Top Illinois Public Golf Courses

🏌️‍♂️ Top Illinois Public Golf Courses (According to Wikipedia & Course Profiles)

1. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club – Dubsdread (Course No. 4)
   📍 Lemont, IL

🛠️ Designed by Dick Wilson, renovated by Rees Jones
🏆 Former host of PGA Tour’s Western Open and BMW Championship
🌳 Tree-lined fairways, tight bunkering, championship test
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Wikipedia | Course site

2. The Glen Club
   📍 Glenview, IL

🛠️ Designed by Tom Fazio
🏆 Hosts Korn Ferry Tour’s NV5 Invitational
🏞️ Built on former Navy airbase with dramatic mounding and water
💲 Upscale public course
🗒️ Wikipedia | Course site

3. Harborside International Golf Center – Starboard Course
   📍 Chicago, IL

🛠️ Designed by Dick Nugent
🌆 Links-style with views of downtown Chicago skyline
🌬️ Wind, fescue, and bunkers bring a coastal feel inland
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Course site

4. Thunderhawk Golf Club
   📍 Beach Park, IL

🛠️ Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
🌿 Forested, natural layout with wetlands and rolling hills
🏆 One of Illinois’ top municipal courses
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Course site

5. Cantigny Golf
   📍 Wheaton, IL

🛠️ Designed by Roger Packard
🌳 27 holes over manicured parkland; host of U.S. Amateur Pub Links
🌺 Beautifully landscaped, top-tier public facility
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Course site

6. Stonewall Orchard Golf Club
   📍 Grayslake, IL

🛠️ Designed by Arthur Hills
🌲 Mature trees, marshland, and risk-reward par 5s
🦆 Recognized for its natural setting and wildlife
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Course site

7. Annbriar Golf Course
   📍 Waterloo, IL (near St. Louis)

🛠️ Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan
🌄 Scenic, elevated terrain with Midwestern charm
🏆 Highly rated Southern Illinois public course
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Course site

8. TPC Deere Run
   📍 Silvis, IL

🛠️ Designed by D.A. Weibring
🏆 Home of the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic
🌳 Mississippi River Valley views and Tour-level conditions
💲 Public access with advance booking
🗒️ Wikipedia | TPC site

9. Keller’s Crossing at Stone Creek
   📍 Makanda, IL

🛠️ Public-access course near Shawnee National Forest
🏞️ Beautiful Southern Illinois backdrop
🌾 Links-style fairways with tree-lined holes
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Course site

10. Ravisloe Country Club
    📍 Homewood, IL

🛠️ Originally designed by Donald Ross
🏛️ Former private club now open to the public
🎨 Classic architecture with walkable charm
💲 Daily fee
🗒️ Wikipedia | Course site

🧠 Why These Courses?

• Major history: PGA Tour venues like TPC Deere Run & Dubsdread

• Architectural pedigree: Donald Ross, Fazio, Trent Jones Jr., Hurdzan

• Public access: Most offer daily tee times to all players

• Urban & rural balance: City views in Chicago, natural beauty downstate