Top 5 Best Golf Courses in Chicagoland: Chicago’s Greatest

Introduction: Teeing Off in a Golfing Mecca

Chicagoland, a region often celebrated for its vibrant urban landscape and rich cultural heritage, also holds an unexpected and distinguished status as a premier golf destination. Its expansive terrain is home to a remarkable collection of golf courses where storied fairways meet architectural brilliance, creating an aspirational environment for golf enthusiasts. The designation of “best” in Chicagoland golf typically refers to a confluence of historical significance, groundbreaking architectural design, and a consistent legacy of hosting major championships. These elements collectively establish the criteria for the esteemed courses featured in this guide.

It is important to acknowledge at the outset that the very top tier of Chicagoland golf is predominantly defined by exclusive private clubs. Access to these hallowed grounds is often a privilege, reserved for members and their invited guests, rather than a public right. This characteristic shapes the landscape of elite golf in the area. However, it is also observed that while the highest echelons of golf in Chicagoland are dominated by these private institutions, the region concurrently boasts an impressive array of highly-rated public courses. This indicates that the concept of “best” within Chicagoland’s golf scene possesses two distinct dimensions: the aspirational, exclusive private clubs that embody historical and architectural excellence, and the highly accessible, high-quality public courses that offer exceptional experiences to the broader golfing community. A truly comprehensive assessment of the region’s top golf experiences must therefore cater to both, providing actionable information for a diverse audience.  

The Elite Five: Unveiling Chicagoland’s Premier Golf Experiences

This section details the five most prestigious and historically significant private golf clubs in the Chicagoland area, consistently ranked at the very top by authoritative sources such as Golf Digest and Top100GolfCourses.com.

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This table serves as an immediate, concise summary of critical information for each of the top five courses. By presenting key attributes such as designer, location, and tournament history side-by-side, it facilitates effortless comparison, helping readers understand the unique selling points of each course at a glance. A well-structured data table also lends credibility and an authoritative tone to the report, reinforcing its expert nature.

1. Chicago Golf Club: Where American Golf History Was Forged

Located in Wheaton, Illinois , Chicago Golf Club is more than just a golf course; it is a foundational pillar of American golf history. Founded in 1892, it proudly holds the distinction of being the first 18-hole course in the United States. Its visionary founder, Charles Blair Macdonald, widely recognized as the “Father of American Golf Architecture,” meticulously modeled its original design after the venerable Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. The course’s current layout is largely a testament to Macdonald’s protégé, Seth Raynor, who renovated the course in 1921 and incorporated his signature “template holes” such as the Redan and Biarritz, showcasing a timeless architectural philosophy.  

The club’s pioneering spirit extended beyond design to course maintenance. It was the first to utilize bent grass on its greens and implemented an advanced irrigation system as early as 1897, capable of pumping up to 100,000 gallons of water daily to its 18 greens. Its historical significance is further cemented by its unique achievement of hosting both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open in the same week in 1897. The explicit identification of Chicago Golf Club as the “country’s first 18-hole course” and its founder, C.B. Macdonald, as the “Father of American Golf Architecture” highlights that the very principles and templates for American golf course design were conceived, tested, and refined here. This implies a direct lineage from this club to countless others across the nation. Playing or even studying Chicago Golf Club offers an immersive experience in the foundational theories and practices that shaped the sport’s architectural landscape in the U.S. Its “best” status is not merely about its current condition but its profound, lasting impact on the evolution of golf course design, making it a pilgrimage site for architectural purists. This club remains intensely private and exclusive , embodying a deep respect for its rich heritage and a commitment to preserving a traditional golf experience for its esteemed members.  

2. Shoreacres: A Raynor Masterpiece on Lake Michigan’s Bluffs

Situated in Lake Bluff, Illinois , Shoreacres is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic golf course architecture. Designed by the legendary Seth Raynor in 1921, this course offers an “old school” golf experience that transports players back to the golden era of the 1920s. It is celebrated for its intimate feel and the masterful execution of classic Raynor template holes, including the Biarritz, Road, and Redan, which were meticulously restored to their original glory by Tom Doak’s firm in 1993. Although the course itself is inland with no direct lake views, its tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers, meandering creek, and sloping greens demand precision and strategic shot-making over sheer length.  

