Lincoln Oaks GC - Crete

The concept of matching golf courses with housing developments grew in popularity over the last 30 years in Chicago, to the point where it seemed like every new layout weaved its way through a sub-division.  An early pioneer of the "neighborhood" course is Lincoln Oaks in Crete, an old favorite that I recently made a return trip to play on a Friday afternoon.  Built back in the late 1920's, the course was originally one of 3 courses operated as part of the Lincolnshire Country Club, but it has been in private hands for as long as I can remember.  The current owners have operated Lincoln Oaks since 2006, and have done a commendable job of cleanup and updating to enhance the golfer experience and take advantage off the rolling topography, mature trees and bent grass fairways.

This 6,200 yard, par 71 layout resides in that happy place of not too easy but not too hard, a good challenge for the 90% of golfers who are not single digit handicappers.  The par 37 front nine runs along the outer boundary of the property, while the back nine routes inside, with the homes either off the fringes or across the streets and out of range except for the very worst shots.  The first 2 holes are short par 4's that offer an opportunity for a good start, with the tiny 1st green the definition of a postage stamp, typical of several of the putting surfaces at Lincoln Oaks.

 The par five 3rd hole starts an interesting stretch of alternating par fives and par threes through the balance of the front, and they are all pretty nice.  The pond fronting the 4th green is one of only 3 holes with water in play, and the 6th is one of the toughest pars on the course due mainly to the narrow, steeply sloped two level green (I got one by sinking a 1 in a 100 forty footer from the left front fringe).  The 5th, 7th and 9th holes are all 500+ yards, with the 9th a beastly 550 yarder that usually plays into the westerly wind, with OB left and the driving range below the fairway right (good luck finding your ball down there!), with thick woods tightening around the approach to the green.

The back nine is 500 yards shorter and 3 shots less to par, but has some of the best holes at Lincoln Oaks.  The par four 12th is 415 yards, with the drive funneled through trees near the tee, and another stand of mature hardwoods at the top of the left to right sloping fairway.  The 2nd shot will often be blind to a large green fronted by a sand trap, a very difficult hole.  The single par five on the back, the 14th, is only 495 yards but the drive is over a ridge with a small pond out of sight to the left about 240 yards out, with woods bordering the fairway the last 200 yards and wetlands tight to the right side of the green and more water behind.  There's another 400 yard par 4 (#16) that runs slightly uphill to another severely sloped green, and the 18th may be short (365 yards), but any offline drives will most likely be blocked by trees, and the green is elevated and tough to find in two.
Lincoln Oaks was designed by Tom Bendelow, a renowned early 20th century architect whose portfolio of 700 courses includes Olympia Fields South and Medinah #3.  Now I'm not suggesting that this course is anywhere near those Windy City golf shrines, but it does have a lot of positives going for it.  I love the six par 3's and five par 5's, and there are few bad lies to be found in the fairways. And at green fees that top out at $49 weekends and $29 weekdays with cart, and early twilight rates, a great value, too. 

The clubhouse is far from lavish, but the small building has good food, a bar that is well stocked with craft beers, and a friendly staff.  Of all the sub-division courses I've played, this one really feels like an integral part of the neighborhood, and if you're playing bad you can always enjoy the classic early to mid-century homes.  So if you're looking for a course in the far south suburbs that will test your skills without bloodying your nose or emptying your wallet, then Lincoln Oaks may be a perfect choice.



Mr Z Rating

Layout (20%) - 8
Playability (20%) - 7.5
Conditioning (15%) - 8
Aesthetics (15%) - 7
Amenities (10%) - 7.5
Value (20%) - 9

Total Score - 79

 


Lincoln Oaks Golf Course

395 East Richton Road, Crete

708-672-9401

4 tees, 6,186 / 4,482 yds, par 71

69.5/124 - 65.5/114 rating / slope

M-F $29 w/c to 11 am, $20/25 after 11
Sa-Su $35/49 to 11 am, $35 w/c to 2 pm, $25 w/c after 2

Onsite Driving Range
8 minute tee time interval