left side of the fairway you're blocked to the green unless you can hit a slinging draw. The green is protected on the right by bunkers and slopes dramatically from front to back.

 

Hole 1 and 2 are about as tough as a starting pair as you'll find in Chicago IMHO.

[Ish]

played Highlands of Elgin for the first time this past fall, quickly became one of my favorite chicagoland courses.

 

I'm heading down to Scottsdale on Wednesday for 4 or 5 rounds. The temperatures will only be in the 40's to low 60's, but it sure beats this cr*p. First round on Thursday at We Ko Pa Cholla. And so it begins.....

 

 

I'm planning on heading down to Scottsdale with a couple of buddies at some point this winter for the first time. Make sure you post details about your trip.

[MountainKing]

I like Dubs 8 and 17. 8, is probably the best scoring opportunity on the front. I like the up hill short iron approach. 17 requires a good tee shot, but gives a good chance to score before your faced with 18. I think 2 and 14 are good par threes, I agree 6 and 12 are too similar. Overall, Dubs is excellent. I don't think it's US Open caliber. I've played Bethpage Black a lot, and Torrey Pines South. Bethpage is really hard, Torrey is great and the location is spectacular. I highly recommend Bethpage if your ever in NY. I'm always happy to pay the out of state green fee. Torrey is expensive, I'm not sure I would pay it again.

 

Yeah I probably made it sound like I dislike dubs. I just never found those 2 holes that exciting, maybe because most of the holes are so long that when you get to the short ones they just don't seem to be all that. Despite the par 3 comment I still think it's a fantastic course and it's sad the tour no longer stops there.

[MountainKing]

Number 2 holes I'll nominate are Big Run, Stonewall Orchard, Glencoe and Oak Meadows.

 

 

Agreed on both Big Run & Stonewall... also like #2 at Orchard Valley, what about the 2nd at Heritage Bluffs?

 

Number 2 holes I'll nominate are Big Run, Stonewall Orchard, Glencoe and Oak Meadows.

 

 

Agreed on both Big Run & Stonewall... also like #2 at Orchard Valley, what about the 2nd at Heritage Bluffs?

[Argonne69]

Got back into Chicago late last night from Phoenix. Ugh. 'Nothing like walking off a plane in shorts and a polo to -2 degrees. Phoenix weather was on the cool side, with highs in the mid-60's, but with the low humidity and sunshine, it felt like the mid-80's. I played four rounds on We Ko Pa Cholla, Camelback GC Padre, Scottsdale Silverado, and Golf Club of Estrella. We Ko Pa was certainly the highlight of the trip, but Estrella was not a bad course, especially the back nine. Shot some decent golf, but certainly not at mid season form. Bermuda grass, even dormant, is tough for us snowbirds.

 

We Ko Pa

 

 

 

 

 

GC of Estrella