Comprehensive directory of championship, public, private and resort golf courses across Illinois, featuring PGA Tour venues, Chicago area courses, and hidden gems throughout the Prairie State.
Illinois ranks as one of America's premier golf destinations, with over 500 golf courses spanning from the bustling Chicago metropolitan area to the rolling hills of Galena and the farmlands of central and southern Illinois. The state's rich golf heritage dates back to 1892 when Chicago Golf Club became the first 18-hole course in North America.
The Chicago area alone boasts 200+ golf courses, including seven ranked among America's 100 Greatest Courses. Illinois has hosted numerous major championships, including U.S. Opens at Medinah and Olympia Fields, PGA Championships, and the annual John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour. The state offers everything from exclusive private clubs to affordable municipal courses, championship resort layouts to family-friendly par 3 facilities.
Golf Digest once proclaimed Rockford "the best mid-sized golf city in the United States," highlighting the depth and quality of golf opportunities beyond the Chicago area. Whether you're seeking championship-caliber challenges, scenic resort golf, or budget-friendly public courses, Illinois delivers exceptional golf experiences year-round.
Illinois has hosted some of golf's most prestigious tournaments at these championship venues:
📍 Medinah
One of America's most prestigious clubs, Medinah's Course No. 3 has hosted two U.S. Opens (1949, 1990), three PGA Championships (1999, 2006, 2019), and numerous Western Opens. The challenging layout features tree-lined fairways and demanding greens. The club also operates Course No. 1 and No. 2.
📍 Silvis
Since 2000, TPC Deere Run has hosted the annual John Deere Classic PGA Tour event. Ranked #42 among Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses, this D.A. Weibring and Steve Wolfard design features dramatic elevation changes and strategic bunkering. Open to public play when tournaments aren't scheduled.
📍 Olympia Fields
Historic venue that hosted the 2003 U.S. Open won by Jim Furyk. The North Course has also hosted two U.S. Amateur Championships and a PGA Championship. The club features two 18-hole courses with classic parkland design amid mature trees.
📍 Lake Forest
Tom Fazio-designed private club that has hosted multiple BMW Championships, part of the PGA Tour's FedExCup Playoffs. Built in 1991, this exclusive facility features immaculate conditioning and strategic design challenges. Private membership only.
📍 Lemont
Course #4 "Dubsdread" hosted the Western Open and BMW Championships from 2009-2011. Ranked among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses and #1 in Illinois by Golfweek. The facility offers four 18-hole courses total, making it one of the largest public golf complexes in the country.
📍 Wheaton
Founded in 1892, this is the first 18-hole golf course in North America and a founding member of the USGA. Consistently ranked among America's top courses, Chicago Golf Club hosted the 1897 U.S. Open (the third ever played) and numerous U.S. Amateur Championships. Extremely exclusive private membership.
The Chicago area is home to over 200 golf courses, from municipal facilities to exclusive private clubs. Here's a comprehensive breakdown by county and suburb:
DuPage County is home to more than 50 golf courses, making it one of America's top golfing destinations.
Illinois forest preserve districts operate affordable public courses in natural settings throughout the state.
Affordable public golf operated by city park districts throughout Illinois.
Illinois is home to some of America's most exclusive and historic private golf clubs.
Stay and play packages at Illinois premier golf resort destinations.
📍 Galena
Illinois' premier golf resort featuring four championship courses (63 holes total) set in rolling hills with views of three states. Located 150 miles west of Chicago in The Galena Territory.
The Four Courses:
📍 Bloomingdale
Full-service resort featuring two 18-hole championship courses in the northwest suburbs. Sirocco Course and Iroquois Course offer different challenges. Resort amenities include hotel, spa, and dining.
📍 Itasca
Chicago area resort with championship golf course, full-service spa, and conference facilities. Convenient location near O'Hare Airport makes it popular for business golf outings.
📍 St. Charles
Multi-amenity resort featuring golf, dining, entertainment, and lodging. The golf course offers scenic play along the Fox River valley. Popular for weekend golf getaways.
Perfect for beginners, practice rounds, or quick 9-hole outings. Illinois has 50+ par 3 and executive courses statewide.
