The 2012 golf season is in full swing, and although I've played a lot of courses in the Windy City area, there are still plenty more that are on my wish list this year that I either haven't played before, or I'm due for a return visit. I've already checked one course (Makray Memorial) off my list, but here's another dozen (in no particular order) that, for a variety of reasons, I plan to tee it up in the next few months:
* Steeple Chase (Mundelein / North) - Ken Killian design comes highly recommended from my north side golfing buddy; I plan on taking advantage of the reduced 3 pm twilight or 55+ Senior rate.
* Thunderhawk (Beach Park / Far North) - The jewel of the Lake County Forest Preserve Courses, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout straddles the Wisconsin border, but I've heard it's worth the drive.
* Balmoral Woods (Crete / Far South) - Rugged, hilly, heavily wooded track in the far south suburbs is loaded with good holes. Old favorite of mine that I'm overdue to revisit.
* Schaumburg (Schaumburg / Northwest) - 27 hole facility off Roselle Road was built in 1928 and was recently renovated by Bob Lohmann. I plan on taking advantage of the $38 w/cart special after Noon on Mondays.
* Cog Hill #2 (Lemont / Southwest) - The easier (much) alternative to Dubsdread shares the same topography and conditions but at half the price. Features several dramatic par 3's over ravines. Rate drops to just over $40 w/cart after 3 pm.
* Bowes Creek (Elgin / Far West) - Pricey, upscale newcomer teams with The Highlands to give Elgin 2 highly rated courses. "Member for a Day" price includes green fees, cart and practice facility.
* Oak Grove (Harvard / Far Northwest) - GolfVisions property ranked 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest, Audabon registered. Plenty of discounts available online.
* Sunset Valley (Highland Park / North) - Park district course has bent grass fairways and some of the lowest rates on the north shore, which always attracts my attention.
* Blackstone (Marengo / Far Northwest) - Semi-Private club looks great on the website, a friend whose opinion I value said I'd like it.
* Ravisloe (Homewood / South) - Classic private club dating to 1901 recently opened to the public, features distinctive bunkering and thousands of mature trees. Reduced rates for 2012 enhances value.
* Longwood (Crete / Far South) - Old school course (no website) hidden near the Indiana border was one of my uncle's favorites back in the day. I haven't played there in over 20 years, but what I recall is a hilly, heavily wooded, somewhat quirky par 70 track.
* Glen Club (Glenview / Near North) - I have to see what a $200 course (most expensive in Chicagoland) is like, although the $123 twilight rate is the preferred route for my limited budget.
If you have any others that you think I should add to my list, please use the comments and let me know, I'm always looking for a round at a good course!
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