Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round 3)

[chisag]

3 minutes ago, geochitown said:

 

Is main issue the diagonal creek which you have to decide how much to take on as far as carry?  I played it once 13 years ago and that's one of my memories from playing it.  

 

 

 

... If it was the 10th hole I would have no problem with it, but just a silly opening hole. The Legacy here in Phoenix has something similar. The opening hole is 400yd all uphill with two huge bunkers on both sides and the fairways slope into the bunkers. Basically hardpan with no sand at all and very high lips, it is I'm possible to play toward the green. Insanely difficult first tee shot while #10 is downhill 405yd with no bunkers and a super wide fairway. The 11th hole is a difficult par 3 and originally #10 was the opening hole but #11 kept backing up with 2 or 3 groups waiting so they swapped 9's. Now #10 is a perfect opening hole letting you get your round started with an easy tee shot while #1 is very demanding and higher index golfers typically start off with a double or worse. Just dumb. 

[geochitown]

2 hours ago, chisag said:

 

 

... If it was the 10th hole I would have no problem with it, but just a silly opening hole. The Legacy here in Phoenix has something similar. The opening hole is 400yd all uphill with two huge bunkers on both sides and the fairways slope into the bunkers. Basically hardpan with no sand at all and very high lips, it is I'm possible to play toward the green. Insanely difficult first tee shot while #10 is downhill 405yd with no bunkers and a super wide fairway. The 11th hole is a difficult par 3 and originally #10 was the opening hole but #11 kept backing up with 2 or 3 groups waiting so they swapped 9's. Now #10 is a perfect opening hole letting you get your round started with an easy tee shot while #1 is very demanding and higher index golfers typically start off with a double or worse. Just dumb. 

 

I agree.

[MountainKing]

5 hours ago, TheBear95 said:

 

#1 at Lost Marsh. Though a poster here once described Lost Marsh as a 12 hole golf course, lol. Can't say I disagree.

 

I was a little shocked to see this thrown in there.  It's a short down hill hole with a wide fairway, if you lay back short of where the water comes in you're still only 140 out.  Now if we're talking a collection of starting holes, LM wins by a landslide, and 10 is an awful way to start the back 9.

 

I also didn't mind the first at Mistwood, but given that I struggle to get the ball to move to the right, it fits my ball flight well. 

 

The first at Tanna is a horrible opening hole, but yet it's somehow the best hole on the course.  

 

While not a bad hole, #1 at Heritage Bluffs always struck me as an odd hole, that and 9 are very out of place with the rest of the course.

 

 

[Argonne69]

When Lost Marsh first opened the nines were flipped. No idea why they swapped them, as the original back nine was well placed. Probably because the current #9 has a blind landing area if one cuts the corner, which could lead to groups hitting into the group ahead. 

 

[TheBear95]

2 hours ago, MountainKing said:

 

I was a little shocked to see this thrown in there.  It's a short down hill hole with a wide fairway, if you lay back short of where the water comes in you're still only 140 out.  Now if we're talking a collection of starting holes, LM wins by a landslide, and 10 is an awful way to start the back 9.

 

 

I don't disagree. However, I think it depends on both the weather and if you have played Lost Marsh prior. My first trip there, the winds were howling from the north, gusting over 30 mph. It was so windy, the lake had whitecaps. I remember standing on the first tee, looking at that island fairway with water left and right, and just thinking what the hell is going on here. It was a jarring 1st hole moment for a Lost Marsh newbie.

Edited March 18, 2022 by TheBear95

[TheBear95]

Got out to Stonewall Orchard this afternoon. 

 

I had originally taken this afternoon off of work to watch my alma mater (Marquette) play in the NCAA tourney. However, yesterday, I got the feeling that Marquette was going to get absolutely crushed today. And, given how nice the weather was, I just couldn't pass on getting in a round. I was laughing out on the course when I checked the score to see Marquette losing by 28 at half. 

 

Stonewall opened yesterday, but I found the course to be in decent shape. Not very wet and the greens while slow, did roll true. Lovely day to play. Warm, but not windy, rare this time of year. And, Stonewall wasn't very busy either, as I walked it in just over 3 hours.

[DavePelz4]

Started our competition yesterday at the West Chicago home of golf, St. Andrews. Have to say it was one of the toughest set of weather conditions ever.  Rain, wind, snow and we were hailed on a couple of times, including the second green on course 2 which was riotous fun, if you're into self mutilation.  We were the only group on the entire golf course and there were only our cars in the parking lot when play started.

