Makray Memorial Golf Club

I hadn't played this course in about 7-8 years until yesterday. Still plays almost as tough as I remember. I played off the back tees which provided some challenge onto softer fairways (rained the day before) and coming into very firm yet receptive greens. The tee boxes were all in good condition, fairways the same. Greens were quite firm underfoot and were rolling quite quick. The only downside was I didn't tee off till 4:30 so the spike marks and days worth of traffic had made them slightly bumpy. Overall the condition of the course was nice. For someone who wants to play it a few times a year I would recommend getting a yardage book as many shots require some exact knowledge of carry distances. If I could offer a recommendation to the course it would be for map gps system on the carts. The gps they have it gave distances, but doesn't display it well enough to be entirely useful. At $46 for a twilight rate it was a great deal and since its close by work it makes for a great option in the area to play.

Best course I've played in IL and awesome value through Golfnow. Greens were PGA quick and manicured awesome.

Makray Memorial provides some interesting challenges to golfers of all skill levels. With a wide array of tees and lots of blind shots, the players scores will definitely benefit from repeat play. The greens are consistently fast too.

The course was in good condition. The greens rolled true and were on the quick side. I didn't get to use the practice green before the round, so it took some adjustment. A few greens had some ball marks, but for the most part, the course was in great condition. There are several holes where you definitely have to play target golf. I got a hot deal tee time, making it a great value.

For the money, the greens were not in acceptable condition. Very beat up and several dead spots. Round took over 5 hours so pace of play needs to improve as well.

If someone were to claim that Makray is the top public course in the greater Chicago area I couldn't argue with them. From course conditions to overall lay-out Makray easily rivals the top courses. It's a challenging course that plays fairly tight at times and can be demanding but an unquestioned gem. It's greatest quality however, are probably the greens. In spectacular conditions they're lighting fast, very slippery but fair. If you wanted to play the top 5 courses in Chicago, Makray would make that list.

This course used to be Thunderbird, so it is an established track. it has some classic features to it- large tress (oaks!), wetlands (ponds!), and deep greenside bunkers. there are quite a few holes where you are hitting to an elevated green, which I find challenging. There are large coolers of free ice cold bottled water at the first and tenth tees. The Clubhouse is grand; it is not uncommon to see a wedding happening on the patio overlooking the 9th and 18th.

Got the Hot Deals price of $40.00 per person. What a deal.

Having never played here before, and hearing both positive and negative, we went into our round open-minded.

Long story short: what a great time!

Fairways: 9/10 - Lush. Kept. Some rolling and elevation changes.
Greens: 8/10 - 2 of the greens were pretty beat up. But overall, very nice. Quick.
Pace: 10/10 - No issues.
Layout: 9/10 - Interesting. No cookie cutter here. Some great risk/reward holes. Nice mix.
Range: 9/10 - Nice. Buckets of balls were small, but only 3 bucks.
Staff: 7/10. Nobody seemed to go out of their way to be nice, but no one was short/rude. A professional approach.
Bev Cart/19th Hole: 8/10 - Beverage cart was more evident on the front 9. Not so much on the back. Bar for a cold one after round was a nice place to relax overlooking course. Coolers around course with complimentary bottles of water. Nice touch.
Value: 8/10 - For their normal Sunday rate of 92 bucks, ehhh...maybe not. But for the GolfNow rate of $75, it was a above average deal.

Overall: 9/10 - One of the more enjoyable rounds I've had in the Chicago area in awhile. Nice design, nearly great conditions, no real negative issues to mention.

Frankly, I enjoyed this track more than some of the other "top 10 Chicago public" courses that I've played. I will be back!

Played on a perfect day and enjoyed ever view and challenge. The greens are fast and true. Really need to play this course two or three times before you can score on these super fast greens.

Fairways good Most greens good but hard to read properly.
Some par 4's play long.

Nice club house but most lake county courses are better value

Fair course overall except the greens were RIDICULOUSLY fast.

Pretty expensive, too, but it was a quality course

Played Sunday twilight rates which were premium but well worth it. This course is fun & rewarding but not for the faint at heart. The greens are super fast & if you don't warm up w/a soft touch you will pay w/multiple 3 putts till your hands soften up! Overall all the various hole layouts are on par w/the some of the best in Chicago land. If you consider yourself a "good" golfer & haven't played Makray to gauge where you are at then shame on you :-) The staff is always friendly & this is truly a treat. If there is a category of "players" equipment, this is a “players” course.

Beautiful golf course. A lot of variety within the holes, with a few short par fours and some very long. You get a chance to use all the clubs in your bag.

Greens are extremely fast and sloping, but very receptive to shots. Many of the greens have rough growing right up to the edge (no fringe or landing area). Definitely have to keep the ball below the hole.

Generous fairways which you need to be in to score well. Beautiful clubhouse and very good practice area.

We played this on a Friday morning at a hot time of $20/player, which was an incredible deal. The weather wasn't great, but the course was in perfect shape. Greens were fast and rolled true. I have played Makray many times and will definitely be back!

The course is really good and in good shape. The only thing I would say is there could be a first cut of rough in fairways and a fringe around the greens. Very tough with the U.S. rough they always seem to have.

Had a great time golfing there. It was a challenging course and I was up for the challenge.

Very challenging. Course was in very good shape. Value was fantastic!! Not very busy on a Wednesday mid-day so pace was great. Staff was super friendly and helful. Small note: day was a little hot but course had free bottles of water at several holes . No beverage cart though. GPS in carts was nice.

Would recommend big time. Will be back frequently.

very fast green - fantastic
wonderful designed course

Great course overall. Pull the driver out and let it do it's job. Accurate approach needed for a low scoring round. The greens are lightning fast and role perfect. The club house is beautiful and has very good menu for lunch and dinner. Very nice overall experience.