Places to golf in
Lake County ILLINOIS
Lake County, Illinois, is a golfer’s paradise, offering a wide variety of golf courses that cater to different skill levels and preferences. Whether you’re an experienced golfer looking for a challenging course or a beginner seeking a more relaxed game, Lake County has plenty of options to choose from. With its beautiful landscapes, well-maintained greens, and a mix of public and private courses, this area is perfect for a day on the links. Here are some of the best places to golf in Lake County.
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1. ThunderHawk Golf Club - Beach Park
ThunderHawk Golf Club is a premier public course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. This 18-hole championship course is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush fairways, serene wetlands, and strategic bunkers. It has been recognized as one of the best public golf courses in Illinois, offering a challenging but rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. The course is also certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Highlights:
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Par 72 course with diverse and challenging holes
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Practice facility with driving range, putting green, and chipping area
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Clubhouse with a pro shop and dining options
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2. Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course - Zion
Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course is another excellent public course in Lake County. Designed by Keith Foster, this Scottish links-style course offers wide fairways, deep bunkers, and large, undulating greens. The natural prairie setting provides a peaceful and scenic backdrop, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a leisurely round of golf. The course is known for being well-maintained, and it provides a good test for both beginners and seasoned golfers.
Highlights:
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Par 71 layout with a mix of open and narrow fairways
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Practice area with a driving range and putting green
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Affordable green fees and a welcoming atmosphere
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3. Pine Meadow Golf Club - Mundelein
Pine Meadow Golf Club is often regarded as one of the best golf courses in the Chicago area. This public course is set on a rolling terrain with mature trees, water hazards, and well-manicured greens. Designed by Joe Lee and Rocky Roquemore, Pine Meadow provides a classic golf experience that can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. The course layout is challenging yet fair, with multiple tee boxes to accommodate players of varying skill levels.
Highlights:
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Par 72 course with a beautiful natural setting
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Comprehensive practice facilities, including a driving range and short game area
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Golf lessons available for players looking to improve their skills
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4. Stonewall Orchard Golf Club - Grayslake
Designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills, Stonewall Orchard Golf Club is a stunning course that winds through oak and pine forests, wetlands, and rolling meadows. This public course has hosted numerous tournaments and is known for its strategic layout that challenges golfers to use all the clubs in their bag. The natural beauty of the course, along with its well-kept fairways and greens, makes it a favorite among local golfers.
Highlights:
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Par 72 course with a variety of holes and scenic views
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Full-service pro shop and driving range
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On-site dining options for a post-round meal
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5. Countryside Golf Club - Mundelein
Countryside Golf Club offers two distinct 18-hole courses: the Prairie and the Traditional. The Prairie course is a links-style layout with open fairways and natural grasslands, while the Traditional course features tree-lined fairways and more water hazards. This variety makes Countryside a great destination for golfers who want to experience different styles of play in one location. Both courses are well-maintained and provide a fun, enjoyable round for golfers of all levels.
Highlights:
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Two 18-hole courses to choose from
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Practice facilities including a driving range and putting green
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Friendly staff and affordable rates
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6. Deerpath Golf Course - Lake Forest
Located near Lake Michigan, Deerpath Golf Course is a classic 18-hole course that has been a part of the community since 1926. The course is relatively flat, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more relaxed game without too much elevation change. Deerpath is known for its beautiful tree-lined fairways and well-groomed greens, and it offers a peaceful setting that attracts golfers looking for a pleasant day out on the course.
Highlights:
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Par 70 course with a relaxed, traditional design
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Practice facilities with driving range, chipping, and putting areas
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Junior golf programs and lessons available
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Lake County, Illinois, offers a diverse selection of golf courses, each with its own unique features and challenges. Whether you’re looking for a championship-level course like ThunderHawk or a more laid-back round at Deerpath, there’s something for everyone. So grab your clubs, book a tee time, and get ready to enjoy some of the best golf courses in the area. With stunning landscapes, well-designed layouts, and friendly atmospheres, golfing in Lake County is an experience you won’t want to miss.