NOVEMBER
* BOWES CREEK (Elgin) - Upscale, semi-private, par 71 Rick Jacobson design is a top play in the Windy City region...
* MAPLE MEADOWS (Woodale) - Linksy, par 70 Dupage Forest Preserve course to undergo major renovation in 2026...
* SOUTH SHORE (Chicago) - Landmark par 33 course established in 1905 features tree lined fairways and a challenge with two 430 yd par 4's... PHOTO TOUR
* SYDNEY MAROVITZ (Chicago) - Full-length par 36 tucked between the Drive and the Lake is a star in the Chicago Park District golf portfolio... PHOTO TOUR
* GLENCOE - Highly regarded public golf option on the north shore is a classic parkland layout dating back to 1921... PHOTO TOUR
OCTOBER
* WHITE HAWK (Crown Point, IN) - 36-hole semi-private club is one of the top golf experiences in NW Indiana...
* BONNIE DUNDEE (Carpentersville) - Delightful par 70 Dundee Township course offers more challenge than anticipated...
* BELMONT (Downers Grove) - Historic original home of the Chicago GC is an outstanding 9 hole muni... PHOTO TOUR
* POTTAWATOMIE (St. Charles) - Robert Trent Jones original on the east shore of the Fox River one of the best 9 hole rounds in the Windy City... PHOTO TOUR
* CRYSTAL WOODS (Woodstock) - Parkland course on Route 47 is an under-the-radar option combining fun layout, good conditions at an affordable price... PHOTO TOUR
* BONNIE BROOK (Waukegan) - Top value course near Lake Michigan is a longtime north shore favorite... PHOTO TOUR
* PRAIRIE BLUFF (Lockport) - Perfect fall golf course on Renwick Rd rolls up and over ridge through native grasses... PHOTO TOUR
* NAPERBROOK (Plainfield) - Prairie links layout adding upgraded irrigation system to new practice green and updated 18th hole...
* GREEN GARDEN LINKS - Arguably the best 9 of the 45 hole south suburban complex is an impressive prairie style option... PHOTO TOUR
* BLACKSTONE (Marengo) - Semi-private club on the edge of Chicagoland is a top 20 Windy City course...
* OLD OAK (Homer Glen) - Heavily wooded hills and sloped greens at a course that gets a little bit better every year...
* SWOPE MEMORIAL (Kansas City, MO) - AW Tillinghast classic through the hills of south KCMO set for $7 million renovation in 2025... PHOTO TOUR
SEPTEMBER
* SAND CREEK STATION (Newton, KS) - Top 100 public course on Golf.com list under $100 brings great value and an excellent layout... PHOTO TOUR
* LAKE MALONEY (North Platte, NE) - Unassuming facility brings engaging prairie / parkland combo to central Nebraska... PHOTO TOUR
* SPIRIT HOLLOW (Burlington, IA)- Highly rated Rick Jacobson design considered one of the best courses in Iowa... PHOTO TOUR
* BIG RUN (Lockport) - Classic parkland course with big views needs influx of cash from new ownership to return to top status...
* LOST MARSH (Hammond) - Wild love/hate, island-hopping start morphs into a wooded wonder through marshland... PHOTO TOUR
* PALATINE HILLS (Palatine) - 6,800 yd parkland course is a solid, challenging northwest suburban option...
* WEDGEWOOD (Joliet) - High volume Joliet PD course on Route 59 is a good value and worth a visit...
* BILLY CALDWELL (Chicago) - Par 35 is a fun 9-hole north side play, though conditions are a little rough in spots... PHOTO TOUR
* HERITAGE BLUFFS (Channahon) - Easy access off I-55 southwest of Joliet leads to excellent golf experience...
* ORCHARD VALLEY (Aurora) - Improved playing conditions returns Fox Valley course to must play status...
* KANKAKEE ELKS (St. Anne) - #1 Windy CIty value course layout features amazing green complexes across rolling hills by the Kankakee River...
* VILLA OLIVIA (Bartlett) - Combo ski hill / golf course has an inviting price point but overall conditions fall short...
AUGUST
* RAVEN (Phoenix, AZ) - One of the best options in Phoenix features hundreds of pine trees across a traditional parkland layout... PHOTO TOUR
* LEGEND TRAIL (Scottsdale, AZ) - Great value in golf rich area a solid Rees Jones design... PHOTO TOUR
* EAGLE MOUNTAIN (Fountain Hills, AZ) - Elevation change and up close views of the mountains east of Scottsdale... PHOTO TOUR
* WE-KO-PA CHOLLA (Fort McDowell, AZ) - One of the top rated courses in the Valley of the Sun was in pristine summer condition... PHOTO TOUR
* STERLING GROVE (Surprise, AZ) - Linksy Nicklaus design west of Phoenix is a desert light layout...
* CARILLON (Plainfield) - Red, White and Blue 9's comprise a top ten Windy City value play...
* CANTIGNY (Wheaton) - Beautiful 27-hole west suburban complex undergoing major renovation...
