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
Highlands of Elgin – Elgin, IL Reviews
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“Great round today from start to finish. Course in excellent shape. Greens running true. Some of the most scenic hole layouts around, especially par 3’s."
-Todd
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"One of the best public courses and overall value plays I've experienced in Illinois. Links style course with interesting layouts that offer a variety of challenges for every skill level.”
-Roy
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"This course never disappoints. Fun but challenging layout with a variety of holes. In very good shape and doesn’t seem to be troubled by the rain and heat we are experiencing.”
-Jim
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club (No. 4 Dubsdread) – Lemont, IL Reviews
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"Dubsdread was probably the best golf course I’ve played so far! The greens were pure and fast and the rough was super thick! It was a fantastic challenge and would love to come back again!”
-Jacques
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"Every single one were well maintained with beautiful layouts. Dubsdread was definitely challenging but I will absolutely be going back soon. Might have to make this an annual tradition"
-Julio
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"I've played on courses 1, 2 and 3 and have had great experiences. All 3 are beautiful and great for the price you pay. Only downside is how backed up they can get sometimes. But thats with every golf course. A+ for being a public course.”
-Chris
The Preserve at Oak Meadows – Addison, IL Reviews
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"What a incredible facility! Gorgeous from end to end! The grounds are amazing! The golf course views are breathtaking!"
-Ronald
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"Outstanding golf experience! This is one of those rare Muni courses that plays like a private Country Club. The course is very well-manicured, greens are true and fast."
-Matt
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"Beautiful course, great conditioning, friendly staff, great facilities, nice bar/restaurant with a gorgeous view. Barbacoa nachos were huge, great to share, and yummy. one of my favorite West burbs courses."
-Sylver
