Roger Claar likes to do things big. So when the mayor of southwest suburban Bolingbrook decided to build a village golf course, he hired on highly respected designers Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest to work their magic on a featureless field of farmland just a few miles northwest of the Weber Road exit on I-55. Add in a highly rated driving range and golf academy and an elegant 76,000 square foot clubhouse that rivals most any in the Chicagoland area, and you have the bones for an upscale golf experience.
The course opened to much acclaim in 2002, and has maintained a loyal following and membership over the years. Hills and Forrest moved a lot of land to fashion elevated tees and rolling fairways, and added in 7 lakes and acres of native grasses to enhance the prairie links style. The 5 sets of tees range from 4,900 to 7,100 yards from the championship tees, and carries a challenging 74.3 / 139 rating / slope. The middle White tees at 6,500 yards and 71.4 / 132 is still a fair but difficult play for the average golfer.
The layout runs predominantly north and south, with only the 16th and 17th holes running west, then back east while encircling a water hazard. The first third of each nine (1-3 and 10-12) travel parallel paths due south from the clubhouse, with 3 long par 5's (#'s 3, 10 & 12) often directly into the southerly breeze. The longest par 5, the 600 yard 5th hole, stretches north along the west edge of the property, one of the few spots were homes are in view on the sprawling track.
The standout holes at Bolingbrook are the par threes, led by the true island green 15th, and I can attest to sacrificing several balls attempting to hit this elusive target. The 8th hole is no less testing, 173 yards and all carry to a shallow, wide green. The short (154 yard) 4th and long (231 yard) 13th holes are two of the most picturesque on the course, with the 4th green framed by mounds and deep bunkers and the 13th sitting above the water hazard right, with room to bail on the left.
Of the ten par 4's, I really enjoyed the 342 yard 6th hole. What it lacks in distance is made up in strategic planning, as water lurks left and fairway traps protect both sides of the fairway. A lone bunker is centered down the middle, requiring either a long iron/hybrid/fairway wood off the tee to play safe, or the more dramatic driver choice to carry the bunker for a wedge to the plateau green. Both nines finish with difficult par 4's, 443 and 457 yards respectively from the tips. Each hole flows north with the prevailing wind, with a pond bordering the left (9th) and right (18th) sides of the fairways.
Where Bolingbrook distances itself from other area facilities is with the many upscale touches that are proffered on golfers. From the top-notch practice facility, nicely appointed pro shop and the onsite Nest Bar & Grill, to the basket of fruit offered at the first tee, the course goes above and beyond to mimic the private club experience.
The dynamic pricing model is used at
Bolingbrook, and a recent glance at tee times show ranges from $64 to $76 weekdays and $81-$100 Friday thru Sunday (cart included), which places it firmly in the upper end of area course green fees. If you're reluctant to drop that many dimes on a round, the 3 pm twilight rate can be scored for between $48 to $60, a more comfortable price point with plenty of time to complete the round in the summer months.
Although Bolingbrook's wind swept prairie links style may not hold universal appeal for area golfers, it is normally in impeccable condition and the Hills-Forrest design team made a valiant effort to add as much interest as possible on the piece of property they were given to work with. But it is a fair play, the par 3's are a blast and I will continue to periodically check their website to see if the right deal pops up, and if you have yet to experience the country club vibe at Bolingbrook, I suggest you do the same.
Mr Z Rating
Layout (20%) - 7.5
Playability (20%) - 8.5
Conditioning (15%) - 8.5
Aesthetics (15%) - 7
Amenities (10%) - 9.5
Value (20%) - 7
Total Score - 78.75
Bolingbrook Golf Club
2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook
630-771-9400
5 tees - 7,104 - 4,931 yards, par 72
Rating/Slope 74.3/139 - 68.6/125 (M)
74.2/130 - 68.9/119 (W)
M-TH $64 - $76 ride to 3 pm $48 - $54 after 3 pm
F-SU $80 - $100 to 3 pm, $57 - $60 after 3 pm
Driving Range On Site
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