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BUNKER RENOVATION AT GEORGE DUNNE AIMS AT RETURN TO GLORY - Always one of the best course layouts in Chicagoland, George Dunne has been marred over the years by poor bunker quality, but a major update by the Cook County FPD is in the works.  CLICK HERE for details of the exciting ongoing project...

WCPGG 2025 MONTH BY MONTH REVIEW - I made the most of the 2025 golf season by playing 55 different Windy City courses plus in 8 states outside Illinois, spanning from Hawaii to North Carolina.  CLICK HERE for the highs and lows of a great year of golf...

PHOTO TOUR - KANKAKEE ELKS - Approaching the 100 year anniversary, the Elks remains one of the top courses within 50 miles of Chicagoland, a timeless Langford & Moreau classic.  CLICK HERE for the updated Photo Tour...

PHOTO TOUR - ODYSSEY - Water on 12 holes, including the island green par 5 16th, provides the challenge, and the "Golf for the Greater Good" support of veterans is a worthy mission.  CLICK HERE for a recent tour of the south suburban course...

COURSE REVIEW - GLENCOE IS A CLASSIC PARKLAND WINNER - The par 72 course is a public golf oasis on the north shore, with a sparkling new clubhouse set to open in 2026.  CLICK HERE for my thoughts on why you should play GGC...

PHOTO TOUR - MILL CREEK - A challenging and unique layouts in the west suburbs, Mill Creek had gone through an extended closure but is operating at a high level now.  Always one of the more scenic courses with an abundance of wetlands, it provides a great value for local golfers.  CLICK HERE for a Photo Tour of the Roy Case design...

PHOTO TOUR - FOX BEND -One of the top value plays in the west suburbs, the Oswegoland Park District facility features an expansive practice area and soon to be updated bunkers to complement a really good layout.  CLICK HERE for a recent Photo Tour of a personal favorite...

 

LAKE SHORE DOUBLE PLAY - GOLFING GEMS AT THE ENDS OF THE WINDY CITY - The Chicago city limits is relatively barren when it comes to public golf courses, but there are two classic 9-hole layouts at either end of Lake Shore Drive that are worthy of the Windy City.  CLICK HERE for my day at Sydney Marovitz and South Shore

PHOTO TOUR - STONEWALL ORCHARD One of 2 Arthur Hills designs in the Windy City is a sprawling high-end challenge filled with scenic views.  CLICK HERE for the complete Photo Tour from a recent round at the Far North suburban layout...

1 MINUTE READ - COG HILL #2 The Ravines course at Cog Hill utilizes the dramatic topography to maximum effect and provides a less expensive (and challenging) option to Dubsdread.  CLICK HERE for my take on CH2...

PHOTO TOUR - MAKRAY - The upscale Barrington layout on Northwest Highway is known for the swift, undulating greens and is one of the more scenic tracks in the area.  CLICK HERE for the Photo Tour showing the course in all its glory...

1 MINUTE READ - CHAPEL HILL - Although it won't be on any lists of Chicagoland's best, Chapel Hill is a fun layout for the masses with decent conditions at one of the lowest price points in the Windy City.  CLICK HERE for the quick read on the McHenry County course...

PHOTO TOUR - WHITETAIL RIDGE - Located in the open spaces between Plainfield and Yorkville off Route 126, WTR has carved a niche as an upscale option in the far Southwest suburbs.  CLICK HERE to view the shot by shot tour...

   PHOTO TOUR - CHEVY CHASE - The near 100 year old course in north suburban Wheeling is loaded with history and 21st century updates have kept the traditional feel and improved the aesthetics.  CLICK HERE for the Photo Tour of the popular layout... 

1 MINUTE READ - ARLINGTON LAKES - The Arlington Heights Park District course is short on distance (5,432 yd par 68) but avoiding the ever-present water hazards and penal bunkers is a challenge.  CLICK HERE for the quick read on the northwest suburban layout...

PHOTO TOUR - OLD ORCHARD - Originally opened in 1932, Old Orchard has an old school feel with tree-lined fairways and smallish, well-guarded greens, but the 6,200 yd par 70 layout will require shot-making skill to score well.  CLICK HERE for the Photo Tour of the Prospect Heights PD course...

