Best Private Golf Clubs

[Kenkaulen]

The favorite golf courses in Chicago discussion really got a lot of action, and some real insight into some of my favorite courses. I thought we should all throw out there are top 5 private golf courses in Chicago-land. There are a lot of pvt courses in Northern Illinois, so choose wisely. And no cheating please stick to 5 that's what makes it so hard:

 

1. Butler National CC
2. Olympia Fields CC
3. Chicago Golf Club
4. Lake Shore CC
5. Black Sheep CC

There are a ton more that I love to play that did not make my top five:

 

Idlewild, Flosmoore, Ridge, Royal Fox, Butterfield, Stonebridge, Medinah, Bob O Link (this was #6 for me).

 

What do you guys think? What are your favorite Private Golf Course?

 

Don't think about politics, and if you are allowed to play there or not, or if it is overpriced, or the clubhouse is too old, or the members are jerks, or non golf reasons: just best course hands down. I was hoping we could have a little fun with this one.

[hitsalittle]

I've never heard of Lakeshore CC? Where is it?

My favorite private courses in the area that I've played:

1. Butler
2. Chicago
3. NorthShore
4. Exmoor
5. Edgewood Valley
6. Beverly (sorry, couldn't leave off Beverly)

Those are in no particular order, really - there are a ton of others that I like as well, but those are the ones that i will call in sick for.

Really good private (that I've played):

OFCC (both courses)
Flossmoor
Ridge
Medinah
Ruth Lake

My wish list:

Shoreacres
Black Sheep (happening in May)
Butterfield
Hinsdale GC
Oak Park CC
Bob O Link

[Kenkaulen]

Lakeshore CC is up in Glencoe. Great old country club on the North Side, just off of the lake, and Sheridan road. Very Cool with little greens, with lots of undulations.

[ssp]

I would put Kemper in the list.

[Kenkaulen]

[quote name='hitsalittle' timestamp='1301621320' post='3107673']
I've never heard of Lakeshore CC? Where is it?

My favorite private courses in the area that I've played:

1. Butler
2. Chicago
3. NorthShore
4. Exmoor
5. Edgewood Valley
6. Beverly (sorry, couldn't leave off Beverly)

Those are in no particular order, really - there are a ton of others that I like as well, but those are the ones that i will call in sick for.

Really good private (that I've played):

OFCC (both courses)
Flossmoor
Ridge
Medinah
Ruth Lake

My wish list:

Shoreacres
Black Sheep (happening in May)
Butterfield
Hinsdale GC
Oak Park CC
Bob O Link
[/quote]

Did you get a chance to play Blacksheep yet? You said May so I was hoping for a report of how awesome it was.

[hitsalittle]

scheduled for the 31st - need to confirm...

[oldpalchamp]

OK, I'll play. Here are my favorite private clubs in the Chicagoland area:

1. Olympia Fields
2. Medinah
3. Rich Harvest Farms
4. Butler National
5. Point O'Woods

For sentimental reasons I'll throw in my former club Aurora CC as number 6.

Honorable mentions to Black Sheep and Lost Dunes.

I based my opinions on the overall facilities including golf, history,clubhouse and locker rooms. I just love going to Olympia Fields! Two great courses and perhaps the BEST locker room I have ever seen!

[hawaiiandude]

#1 - Rich Harvest Farms
#2 - Butterfield CC
#3 - Butler National
#4 - Medinah
#5 - Chicago Golf Club

[murph9095]

[quote name='hitsalittle' timestamp='1301621320' post='3107673']
I've never heard of Lakeshore CC? Where is it?

My favorite private courses in the area that I've played:

1. Butler
2. Chicago
3. NorthShore
4. Exmoor
5. Edgewood Valley
6. Beverly (sorry, couldn't leave off Beverly)

Those are in no particular order, really - there are a ton of others that I like as well, but those are the ones that i will call in sick for.

Really good private (that I've played):

OFCC (both courses)
Flossmoor
Ridge
Medinah
Ruth Lake

My wish list:

Shoreacres
Black Sheep (happening in May)
Butterfield
Hinsdale GC
Oak Park CC
Bob O Link
[/quote]

i live near oak park cc but am not a member take it off your wish list I have played it a few times its sooo boring tight course well kept but BORING

[jdhallissey]

This year for me

Butler
Bob O Link
Knollwood
Conway farms
Medinah #3
Chicago Golf club.

Hitsalittle - You will have PMs if I can bring another with me. There is another guy from here that is first on the list LOL

[Gripit_Swiftit]

[quote name='oldpalchamp' timestamp='1305551867' post='3237818']
OK, I'll play. Here are my favorite private clubs in the Chicagoland area:

1. Olympia Fields
2. Medinah
3. Rich Harvest Farms
4. Butler National
5. Point O'Woods

For sentimental reasons I'll throw in my former club Aurora CC as number 6.

