Settler's Hill GC
A view of a green protected by a bunker at Settler's Hill Golf Course
GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
3.0
646 Reviews (646)
5 Stars
112
4 Stars
215
3 Stars
150
2 Stars
98
1 Stars
71
Conditions
2.5
Value
3.0
Layout
3.8
Friendliness
4.0
Pace
3.3
Amenities
2.6
53.1%
Recommend this course
406 out of 646 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.0
11 Reviews (11)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
2
Conditions
2.8
Value
2.8
Layout
3.6
Pace
3.0
Amenities
2.4
StaffFriendliness
3.5
54.5%
Recommend this course
6 out of 11 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
2.8
70 Reviews (70)
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
15
2 Stars
19
1 Stars
12
Conditions
2.3
Value
2.7
Layout
3.7
Pace
3.0
Amenities
2.6
StaffFriendliness
3.9
44.3%
Recommend this course
31 out of 70 reviews
Read Reviews
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
Course Highlights
The redesigned layout offers a compelling mix of challenging and birdie-friendly holes, with varied elevation adding a technical dimension to every round. Friendly, accommodating staff consistently stand out as a genuine highlight of the experience.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Links/Parkland
Par 71
Length 6487 yards
Slope 129
Rating 71.5

Settler's Hill Golf Course sprawls across a diverse landscape that ranges from windswept highlands to mature woodlands. The course actually sits on the site of a former landfill but you would never be able to tell with its rolling topography that has become its signature characteristic. When playing, you'll be transported from the Scottish highlands to the forests of northern Michigan without even having to leave Chicagoland. Links-style and parkland holes are interspersed with water to create a test of your skills you won't soon forget. The greens have their interesting quirks and they are framed with deep bunkers and the rolling fairways demand accuracy. Besides the challenging round and affordable rates, Settler's Hill Golf Course's west-central location in Batavia near the Fox River also makes it a popular choice for meeting friends for a round.

Book a Tee Time at
Settler's Hill Golf Course
Powered by GolfNow.com
Hot Deals at Settler's Hill Golf Course
View more Hot Deals on

Course Details

Year Built 1988
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Open: 4/01 Closed: 11/01
Architect Bob Lohmann (1988)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Pull-carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range No
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Snacks

Available Facilities

Clubhouse
The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
golf ball.svg
$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
waivedfees
12 rounds of waived fees
redeemtrophy
GolfPass Member Pricing
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection

Reviews

3.0
646 Reviews (646)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 10
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 38
Undulating Greens 29
Water Hazards 21
This course/club is great for:
Locals 28
Advanced Golfers 23
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 18
This Course's Location is:
In the 'Burbs 39
Worth the Drive 16
Convenient to the City 10

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Would recommend having some type of GPS. Three are a lot of hazards you can't see from the tee.

Great value. Challenging but fair course. Accuracy is important, very important.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/05/2016

The course certainly can be challenging! Thank you for the 4 stars! Check out our Facebook page to get the best offers on tee times!

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Not ready yet

Course was not in the shape i am used to there. either needs some growing in or they are letting it go.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/25/2016

We are currently working on improving the conditions of the course. We apologize and hope you will come back again and give us another try.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Where are the rangers!?

My father and I played last Sunday, the most beautiful day so far of 2016. Now I understand that on such a perfect day everyone would want to get out and play- naturally. With a lot of people playing things always get a little slower. But after 5 hours of play, we were still waiting to tee off at 17! There was not one single Ranger on the course keeping pace during our round. After 5 hours neither we or the two we were playing with could stand anymore. 16 holes in 5 hours is ridiculous! While this is a fun and challenging layout, be advised, the pace of play makes it difficult to enjoy a round of golf here.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/25/2016

We apologize for the slow pace of play you experienced while golfing at Settler's Hill. It was definitely a busy day at our course, but that is no excuse for the long round you had. We hope you will give us another shot.