   

30 WINDY CITY COURSES I PLAN ON PLAYING IN 2024

At the start of every golf season, I make a list of which courses I want to visit, based on playing the ones I haven't and returning to the ones I've been away from for too long, so I can reinforce my self-appointed expert status on Windy City Public Golf.  CLICK HERE to see what courses you're likely to find me at this summer...

WCPGG 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

2023 continued the resurgence of golf in Chicagoland, and was a great year for me personally as I played more rounds than ever and carded my 1st hole-in-one.  CLICK HERE for the full story of my best moments from last season... 

HOW HARD IS IT TO GET A HOLE-IN-ONE? IT TOOK ME 53 YEARS AND WAS TOTALLY WORTH THE WAIT

I've been golfing since I was 13 years old but the Holy Grail for golfers, the Hole-In-One, had eluded me...until a 4th of July weekend round.  CLICK HERE for all the details of the special day and my love story with Chicagoland golf...

BANG FOR THE BUCK - THE TOP VALUE PLAYS IN CHICAGOLAND - The Windy City is loaded with top notch public golfing options, but what are the best values for your time and money?  CLICK HERE for my swing at the top value plays in the Windy City.

PHOTO TOUR - STEEPLE CHASE

Steeple Chase flies under the radar in a crowded north suburban golf scene, but the Ken Killian design should be included in the conversation of the best public courses in Chicagoland.  CLICK HERE to see why the Mundelein Park District course is worth the drive...

PHOTO TOUR - HARBORSIDE PORT

One of the 2 Dick Nugent gems on the shores of Lake Calumet is a perfect example of the midwest prairie links style with a hint of Scotland included.  CLICK HERE for the shot by shot recap of a top Chicagoland course in all it's native grass glory...

THE PROCESS - NAVIGATING THE COMPLEX MAZE OF BUYING NEW IRONS

Trying to find the right equipment for your game can be a confusing, frustrating experience.  CLICK HERE to read a comprehensive review of the process I used to buy a new set of irons...

WINDY CITY PUBLIC GOLFERS GUIDE INCLUDED IN LISTING OF TOP CHICAGO GOLF BLOGS AND WEBSITES

The WCPGG has been identified as one of the top golf websites in Chicagoland.  CLICK HERE for the complete list, as compiled by Feedspot...

SUB 70 - PREMIUM, CUSTOM, AFFORDABLE CLUBS IN THE SHADOW OF CHICAGOLAND

Sub 70 is located in Sycamore, just beyond the Windy City limits, and has made its mark in Direct-to-Consumer club sales in a very short period.  CLICK HERE for an overview of the Sub 70 story...

1 MINUTE READ - BONNIE DUNDEE

Bonnie Dundee dates back to 1924, but it took a late season visit for my 1st trip to the sporty course of the Dundee Township Park District.  CLICK HERE for the quick take of this fun Northwest suburb layout...

AN EPIC WESTERN GOLF ROAD TRIP - 5 STATES, 1,600 MILES, 5 GREAT COURSES IN 8 DAYS

On a recent drive from Las Vegas home to Chicago, I played 5 fantastic courses in 8 days, all ranked in the top 20 of Golf.com's Courses You Can Play for under $150.  CLICK HERE for the full recap of this amazing buddy golf adventure...

 

WELCOME BACK! NEW AND IMPROVED SETTLER'S HILL RETURNS AFTER GREG MARTIN UPDATE

The renovated Kane County Forest Preserve course reopened on August 5th and new greens, tees and bunkers and improved playability, plus a couple of cool new holes, could bring Settler's Hill to the next level in the Windy City golf scene.  CLICK HERE for all you need to know about the updated west suburban course...

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

Randall Oaks has been the cornerstone of the Dundee Park District since it opened in 1966, and the course has only gotten better with age. Click Here for all the details of a top Northwest suburban play...

COURSE SPOTLIGHT - HUNTLEY PARK DISTRICT WINS BIG WITH PINECREST   The Huntley Park District purchased Pinecrest Golf Club in 2003 and all indicationd are that it was a good investment.  Click Here to read the evolution of a Pinecrest from its opening in 1972 to today...