 

All things considered, the course wasn't in bad shape.  They've finished the early clean up, added sand but need to work on the greens.  There were occasional mud balls but that's to be expected.

 

In switching to the carry bag, I forgot to add rain gloves, oops.  Definitely needed.

 

Played OK on the front but the 5 wood failed me on the back, numerous times.  That club is in the timeout corner and it's not going to see the light of day in a long time.  Time to do some shopping for the top of the bag.

[@_the_crook]

played SVGC, aka Broken Bridges this morning.

they are renovating most of the water crossings so we were re-routed while all but one bridge are out of commission.

it actually played a bit smoother for the first nine as after holes 1 and 2, the dreaded left OB was removed for a while.

ranger has to drive all players from 10 fairway to green until they replace that bridge. hole played a bit shorter so my partner showed with off a tremendous drive to the front bunker.

greens were in really nice condition, though a bit slow. not complaining.

so glad to get out and bust off winter's gloom.

think we walked it in three. the sun felt great and I was in one layer by an hour in. glorious.

 

[Shriner]

We played Maple Meadows on Sunday morning.  There was a frost delay but after predicting an hour, it only took about 30 minutes to get us out there.  The conditions were surprisingly playable and pace of play was great.  We expected plugged balls but other than that, it wasn't bad.  The greens rolled fairly true so I can't complain for March.  Fyi, Oak Meadows opens April 1st.

[TheBear95]

I got to say, I have been quite fortunate this month. I have played a handful of rounds and I have been in short sleeves at some point for each one. And, today was the nicest day yet. Usually March is three layers with a mock turtleneck season. 

 

I was planning on staying close to home today. However, I received an email from PrairieView late last week not only informing me that the course was opening on Sunday, but that it was going to be walking-only. Music to my ears! I didn't play PrairieView in 2021, so I decided to make the trip out to Byron. Good decision. 

 

Given that it was walking-only, I was prepared for the course to be extremely wet and soft. Not the case at all. Sure some spots were soft, but the course was extremely playable. Frankly, I was shocked that it was walking-only. I know plenty of Chicagoland courses that would have had their carts going (no restrictions) given the same conditions. 

 

I know it is a drive to get to, but PrairieView is such a great course. Well, worth it. Terrific layout and you can tell they take great pride in the course conditions. The greens were excellent. And, not just excellent for March, but for any month. On back 9, the greens dried out a bit and they were really starting to move. Also, all the bunkers had fresh sand and were perfectly groomed. The course opened yesterday and the grounds crew had it in the best possible shape it could be in for this time of year. My respect and kudos to them.

 

 

[Shriner]

1 hour ago, TheBear95 said:

I got to say, I have been quite fortunate this month. I have played a handful of rounds and I have been in short sleeves at some point for each one. And, today was the nicest day yet. Usually March is three layers with a mock turtleneck season. 

 

I was planning on staying close to home today. However, I received an email from PrairieView late last week not only informing me that the course was opening on Sunday, but that it was going to be walking-only. Music to my ears! I didn't play PrairieView in 2021, so I decided to make the trip out to Byron. Good decision. 

 

Given that it was walking-only, I was prepared for the course to be extremely wet and soft. Not the case at all. Sure some spots were soft, but the course was extremely playable. Frankly, I was shocked that it was walking-only. I know plenty of Chicagoland courses that would have had their carts going (no restrictions) given the same conditions. 

 

I know it is a drive to get to, but PrairieView is such a great course. Well, worth it. Terrific layout and you can tell they take great pride in the course conditions. The greens were excellent. And, not just excellent for March, but for any month. On back 9, the greens dried out a bit and they were really starting to move. Also, all the bunkers had fresh sand and were perfectly groomed. The course opened yesterday and the grounds crew had it in the best possible shape it could be in for this time of year. My respect and kudos to them.

 

 

 

You said it, I could not agree more.  The entire facility is top notch.   If you picked that up and dropped it in the NW suburbs, that is easily a $100.00+ course in my opinion.  We make it a point to make the drive once per year.

[taylorx300]

1st round today due to the weather being a treat. Like most have reported,  the conditions were pretty decent considering the date on the calendar. Much softer and no carts allowed yet at Boone Creek. Since I normally don’t walk and carry a bag, my legs were toast with 4 holes left. Sucks being old. Still managed three birdies today so I call that a win.

[dhartmann34]

1 hour ago, TheBear95 said:

I got to say, I have been quite fortunate this month. I have played a handful of rounds and I have been in short sleeves at some point for each one. And, today was the nicest day yet. Usually March is three layers with a mock turtleneck season. 