Honorable mentions to Black Sheep and Lost Dunes.

I based my opinions on the overall facilities including golf, history,clubhouse and locker rooms. I just love going to Olympia Fields! Two great courses and perhaps the BEST locker room I have ever seen!
[/quote]

If Point O' Woods and Lost Dunes Qualify for Chicagoland I couldn't agree more. Such great memories and experiences there. Point O' Woods locker room and dining room are really memorable moments the first time.

1. Shoreacres
2. Butterfield
3. Bobolink
4. Oak Park CC, grandfathers home course, sentimental favorite
5. Exmoor

I don't live in Chicago but get to play a lot of golf there. Every time I do I wish I could move to Chicago with $20 million so I could belong everywhere.

[russiangolfer]

1. Chicago Golf Club (by a mile)
2. Shoreacres
3. Old Elm
4. Blacksheep
5. Skokie CC

Chicago GC is the Augusta of the Midwest!! Many are leaving it out just because they have never and will never come close to that place!!

[Gripit_Swiftit]

[quote name='russiangolfer' timestamp='1350958149' post='5830811']
1. Chicago Golf Club (by a mile)
2. Shoreacres
3. Old Elm
4. Blacksheep
5. Skokie CC

Chicago GC is the Augusta of the Midwest!! Many are leaving it out just because they have never and will never come close to that place!!
[/quote]

Have you been to Augusta? Chicago GC is a great course but C'mon man!

[ChicagoGolfGuy]

Comparing Chicago Golf Club to Augusta is like comparing Apples to Oranges. Chicago Golf Club has hosted US Opens, is the oldest 18hole course in the USA, and one of the five founding USGA courses. And comparing Chicago Golf Club as the Augusta of the Midwest is about as accurate as you can be if you think in terms of exclusivity There is a very small group of people who will ever play Chicago Golf Club, and that is why it is similar to Augusta.

My TOP 5 Private Golf Courses: [list=1]
[*]Chicago Golf Club
[*]Butler National
[*]MIdlothian CC
[*]Olympia Fields
[*]Black Sheep
[/list]
I have been fortunate enough to play all of these courses, and I wish I could name a few more.

[xgolfx]

In my opinion, Rich Harvest has to be ranked with Medinah #3 . Chicago Golf, Shoreacres, and Beverly would fall into another level because they are fine venues, but do not have the length to be modern tournament courses.

CHARLEY PENNA

[ChicagoGolfGuy]

I have never played Medinah #3 (although I was at the Ryder Cup on Sunday) and I have not played Rich Harvest. I picked only places I have played, but those would be two places at the top of my list for spots I would want to play.

Chicago Golf Club was extended for the Walker Cup a few years ago, not PGA Tour length, but still a tough track. And the greens are the size of most clubhouses, and really really tough.

[kmbean]

I have played and like Joliet CC, Medinah #3, Lakeshore CC, Bob O'Link, Midlothian CC, Ruth Lake CC.

[odshot68]

Only played the Merit Club. Nothing special IMO..

[EddieMenemsha]

Of the private courses I've actually played in the Chicagoland area, my top 5 (in order) are as follows:

1. Old Elm CC
2. Olympia Fields CC (South Course)
3. Edgewood Valley
4. Northmoor CC (blue and red 9s)
5. Indian Hill Club

I have not played Rich Harvest, Chicago GC, Beverly, Medinah, Butler, as well as many others (though I hopefully will soon). All said, take my list for what it's worth.

[BENNYSUPREME]

[b][i][b]Nanea Golf Club[/b][/i] [/b]
[b]Hokuli’a[/b]
[b]Kuki’o[/b]

[greg]

Surprised there's been no mention of Sunset Ridge; great track.

[Holy Moses]

1. Medinah CC
2. Chicago GC
3. Butler National
4. Olympia Fields
5. Rich Harvest Farms

[Ryan2587]

[quote name='greg' timestamp='1390080671' post='8485029']
Surprised there's been no mention of Sunset Ridge; great track.
[/quote]

Sunset Ridge, Onwentsia, and The Merit Club are three that I really like a lot that have not been mentioned. I also really love Bully Valley out in Woodstock (new owners and starting to come back around). If you really want a kick in the pants play that course from the tips with a a little wind.

[UCBananaboy]

Haven't played many private clubs (if anyone knows how to get on Medinah or Butler, let me know!) but one that I haven't seen mentioned is Chicago Highlands. Magnificent course.