20 WINDY CITY COURSES TO PLAY THIS FALL

Once the weather cools down and the leaves start to change, the green fees at many top Windy City courses are falling, making October the perfect time to visit some premium layouts at a bargain price.  Here is a list of 20 courses that are on my list to play before the end of the season.  All have published late season rates on their websites or are currently posting online fees significantly below summer rates for the 1st week of October. Many also use dynamic pricing models for even more potential savings.  All rates include cart unless otherwise noted. 

NORTH

OAK GROVE (Harvard) - It's a long drive but a beautiful layout awaits in the far northwest suburbs.  Online tee times are $39 weekdays and $49 weekends, with an extra bargain at $42 after 10 am.

PINE MEADOW (Mundelein) - Part of the Jemsek family group of courses, Pine Meadow was the #1 New Public Course in America when it opened in 1986 and has aged well.  Summer Weekends will cost $76 to walk or $93 to ride, but published Fall Rates are $52 / $69, good everyday.

SCHAUMBURG - Currently undergoing extensive renovation, the Tournament / Players nines are open, but all 3 (the Baer is closed until next season) are good tracks. Online rates are $50 during the week and $56 on weekends, a $18 savings from summer prime time. 

STEEPLE CHASE (Mundelein) - The Mundelein Park District course was designed by Ken Killian and is somewhat overlooked in the crowded North suburban golf landscape.  But $32 walk / $44 ride weekday rates and $40 / $52 after 11 am on weekends is a great price point.

STONEWALL ORCHARD (Grayslake) - This Arthur Hills design has 65,000 mature trees and rolling hills on a pristine piece of Lake county land. Online weekend rates with cart are currently $79, 20% below the $95 summer fee, and $65 after 11 am.  Weekdays M-TH are $65 (vs $84), and the $55 rate for 55 year olds before Noon is a top Senior rate.

THUNDERHAWK (Beach Park) - Just south of the Wisconsin border, this Lake County Forest Preserve facility was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and is one of Chicagoland's finest courses.  It will cost $90 to play in July, but in October the rate is $69 SA-SU and $49 M-F, starting October 8.

WHISPER CREEK (Huntley) - A Greg Nash and Billy Casper partnership, Whisper Creek winds through the Del Webb mega-complex and is an Audubon International certified Sanctuary. Rates are as low as $29 with cart weekdays and $54 on weekends for online bookings.

WEST

BOWES CREEK (Elgin) - "Member for A Day" rates at this semi-private, Rick Jacobson signature design are currently $85 weekends or $69 weekdays, which includes unlimited golf and full use of the practice facility. If you only wish to play 18, the posted rates are $59 to Noon, $55 to 2 pm and $49 after 2 M-F. Weekends green fees are $69 to 10 am, $65 to Noon, $59 to 2 pm and $49 after 2.

HIGHLANDS OF ELGIN - An abandoned stone quarry is used to dramatic effect as the centerpiece of the prairie style course.  Weekday rates are only $35 w/cart and weekends are $49 ($45 after Noon), a great deal at this top Chicagoland facility.

OAK BROOK - Centrally located at York Rd and 22nd Street, Oak Brook is an entertaining track full of tricky doglegs and challenging greens.  Weekday early bird at $45 ride to 9 am ($55 afterwards), and weekend (F-SU) at $60 (50 after 1 pm) are fair fall fees.

PRAIRIE LANDING (West Chicago) - Big prairie links layout south of Dupage Airport is another RTJ Jr. design. Posted rates with cart are $56 mornings and $48 afternoons M-F and $72 to 11 am, $60 to 2 pm and $50 after 2 on SA-SU, but the online rates will vary widely from hour to hour and day to day.

PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS (Wooddale) - Greg Martin reconfigured the Oak Meadows 18 hole and the Maple Meadows 9 hole layouts into an 18 hole master class in course architecture.  Fall rates are $59 weekdays and $75 weekends, 15 - 25% below in-season fees, and SA-SU rates at Noon drop to $65.

SEVEN BRIDGES (Woodridge) - Monster Dick Nugent design is as intimidating as it is beautiful, so at least if you're playing poorly you can enjoy the scenery.  Posted fall rates are $59 M-F and $75 SA-SU and 2:30 twilight is $50.  Senior Rate (60+) is $47 M-TH and weekends after 1 pm.

ST. ANDREWS (West Chicago) - Both the Jemsek and St. Andrews layouts deliver similar experiences, traditional parkland courses at reasonable prices.  Posted weekend fall rates are $40 walk / $51.50 ride until 11 am, $34/45.50 to 1 pm and $28/39.50 after 1.  Weekday early bird special is $20/31.50 before 9 am, then $30/41.50 to Noon and $25/36.50 in the afternoon.