 

I was planning on staying close to home today. However, I received an email from PrairieView late last week not only informing me that the course was opening on Sunday, but that it was going to be walking-only. Music to my ears! I didn't play PrairieView in 2021, so I decided to make the trip out to Byron. Good decision. 

 

Given that it was walking-only, I was prepared for the course to be extremely wet and soft. Not the case at all. Sure some spots were soft, but the course was extremely playable. Frankly, I was shocked that it was walking-only. I know plenty of Chicagoland courses that would have had their carts going (no restrictions) given the same conditions. 

 

I know it is a drive to get to, but PrairieView is such a great course. Well, worth it. Terrific layout and you can tell they take great pride in the course conditions. The greens were excellent. And, not just excellent for March, but for any month. On back 9, the greens dried out a bit and they were really starting to move. Also, all the bunkers had fresh sand and were perfectly groomed. The course opened yesterday and the grounds crew had it in the best possible shape it could be in for this time of year. My respect and kudos to them.

 

 

Really enjoy that course. There's actually a groupgolfer deal out there for it right now. 

[VNutz]

11 hours ago, dhartmann34 said:

Really enjoy that course. There's actually a groupgolfer deal out there for it right now. 

There was. It ended Sunday.

[@_the_crook]

did you receive the email from Oak Grove about an unlimited season special for $995 ?

golf and cart, seven days a week.

signup ends 3/27/22, online only.

 

 

[ldchristopher]

Well, I’ve been in short sleeves every round this year until today. Bear and I went to what we’ve been told is the apex of Cook County. I speak, of course, of Highland Woods. Contrary to what it says on the Forest Preserve golf website, Woods is not actually the highest point in Cook County, but that’s neither here nor there (though it is a really weird stat to completely make up). We played in a lovely mix of snow flurries for 12 holes, high winds throughout and consistent high-20’s temps. Luckily, it’s tough to find trouble on that course. The greens were surprisingly good and the bunkers were playable. Tee boxes were a slop-tastic mess but that’s to be expected given the weather last week. I played very well, with two birdies on 8 and 17 and 4 bogies on 9, 10, 13 and 18. The wind was right in my face and absolutely howling on 10, 13, and 18. Still, it was nice to get out. 74. 

[taylorx300]

Heard today that Midlane will be sold, bids are due tomorrow. Not sure if any cares. The course has been really downhill shape since the early 2000’s.

[ldchristopher]

44 minutes ago, taylorx300 said:

Heard today that Midlane will be sold, bids are due tomorrow. Not sure if any cares. The course has been really downhill shape since the early 2000’s.

The most insane part about the few things that I’ve read about the sale of Midlane is that the golf course is currently generating positive cash flow. I guess they spend that little on maintenance now. Last year, Bear and I played it and they were in the process on extending all the fringes and shrinking the greens. Cut that maintenance budget any way they can. 

[TheBear95]

11 hours ago, taylorx300 said:

Heard today that Midlane will be sold, bids are due tomorrow. Not sure if any cares. The course has been really downhill shape since the early 2000’s.

 

It will be interesting to see what happens with the course.

 

LD and I had a debate about it earlier in the month. Unlike other area courses that get sold (like most recently GlenEagles), much of the course is not suitable for further housing development. In my view, that greatly limits what can be done with the property. I think there's a decent chance it remains a golf course. However, definitely a buyer beware situation. Given the routine flooding issues it has in many areas, it has to be a maintenance pig when being kept up to a good standard.

 

I too was surprised to learn that the course was generating a positive cash flow. But like LD mentioned, cut enough corners, anything can be made possible. And, GolfVisions certainly has a knack for that. 

 

 

[DavePelz4]

Not sure if anyone has experienced the new booking engine, clubcaddie.com.  Let's just say it's a train wreck so far. Prairie Landing is using it and it takes an inordinate amount of time to book something and there is an ongoing error message.  

 

Orchard Valley also is using something new, and I booked 3 times for our comp group for next Saturday.  Checked this morning, POOF, they're all gone! 

[ldchristopher]

6 hours ago, TheBear95 said:

 

It will be interesting to see what happens with the course.

 

LD and I had a debate about it earlier in the month. Unlike other area courses that get sold (like most recently GlenEagles), much of the course is not suitable for further housing development. In my view, that greatly limits what can be done with the property. I think there's a decent chance it remains a golf course. However, definitely a buyer beware situation. Given the routine flooding issues it has in many areas, it has to be a maintenance pig when being kept up to a good standard.