A defining characteristic of Shoreacres is its unwavering adherence to tradition: technology like cell phones, GPS devices, and range finders are prohibited on the course, and crucially, carts are not allowed; all players are required to walk with a caddie. This commitment to a pure, unadulterated golf experience is exceedingly rare and highly cherished by purists. Shoreacres is an intensely private club, maintaining a very limited membership of only 125, which underscores its exclusivity and the unique privilege of playing its historic fairways. While one online forum comment might suggest Shoreacres as a general recommendation, the overwhelming and consistent evidence from official rankings and club descriptions explicitly and consistently classifies Shoreacres as private. This highlights the importance of cross-referencing information and prioritizing definitive sources for accurate classification. For the discerning golfer, this reinforces the aspirational nature of this club, as access to Shoreacres is exceptionally restricted, making it a truly coveted experience.  

3. Butler National Golf Club: The Ultimate Championship Test

Located in Oak Brook, Illinois , Butler National Golf Club was established in 1972 by the affluent entrepreneur Paul Butler. This private, men-only club was meticulously designed by the renowned father-and-son architectural team, George and Tom Fazio. Butler National is consistently ranked among America’s “Top 100” golf courses by Golf Digest, and in 2012, it was notably rated the nation’s 11th-toughest course and the No. 1 in Illinois. The Fazio design is celebrated for its penal nature, demanding solid shot-making, and generously rewarding precise positioning and shot shaping. The course is characterized by its relatively flat, tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers (approximately 40), and frequent water hazards, making it a formidable and strategic challenge.  

Butler National boasts a distinguished championship legacy, having served as the esteemed host of the PGA Tour’s Western Open from 1974 to 1990. During this era, it attracted golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Hale Irwin, solidifying its reputation as a true test for the world’s best. A defining and often-discussed feature of Butler National is its strict men-only membership policy, which was overwhelmingly reaffirmed by its members in 2012. While this policy underscores its unique identity and commitment to its founding principles, it notably led to the club losing its opportunity to host future major tournaments. The club’s choice to maintain its policy, despite the loss of major tournament hosting, presents a compelling illustration of the tension between deeply held club traditions and the evolving demands of modern professional golf and societal norms. This demonstrates that for some elite private clubs, “best” is defined not solely by course design or pristine conditions, but by an unwavering commitment to a specific culture, history, and membership criteria, even if it means sacrificing broader public recognition or the prestige of hosting major events.  

4. Medinah Country Club (Course No. 3): A Stage for Golf’s Greatest Moments

Located in Medinah, Illinois , Medinah Country Club was founded in the “Roaring Twenties” with the ambitious objective of creating the finest country club in America. Medinah, particularly its iconic Course No. 3, has consistently delivered on that promise by serving as a grand stage for golf’s most significant events. It boasts an unparalleled championship history, having hosted the Ryder Cup (2012), multiple PGA Championships (1999, 2006), U.S. Opens (1949, 1975, 1990), a U.S. Senior Open (1988), and several Western Opens. Its legacy continues as it is slated to host the prestigious 2026 Presidents Cup.  

Course No. 3, designed by OCM, is a formidable 7,564-yard, Par 72 test, renowned for its challenging layout. Beyond its championship golf courses, Medinah offers a comprehensive luxury experience, featuring a distinctive mosque-evoking Byzantine-style clubhouse, extensive swimming facilities, a state-of-the-art golf learning center, and more. Its commitment to excellence has earned it Platinum Club recognition from both Platinum Clubs of America and Platinum Clubs of the World. Medinah’s extensive and consistent history of hosting major championships over several decades signifies the club’s sustained ability to meet and exceed the highest standards of course conditioning, infrastructure, and logistical demands required for professional golf at the elite level. This implies a continuous, significant investment in maintaining its world-class status and a course design that remains relevant and challenging for the best players over time. This consistent legacy elevates Medinah beyond just a “great course” to an “iconic venue” that has actively shaped golf history. Its repeated selection by major tours and associations speaks volumes about its inherent quality, its adaptability, and its readiness for top-tier competition, making it a benchmark for excellence in the golf world.  

5. Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course): Golden Age Grandeur Endures

Founded in 1915 in Olympia Fields, Illinois , Olympia Fields Country Club stands as a magnificent testament to the “Golden Age” of golf course architecture. Its North Course, meticulously designed by Willie Park Jr., is nationally ranked and boasts an extraordinary championship pedigree. In 2015, by hosting the U.S. Amateur Championship, Olympia Fields joined an elite and exclusive group of only eight American clubs that have hosted all four major USGA and PGA championships: the U.S. Open (1928, 2003), the U.S. Senior Open (1997), the PGA Championship (1925, 1961), and the U.S. Amateur. The club has continued this tradition of excellence by hosting recent BMW Championships (2020, 2023) and the KPMG PGA Women’s Championship (2017).  

