1 MINUTE READ - DEER CREEK

DEER CREEK BY THE NUMBERS

• 25055 S. Western Avenue, University Park    708-672-6667
• YARDAGE - 5 TEES - 6,905 / 5,112 yds Par 72
• SLOPE/RATING - 73.2/129 - 60.9/117 (MEN)
• MAXIMUM GREEN FEES - $40 M-F, $45 SA-SU (W/CART) 
• www.deercreekgolfcourse.com

1 MINUTE READ

When Deer Creek Golf Club opened in 1972, the Larry Packard designed layout was a course that I played quite often as a young southsider learning the game.  As I migrated further west, the University Park layout fell off my golfing radar, but I made a long overdue visit in 2021.  The course remained largely as I remembered, a mostly open layout with water prominently featured on 6 holes, 55 sand traps and large undulating greens being the main elements of defense. 

The 541 yard 7th may come closest to a signature hole at Deer Creek, a dogleg left par 5 with a pond at the turn easily reachable off the tee and a steeply back to front sloped green framed by a large sand trap on each side. The par three 8th (182 yds) and 13th (155 yds) both require carries over water, and the dogleg right 18th is a true risk / reward finish with a potential short iron into the green if willing to attack the hazard off the tee.

My favorite stretch of holes is the triangle formed by the 15th thru 17th, which features the longest par 3, 4 and 5's on the course.  The 15th is 556 yards with a gradual rise to the angled green which is slightly offset to the left and protected by 2 large bunkers.

The 16th is 443 yards with 2 ponds bordering the right side and OB left.  A stand of trees on the left about 100 yards from the green will block any shots played too far away from the water hazards.

And the 208 yard 17th has the 2nd pond from the 16th hole tight to the right side of the green, a long, difficult tee shot to another tricky putting surface.  Along with the 18th, this is one of the tougher 4 hole finishes in the south suburbs.

There is one local rule of note. Any ball striking power lines must be replayed, no penalty.  Yes, there are high tension wires that run high above and across the 14th fairway, and I do sort of remember hitting them once a long time ago, but it's unlikely that the rule will need to be invoked.

There is a driving range just to the right of the first tee and a short game practice area on the other side.  The unpretentious club house is large enough to handle big groups and the staff was friendly and accommodating.  

LOST BALL QUOTIENT - Low to Medium.  The water hazards have been discussed in detail, and there are some areas of prairie and OB that could cause some angst, but most fairways are ample enough to keep the ball in play. 

HIT A HOUSE FACTOR - Low.  Beware of the tee shot on the 3rd hole, where homes are a little closer on the left than I would prefer, but only your worst shot of the day could find a house to the left of the 14th, 15th and 16th fairways, the only other holes were they are remotely in play.

WALKER FRIENDLY RATING (0-10) - 9.  There are a few moderate hills but nothing too steep, and the green to tee walks are manageable, which makes this a prime walking course, but with rates under $50 with cart, it might just be easier to ride on a hot summer day.

FINAL VERDICT - As Deer Creek celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, it remains a top value play for south suburban golfers.  At 6,900 yards from the tips and a 73.2 / 129 rating / slope, there is plenty of challenge to test lower handicap golfers.  A few of the bunkers needed work but overall the conditions were good and you'll have a fun day at a great price at Deer Creek.

CLICK HERE to view the complete Photo Tour of Deer Creek...