Typical Price Ranges (18 holes with cart):
Tip: Senior rates (60+) typically save $10-15. Twilight rates after 3pm often 30-40% off.
Outdoor Season: April through November (weather permitting)
Peak Season: May-September (book 7-14 days ahead)
Year-Round Courses:
Winter Golf: 105 indoor facilities including simulators, heated driving ranges, and golf domes throughout Chicagoland.
Online Booking Platforms:
Best Rates: Book directly through course websites. Walk-up rates typically higher than online.
Chicago Area Courses:
Outlying Areas: All courses provide free parking. Allow extra travel time to Galena (3+ hours from Chicago) and Rockford (90 minutes).
Most modern public courses offer:
Best for Beginners & Kids:
Best Scenic Courses:
Standard Amenities: Most public courses offer pro shop, practice range, putting green, snack bar, club rentals, pull carts.
The largest regional golf association in America, serving Chicago area golfers with handicap services, tournaments, and junior programs.
Regional association serving golfers in southern Illinois counties.
Based in Illinois, promotes amateur golf and operates Evans Scholars Foundation.
Professional Golfers' Association section serving Illinois golf professionals, with tournaments and professional development programs.
Organizes amateur tournaments and championships for men throughout northern Illinois.
Premier junior golf organization, hosting tournaments and development programs for young golfers across Illinois.
Annual junior golf tournament series based in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, providing competitive opportunities for youth golfers.
Headquartered in Illinois, promotes women's golf through championships, junior programs, and the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship program.
Illinois offers several world-class public golf courses. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club's Dubsdread in Lemont ranks #1 in Illinois and among America's top 100 public courses. The course hosted the BMW Championship and features challenging length at 7,000+ yards.
TPC Deere Run in Silvis ranks #42 nationally and hosts the annual John Deere Classic PGA Tour event. Other top public options include The Glen Club (Glenview, Tom Fazio design), Harborside International (Chicago, links-style with city views), Cantigny Golf (Wheaton, 27 holes), and Mistwood Golf Club (Romeoville, upscale daily fee).
For the best value, consider George W. Dunne National (Oak Forest Forest Preserve, Golf Digest acclaim), Thunderhawk (Beach Park, Robert Trent Jones Jr.), or Aldeen Golf Club (Rockford area).
Green fees vary widely based on course quality and location. Budget municipal courses charge $25-35 for 18 holes with cart, including many Chicago Park District and forest preserve courses. Standard public courses range $40-65, while premium public courses cost $65-95.
Championship courses like Cog Hill Dubsdread and TPC Deere Run charge $95-200+ depending on season and day of week. Private clubs require membership, with initiation fees ranging from $5,000 to $100,000+ at exclusive clubs like Chicago Golf Club or Medinah.
Money-saving tips: Book twilight rates after 3pm for 30-40% discounts. Seniors (60+) save $10-20 per round. Purchase the Cook County Forest Preserve Player's Advantage Card ($15) for ongoing discounts. Book online for best rates rather than walk-up.
The outdoor golf season in Illinois typically runs from April through November, weather permitting. Peak season is May through September when courses are in prime condition and tee times fill quickly.
Early season (April-May): Courses reopen but conditions vary. Expect softer fairways and occasional closures due to rain. Rates are typically lower.
Peak season (June-August): Best conditions, highest rates, busiest tee times. Book 7-14 days in advance for weekend times.
Fall golf (September-October): Excellent conditions with lower rates and beautiful foliage. Many consider this the best time to play in Illinois.
Year-round options: The University of Illinois Golf Course (Blue Course) in Savoy remains open all year. Chicago has 105 winter golf options including indoor simulators, heated driving ranges (Diversey, Cog Hill Toptracer), and golf domes.
Illinois has a rich PGA Tour history with several current and former tournament venues:
Current PGA Tour Venue:
Recent BMW Championship Hosts:
Major Championship Venues:
Butler National (Oak Brook) also hosted the Western Open through the 1980s and 1990s.
Online Booking (Best Rates): Most Illinois courses offer online booking with the lowest rates. Major platforms include GolfNow.com (largest selection, Hot Deals, rewards), TeeOff.com (no booking fees, 50% savings), and course-specific websites.
