ARLINGTON LAKES BY THE NUMBERS
- 1211 S. New Wilke Road, Arlington Heights 847-577-3030
- YARDAGE - 4 Tees - 5,432 / 2,767 yds Par 68
- SLOPE/RATING - 66/122 - 60.8/109 (M) 70.3/123 - 64/110 (W)
- MAXIMUM GREEN FEES - $62 M-F, $68 SA-SU (W/CART)
- Arlington Lakes Website
Water, water everywhere is the best catch phrase to describe Arlington Lakes GC. The course went through a major renovation in 2016 that updated all tees, greens and bunkers and the layout was rerouted to create 3,6 and 9 hole loops for time strapped golfers. Nearly 70 of the over 100 sand traps were eliminated in the re-design, but the numerous ponds on almost every hole remain, the defining feature of the 5,432 yd par 68 course that sits on a compact 90 acre site.
The side-by-side par five 2nd and 18th holes, bordered by watery hazards almost the full length of each, are the longest at 501 & 481 yds, and four par 4's are at or near 400 yds, so don't take the relatively short length for granted, there are some significant challenges at ALGC. The majority of the remaining 37 bunkers are deep and fringed by penal grasses, and the green complexes are reminiscent of more upscale courses that carry far higher green fees than the $42 (weekdays) / $48 (weekends) rates (add $20 for gas cart).
The six par 3's range from 125 to 192 yds, with the 148 yd 14th my favorite, as the pond fronting the green wraps around to the left and two sand traps on the right will catch any bail outs. The 13th (275 yds) and 15th (272 yds) are reachable but well-guarded par 4's that adds to the already high fun factor.
LOST BALL QUOTIENT - High - There are 14 separate ponds of various sizes that will happily swallow wayward shots and 13 holes have OB left, lots of opportunities to add a penalty stroke to the scorecard.
HIT A HOUSE FACTOR - Relatively Low. Homes border holes 15-17, but mature trees will likely block shots heading left. Passing autos along New Wilke, Central and White Oaks Streets will be more likely targets.
WALKER FRIENDLY RATING (0-10) - 9. There are a few elevated greens and the treks to the 2nd and 13th tees add a few additional steps, but overall this is a very walker friendly layout.
FINAL VERDICT - Arlington Lakes may not appeal to low handicaps, but the vast majority of golfers will find a fun, fair and challenging layout that will require some strategy and shot-making to score well, especially if the wind is blowing. An updated contemporary clubhouse and a central location in the heart of the northwest suburbs makes for a good golf experience.
CLICK HERE to view the complete Photo Tour of Arlington Lakes...
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