Don’t know how you don’t include Downers Grove on there. A 9 hole muni that’s a literal piece of American golf history? I think with the replay it’s $35.
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There’s a whole thread for this - Strapped Local Qualifying Series
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I hear you, but they have gotten grief for playing a 9-holer before but the double loop is a good suggestion. I suppose it’d be Strappedier than Ravisloe.
Anyone getting out Thursday? A buddy of mine (non woke refuge’e) and I are looking for a spot in the western burbs. Might just play my course in Naperville – but it will be closed and the greens are off limits.
Anyone know of a western burbs track that is still going strong to play at?
Thinking about making my way around Downers Grove a couple times if anyone wants to join. Could be convinced to play elsewhere
I’m not convinced Downer’s Grove GC is that noteworthy. There are 5 degraded original holes left and the workers don’t have any stories to tell about the history of the club. When I read this article it didn’t make we want to play the course, but I do see it mentioned fairly often on this board.
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Any issues getting tee times right now? As in, are most places letting you on if they show available tee times - permitting frost delays, etc?
Have you played it or did you base your entire opinion off Andy’s article? He’s pretty harsh, but I think that comes from the fact that it’s not what it used to be. However, what’s left is a very enjoyable 9 holes with interesting land movement and extremely challenging greens. Also, it’s the best example of a muni with a sense of community as I’ve ever seen. I’ve never played a public course where so many people who aren’t playing together know each other.
As far as Strapped goes, how do you beat playing what’s left of a piece of American golf history for $25?
I haven’t played it yet, no. It’s on my list.
Lake view resident who plays as early as possible at MP/HS/Ravi or the lake geneva area. Love to play Cantigny once a year as well, just far and spendy.
Also swing over to 5i quite often.
Would be down for some type of like minded golf meet up or hang or even league or match play tourney over the course of the season.
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You beat it with Canal Shores, JP, and Ravisloe. I like DG, it was the first place I played when I moved out here, great value. But it’s definitely more Fried Egg territory than Strapped. Which of those 3 would you replace w/ DG?
Andy comes across a tad harsh bc the land is great (much better than the current Chicago Golf) and it’s still a solid public course with good conditioning). But it’s a shame the course has lost touch with its historical significance.
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Is canal shores playable at the moment? Can’t make tee times online. Hoping to get out tomorrow afternoon will likely just hit up Syd
Hypothetical strapped options
Ravisloe - Donny Ross
Downers Grove - Historical angle
Marovitz - on the lake in the city - epic cold beer spot by 9 green
South Shore/Jackson - Future tiger redesign on the lake, Obama wedding site
My Prospect - Templates
Canal - Qwerky urban setting, big on families, Murray Caddyshack connection
Could you imagine Neil at Marovitz with the big right miss looming along the lake and lake shore drive?
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And in doing that rota you’re hitting 2 of the top five public tracks in the area… both of which tell am interesting golf story— formerly private (Ravi) and woke redesign that any track could easily do which has gotten much acclaim (MP).
Also would be great examples of one of the worst parts of Chicago golf— traffic!!!
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Never thought about it, but Downers, Ravisloe and Canal shores are all a block off the Metra or EL too.
I’m on the border of lakeview and Lincoln park. Halsted and Diversey. I have a membership at 5 iron as well. There are several of ya here who are trying to meet up there in January once normalcy returns.
Anyone have thoughts on The Preserve massive redesign? Didn’t get there last season but really liked it the year before but it seemed like it needed some more time to grow in a bit as conditioning was fairly chewed up every time I went. Could be a decent Strapped option.
Marovitz bev and food on the 10th hole is such a whiff, thanks Daley.
I really enjoy The Preserve. Use every club, smooth and true greens. Some of the back doesn’t fit the redesigned holes, and walking is not smooth with no green to tee paths and several peninsula fairways due to marsh and creeks and no walking bridges.
got a spot for a fourth at Downers at 1:10 if anyone’s game.