* TUCKAWAY (Crete) - Hilly, low frills layout near the Indiana border is a super affordable, fun option... PHOTO TOUR
* STONEWALL ORCHARD (Grayslake) - Arthur Hills design fits comfortably in the high end Windy City golf scene... PHOTO TOUR
* OAK BROOK - Ideal west suburban location at 22nd & York features a top muni layout and amenities... PHOTO TOUR
* HIGHLANDS OF ELGIN - Dynamic prairie links layout incorporates quarry lake and acres of native grasses for scenic views and a memorable play...
* WHITE PINES WEST (Bensenville) - 6,600 yard par 72 features tree lined fairways at busy 36 hole west suburban staple...
* SENECA (Broadview Heights, OH) - High volume Cleveland Metro Parks course features 27 updated holes in a three 9-hole rotation... PHOTO TOUR
* BOULDER CREEK (Streetsboro, OH) - Beautiful layout through the rolling hills southeast of Cleveland is one of the best in the region... PHOTO TOUR
* SCHAUMBURG - Impeccable conditions after full 27-hole renovation elevated SGC up to must play status... PHOTO TOUR
* BRISTOL OAKS (Bristol, WI) - Tree lined fairways and elevated greens highlight affordable option across border east of Lake Geneva... PHOTO TOUR
JULY
* FOXFORD HILLS (Cary) - Enjoyable yet challenging play nicely mixes prairie and parkland in a reasonably priced package...
* INDIAN BOUNDARY (Chicago) - Fun, playable Cook County course substitutes grass bunkers and native areas for sand traps (only 10)... PHOTO TOUR
* OAK HILLS (Palos Heights) - Shorter (2,500 yd) par 34 is one of the best 9 hole rounds in Chicagoland... PHOTO TOUR
* GLENWOODIE (Glenwood) - Near 100-year old classic remains a popular option in south suburbs... PHOTO TOUR
* PRAIRIE ISLE (Prairie Grove) - 6,600 yard track near Cary has variety, elevation change and plus conditions in a budget friendly greens fee... PHOTO TOUR
* VERNON HILLS - Par 34 features creek that meanders across 6 holes and soon to be completed short game practice area... PHOTO TOUR
* JOE LOUIS (Riverdale) - Classic south suburban Cook County FP layout named after boxing champ is a top value play... PHOTO TOUR
* WILLOW CREST (Oak Brook) - Recently completed bunker renovation a welcome upgrade at the challenging par 70 resort course...
* WATER'S EDGE (Worth) - Wooded wonderland in the south suburbs is a worthy course to visit... PHOTO TOUR
* FOUNTAIN HILLS (Alsip) - Top 9-hole par 36 track conveniently located near 127th & Kedzie... PHOTO TOUR
* HARBORSIDE STARBOARD (Chicago) - Prairie links with acres of sand & fescue on the shores of Lake Calumet is a beast when the wind is howling... PHOTO TOUR
* COURSE AT ABERDEEN (Valparaiso, IN) - Scenic trip through woods & wetlands over rolling hills is a top NW Indiana experience... PHOTO TOUR
* BRIDGES OF POPLAR CREEK (Hoffman Estates) - Park district par 70 layout ratchets difficulty with water/wetlands on 15 holes... PHOTO TOUR
JUNE
* BROKEN ARROW (Lockport) - 27 hole southwest suburban facility has returned to good form, but bunkers need work...
* DIAMOND SPRINGS (Hamilton, MI) - Unique 2 cut length (greens & fairways/tees) course utilizes ravine for scenic challenge... PHOTO TOUR
* PILGRIM'S RUN (Pierson, MI) - Big, brawny layout north of Grand Rapids rated #44 on top US value courses... PHOTO TOUR
* COBBLE BEACH (Kemble, Ontario) - Top 100 course in Canada on the shores of Georgian Bay lived up to the rating... PHOTO TOUR
* MAKRAY (Barrington) - Upscale facility on Route 14 features rolling hills and scenic views with some of the fastest greens in the Windy City... PHOTO TOUR
* HUGHES CREEK (Elburn) - Playable layout over rolling Kane County countryside in far west suburbs... PHOTO TOUR
* SOUTHMOOR/PALOS CC (Orland Park) - Above average Ken Killian design marred by rough conditions... PHOTO TOUR
* MEADOWS (Blue Island) - Cash infusion by village brought welcome improvements to linksy landfill layout... PHOTO TOUR
* COMO CROSSINGS AT HAWK'S VIEW (Lake Geneva) - 18-hole Como Crossings track is a scenic, challenging option in the Lake Geneva golf inventory... PHOTO TOUR
* RAVISLOE (Homewood) - Classic, magical Donald Ross inspired layout was a round I hated to see end...
* LINCOLN OAKS (Crete) - Entertaining, true neighborhood course winds through far south sub-division... PHOTO TOUR
* COUNTRYSIDE TRADITIONAL (Mundelein) - Parkland layout at 36-hole Lake County FP facility has a fun variety in the 6,400 package...