Specialized Systems:
Advance Booking Windows: Most public courses allow 7-14 day advance booking. Forest Preserve and municipal courses often extend to 30 days for residents. Championship courses like Cog Hill may book weeks or months ahead during peak season.
Walk-Up/Phone Booking: Available but typically charges higher rates than online. Call courses directly for same-day availability or weather-related openings.
The Chicago area has 200+ courses within an hour of downtown. Top public options accessible from the city:
Championship Public (Worth the Drive):
Chicago Proper (In the City):
Near Suburbs (30 minutes): Seven Bridges (Woodridge), Arrowhead (Wheaton), Village Links (Glen Ellyn), Thunderhawk (Beach Park), Stonewall Orchard (Grayslake).
Seven Chicago-area courses rank among America's 100 Greatest including Chicago Golf Club, Shoreacres, and Medinah (all private).
Illinois has excellent options for beginners and families learning golf:
Par 3 Courses (50+ Statewide): Perfect for beginners, these 9-hole layouts feature holes under 200 yards. Rounds take 1.5-2 hours. Examples include Anetsberger (Northbrook), Twin Lakes (Palatine), Weber Park (Skokie), Walnut Greens (Schaumburg), and Green Meadows (Westmont).
Executive Courses: Shorter layouts with mix of par 3s and 4s. Try Kellogg Executive 9 (Peoria), Links & Tees (Addison), or White Mountain Golf Park (Tinley Park).
9-Hole Forest Preserve Courses: Less crowded with relaxed pace. Cook County operates seven 9-hole courses including Billy Caldwell, Edgebrook, and Indian Boundary - all beginner-friendly with affordable rates.
Municipal Courses with Forward Tees: Chicago Park District courses and many municipal facilities offer forward tees (5,000-5,500 yards) suitable for beginners. Jackson Park, Columbus Park, and Naperbrook are particularly welcoming.
Junior Programs: Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA) and Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) offer youth clinics and beginner programs at courses statewide.
Chicago Golf Club (Wheaton) holds the distinction as Illinois' most exclusive and historic club. Founded in 1892, it's the first 18-hole golf course in North America and a founding member of the USGA. The club hosted the 1897 U.S. Open (third ever played) and numerous U.S. Amateur Championships. Chicago Golf Club ranks among America's top 20 courses and remains intensely private with membership by invitation only.
Other Elite Illinois Clubs:
These clubs feature initiation fees of $50,000-$150,000+ with annual dues of $15,000-$30,000. Membership is by invitation only after lengthy vetting process.
Illinois offers excellent golf throughout the state beyond Chicago:
Rockford Area (90 minutes NW): Golf Digest named Rockford "best mid-sized golf city in America." Play Aldeen Golf Club (championship), Timber Pointe (top-ranked), and three Winnebago County Forest Preserve courses (Atwood, Macktown, The Ledges).
Galena (150 miles NW): Home to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa with four championship courses (63 holes total). The General course ranks among top 100 nationally with 250 feet of elevation and views of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Quad Cities (165 miles W): TPC Deere Run in Silvis hosts the John Deere Classic PGA Tour event and ranks #42 among America's public courses.
Peoria Area (160 miles SW): 26 courses including Weaver Ridge (4.5 stars Golf Digest), Lick Creek (4 stars), and multiple Peoria Park District courses.
Champaign-Urbana (135 miles S): University of Illinois Golf Course (year-round play), plus several public options.
Southern Illinois: Hickory Ridge (Carbondale, 137 slope) and Kokopelli (Marion, 7,003 yards on former coal mine).
While most outdoor courses close November through March, Illinois golfers have year-round options:
Year-Round Outdoor Course: The University of Illinois Golf Course (Blue Course) in Savoy remains open all year, weather permitting. This is one of the few outdoor courses in Illinois that doesn't close for winter.
Winter Golf Facilities (105 in Chicagoland):
Reopening: Most courses reopen in April, though exact timing depends on ground conditions and weather. Southern Illinois courses typically open 2-3 weeks earlier than Chicago area courses.
Major golf retail chains serving Illinois golfers:
USA Golf: USA Golf Sites - Associations, Education, Juniors, News, Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf
Last updated on November 24, 2025