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
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
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