On Golf Digest’s 2017 rundown of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, the state of Illinois had a very respectable seven entries, including one in the top 15, which is also believed to be America’s first 18-hole golf course. With a mix of members’ clubs and public courses, these are 13 of Illinois’ most beautiful, historic, and challenging courses. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont
Public
Containing one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is 30 miles southwest of Chicago and actually boasts four separate courses (course No.4 being the one to make the list). Course No.4 has long been nicknamed “Dubsdread,” derived from the idea that a “dub,” or poor golfer, should beware.
Chicago Golf Club, Wheaton
Private
Believed to be the oldest 18-hole golf course in North America, Chicago Golf Club was created by C.B. Macdonald in 1894, becoming one of the five founding clubs of the United States Golf Association. It was remodeled in 1923, but it remains a historic and timeless course. Golf Digest ranked it the 14th best in the country in 2017.
Butler National Golf Club, Oak Brook
Private
Butler National was designed by former tour player George Fazio to be a championship course, and it hosted the Western Open tournament from its opening in 1974 until 1990. It has been ranked as high as 21st in the country.
The Glen Club, Glenview
Public
Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, golfing at The Glen Club is a picturesque and spectacular experience. Across 75 acres of prairie grass, its 18 holes offer dramatic elevation changes, tricky terrain, and flowing streams and lakes to avoid.
Course Three at Medinah Country Club, Medinah
Private
Northwest of Chicago, Medinah Country Club proudly says of its Course Three that, “even the best players in the world find this course demanding.” It has hosted three Western Opens, three U.S. Opens, two P.G.A. Championships and the 2012 Ryder Cup.
T.P.C. Deere Run, Silvis
Public
Alongside the Rock River on the Iowa border, the T.P.C. Deere Run course promises, “a true test of shot-making skill.” Host of the John Deere Classic, the only P.G.A. Tour event in the region, it’s a course that’s been enjoyed by, and challenged, some of golf’s greatest players. Tee times can be booked online, with discounts available for those willing to book early.
Canyata Golf Club, Marshall
Private
Initially conceived as a three-hole golf course on a section of a family farm near the Indiana border, Canyata Golf Club has wide bent grass fairways, excellent bunkering and large undulating greens. Chances of playing the course are slim though, as membership is restricted to those invited to join by owner Gerald Forsythe.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Galena
Public
Near Galena in northwest Illinois, the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa has four championship golf courses. The North Course was completed in 1977, followed by the South in 1984, East in 1991 and finally The General, the centerpiece course and undoubtedly one of the best public golf courses in Illinois, in 1997.
Shoreacres, Lake Bluff
Private
Designed by legendary golf course architect Seth Raynor in 1919, Shoreacres uses the interesting topography of its lakeside location to make for an exciting round of golf. Ravines, plateaus, and creeks all become part of the challenge. Enjoy beautiful lake views from the clubhouse after.
Orchard Valley, Aurora
Public
Consistently ranked among the best in the Chicagoland area, the 18-hole, 6,800-yard, par-72 course at Orchard Valley caters for all skill levels. They even have GolfBoards, a mix between a golf cart and skateboard, surely the coolest way to get from one hole to the next.
North Course at Olympia Fields Country Club, Olympia Fields
Private
The famed North Course at Olympia Fields has hosted many top level tournaments, including the 1961 P.G.A. Championship and the 2003 U.S. Open, and will host the 2017 K.P.M.G. Women’s P.G.A. Championship. It’s a famously demanding and challenging course, with bunkers, water hazards, or trees to watch out for.
Thunderhawk Golf Club, Beach Park
Sports Center, Public
In Beach Park near the Wisconsin border, the awesomely-named Thunderhawk Golf Club is a relatively new course, only opening in 1999. But it was designed by noted golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., and in its short existence it’s been praised by Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf Magazine. It offers a good balance between playability and challenges.
WeaverRidge Golf Club, Peoria
Public
The course at WeaverRidge Golf Club in Peoria in central Illinois was laid out by famed golf architect partners Hurdzan-Fry, offering generous fairways and large greens for a well-rounded overall experience. It has been named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Play by Golf Digest. Tee times can be arranged up to two weeks in advance.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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