COURSE SPOTLIGHT - TRADITIONS ABOUND AT CHEVY CHASE CC  North Suburban Chevy Chase has a rich history dating back to the Roaring 20's, Prohibition and maybe even Al Capone, and beyond the classic clubhouse lies a very good traditional parkland golf course.  Click Here for the full story on Chevy Chase...

FEATURED STORIES

THE MOST EXPENSIVE COURSES IN THE WINDY CITY...AND THE BEST TIMES TO PLAY

The Windy City boasts hundreds of public courses, but a handful are able to command over or near triple digit green fees from local golfers.  Click Here for a list of those select few, with the best times to play at rates far below prime time that will fit into most golf budgets...

NO "GIMME'S" HERE...WINDY CITY AMATEUR TOURS OFFER COMPETITIVE GOLF FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS

Several Amateur Golf tours operate in the Windy City, largely below the radar of most area golfers.  Click Here for a detailed review of 5 organizations that offer tournament golf using the USGA rule book to players of all skill levels...

LET'S PLAY TWO! 36 HOLES OF GREAT, BUDGET FRIENDLY WINDY CITY GOLF

To borrow a famous phrase from a Chicago sports legend, playing 2 rounds of golf on a beautiful summer weekday in the Windy City is a great alternative to a day at work.  Click Here to view an updated and expanded list of 29 combinations of courses from all corners of Chicagoland, all for under $90 (carts included) and within a short drive (less than 30 minutes) of each other, with plenty of time for lunch in between... 

 

Course Directory

North   Near North   FarNorth   Northwest   FarNoWest

West       Near West     Far West  

South   Far South   Southwest   Far Southwest    

   

         

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

COURSE SPOTLIGHT - HUNTLEY PD WINS BIG WITH PINECREST

THE STAGE
Pinecrest Golf Club
11220 Algonquin Road
Huntley, IL 60142
847-669-3111

6,666 - 4,659 yds Par 72
72.3 / 128 - 63.8 / 108 Rating / Slope (M)
77.1 / 130 - 68.0 / 116 (W)
www.pinecresthuntley.com   
PINECREST PHOTO TOUR

THE STORY
In 1970, the Village of Huntley was a small (population 1,432) rural outpost 50 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, a pass through on Route 47 on the way to Lake Geneva.  It was under this scenario that Herb Jackisch transformed 130 acres of farmland on Algonquin Road into Pinecrest Golf Club in 1972.  His vision was interpreted by golf architect Ted Locke, a name not commonly linked to Windy City courses who did most of his work out west in Washington state and British Columbia.  Names more familiar to the local golf scene, Bob Lohmann and Dick Nugent, were also noted as having worked on Pinecrest in later years.

Fast forward to 2020.  Huntley is a thriving town which over 25,000 people call home, with the sprawling Sun City senior community putting Huntley firmly in the Chicagoland consciousness.  The Huntley Park District purchased the course in 2003 for $5.7 million, and a sparkling new clubhouse built in 2008 with a 200 guest capacity for banquets completed the Pinecrest campus.  Along with the Sun City based Whisper Creek, Pinecrest completes a dynamic duo of 2 fine courses located in the village.  

THE PLAY
The par 72 course stretches to a respectable 6,666 yards and is a true parkland layout with hundreds of deciduous hardwoods and evergreens framing most every fairway.  Each nine has the standard 2-5-2 pars 3,4,5 configuration, with the front 9 slightly longer.  Sixty three bunkers dot the landscape, with two dozen penalizing errant drives and the rest tightly protecting the greens.  A few holes feature forced carries over traps, the most prominent on hole #4, a short (502 yds) par 5 which features 2 large traps carved into the front of the elevated green.

