1 MINUTE READ - GREEN GARDEN BLUE

 

GREEN GARDEN BLUE BY THE NUMBERS

• 9511 West Manhattan-Monee Road, Frankfort    815-469-3350
• YARDAGE - 4 Tees - 6,670 / 5,187 yds Par 72
• SLOPE/RATING - 71.2/118 - 66.8/108 (M) 70.9/117 (W)
• MAXIMUM GREEN FEES - $57 M-F, $67 SA-SU (W/CART) 
• greengardencc.com

1 MINUTE READ

I've played at Green Garden, the mega 45 hole/golf dome/practice range complex in far south suburban Frankfort, a number of times over the years, but I tended to gravitate to the Gold course, the newer, sportier option of the two 18-hole layouts.  The original 18 at GGCC, the Blue course stretches to near 6,700, a traditional parkland style with room off the tee.

The round starts with a 303 yd uphill par 4 and the front side remains fairly benign, highlighted by the 3rd hole, a 484 yd par 5 that runs over a ridge to a well bunkered green with a pond menacing the left side.  Most green approaches are open as bunkers average around 2 a hole.

The Blue course is a tale of two nines, as the back is a lengthy 3,500 yds and nearly 400 yds longer than the front.  Four par 4's top 400 yds, with the 14th a 470 yd behemoth with an uphill climb to the green.  The par five 13th is the best hole in my view, a long dogleg right where the shot position is crucial to work around the gradual bend. Score well on the front as the back is a good 4-5 shots harder.

LOST BALL QUOTIENT - Low - Water hazards affect 6 holes, and OB is in play only on 17th, a short par 4 where the driver will likely stay in the bag for many players.  Ball swallowing prairie is not a big feature.

HIT A HOUSE FACTOR - Not going to happen.  The few homes around the course are set far back from the fairways and greens.

WALKER FRIENDLY RATING (0-10) - 9.  The par five 6th hole is a steady climb, but besides the elevation of the 14th green, this is a very walkable track.

FINAL VERDICT - The Blue course is a fair, decent layout and the last 6 holes are a challenge, but at a top rate w/cart of $57 M-F and $67 on weekends, the experience is not aligned with the cost.  The weekday Senior rate of $39 w/cart, however, is an excellent price point for 60+ golfers.

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