I think it’s because the strategy of the place is pretty much grip it and rip it. I like hitting driver as much as the next guy but I can count the par 4s between the two courses on one hand where you’re forced to play less than driver. And if the wind is up, some of those even become driver. The par 3s are good - 13 on starboard over the lake is one of my favorites in Chicago. And port 15 is good expect for when they put the back left pin and you’re into the wind. Makes it insanely hard.
But hey, it’s super convenient quality golf for city dwellers like me.
S 1 554 S 10 416
S 2 398 S 11 411
S 3 330 S 12 560
S 4 156 S 13 225
S 5 521 S 14 474
P 6 180 P 15 216
S 7 387 S 16 425
P 8 430 S 17 174
P 9 575 S 18 592
3531 (37) 3493 (35)
7024 (72)
There was some sort of secure convoy on 294 heading south the morning of the OF event. They had three dump trucks driving simultaneously at 55-60 mph with someone important driving in front of them, and had every on ramp onto 294 blocked until the convoy was passed them. I waited for 10 minutes on 90 before i could get onto 294 and then two other times when google maps re-routed me toward OF try to avoid the convoy. Cost me a chance to warm up on the range before the round, (and probably an entry into the NIT!) Maybe it was JB or number 44? Either way it sucked.
I may be prone to hyperbole, but that hole just doesn’t make any sense to me lol. And thanks! Unfortunately I am starting a quarantine that day for a friend’s wedding the following week otherwise i would definitely consider heading up to the shores
Family trip round next week, we’ve played none - Shepherd’s Crook, Spring Valley or Blackstone? (Travel times are worse for half the 4some wherever we land)
We all can walk but would cart if required. Is one a no go for fall golf or one better in summer (relative to the other 2, November is not prime for anywhere in IL)?
TLDR: Tell me where to book in this climate - Shep Crook, Spring Val, Blackstone?
If you’re not afraid to drive…Hawks View is a favorite of mine. Plays on an old ski hill, loads of fun elevation change but forgiving enough to score well on. Also has a DELIGHTFUL 18 hole par 3 course.
Thunderhawk in Zion (next to Shepherds Crook) is also loads of fun, and plays through a natural wetland and forest preserve. Very fun back 9 too.
These are so excellent I need to give a heads up… we called Thunderhawk first and closed (maybe for season), and done Hawks View a few times so looking for a new spot near the border.
Only played TH once but I didn’t think it was a bad walk. Green-to-tee walks were reasonable and it’s not terribly hilly (although I’m not a native Illinosianerite/flatlander so I might be a bit more accustomed to walking hilly courses). Good course, but definitely wouldn’t bring non-golfers out there. A lot of trouble and frustration lurking.
As the resident Shepherd’s Crook acolyte, I would definitely recommend it for a family day. I play their quite frequently my wife, ~20 cap, and she finds it very playable. The front tees play about 4,800 (my big gripe is there’s huge gap between the 2ups and forward tees, 6,900/6,300/6,000/4,800, need something between 6,000 and 4,800). As said before, it’s really walkable, prairie-style, wide open, not much OB/water/trees in play, but still reasonably challenging for better players. Haven’t played it in the fall, but it was much firmer than a lot of courses I played in the spring. Seems to drain really well. And I’d imagine the native grasses are down quite a bit too.
Spring Valley is probably the best idea considering the price, it will be around $20 walking and an extremely cool course, played it over the summer with 3 others, easy walk and its probably only $25 to get a cart.
Not sure what rates are right now for Blackstone but I have always thought they were overpriced for being in Marengo. I play in an amateur event there every year and it is always in great shape, can’t imagine it would be poor right now.
I’ve heard good things about Shepard’s Crook but I have never played there.
This might be LCP, from my limited experience. A group of us go and play at least once a year and the higher handicap folks don’t generally agree with your statement.
Since we’re on the topic of nicer local courses - is there any public or semi-private courses within 45min of downtown that offers a fair season pass? I’m considering Cog Hill for 2021, but I know that pushes $4k or even $5k. Wilmette and Glenview Park also seem to have decent options. I wish The Preserve had something. Any ideas?