In its heyday by 1925, the club was a colossal undertaking, featuring four 18-hole courses and the world’s largest private clubhouse, an English Tudor masterpiece with an 80-foot, four-faced clock tower visible from all first tees—a grandeur that even impressed renowned golf historian Herbert Warren Wind. Today, the iconic English Tudor clubhouse and its regal clock tower remain prominent features, serving as daily reminders of the club’s illustrious past. The consistent emphasis on Olympia Fields embodying the “Golden Age” of golf architecture and the fact that its Willie Park Jr.-designed North Course continues to host major championships is highly significant. This suggests that the design principles from this historical era possess an inherent quality, strategic depth, and enduring challenge that remains relevant and compelling for modern professional play, even in the face of advancements in equipment and player skill. This highlights that “best” in golf course design is not solely about contemporary trends or length, but often about the timeless artistry and strategic brilliance of classic architects. It offers a powerful counterpoint to newer, more technology-driven course designs, emphasizing that well-preserved historical layouts can still define the pinnacle of the sport.  

Beyond the Ropes: Accessible Excellence in Chicagoland Public Golf

While the absolute top tier of Chicagoland golf is largely confined to private clubs, the region proudly offers an impressive array of public courses that deliver championship-level play and exceptional experiences. These courses demonstrate that world-class golf is not always behind a velvet rope, providing outstanding options for the general public.

This table is strategically crucial for the report’s overall utility and appeal, directly responding to the implicit need for accessible and playable courses. By showcasing high-quality public options, the report becomes more inclusive and relevant to a wider audience, aligning perfectly with the broad appeal expected of a lifestyle publication. Including general price ranges, where available, helps readers understand the financial commitment, which is a key decision-making factor for public golf. This creates a well-rounded and balanced perspective on Chicagoland’s golf scene, demonstrating its richness and diversity beyond just the ultra-exclusive.

1. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (Dubsdread – Course No. 4): The Public King

Located in Palos Park and Lemont, Illinois , Dubsdread, Course No. 4 at Cog Hill, stands as the undisputed “Public King” of Chicagoland golf. It is consistently ranked as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest and proudly holds the “No. 1 in Illinois” distinction from Golfweek. Originally designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee in 1964, with a significant redesign by Rees Jones in 2008, it is a natural-style championship course that lives up to its name (“dub” or poor golfer, beware!) by demanding precise shot-making with tight landing areas and heavily bunkered, undulating greens.  

Its extensive history of hosting prestigious PGA Tour events, including the Western Open (1991-2006) and the BMW Championship (2007, 2009-2011), along with numerous USGA tournaments, solidifies its reputation as a true championship test accessible to the public. The course even holds a notable record, with Tiger Woods achieving a score of 62. As a sprawling 72-hole public facility, Cog Hill offers a comprehensive golf experience, complete with a driving range featuring heated Toptracer stalls, a learning center, multiple golf shops, and dining options. Dubsdread’s consistent ranking as the top public course in Illinois and its extensive history of hosting PGA Tour events is a powerful testament. It demonstrates that a public facility can offer a challenge and quality comparable to some of the most prestigious private clubs. This implies a unique commitment to maintaining championship-level conditions and a design that stands up to elite play, while remaining open to the general public. Cog Hill serves as a crucial bridge in the Chicagoland golf landscape, allowing the average golfer to experience a “championship test” that is typically reserved for private members. This accessibility to elite-level public golf significantly enhances Chicagoland’s appeal as a golf destination for a wider range of enthusiasts.  

2. The Glen Club: Fazio’s Public Gem with Skyline Views

Located in Glenview, Illinois , The Glen Club is an exquisite masterpiece by Tom Fazio. It is recognized as a “Top 100 Golf Course” among public facilities and stands as a pinnacle of golf experiences in Chicago, particularly noted for fostering corporate relationships. Nestled on the historic grounds of the former Glenview Naval Air Station, its 195-acre sanctuary offers a serene escape with rolling terrain, dramatic elevation changes, peaceful lakes, winding streams, and stunning distant views of the iconic Chicago skyline.  

