Makray Memorial Golf Club
About
Makray Memorial Golf Club (formerly known as Thunderbird Country Club) is a public course that has been open since 1962. To commemorate 40 years of great golf, the course was remodeled and revamped in 2002. The renovations improved its playability and also made it more challenging. The championship-caliber layout features strategically placed bunkers, including some Scottish-style sod-faced ones, and tricky water hazards on several holes. The hilly terrain offers both challenging elevation changes and scenic views. The golf course finishes with a long par 5 that plays across a canyon of berms to a narrow fairway. Further accuracy is needed to reach the well guarded green surrounded by high berms, a pot bunker to the left, and a deep, steep bunker to the right. In addition to the course, Makray Memorial G.C. boasts an extensive practice facility with 1 1/2 acres of grass teeing ground, two putting greens, and a short-game area.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Available Facilities
Golfer Photos
-
Photo submitted by u445449310 on 06/02/2025
-
Photo submitted by schoi4u on 05/24/2023
-
Photo submitted by u6722019 on 06/03/2021
-
Photo submitted by u314159922990 on 09/09/2020
-
Photo submitted by u314159922990 on 09/09/2020
-
#2 Par 4 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 07/15/2015
-
#4 Par 3 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 07/15/2015
-
#5 Par 4 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 07/15/2015
-
#9 Par 4 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 07/15/2015
-
#11 Par 4 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 07/15/2015
-
#18 Par 5 Photo submitted by BryanTweed16 on 07/15/2015
-
Photo submitted by Fred1977382 on 07/06/2014
Golfer Reviews
Beautiful Sunday
It was an ideal Sunday to play at this beautiful course. The staff was so friendly in helping me choose which umbrella to buy since I told them I cancelled the day before because of rain.
The tee boxes are scenic and fairways are well manicured. The group movement was average. The carts GPS is not so bad. But for the price maybe they could upgrade with electronic scoresheet. The marshall just passed our group just once in front and once in back.
I rate this as one of my top 5 courses in Chicago land area. Definitely a winner. When my brother from Canada comes over, I'll put this as one of possible to show off.
tough course
Ilove the course too bad they charge too much to play it, otherwise i would play it more often, 46 dollars on 12/3/2013 is a little steep to play at that date it should be more around 25 dollars, course was in good shape for that time of year. I shot a 93 that day from the gold tees so that was great for me.
I think the course would get a lot more play if it was cheaper to play!
The course very challenge and good condition
Well maintenance golf course and very challenge especially the greens very nature we enjoy so much
Great track
One tough GC! Played here several times and it still finds a way to chew me up and spit me out. You better have you A game if playing from the Black/Back tee's.
The first 4 holes can make or break you score. Your shots into the greens are a premium. You better hit it to the correct side of the pin or else you'll be looking at a 3 putt or worse.
Summer rates are steep but the late fall rates are very reasonable.
Course was in very good shape and the maintenance staff kept the leaves out of play, which is a project in itself.
Awesome and Challenging
This course is a jewel in the midst of the Chicago NW Suburbs. The fairways undulate like no other courses in the area. Who knew that Barrington could resemble Galina?
Interesting Layout
This course has a nice variety of holes, several of them picturesque. We played with an online discount, but I think that at full price, there are better values to be had. Very nice clubhouse/grill room.
Greens Were Fully Sanded
Course conditions tee to green were excellent. Unfortunately the greens all had fresh sand on them. I understand all courses require maintenance this time of year but perhaps doing one if the two nines would better serve its patrons. Most troubling was the neither pro shop or starter even mentioned this prior to teaching the first green.
Great Course - Best in the area
I really like to walk this course - it has some great views. There is a country club feel to Makray - the clubhouse is a great place to have a beer. The holes are challenging and the greens are quick. Staff is very friendly and always accommodating. Highly recommend.
Fabulous Course
If you are looking for a great course that is well maintained and challenging Makray Memorial is the one for you. Some nice long par 4's and some short par 4's that keep you guessing to go for the green or to lay up due to hazards. Money well spent for this one!
great track
The terrain is what makes this course challenging Well maintained fairways and the greens are quick and true. I shot 5 over my handicap because of the courses challenges.
Some nice holes
Pins in unputtable spots for amuaters & Greens need some Mx.
Well kept green needed to be resurfaced
Green were poor compared o the rest of the course. Traps great shape. Fairways great shape
Beautiful Course - Wait for a Deal
I had been told by several people prior to playing this course, that I need to make the trip up to Barrington to play it. In the end, the course and the facilities did not disappoint.
The condition of the course was fantastic, though, a little was left to be desired on the condition of the "some" of the greens. I'm not sure if they were simply prepping the greens for Fall play or if people don't know how to fix ball marks. Either way, they were quite sandy. I prefer fast greens and these greens were FAST. Like putting on glass. Challenging but FAIR/TRUE greens at this course.
The fairways were, by far, the highlight of this course. I would consider them pristine and, some of the best I've hit off of in the Greater Chicago area.
Would HIGHLY recommend this course to all types of players but would encourage you to hold off on paying their going rate of nearly $90.00. My wife and I got on the course for about $40 a piece, which, I know was steal. That being said, If I'm going to pay $90.00 for a round of golf, I better be getting treated to something out of this world.
SUMMARY:
Gorgeous course with both challenging and score-able holes. Fantastic fairways with fair/fast greens make this a MUST play at some point for folks in the Chicago area.
Great course, tough greens
While I enjoyed playing the course, and the golfnow tee time made it great value, the greens were crazy fast. I have played several of the top courses in the area and these were much quicker than any of those, probably to the point they were unfair. I still would enjoy playing the course again, having the knowledge of the greens I have now
poor condition
Course condition is poor, green is so bad shape. Call for starter couple times before they could come out to assist. Should pay attention to the pace, too long wait, almost every hole. could not handle the wait so I left after 11th hole. Terrible course. Wish to spend that money to play at Thunderhawk or Blackstone
Excellent golf experience
Very challenging track. The fairways, greens and tees were in terrific condition. We thoroughly enjoyed the course and will return.
My new favorite course, but beware lightning fast greens!
This course is very challenging and at times visually intimidating, but pay attention to your GPS because many hazards cannot be seen on approach. It has many links-like bunkers and the greens are very fast. Water comes into play on many holes. This course is a test that requires your undivided attention.
Just WOW
As soon as I pulled up and saw the beautiful club house I knew I was going to be in for a real treat. Saw that the course was lush and pristine, I got real excited! Awesome driving range, 2 putting greens, one of them by the first tee. Nice short game area as well. Greens were insanely quick and rolled great.
Only suggestion I would make is for the guy in the pro shop to be a little more cordial and inviting, I understand you probably don't like Hot Deals off golfnow, but do understand that golfnow gives you a lot of exposure to people who may have never been there, or knew the course existed, and can try out the course at a lower rate.