VILLAGE LINKS OF GLEN ELLYN - The Bears are playing great, but book a tee time during the game with 3 friends and pay $100 per foursome (carts are $20 per person extra) at one of the best muni's around.  Fall rates are 25% below in season fees, starting October 10. Play on M-TU at 50% off.

SOUTH

BALMORAL WOODS (Crete) - Heavily wooded layout is ideal for the fall colors and a solid play, but stay below the hole on the severely sloped greens.  Online rates M-F are currently $39, $35 after noon,  Weekends are $54, $39 after 1 pm.
  
BIG RUN (Lockport) - Big views and monster par 5's at a southwest suburban mainstay.  Listed Weekday rates are $49, Weekends are $59, and 1 pm twilight is a $40 deal, carts included.

ODYSSEY (Tinley Park) - Water is in play on almost every hole at this Curtis Strange design off I-80 and Harlem Ave.  Weekday green fees are between $30-35 and weekends around $45 at the Odyssey, which promotes programs that benefit Veterans.

PRAIRIE BLUFF (Crest Hill) - Wind swept, hilly links is a fun, playable track designed by Andy North.  Weekends rates are $52 to Noon, $43 in the afternoon.  M-F rates are between $38 - $42, cart included.

SANCTUARY (New Lenox) - Expansive driving range at 6,900 yard layout with water and wetlands on 14 holes.  Weekday green fees are $30 - $32 and weekends are a reasonable $42, and $30 after 1 pm.

Spring a Great Time to Play Top Windy City Courses

There's been a few starts and stops to the Spring of 2015 golf season, but it finally looks like the milder weather is here to stay.  Most Windy City courses are open for play, with notable exceptions in ThunderHawk, Mistwood and Cog Hill #4 slated to open later in the month.  Here's a sample of courses at every corner of Chicagoland, from super expensive to moderately priced, offering sizable savings from in-season green fees thru April into early May.  Rates can change without notice, so check your favorite layouts for the most current fees:

NORTH/NORTHWEST

ARBORETUM (Buffalo Grove) - Built on the site of a former nursery, this is a perfect course to play when the trees are in bloom.  Summer rates are $75.  Current Online Rates - M-F $37-39 w/c, $29 after 1 pm, SA-SU $45-50 w/c, $35 after 1 pm

FOXFORD HILLS (Cary) - This 7,000 yard par 72 layout seamlessly mixes prairie elements with thick woods and plenty of elevation change.  Top summer fees are $57 weekdays and $79 weekends.  Posted Rates thru 4/30 - M-F $42 w/c, SA-SU $50, $39 after 1 pm

GLEN CLUB (Glenview) - The priciest public access course in the Windy City at a top rate of $215 w/cart, this acclaimed Tom Fazio design on the former Naval Air Base is on my list of courses to play for 2015.  Posted Rates thru 4/16 - $90 walk/115 ride.  Early Spring Rates 4/17 - from $100 walk/125 ride to $135 walk/160 ride

HIGHLAND PARK - North Shore staple is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015.  Peak Season greens fee tops out at $75 w/cart.  Current Online rates - $35 w/c  M-F, $45 w/c SA-SU

PINE MEADOW (Mundelein) - One of the Jemsek family courses, this highly regarded parkland classic will cost up to $90 in peak season.  Posted Spring Rates - $50 walk/66 ride, $39/49 after 2 pm

PRAIRIE ISLE (Prairie Grove) - This course gets overshadowed by its neighbors in Cary (Chalet Hills and Foxford Hills), but it can hold its own, and the dramatic 13th hole is a rare find in this area.  Summer Rates max out at $68 on weekends.  Posted Spring Rates - M-F $19 walk/36 ride.  SA-SU $27/44

SHEPHERD'S CROOK (Zion) - Links style layout in the shadow of the Wisconsin border is an always reasonable $60, but April is a super bargain at this fine Keith Foster design.  Posted Rates to 5/1 - M-F $25 walk/35 ride, SA-SU $30/40, $25 w/c after 2 pm every day

STEEPLE CHASE (Mundelein) - Park District course designed by Ken Killian has great variety and a killer par 5 finish.  Summer rates are $67 - $74, but spring weekdays offer a prime savings.  Posted Rates thru 5/3 - M-F $32 walk/44 ride  SA-SU $49/67, $40/52 after 11 am