The Glen Club epitomizes “old school luxury with modern comforts”. Beyond the challenging course, its majestic 48,000-square-foot clubhouse features upscale dining, beautifully appointed overnight accommodations, a grand ballroom, and exceptional corporate event facilities. This makes it a full-service golf destination, offering a premium experience beyond just the round of golf. The detailed descriptions of The Glen Club’s offerings, such as “upscale dining,” “overnight accommodations,” “grand ballroom,” and “corporate event facilities,” indicate a clear strategic move beyond merely being a golf course. This suggests a trend in public golf towards providing a comprehensive, resort-like experience, typically associated with private clubs or high-end resorts. This signifies a significant diversification in the public golf market, where facilities are increasingly competing not just on the quality of the course itself, but on the entire “experience package.” For golfers seeking a luxurious outing, a business event venue, or a stay-and-play option without the commitment of a private membership, The Glen Club offers a compelling and high-value alternative, appealing to a broader segment of the lifestyle golf market.  

3. Cantigny Golf: A Natural Beauty with Extensive Player Development Facilities

Situated in Wheaton, Illinois , Cantigny Golf consistently ranks among the finest public golf facilities in the Midwest. Its centerpiece is a 27-hole championship course, designed by Roger Packard in 1989, laid out across three distinct nine-hole circuits (Hillside, Lakeside, Woodside). It quickly earned national acclaim, being named the “Best New Public Course in America” by Golf Digest in 1989, and has since hosted significant amateur championships such as the Illinois State Amateur and the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. The course is celebrated for its natural beauty, winding through 250 pristine, heavily wooded acres adorned with towering oaks, sycamores, undulating streams, and a dozen lakes.  

Cantigny embraces an “old school” approach to the game, notably allowing walkers to carry their own bags any day of the week and conspicuously lacking GPS monitors on carts, encouraging a more traditional and self-reliant game. Beyond the course, Cantigny offers unparalleled amenities for player development. Its state-of-the-art Golf Academy features climate-controlled hitting bays and video swing analysis, complemented by a spacious grass range, double-tiered putting green, and dedicated short game areas, including a 9-hole Youth Links course for aspiring young golfers. The facility is also an Audubon International Sanctuary, reflecting a deep commitment to natural preservation. Cantigny’s extensive and high-quality practice facilities go far beyond what is typically expected of a public golf course. This indicates a strategic focus on holistic player development and game improvement for golfers of all ages and skill levels, not just providing a place to play a round. For golf enthusiasts who are serious about improving their game, Cantigny offers a significant added value that elevates it to a top choice. It appeals to a segment of the market that views golf as a continuous journey of skill enhancement, making it an attractive long-term golfing destination rather than just a one-off experience.  

4. Mistwood Golf Club: A Scottish Links Experience in the Midwest

Located in Romeoville, Illinois , Mistwood Golf Club has emerged as a premier public course following a multi-million dollar, two-year renovation by course designer Ray Hearn. This transformation earned it significant national accolades such as Golf Magazine’s “Renovation of the Year,” one of Golf Digest’s “Best New Course,” and one of Golf Range Magazine’s “Top 50 Public Ranges”. Its most distinctive feature is the incorporation of 20 authentic St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers, meticulously crafted to truly bring a unique “feeling of Scotland to the Midwest”. The course offers five tee placements per hole, allowing for play over 7,000 yards, ensuring a challenging and versatile experience for golfers of all skill levels.  

Mistwood complements its unique design with a brand new 5,000 square foot Performance Center at the foot of its driving range, offering custom club fitting, club repair services, and one-on-one golf lessons. A new 26,000 square foot clubhouse houses the Scottish-inspired McWethy’s Tavern and the Great Hall banquet facility, further enhancing the themed experience. The club also features Toptracer Range Mobile, providing an interactive and data-driven experience on the driving range. Mistwood’s deliberate design choice to incorporate “St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers” and explicitly aim to evoke a “feeling of Scotland” signifies a trend in public golf beyond just good course design. It is about crafting a unique, immersive, and themed experience. Coupled with its state-of-the-art Performance Center and Toptracer Range, this shows a blend of traditional aesthetics with modern technology. This trend suggests that public courses are increasingly differentiating themselves by offering distinct stylistic experiences and leveraging technology for game improvement. This appeals to golfers who seek not just a challenging round but also a memorable, almost transportive, aesthetic and cultural immersion, combined with tools to enhance their game, making it a top choice for those seeking innovation alongside tradition.  

Your Next Round Awaits in Chicagoland

Whether one seeks the rare privilege of an invitation to the region’s private gems, steeped in history and architectural brilliance, or prefers to readily take advantage of the accessible excellence offered by its public champions, Chicagoland presents compelling options. The consistent high rankings and the continued investment in both preservation and modernization across these courses underscore the region’s commitment to golf. Chicagoland truly offers a golf experience for every enthusiast, seamlessly blending rich tradition with modern amenities, and presenting challenging play amidst stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for any golfer.