Chicago Suburbs: Golf Rooted in Heritage, Refined for Today.
Chicagoland delivers a deeper golf experience than most visitors expect, shaped by natural preserves, rolling terrain, and a strong mix of classic and modern design. Courses here blend strategic contouring with clean shaping, creating a style that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshed for today’s golfer. The result is a destination with variety, character, and a quietly sophisticated feel.
Featured Golf Courses
Highlands of Elgin – Elgin, IL
Architect: Larry Packard (1971); restored by Keith Foster and Arthur Schaupeter
Set within a reclaimed stone quarry, Highlands of Elgin uses its dramatic terrain to create a bold and visually engaging round. Broad fairways, elevation changes, and strong sightlines guide players through a layout that feels adventurous without losing its structure. It is a modern, energetic course that rewards confident swings and thoughtful play.
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club (No. 4 Dubsdread) – Lemont, IL
Architect: Dick Wilson and Joe Lee (1964); restored by Rees Jones
Dubsdread is Chicago golf history at its finest. Routed through hardwood corridors and natural elevation, it showcases classic championship architecture with deep bunkering, elevated greens, and a demanding but fair rhythm. The course carries a strong legacy, highlighted by Tiger Woods’ multiple wins on these fairways, and remains one of the Midwest’s most respected tests.
The Preserve at Oak Meadows – Addison, IL
Architect: J. D. Wagstaff (1920); restored by Greg Martin
Set among prairies, wetlands, and mature oaks, The Preserve has a natural, spacious feel that highlights its restored environment. Clean shaping, strategic bunkering, and naturalized edges create a round that is both visually appealing and thoughtfully routed. It is a standout example of modern Midwest design rooted in its landscape.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Chicago Suburbs.
Insider Notes:
Cog Hill: Offers a great bonus round on No. 2 Ravines, including a fun 19th-hole par 3 that many locals play.
Schaumburg Golf Club: Features 27 holes and is a favorite warmup or second round for suburban golfers.
Aldeen Golf Club: In Rockford is worth the one-hour trip if you want an additional challenge and a strong value-to-quality ratio.
Driving Range: All featured courses have full driving ranges, making warm-up simple.
Food Experience: Deep-dish pizza is a local must-try, with Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s as two classic options.
Local Experience: If you plan to spend time downtown, the Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium Park offer easy, iconic stops.
Airport Access:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The Preserve at Oak Meadows: ~15 minutes
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club: ~40 minutes
Highlands of Elgin: ~45 minutes
Aldeen Golf Club: ~1 hour 25 minutes
Driving Times:
Milwaukee, WI: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Madison, WI: ~2 hours
Peoria, IL: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Grand Rapids, MI: ~3 hours
Indianapolis, IN: ~3 hours 10 minutes
Cedar Rapids, IA: ~3 hours 40 minutes