STONEWALL ORCHARD (Grayslake) - The self-described Arthur Hills "Masterpiece" is a secluded Far North suburban gem with summer rates ranging from $84 to $95.  Current Online Rates - $59 weekdays, $69 weekends

WEST

BLACKBERRY OAKS (Bristol) - Located at the far west edge of suburbia, the par 72 course is a little short on length (6,400 yds) but it's a well-conditioned, fun layout with $57-$65 summer rates.  Posted rates thru 4/17 - M-F $25 walk/35 ride, $15/23 after 1 pm  SA-SU - $29/39, $20/28 after 1

INDIAN LAKES (Bloomingdale) - The renovated 27 hole BlackHawk Trace facility at the Hilton resort range from $79 to $89 on summer mornings.  Current Online Rates - M-F $35 w/c, $29 after 2 pm  SA-SU $51 w/c

KLEIN CREEK (Winfield) - Over-the-top sub-division design is usually well-conditioned and a typically challenging Dick Nugent layout.  Summer rates top out at $79.  Current Online Rates M-F $40-$49 w/cart  SA-SU $49, $30 after 3 pm daily

ORCHARD VALLEY (Aurora) - One of my favorite plays, Ken Kavanaugh uses intricate bunkering and the edges of a lake for several risk/reward opportunities.  Summer rates are a reasonable $59-69.  Current Online Rates - M-F $39 w/c, SA-SU $49 w/c, $29 after 2 pm every day

PRAIRIE LANDING (West Chicago) - Upscale Robert Trent Jones Jr. links course is completing an update, but use of the 3 practice holes will keep a full 18 in play.  One of the few area courses with triple digit in-season fees.  Spring Rates thru May 15th range from $39 to $74, including cart

SEVEN BRIDGES (Woodridge) - Difficult Dick Nugent design will lighten your wallet at $89 - $111 in-season green fees, but spring and fall are great times to play this scenic track.  Current Posted Rates - M-F $55 w/cart before 10 am, $65 after 10  SA-SU $75 before 10 am, $70 after 10  Daily 3 PM twilight rate - $50

WILLOW CREST (Oak Brook) - The resort course at the Oak Brook Hills Hilton resort is more than meets the eye, a compact layout will 6 top shelf par three's.  You'll pay $76-80 to play in the warmer weather.  Spring Rates thru May 7th - M-TH $55 w/cart, $45 after 2 pm, $35 after 4 pm  F-SU $65, $50 after 2, $40 after 4

SOUTH/SOUTHWEST

BOLINGBROOK - One of two Arthur Hills public courses in Chicagoland, this corn field turned links playground near I-55 and Weber ARoad exit has all the bells and whisltes one expects for $115.  Current Online Rates - M-TH $55 w/cart, $40 after 2 pm  F $65, $79 after 10 am, $45 after 2 pm  SA-SU $79. $69 after 11 am, $45 after 2 pm

COG HILL (Lemont) - The kingpin of Chicago public golf, the #'s 1 & 3 courses are $53-61 starting in May, while the #2 Ravines course is slightly more at $73, but all are good layouts in the considerable shadow of Dubsdread.  Posted Rates thru May 1st - Courses 1 & 3 - M-F $29 walk/45 ride  SA-SU $36/52  Course 2 - $46/62 Daily

COYOTE RUN (Homewood) - Greg Martin redesigned the old Cherry Hills layout in the south suburbs and came up with a winner.  Posted Rates thru May 15 - M-F $30 walk/44 ride, $22/32 twilight  SA-SU $35/49, $27/37 twilight

FOX BEND (Oswego) - Parkland layout built in 1967 has hosted several state and USGA tournaments.  $61 is all it costs in season, but spring is a super bargain.  Current Online Rates - M-F $33 w/cart to Noon, $28 to 2 pm, $19 after 2  SA-SU $36 w/cart to Noon, $32 to 2 pm, $24 after 2

HARBORSIDE (Chicago) - 36 hole mega complex off the Bishop Ford Freeway with views of the Chicago skyline is one of the few +$100 Windy City facilities.  Inspiring finishes along Lake Calumet on both the Port and Starboard courses.  Current Online rates - M-F $55 w/cart, $45 after 3 pm  SA-SU $65 w/c, $55 after 3 pm

HERITAGE BLUFFS (Channahon) - Ideally located 2 minutes off I-55, this top southwest layout near Joliet has a wide range of memorable holes.  $65 summer rates at this park district course.  Posted Rates thru May 1st - M-F $23 walk/$40 ride, $23/32 after 1 pm  SA-SU $27/44, $27/36 after 1

