Illinois boasts a rich tapestry of golf courses, each offering a unique blend of challenge and beauty that caters to golfers of all skill levels. From the rolling farmlands to the undulating terrains, these courses provide an exceptional golfing experience. This article highlights the top 5 golf courses in Illinois, showcasing their pristine conditions, excellent amenities, and the accolades that distinguish them as some of the best places to play in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Annbriar Golf Course is renowned for its rolling farmland and native wild grasses, offering a links-style front nine and a challenging undulating back nine.
- Butler National Golf Club is celebrated for its superior course layout and conditions, and it’s consistently recognized as one of the best in the state.
- Chicago Highlands Club provides top-notch amenities and has been praised for its course layout, friendliness, and off-course facilities.
- Mistwood Golf Course is esteemed for its excellent practice areas, locker rooms, and course condition, making it a favorite among Illinois golfers.
- The Links at Carillon is a public course known for its high ratings and the value it offers to golfers looking for a premium experience.
1. Annbriar Golf Course
Nestled in the heart of Monroe County, Annbriar Golf Course stands out as a gem for golf enthusiasts. Open to the public since 1993, this course offers a blend of scenic beauty and challenging play that caters to all skill levels.
With its well-maintained Bent Grass greens and Zoysia Grass fairways, Annbriar provides an exceptional golfing experience. The friendly staff and excellent pace of play ensure a round here is both enjoyable and memorable.
Here are some key details about the course:
| Tee | Par | Length (yards) | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 72 | 6863 | 72.8 | 136 |
| Blue | 72 | 6517 | 70.9 | 129 |
| White | 72 | 5946 | 68.1 | 123 |
| Green | 72 | 5446 | 64.1 | 112 |
| Green (W) | 72 | 5446 | 70.6 | 118 |
| Red (W) | 72 | 4792 | 66.4 | 110 |
Annbriar’s layout, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, is both inviting and demanding, making it a must-visit destination for golfers looking to explore top golf courses not only in Illinois but also akin to those in Chicago, Sacramento, New York, South Carolina, and worldwide.
2. Butler National Golf Club
Butler National Golf Club, located in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a private golf haven that consistently ranks high among the elite courses in the state. With its challenging layout and pristine conditions, it has earned a reputation as a golfer’s paradise.
The club boasts a variety of amenities that cater to every golfer’s needs. From the well-appointed clubhouse to the comprehensive practice facilities, Butler National is equipped to offer a complete golfing experience. The course itself is a testament to golf architecture, with bent grass fairways and greens that provide a superior playing surface throughout the golf season.
Butler National’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous accolades. It has been a fixture in Golf Advisor’s Top Courses in Illinois, maintaining a top position year after year.
For those looking to indulge in a post-round meal or celebrate a successful game, the club’s dining options include a bar and restaurant, ensuring a satisfying end to your day on the links.
3. Chicago Highlands Club
The Chicago Highlands Club stands out as a premier golfing destination in Illinois, boasting a variety of amenities and accolades that make it a favorite among golf enthusiasts. With a contact number of (708) 449-3434, the club is easily accessible for inquiries and reservations.
The course layout and off-course amenities at Chicago Highlands Club have consistently placed it at the top of golfers’ lists, reflecting its commitment to excellence.
Here are some of the key accolades received by the club:
- Golf Advisor: Top Courses in Illinois (2023 #1)
- Golf Advisor: Golfers’ Choice (2023 #2)
- Golf Advisor: Top 25 Off-course amenities in the U.S. (2023 #3)
- Golf Advisor: Top 25 Friendliest Courses in the U.S. (2023 #15)
- Golf Advisor: Top 25 Course Conditions in the U.S. (2023 #8)
The club’s facilities include a well-appointed clubhouse, banquet facilities, and locker rooms, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious experience for all visitors. The on-site bar and grill offer refreshments and dining options to complement a day on the course. With a rating of 4.8 based on 196 reviews, the Chicago Highlands Club is not just a golf course but a full-fledged golfing experience.