MAY
* COG HILL #2 (Lemont) - Scenic Ravines course shares some of the Dubsdread topography without the price or pain... PHOTO TOUR
* MEADOWLARK (Hinsdale) - Lengthy Cook County FP 9 features thick woods, small sloping greens and zero sand traps... PHOTO TOUR
* CEDARDELL (Plano) - 1st time visit to 9 hole course with elevation change and challenging greens west of Yorkville... PHOTO TOUR
* GENEVA NATIONAL TREVINO (Lake Geneva, WI) - Ravines and right turns at the delightful Trevino design in Lake Geneva... PHOTO TOUR
* GENEVA NATIONAL PLAYER (Lake Geneva, WI) - Gary Player signature course features prairie, woods and fanciful bunkers at upscale resort... PHOTO TOUR
* ARBORETUM (Buffalo Grove) - Challenging Dick Nugent design (139 Slope from tips) is a shot makers dream... PHOTO TOUR
* COG HILL #3 (Lemont) - Par 72 layout teams with the #1 course to provide golfers 2 playable, affordable courses for the every day player... PHOTO TOUR
* WHITETAIL RIDGE (Yorkville) - High end course on Route 126 between Plainfield and Yorkville incorporates wetlands on front 9 and dynamic ridge on back.. PHOTO TOUR
* COYOTE RUN (Flossmoor) - Top conditions and outstanding Greg Martin layout at one of the top values in Chicagoland... PHOTO TOUR
* CHAPEL HILL (Johnsburg) - Hilly far north course brings more to the table than the budget price would indicate... PHOTO TOUR
* SPRINGBROOK (Naperville) - New tees, greens and bunkers to celebrate 50th anniversary at popular Naperville PD course... PHOTO TOUR
* PALMIRA (St. John, IN) - Look past the rickety clubhouse and you'll find an amazing layout a few miles across the state line... PHOTO TOUR
* ROB ROY (Prospect Heights) - First time visit to River Trails PD course found an entertaining 9 holes on the edge of north suburban sub-division... PHOTO TOUR
* SEVEN BRIDGES (Woodridge) - One of the most challenging tracks in Chicagoland has big views off Route 53 in west suburban Woodridge... PHOTO TOUR
* BITTERSWEET (Gurnee) - Scenic far north layout winds through wetlands with water in play on 16 holes upping the difficulty... PHOTO TOUR
* SUGAR CREEK (Villa Park) - Par 32 layout was renovated in 2023 and is a great place for a quick 9... PHOTO TOUR
* CHEVY CHASE (Wheeling) - Near 100 year old course and banquet facility is a north side favorite play... PHOTO TOUR
* ARLINGTON LAKES (Arlington Heights) - 5,400 yd par 68 track packs a punch with water hazards and deep bunkers in play on most hole... PHOTO TOUR
* OLD ORCHARD (Mt. Prospect) - Prospect Heights Park District course a challenging parkland layout at 6,200 yds with water in play on 11 holes... PHOTO TOUR
* EDGEBROOK (Chicago) - Short par 66 Cook County Forest Preserve course a good place to practice and learn the game... PHOTO TOUR
* BARTLETT HILLS (Bartlett) - Hilly west suburban layout tucked off Route 59 a good value play...
* COG HILL #1 (Lemont) - Playable par 71 parkland layout at mega-complex in southwest suburban Lemont... PHOTO TOUR
MARCH
* PALOS HILLS - Challenging, well bunkered par 35 layout near Harlem and 105th Street...
* PHILLIPS PARK (Aurora) - 6,200 yd par 71 one of my favorite plays and a great value... PHOTO TOUR
* MAUNA KEA (Kamuela, Hawaii) - Famed 3rd hole over Pacific Ocean highlights spectacular RTJ Jr design on the Big Island... PHOTO TOUR
*WAIKOLOA BEACH (Waikoloa, Hawaii) - Beach / Kings 9's weaves thru lava rock on the west coast of the Big Island... PHOTO TOUR
FEBRUARY
* MAKANI (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii) - Perry Dye design on the foothills of Mauna Kea provides scenic views and the Dye trademark island green... PHOTO TOUR
* VOLCANO (Volcano, Hawaii) - Parkland style layout in the shadow of Mauna Loa and Kilauea craters an affordable Big Island option... PHOTO TOUR
JANUARY
* KIVA DUNES (Gulf Shores, AL) - One of the top courses in Alabama features powdery white sand dunes a stones throw from the Gulf of Mexico... PHOTO TOUR
* PENINSULA (Gulf Shores, AL) - 27-hole (Cypress/Marsh/Lakes 9's) facility on the Fort Morgan peninsula provides well-conditioned coastal golf... PHOTO TOUR
* ROCK CREEK (Fairhope, AL) - Rolling hills and elevation change 45 minutes north of the Gulf near Mobile Bay... PHOTO TOUR
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