 

I too was surprised to learn that the course was generating a positive cash flow. But like LD mentioned, cut enough corners, anything can be made possible. And, GolfVisions certainly has a knack for that. 

 

 

With the new casino being built in Waukegan, I'd say the odds of Midlane being anything more than a 9 hole course are slim to none. The nine that don't flood will most likely be developed for something else. So long driving range and oversized parking lot as well, since I would be shocked if the new owner wants to keep the banquet hall going. However, the nine that floods will basically have to be either a golf course or nature preserve since it isn't really suitable for anything else. It's also currently only zoned for a select few things. 

[ericschlukebir]

On 3/21/2022 at 8:12 PM, TheBear95 said:

I know it is a drive to get to, but PrairieView is such a great course. Well, worth it. Terrific layout and you can tell they take great pride in the course conditions.

Good to see PrairieView get some love here.  It's only 20 minutes from me, so it's one of the places I play most often.   Adding the Prairiefire Top Tracer range a couple years ago is a nice bonus too.  

[TheBear95]

23 minutes ago, ldchristopher said:

With the new casino being built in Waukegan, I'd say the odds of Midlane being anything more than a 9 hole course are slim to none. The nine that don't flood will most likely be developed for something else. So long driving range and oversized parking lot as well, since I would be shocked if the new owner wants to keep the banquet hall going. However, the nine that floods will basically have to be either a golf course or nature preserve since it isn't really suitable for anything else. It's also currently only zoned for a select few things. 

 

The banquet hall is not part of the auction. Just the golf course, parking lot, and driving range.

 

Agree on the zoning, but that's something that can certainly change. I'm sure there's a few Waukegan politicians that would welcome a new generous benefactor. 

Edited March 31, 2022 by TheBear95

[ldchristopher]

Casinos and “generous benefactors” go hand in hand. Waukegan is, I’m sure, willing to be flexible. 

[Woodridge]

Links Magazine listed Butler National, Bob O Link and Black Sheep as Chicagoland's golf courses that offered the most privacy due to limited access. Anyone have the good fortune to play one or more of them? If so, what was the experience like?

 

 

[TBone0576]

On 3/30/2022 at 9:44 PM, taylorx300 said:

Heard today that Midlane will be sold, bids are due tomorrow. Not sure if any cares. The course has been really downhill shape since the early 2000’s.

It's a shame what happened to Midlane in my opinion.   I played my high school golf out there, and the original layout was a difficult but fair course overall.   That additional 9 never really fit and then when they plowed half of the original 18 under it really never flowed very well.  It would be interesting to see if they could get a semi-private membership out there but not sure you could cobble anything together worth playing regularly as was mentioned in a number of posts above. 

[mci711]

3 hours ago, Woodridge said:

Links Magazine listed Butler National, Bob O Link and Black Sheep as Chicagoland's golf courses that offered the most privacy due to limited access. Anyone have the good fortune to play one or more of them? If so, what was the experience like?

 

 

 

Surprised Blacksheep is on here.. Maybe they mean limited access because half the population isn't allowed to play there. All 3 courses are men only I believe. I simply emailed them 5 or so years ago because I was interested in joining and was able to play the course. Took no effort. I'd throw Chicago GC way ahead of Black Sheep. I kind of feel the same way at Butler, but I played Butler on a Monday and that was like 10 years ago. Things obviously have changed. Never been to Bob O link but I have heard stories.

Edited April 1, 2022 by mci711

[Argonne69]

19 hours ago, Woodridge said:

Links Magazine listed Butler National, Bob O Link and Black Sheep as Chicagoland's golf courses that offered the most privacy due to limited access. Anyone have the good fortune to play one or more of them? If so, what was the experience like?

 

 

I got an invite to play Bob O in 2008 from a vendor. I didn't realize it was a men only club. Walked in the front door, and the locker room is open to one side. A bit unsettling to say the least. Lol. The course was in pristine condition. Greens were lightning quick. We saw Mike Ditka off practicing. It was a weekday, so the course wasn't particularly crowded. We had lunch in a private room after the round. Overall it was an enjoyable day, and other than the unclothed members strolling around the locker room it didn't seem too odd. 

 

[dhartmann34]

Alright.... Which one of you is this?.

[ericschlukebir]

was all excited to get my first round in two weeks ago.   Now I'm just glad I went when I did, because the weather has been terrible, and we got 3/4 inches of snow today