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The best public golf courses of Illinois stretch from Chicagoland to the Quad Cities and down to the state's southern border.
GolfPass releases a Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Illinois every year thanks to YOU. We create our annual Golfers' Choice lists by curating the reviews submitted by everyday golfers. We use GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's subcategory averages.
Each course needed at least two reviews and at least some public access to qualify. Elite private clubs like the Chicago Golf Club, the Black Sheep Golf Club, Conway Farms in Lake Forest and the Old Elm Club in Highland Park weren't eligible. None of the four public golf courses at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club received enough reviews to be eligible. If you think any of them belong on this list, make sure to review them next time you play.
We make our Golfers' Choice best-of lists user friendly. Simply click on the photo of each course to learn more about the facility or to book a tee time (in most cases).
Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in Illinois or any other future Golfers' Choice lists? Click here to review the next golf course you play.
Illinois golf courses reviewed in 2024: 227
Reviews of Illinois golf courses in 2024: 8,575
Best Public Golf Courses in Illinois
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Arrowhead Golf Club
Green fee: $56-$99
What they're saying: "One of the best courses in Illinois… shot makers course for sure, and the staff, including restaurant and bar are always amazing. Highly recommend!" - Freemangolfs -
Annbriar Golf Course
Green fee: $52-$75
What they're saying: "Loved the layout. Course was in great shape. Fast, undulating greens were a challenge." - cooleyka -
TPC Deere Run
Green fee: $79–$269
What they're saying: "Course was in great condition and the greens were Pristine!" - zoshea1991 -
Deer Park Golf Club
What they're saying: "It has been a minute since I played Deer Park. I found the course to be in great shape. The late season round indicated to me that the staff has worked very hard all season. I will definitely return next season." - Bdchurch58
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Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois
Green fee: $50-$95
What they're saying: "Best conditioned public course in area.Sand traps were the best I’ve seen in central Illinois. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming." - nitram362 -
Lake Carroll
Green fee: $25-$35+
What they're saying: "This course always plays well. Greens and tee boxes are some of best around. Staff here is always friendly and accommodating to needs. Course has a good mix of (holes) and (is) very scenic." - GolfPass Reviewer -
Shepherds Crook Golf Course
Green fee: $49-$64
What they're saying: "I love playing the Creek. Every aspect of the place is a pleasure and unfortunately, becoming hard to find. Reservations, facility, staff, conditions, layout, value… all top notch. I’m always treated with respect and feel valued here as a customer." - Maxbug -
Schaumburg Golf Club
Schaumburg, IllinoisPublicGreen fee: $45-$67+
What they're saying: "Great day, course was in GREAT shape, considering it was Nov 7th. Tee boxes, fairways, and greens were in good condition - would be nice if other golfers fixed their ball marks. Staff very friendly." - Jimmie8560990 -
Stonewall Orchard
Green fee: $75-$122
What they're saying: "Love everything about the course. Excellent conditions, challenging greens, with fairways wide enough for any slight mishap. Gorgeous layout." - Paul3811197 -
El Paso Golf Club
Green fee: $35-$52
What they're saying: "Course was in excellent condition. Went on a Thursday which was men’s outing. The course was really busy and crowded. Staff was very nice and friendly. Beautiful course but very busy and crowded" - GolfPass Reviewer -
Cinder Ridge Golf Links
![Cinder Ridge GC: #14]()
Green fee: $40-$60+
What they're saying: "One of my favorite courses to get too. Condition has always been great and the rates are a good value. Staff is always friendly and nice." - GolfPass Reviewer -
PrairieView Golf Club
Green fee: $40-$51+
What they're saying: "Played early October in the early morning. For the price and amenities, this is one of the best bargains in IL golf. Course is maintained really well, has gps carts. Only reason for a 4 star is the lack of a driving range for practice/warmup. There are 3 putting/chipping greens. - ehaug23 -
Piper Glen Golf Club
Green fee: $29-$59
What they're saying: "Windy conditions and soggy after rains but in (the) best shape after playing five other courses in the area this week. Greens were in excellent shape considering the conditions. Will return to play again." - GolfPass Reviewer -
Ravisloe Country Club
Green fee: $95+
What they're saying: "Course was in excellent condition overall, had a perfect day, staff was great and an overall enjoyable experience." - John9671157 -
Shady Oaks Country Club
Green fee: $18-$45
What they're saying: "We golf this course every holiday weekend we go to our camper. Absolutely an excellent value!!!" - GolfPass Reviewer -
RedTail Golf Club
![Redtail GC]()
Green fee: $57-$78
What they're saying: "I've golfed at Red Tail for years. It is a challenging course that is getting a much-needed clubhouse upgrade. This also includes renovation of the driving range, so no warmup." - trevorlea2122 -
Lick Creek
Green fee: $24-$39
What they're saying: "Beautiful day golfing Lick Creek. We even got off 30 minutes early so (it was) an extra plus! Followed a Sunday morning outing and never had any hold ups. Course was in good condition, fun to play with some elevations and quite a few hilly holes. Be careful to stay in the fairway as lots of deep ravines (are located) off the rough. Greens were in decent shape too. Played in about 3 1/2 hours. Staff was super nice and helpful. Will definitely play again soon!" - KathyLong -
Green Garden Country Club - Blue Course
Green fee: $45-$59
What they're saying: "The course was in great shape. Even though the leaves are starting to fall the course was almost leaf free. Especially the greens." - pintovend -
Makray Memorial Golf Club
What they're saying: "Excelllent experience. Very good value. Fast greens in great shape. Rolled true. Def play again." - gn13666071
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Mendota Golf Club
What they're saying: "First time ever playing this golf course. I went by myself. (I) saw some bad reviews, but I decided to play it anyways because the price was right. When I got there, I couldn’t believe how immaculate this course was! I have to say by far one of my favorite courses and played a lot of different courses. (I) definitely will be playing more games here. Definitely a Hidden Gem. 💎" - GolfPass Reviewer
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Mt. Prospect Golf Club
Green fee: $48-$58+
What they're saying: "Played here for the first time in a long time. The course conditions were very good. I was a bigger fan of the original layout of this course, but they have done a nice job updating the course. The greens are what make this course play a lot tougher than it used to. The course was pretty full, and the overall pace was about 4 1/2, although it feels slow having to wait a few minutes on every tee, sometimes before the group ahead has even teed off." - gpark17 -
Wolf Hollow
Green fee: $25-$33+
What they're saying: "Beautiful and well maintained championship course, I recommend to all skills of golfers. I tee (it up) from blues and do great. Very important to know how and what shots to take. Hooks and fades are important on drives. The average golfer teeing from whites will have a very fair time as well. Great place with many opportunities for the bogey golfer to correct themselves too." - XDOM1NOX -
Cantigny Golf
Green fee: $65-$75+
What they're saying: "Great course layout, excellent facility, courteous staff and excellent restaurant. Overall, a great way to spend the day. Course conditions are always first class." - tonylou1234 -
Belk Park Golf Course
Green fee: $32-$47
What they're saying: "I believe Belk is the best golf course for the money in the metro east!" - Mikerumz -
Golfmohr
Green fee: $24-$38
What they're saying: "This course is my go to in the Quad Cities. Great par 3s and long straight par 4s. The 9th is a drivable par 4 but will test your putt reading tremendously. Mike in the pro shop is super cool and fun to talk to, (and) has it running smoothly as well. I try to play here as much as I can." - brienbyrne
Comments (1)
Not many downstate courses listed. But, there are many nice ones. I've played a few on this list that are not as nice.