4. Mistwood Golf Course
Mistwood Golf Course offers a blend of challenge and beauty that captivates golfers of all skill levels. With a publicly accessible 18-hole layout, the course stretches over 6863 yards and boasts a slope rating of 136, making it a test for even the most seasoned players.
Golfers consistently praise Mistwood for its excellent conditions and value. The course’s amenities and staff friendliness also receive high marks, contributing to a golfing experience that is both enjoyable and memorable. Here’s a snapshot of what golfers are saying:
- Conditions: Good to Excellent
- Value: Excellent
- Layout: Good to Excellent
- Pace: Fair to Poor
- Amenities: Average to Excellent
- Staff Friendliness: Excellent
- Difficulty: Somewhat Challenging to Moderate
Mistwood is not just about the golf; it’s about the entire experience. From the moment you arrive, the staff ensures your visit is top-notch, and the course challenges you while providing a stunning backdrop for your game.
The course’s popularity is evident, with a staggering 99.2% of reviewers recommending Mistwood to other golfers. Whether it’s the perfect weather or the windy days, players leave with a sense of satisfaction and the desire to return.
5. The Links at Carillon
The Links at Carillon in Plainfield, Illinois, is a public golf course known for its excellent conditions and layout. With a consistent rating of 4.4 out of 5, it’s clear that golfers appreciate the well-maintained greens and the challenging yet fair course design.
The Links at Carillon not only offers a superb golfing experience but also boasts a range of amenities. The clubhouse and practice area, complete with free balls, ensure a comfortable and convenient visit for all golfers.
Food and beverage options include a bar, snacks, and a restaurant, catering to all your needs before or after your round. The available facilities such as the clubhouse, meeting facilities, and banquet facilities make it an ideal location for events and gatherings.
Illinois offers top public golf courses like Cog Hill and Medinah #3, providing diverse challenges and experiences for golfers of all levels. Facilities and amenities enhance the golfing experience.
Conclusion
Exploring the top golf courses in Illinois offers a journey through some of the most beautifully designed and well-maintained greens in the country. From the rolling farmlands and native grasses of Annbriar Golf Course to the prestigious accolades of clubs recognized by Golf Advisor and GolfWeek, Illinois presents a diverse array of golfing experiences. Whether you’re an intermediate player looking to challenge yourself on a new course or an advanced golfer seeking the best amenities and course conditions, the state’s top courses provide exceptional value, friendly service, and layouts that cater to all skill levels. As we wrap up our tour of Illinois’ finest, it’s clear that these courses are not just about the game but also about the overall experience, including excellent practice areas, clubhouses, and dining facilities. The consistent praise from golfers who recommend these courses is a testament to their enduring appeal and the high-quality golfing adventures they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Annbriar Golf Course one of the top courses in Illinois?
Annbriar Golf Course is celebrated for its beautiful layout on rolling farmland with native wild grasses, wide fairways, challenging back nine, and excellent course conditions, making it a favorite among golfers.
What amenities can I expect at Butler National Golf Club?
Butler National Golf Club offers top-notch practice areas, locker rooms, and a clubhouse. The course is known for its excellent layout and conditions, providing an A+ golfing experience.
What accolades has Chicago Highlands Club received?
Chicago Highlands Club has earned several accolades, including being ranked as the top course in Illinois by Golf Advisor in 2023, and recognition for its off-course amenities and friendliness.
How is Mistwood Golf Course rated by golfers?
Mistwood Golf Course has received a high rating of 4.585 out of 5 from golfers, indicating exceptional quality and a highly enjoyable golfing experience.
What is unique about The Links at Carillon?
The Links at Carillon is known for its distinctive layout and has been rated 4.425 out of 5 by golfers, showcasing its popularity and quality as a public golf course.
Can I find food and beverage options at these golf courses?
Yes, all of the top golf courses in Illinois offer food and beverage options, ranging from bars and grills to full-service restaurants, ensuring golfers have access to refreshments during their visit.