NAPERBROOK / SPRINGBROOK (Naperville) - the 2 Naperville Park District courses are both good plays, with Naperbrook the prairie links and Springbrook the traditional parkland track.  Springbrook in-season is $55-65 w/cart, while Naperbrook is $5 less.  Current Online Rates - M-F $39-41 w/cart  SA-SU $48-51 w/c

RUFFLED FEATHERS (Lemont) - The only Windy City public course with the unmistakable Pete Dye stamp, it'll cost $95 to tee it up in summertime.  Posted Rates thru April 15th - $55 w/cart, $40 after 2 pm

SILVER LAKE (Orland Park) - Long time South Suburban favorite features two 18 hole layouts plus the 9-hole Rolling Hills course, my first experience golfing many moons ago.  Prime rates top out in mid-$60's.  Posted Spring Rates - M-F $27 walk/44 ride, $16/26 twilight  SA-SU $33/50, $35/45 after 1 pm, $19/29 twilight

TAMARACK (Naperville) - Water is at every turn at this winding neighborhood layout off Route 59, with a steep 73.7 136 rating / slope on this par 70 track.  Summer rates are near $60.  Posted Spring Rates - M-F $30 w/c, $25 after 3 pm  SA-SU $40, $30 after 3

SPRING RATES - SOUTH/SOUTHWEST

SOUTH

* Coyote Run (Homewood) thru 5/1
M-F $35/45 to 2 pm, $22/32 after 2
SA-SU $40/50 to 2 pm, $27/37 after 2
Seniors (60) / Juniors (17 & Under) $24/34 M-F
* Fountain Hills (Alsip) thru 4/30 (9 Hole Rates)
M-F $8/13 before 7:30 am, $15/23 to Noon, $12/20 to 4 pm, $7/15 after 4
SA-SU $17/25 to Noon, $14/22 to 4 pm, $9/17 after 4
Seniors (55) $10/18 M-F, $12/20 SA-SU
Juniors (17 & Under) $7 walk M-F, $9 walk SA-SU
* Odyssey (Tinley Park)
M-F $21/33 to 9 am, $31/43 to 3 pm, $21/33 after 3
SA-SU $43/55 to Noon, $29/41 to 3 pm, $23/35 after 3
* Ravisloe (Homewood)
M-F $42/59, $26/38 twilight (starts 3-1/2 hours before sunset)
SA-SU $50/67, $35/47 twilight
Seniors (60) / Juniors (17 & Under) $30/44 M-F, $42/56 SA-SU after Noon
Seniors (62) Tuesday Special - $35/40  
 

SOUTHWEST

* Bolingbrook
M-TH $55 w/c to 3 pm, $40 w/c after 3
F $55 w/c to 11 am, $65 w/c to 3 pm, $40 w/c after 3
SA-SU $65 w/c to 2 pm, $55 w/c after 2
Seniors (60) $40 M-SU, $35 after 3 pm M-F
* Cog Hill (Lemont) thru 5/16
Courses 1 and 3
M-F $29/45 to 2:30 pm, $19.50/29.50 after 2:30
SA-SU $36/52 to 2:30 pm, $25/35 after 2:30
Course 2
M-F $46/62 to 2:30 pm, $30.50/40.50 after 2:30
SA-SU $46/62 to 2:30 pm, $32.50/42.50 after 2:30
* Naperbrook (Plainfield)
M-F $30.50/46.50 to Noon, $26/42 after Noon
SA-SU $39.50/55.50 to Noon, $28/44 after Noon
* Old Oak (Homer Glen)
M-F $25/35 to 1 pm, $18/30 after 1
SA-SU $35/45 to 1 pm, $18/30 after 1
SENIORS $23/31 M-F
* Ruffled Feathers (Lemont)
M-SU $55 w/c to Noon, $45 w/c after Noon
* Springbrook (Naperville)
M-F $32.50/48.50 to Noon, $28/44 after Noon
SA-SU $41.50/57.50 to Noon, $30/46 after Noon
* Tamarack (Naperville)
M-F $25 w/c to 2 pm, $20 w/c after 2
SA-SU $40 w/c to Noon, $30 w/c to 2 pm, $25 w/c after 2
 

FAR SOUTHWEST

* Sanctuary (New Lenox)
M-F $22/35     
SA-SU $30/43 

FAR SOUTH

* Glenwoodie (Glenwood)
M-F $21/30 to 1 pm, $18/25 after 1
SA-SU $27/38 to 1 pm, $21/29 after 1
Seniors (55) / Juniors $19/27 M-F
 

 

WEST                   NORTH/NORTHWEST