COURSE SPOTLIGHT - RANDALL OAKS STANDS TALL IN NORTHWEST SUBURBAN GOLF SCENE

THE STAGE
Randall Oaks Golf Club
4101 Binnie Road
West Dundee, IL 60118
847-428-5661

6,598 - 5,030 yds Par 71
71.7 / 133 - 64.6 / 116 Rating / Slope (M)
76.1 / 133 - 69.0 / 118 (W)

www.randalloaksgc.com
PHOTO TOUR

THE STORY
Randall Oaks Golf Course has been a cornerstone of the Dundee Township Park District since it opened for play in June 1966.  The course was designed by Iowa born architect William Spear, who also has Marengo Ridge, Highland Woods and River Bend on his list of local projects.  Bob Lohmann rerouted the original 18 hole layout onto 55 acres of additional land in 1985.

Lohmann Golf Designs partnered with Wadsworth Golf Charities and Links Across America in 2002 to build the West Range, which includes a 7,000 square foot putting green, chipping and pitching area, bunker practice area and a 4 hole short course and learning center, which is ideal for beginner and youth golfers to learn the game.

The course is located at the southwest corner of Randall and Binnie Roads in West Dundee, easily accessible from the Randall Road exit on I-90, about 40 miles west of downtown Chicago in Kane County.

THE PLAY
Randall Oaks stretches to 6,600 yards and plays to a par of 71, but don't be fooled by the somewhat modest length, this is a big, sprawling course.  The three par 5's measure 529 (#14), 542 (#5) and a menacing 600 yards to end the front nine.  The layout is a dynamic blend of prairie, lakes, ample bunkering and big sloping greens, with a pleasing mix of diversity in the holes. Water is in play on 8 holes, most visibly on the par fives.  There is some significant elevation change on the first four holes which will tax out of shape walkers (like myself), but the course flattens out and shifts to gently rolling terrain, with a blind tee shot on #9 the last uphill trek of any consequence.

The 1st hole is a serious starter, a 430 yard par 4 with a steady incline to the green, with 3 large fairway bunkers guarding the left side of the tee shot landing zone.  After a long par 3, the 3rd and 4th holes, both par 4's, utilize a ridge line to great effect.  The drive on #3 heads up the ridge, requiring a solid strike to have a glimpse of the green on the approach.  The 4th is a dogleg right with a tee shot favoring the left side needed to be clear of a stand of trees at the bend in the fairway, then swooping down to the green perched on a plateau guarded by 4 greenside bunkers, a visually stunning hole.

The first par 5, #5 has an elevated tee with the fairway turning to the right past a set of bunkers.  A pond to the left comes into play on the 2nd shot and extends to the green.  Position is key as approaches from the left side of the fairway need to carry the water, so stay to the right for the much better angle to the green.  The pond wraps around the back of the green so distance control is paramount, a truly well designed and challenging hole.

The other par 5 on the front side, #9, is one of a handful of Windy City par 5's boasting 600 yards.  The uphill drive gives way to a wide fairway with a clear view of the green with another pond bordering the last 100 yards or so, an intimidating approach, especially if you have a fairway wood in your hand.

The back nine is 200 yards shorter and plays to a par 35, but has several highlights.  The 11th hole, the longest par 4 at 435 yards, has plenty of trouble on the approach as a small pond covers the left side the last 75 yards, with 2 traps protecting the bailout area to the right, a worthy top handicap challenge on the back nine.  The 16th is another solid par 4, shorter in length at 359 yards with the fairway threaded between 2 ponds and an elevated putting surface fronted by a lone trap.

The 3rd and last par 5 is the 15th, which again prominently features one of the 5 ponds on the property.  This one breaks hard left around the water, which allows the golfer the classic risk / reward option on the 2nd shot to shorten the approach. The 18th hole sheds the water, but the dogleg right (I counted 9 fairways with varying degrees of turns) has a large, high banked trap that needs to be avoided for a legitimate shot at par.  Overall, Randall Oaks is an entertaining play from start to finish.

SHOW STOPPERS
A par or better on the 5th hole is an accomplishment, as 3 well placed shots are needed to reach the green in regulation.  And make sure you take in the view from the top of the hill behind the 4th hole, one of the best in the area.

THE TICKET
Posted rates for Non-Residents top out at $59 w/cart (only $37 walking), and Junior / Senior discounts drop fees down to $33 walk / $48 ride.  Weekend rates are $58/69 in the AM and $52/63 afternoons, with specials available during the week.  West Dundee Park District residents can expect a $4-$5 savings from the above rates.

THE EXTRAS
The practice area is one of the best in the Windy City, a great resource to either learn or fine tune the skills. Throw in the Acorn course, a 3 hole par three at the east end of the property, and the commitment to engaging with young golfers and grow the game is readily apparent.  The 26th Bar & Grill has the typical fare and a full bar with patio seating available. The banquet facility can accomodate up to 200 people, plenty of room for the biggest golf outings.

CRITICS CHOICE
The Randall Oaks website states such platitudes as "A Gem Tucked Away in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago" and "Your Destination for Golf in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago",  and I find it hard to disagree with these assessments.  Pair a fine golf course with a top notch practice facility and you have a combination that's tough to beat.  Add in the easy access off I-90 and the payoff is worth the drive to the Far Northwest 'burbs for a round at Randall Oaks.

WCPGG RATING

Layout (20%) - 8.5
Playability (20%) - 8
Conditioning (15%) - 8
Aesthetics (15%) - 8
Amenities (10%) - 9
Value (20%) - 8

Total Rating - 82