1 MINUTE READ - REDTAIL

 

REDTAIL BY THE NUMBERS

• 7900 RedTail Drive, Village of Lakewood   815-477-0055
• YARDAGE - 4 TEES - 6,824 / 5,430 yds Par 72
• SLOPE/RATING - 73.0/136 - 69.5/127 (MEN), 74.8/136 - 72.3/130 (WOMEN)
• MAXIMUM GREEN FEES - around $50 M-F, $62 SA-SU (W/CART) 
• www.redtailgolf.com

1 MINUTE READ

The website states "Quality Golf in a Natural Setting", and in the case of the RedTail Golf Club, this declaration is very accurate.  The par 72 Village of Lakewood layout winds across the McHenry county countryside, with acres of protected wetlands framing several fairways and providing a scenic (and potentially penal) focal point.

RedTail stretches to over 6,800 yards and carries a hefty 73 / 136 rating / slope, with two par 5's topping 550 yds and four par 4's over 400 yds.  The elevated 1st tee unveils a grand view of the course, and architect  Roger Packard uses the rolling landscape artfully.  By my

count ponds / creeks are in play on 7 holes, but it's the ever present wetlands that adds to the challenge, none more so than on the 7th hole.  The short (354 yd) par 4 has a narrow strip of fairway framed on both sides from tee to green by the natural areas.  This hazard extends to form the left edge of the parallel par five 2nd hole, which also features a creek that crosses the fairway both off the tee and on the approach to the green.

The defining feature at RedTail is the one-of-a-kind ring of water that encircles the 10th and 16th greens, with each green on the island effectively surrounded by water on 3 sides. 

The 370 yard 10th is slightly downhill and turns to the right, with a view of the intimidating approach available at the dogleg, while the 405 yard 16th comes in from the opposite direction at a deceiving angle, with the wetlands catching drives pushed too far left.

Other highlights are the par four 3rd hole (dogleg right, wetlands right, 3 greenside bunkers), par five 5th hole (550 yards, sharp dogleg left, pond left to narrow green) and the 18th (longest par 4 at RedTail, uphill, large tree in the middle of fairway).  The 8th also warrants mention, a short par 3 from an elevated tee with an enormous green fronted by a huge trap that best resembles a giant glove.

But the true highlight at RedTail is the price, which is just over $60 on weekends, including GPS equipped carts.  A small driving range is just steps from the basic clubhouse, which includes a pro shop and the Hawk's Nest bar and grill.

LOST BALL QUOTIENT - Medium.  RedTail is a big course with wide fairways on most of the par 4's and 5's helping to minimize the impact of the wetlands, but poor shots will be punished.

HIT A HOUSE FACTOR - Low.  The layout is edged by housing, but the few holes where homes are present are set back far from the course, but be careful near the 13th green.

WALKER FRIENDLY RATING (0-10) - 7.  The layout is hilly in a few spots and there is some distance to access the 3rd thru 6th holes from the rest of the course, but otherwise not a bad walk. 

FINAL VERDICT - RedTail is an exciting play and one of the best values in the Windy City, and a course I play almost every year regardless of the 60 mile drive. If you want a more substantial after golf menu, Randall Road and endless eating possibilities is a short drive (Moretti's is a personal favorite).  Definitely worth the drive to the Crystal Lake area.

CLICK HERE to view the complete Photo Tour of RedTail...