Chicago 9 Hole Tracks

[PureGolf313]

So I may get shamed or lambasted for this but I have always had a love affair with 9 hole courses, maybe it is the simplicity of them, the low cost, or how most people just drive right past them and don't even think to play a round there. I have a daughter who is just starting to play the game and plan on taking her out with me next year. I have compiled a list or 9 hole only courses around Chicago with the address, Par, Yardage, slope and highest walking rate. My plan is to start targeting this list and give overall course reviews, I am sure there will be some slow death marches and cow pastures but that is another reason 9 holers are great you only have to suffer half the amount of time. If you are interested in the list shoot me a pm and I can email it to you.

 

Interesting facts about some of the 9 holers around Chicago.

• 3 courses are in the Top 25 9 hole courses are in the Chicago area (Sydney Marovitz, Pottawatomie, Woodstock CC)
  
• The first Televised golf event was held at Tam O shanter in Niles
  
• 4 Private clubs have 9 hole courses
  
• Average Green Fees (highest listed walking rate) $21.30
  
• Par 35&36 courses average 3087 yards
  
• Highest Slope 128 which is Downers Grove Golf Course which was the original Chicago Golf Club
  

[Argonne69]

When I lived in the burbs I used to enjoy River Bend in Lisle. It felt like one half of a real golf course with a rating of 35.4, and a slope of 126. There are a couple of meh holes, but there are also a handful of tough ones.

[DavePelz4]

Don't forget the kids 9 hole course at Cantigny.

[a-B]

Highly recommend Downers Grove, great course if you are looking for 9.

[Qball24]

I have a love affair with Meadowlark right down the street from me since i grew up playing there. Its pretty awful, but I have to get out there next year. Cant beat nostalgia. That will always be my favorite course in thay area, screw Chicago Highlands trying to steal their thunder across the street!

[ldchristopher]

Check out Red Pine at Brighton Dale Links in Kansasville, WI. It’s a nine hole course on steroids and HGH. It plays over 3500 yards and has some of the most aesthetically-pleasing holes on the 45 hole facility at B-Dale.

[Atrayn]

I'll second Downer's Grove

Streamwood Oaks is also another great track.

River Bend as Agonne says...great

Very near me is Flagg Creek. From the tips its a challenge. Not as easy as many seem to think.

[VNutz]

Village Links 9 holer is a good track for what it is. Usually nine hole courses have some sort of compromise in layout and can play short, but this doesn't, and it's not often you get 9 hole courses with 2 par 5s. Their twilight deal in the summer is a bargain.

[zer0]

Really can't go wrong with Willow Hill in Glenview/Northbrook. Sits atop an old garbage dump and has great views of the city. Fees are cheap. It's links style and actually not a bad course. Greens could be faster. Nice grass range too.

[zer0]

National 9 across the street from the Glen is a great place to take kids. 9 hole course that plays a little longer than a par 3 course. Lots of par 3s and short par 4s. In great shape, but greens a little slow as expected for a course like this.

[B-Man]

Flagg Creek. Toughest shot on the whole course is the opening tee shot.

[Atrayn]

Flagg Creek. Toughest shot on the whole course is the opening tee shot.

 

That and # 9 from the far back where the Pro built a tee that turns it into a tricky Par 4...

[PureGolf313]

Really can't go wrong with Willow Hill in Glenview/Northbrook. Sits atop an old garbage dump and has great views of the city. Fees are cheap. It's links style and actually not a bad course. Greens could be faster. Nice grass range too.

 

Yep Willow Hill is on my list and the pics on the website look really good. It will be high on the list to play.

[MountainKing]

I love Downers and River Bend for 9 hole courses. The biggest issue I have with 9 hole courses is pace of play can often approach 3 hours if you end up out there at the wrong time. If I'm gonna be out there that long I may as well have a 5 hour 18 hole round!