The concept of easing into the round is not present in the Pinecrest routing, as 2 of the most difficult holes are served up at the start.  The 1st hole (#5 handicap) is a mid length (380 yard) par 4, with a semi blind tee shot over a ridge.  The 2nd shot requires a carry over the first of 5 ponds to a subtly elevated green.  The par five 2nd hole (#1 handicap), a monstrous 593 yards from the tips, has an intimidating drive as pond #2 covers the left half of the fairway. Option A is to aim right and land between the water and the woods, or muscle up and fly the water with Option B; either one requires a well executed shot to avoid a lost ball and a penalty stroke.  The next shot is up and over a hill, with an open view of the green and pond #3, which hugs the right side from 75 yards out to the putting surface. 

The water hazards come into play on about half the holes.  Pond #4 is a mere speck tucked between the left side of the 5th green and the par three 6th hole, in play to only severely misguided shots, but pond #5 is the focal point of the back nine.  The 11th hole is the longest of the four par 3's (203 yards) and is rated as the 2nd hardest hole on the IN side for good reason.  The water fronts the green and wraps around both sides, with one large trap each left and right of the putting surface.  The short, 340 yard par four 12th cuts back across the water with the irregular shaped pond flanking a narrow strip of fairway to safely land the tee shot.  The hardest par on the back nine, the 15th crosses the water for the last time on the 2nd shot to the elevated green of the 407 yard par 4.

Substantial par fives are featured on 2 of the last 3 holes.  #16 is 550 yards with a slight dogleg to the left and 6 fairway bunker providing obstacles on the way to the pushed up green.  The 18th is an excellent finish, as the 533 yards gradually bends to the right.  The placement of the second shot is key to get past the ever present woods on the right and have an unimpeded look at the heavily trapped green.

SHOW STOPPERS
I love short, well designed par threes, and the 8th hole fits well into that mold.  Only 116 yards, the tee shot crosses pond #1 next to the 1st hole, with three side hill sand traps between the water hazard and the rolling green.  The previous hole, #7, is my favorite par 4, 413 yards long with a gradual incline to the hole.  But the par 5's are the stars here, all well designed, challenging and memorable to varying degrees, and the 18th is a big finish to the end of the round.

THE EXTRAS
Pinecrest is nicely appointed with the perks that lead to a positive experience.  The driving range is ideally located between the 1st tee and the 10th fairway, a perfect place to warm up before the round.  The friendly staff in the halfway house welcomes a quick stop to grab a hot dog on the way to the 10th tee, and the clubhouse is a great place to enjoy a beer and a bite to eat after the round, with the outdoor patio providing a great view looking back over the 18th green and fairway.  

THE TICKET
For what it has to offer, Pinecrest is a high value play in the far Northwest burbs. Published rates for 2020 top out at $59 with a cart on weekend mornings, and walking is allowed after 11 am for a $15 savings at a very walkable track. Early twilight at 2 pm is $42 walking / $50 riding.  

Monday-Friday rates are $44 w/cart ($29 walking), dropping to $24 walk /34 ride at 2 pm. A Senior rate for age 50+ will save a modest $3 off weekday rates, and Huntley Park District residents get a $4 discount at all times.  Pinecrest lures Junior golfers (17 and

Under) with an 18 hole walking rate of $18 M-F and after Noon on weekends. Nothing but golfer friendly rates here.

CRITICS CHOICE
I play 30+ different courses in the Windy City each year, and if I lived closer than the 60 miles from my home in Lemont, I would likely visit Pinecrest on a regular basis. The website states that Pinecrest has "some of the best greens in the state", a lofty statement but the putting surfaces are uniformly fast and smooth.  The course conditions in general, including tees, fairways and

sand traps, have always been good or better on the several visits I've made over the years, exceeding expectations at the modest price points offered.  

The layout may not have the topographical dynamics or upscale flourishes of the highest regarded Windy City courses, but it is solid in every way, a fun and entertaining play that has plenty of challenge for all skill levels at a very reasonable cost.  The rating on Golf Advisor for Pinecrest is a respectable 4.0 out of 5, and the near 90% Recommended Rate and high annual volume is a testament to its popularity.  My guess is the Huntley Park District is quite pleased with the investment made in Pinecrest GC.

WCPGG RATING

Layout (20%) - 7.5
Playability (20%) - 8
Conditioning (15%) - 8
Aesthetics (15%) - 7
Amenities (10%) - 8
Value (20%) - 8.5

Total Rating - 78.5