Best of 2018: Illinois

Best public courses you can play in the state from Chicago to downstate.
View of the 16th hole at TPC Deere Run

The yearly Golf Advisor state best-of lists are compiled by analyzing the ratings and reviews submitted by members of our community throughout the year. We use our Golf Advisor Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's weighted subcategory averages. Reviews from trusted and active reviewers are weighted heavier than inactive members.

Courses must offer public access and have received at least one review in 2018 to be eligible for this year's list.

Illinois golf courses reviewed in 2018: 271
Reviews of Illinois golf courses in 2018: 3,814

  1. Marengo, Illinois
    Public
    4.3746235294
    418

  2. West Chicago, Illinois
    Public
    4.6244
    511

  3. Waterloo, Illinois
    Public
    4.8162647059
    664

  4. Rockford, Illinois
    Public/Municipal
    3.7854823529
    203

  5. Byron, Illinois
    Public
    4.6034352941
    167

  6. Wheaton, Illinois
    Public
    4.6996764706
    306

  7. Elgin, Illinois
    Public
    4.8743142857
    417

  8. Danville, Illinois
    Public
    4.6719411765
    55

  9. Silvis, Illinois
    Public
    4.7193470588
    104

  10. Channahon, Illinois
    Public
    4.3163411765
    168

  11. Grayslake, Illinois
    Public
    4.3063235294
    403

  12. Roscoe, Illinois
    Public/Municipal
    4.4951
    103

  13. Forsyth, Illinois
    Public
    4.4722
    72

  14. Crete, Illinois
    Public
    4.2093235294
    306

  15. Elgin, Illinois
    Municipal
    4.9409529412
    261

  16. Lena, Illinois
    Semi-Private
    4.6804705882
    169

  17. Wheaton, Illinois
    Public
    4.6848
    405

  18. Homewood, Illinois
    Public
    4.5283882353
    703

  19. Zion, Illinois
    Public
    4.7330529412
    470

  20. Tuscola, Illinois
    Public
    3.7532294118
    102

  21. Findlay, Illinois
    Public/Resort
    4.3880588235
    83

  22. Romeoville, Illinois
    Semi-Private
    4.5932529412
    42

  23. Danville, Illinois
    Public
    3.7494588235
    57


Corrected 1/4/19, 12:50 AM:The original version of this list had the wrong promo for Arrowhead Golf Club that was directed to Arrowhead Country Club.
View all the Golfers' Choice 2023 lists, including all 50 states.
Our community of reviewers call out these top courses in Scotland.
1 Min Read
Our community of reviewers reveal the 5 best golf courses of Rhode Island.
1 Min Read
By Golfers' Choice
Our community of reviewers chose these 3 layouts as the best in North Dakota.
1 Min Read
By Golfers' Choice
Our community of reviewers liked these 10 courses best in the Sooner State.
1 Min Read
By Golfers' Choice
These 25 Empire State golf courses were favored by our community of reviewers throughout 2022.
1 Min Read
By Golfers' Choice
Local favorites mixed with nationally-known courses such as Tetherow and Bandon Dunes to earn high marks from golfers in 2022.
1 Min Read
By Golfers' Choice
Popular
18 Images
March 29, 2023
Luck was on your side this month for beautiful early spring rounds.
3 Min Read
March 27, 2023
If you love L.A. and tournament golf, this is the year for you.
3 Min Read
March 15, 2023
While the Irish links are more celebrated, it's the parkland courses that tend to attract the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Irish Open.
Now Reading
Best of 2018: Illinois