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Horrible

This course was in horrible shape. The bathrooms on the course we're not fit for even the animals. Will not be back

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/25/2016

We deeply apologize for your experience at Settler's Hill. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make it up to you. We want everyone to have an enjoyable time at our course and are very disappointed to see you did not enjor your round.

Played On
Reviews 168
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
3.0
Top 100 Contributor
Chicago Advisor
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Settler's Hill Golf Course

The Good: Settler's Hill is not an upscale facility by any stretch, but the course is very fun and has enough quirk to keep you interested for all 18 holes. Bob Lohmann design in far west Chicago suburbs has more undulation than most courses in the area, with several excellent Par 5's, multiple downhill Par 3's, and some decent Par 4's. Nice mixture of prairie and woodland holes. Good course conditions and well-groomed, tricky greens. Very friendly staff will assist you at every turn. Above average value at $65 during peak season.

The Bad: Some of the green complexes are extremely challenging and severe. Very limited amenities with a ratty barn for a clubhouse and no 19th hole. No driving range or short game area. No GPS and yardarge markers are tough to come by.

The Verdict: Settler's Hill is a fun course without the bells and whistles of a premium public course. There are closer courses to the city that provide a more complete experience.

Best Hole: All the Par 5's are strong, but the 11th is a tight hole that requires a precise drive and then uphill approaches to the longest green on the course.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/15/2016

We appreciate all of the feedback that you left regarding our course! Some of the holes can be very complex and challenging but the course is always a fun one to play!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Fair weather
Used cart

Love the Hills

I live 35 miles away, but I don't like a flat course. If I wanted flat I could play in my backyard.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/31/2016

Thank you so much for the 4 star review! We appreciate you taking the time to leave the review! We hope to see you back out on the greens soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The course was flooded

It was art path only and that was not stated on the website half of the course was so wet the you couldn't even hit your ball

Waste of money

Conditions Poor
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/31/2016

Brian,

We apologize that the rain caused the course to be flooded. When the weather is bad we always advise our golfers to call the course to check on the conditions. We hope you will give us another try in the future.

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Poor weather
Used cart

Fun Course, Friendly Staff

Golf staff very friendly. We were met in the parking lot with a cart ready to go. The weather was rainy/cold, but staff was still upbeat and friendly. Was provided hot chocolate free of charge in the club house due to the poor weather conditions. Will definitely be back once the weather brightens up. Fun layout, challenging holes with a ton of elevation changes.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/23/2016

Sorry to hear the weather was so awful! With Summer right around the corner, we are glad to hear you will be back! We look forward to seeing you back out on the course very soon and thank you for taking the time to leave this great review!

Played On
Reviews 30
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Pleasantly Surprised

Typically you don't expect a lot out of a $25 golfnow course but let me tell you, that is completely selling this place short. The design is interesting and fun. The course was in pretty good shape. The greens might keep you up at night...they are lightning slick.

Overall I would generally rate a course like this 4 stars but for what it cost it's well worth your time to check it out.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/12/2015

Thank you so much for the great 5 star review! We are very happy to hear your enjoyed playing at our course! Make sure to check out our Facebook page to get special rates! We hope you will come out and see us again soon!

Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Lightning Greens

The greens were extremely fast, and some of the hole placements were a bit unfair...but a very challenging course. You must hit quality shots to score well. The 14-18th holes require strategic placement of tee shots. Very pretty course especially with the leaves changing. Loved playing here and would definitely recommend the course.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/14/2015

We are so pleased to hear that you loved playing our course! Fall is such a great time out at Settler's Hill, especially when the leaves are starting to change. We hope you will see us again in the near future!

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Settlers Hill

We enjoy playing here. The staff here are extremely nice and they very much aim to please. The coarse is in good shape. You MUST be below the hole on your approach shots to all greens or you will pay the price. Wind and elevation come into play here often so you must put that into consideration when choosing your club. Bring your laser or gps to help with yardage.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/14/2015

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are happy to hear that our staff is so friendly! We hope you will come back and play again soon!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good day to golf

Great weather on 10/6/15.
Course condition was good, grass and fairway clean cut.
Overall tough course. Greens in some locations not viewable from first and second shot.
Holes in four or five locations had an upturn at the rim of the cup, so the ball rolled around it and did not go in.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/12/2015

Thank you for taking time to leave a review. We appreciate all feedback from our golfers and love to hear all opinions on our course.

Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Poor green design

Greens are not "player friendly." Way too much slope and speed. If you're going to have greens like these, you should not cut them so short. Putting was not enjoyable or fair. Lost interest when getting to the greens. High frustration factor.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/12/2015

Hi Daniel,

We are sorry to hear you were frustrated playing our course. We want all our golfers to have an enjoyable round when playing at Settler's Hill. We are hoping you will give us another shot in the future.

Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Carnival-like greens

Despite the fact that the staff was friendly, the fairways were nice, the elevations were scenic and pleasant, the golf experience on this course is ruined by ridiculous undulations on the greens. When you go for a birdie from 8 feet, barely touch the putt and end up with the ball rolling 15 feet off the green (several times) that ain't fun. Looking at the green surfaces on the vast majority of the holes it is difficult to find a fair placement for the cup. Since the vast majority of golfers here are over 10 handicappers how fun is it to defensively putt on almost every green and be satisfied with a 3 putt? The greens are not reasonable and are not fair and we will not be back nor recommend this course to anyone.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 50
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Country Club "Fast" Greens

This is a great golf course. Not as long as some but the layout and the greens make it a real challenge. I have played here maybe 10 or more times(no in area) but I wish it was closer so I could play here more. It has a couple of par 3's where you hit from 50' above the hole, so watch the wind
If you want a fun challenge you need to play here

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/12/2015

Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad to hear that you enjoy your time at our course! Make sure to come back and see us again when you are in the area!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fun shotmaking test

Loved the layout especially mid-front and back nine.
At 67 from about 6,300 yards provided a nice test of sufficient length and accuracy. Liked the two par fours on back -nine for scoring chances as well as the challenges of the somewhat narrow par fives.
The greens were in fair shape but had numerous non-repaired ball marks - not fun or cool when attempting putts on the nicely contoured/levels greens. Sand was lacking in numerous bunkers.
Very scenic and enjoyable views throughout the course; elevation changes made club selection challenging but with options.
At this price I would play this course often - the variety of holes and shots required make even difficult shots fun.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/28/2015

Hello, thank you very much for visiting and taking the time to review our course. We do out best to keep up with our greens and appreciate hearing from our customers. Do visit us again soon!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Crazy greens, Slow Pace

I've played this course three times now, and will not return. The greens are just comical. They go out of their way to place cups in the middle of a ridge or at the top of a shelf drop off. There is no such thing as a lag putt here because if you don't slam it in the hole, you're at least 8 feet fast the cup.

Pace of play was bad. It was a weekday afternoon round in September. It took us 4:55. That is just offensive. We (4) were waiting on every shot for the group ahead (4) and there was no sign of ranger.

Nice course, nice layout, but not worth the headaches. It's not fun when the greens are like mini-golf and the pace is that slow.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 29
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Decent course but bring your own water

Played this course on at fairly warm and beautiful day and was very surprised not
To find any drinking water on the course!
There was a beverage cart but we only saw her twice throughout our 4.5 hr round and the first time was very early in the round !
The course was in ok shape greens were pretty marked up and the course doesn't provide turf mix to fill fairway divots . We played for $20 ( coupon from Golfnow) so well worth it, but I wouldn't be happy paying much more ! Course has many blind shots and really makes you think about shot placement ! Good layout and greens have a lot of slope! So make sure you stay below the pin or 3 put is inevitable !

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/22/2015

Hello Mike, thank you very much for taking the time to visit our course and writing up a review. We apologize for your experience and hope you will visit us again soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart

sadly watching this course go down hill

I've played Setttlers many, many times. However, I haven't played it much in the last couple of years, opting instead for courses like Bliss or Fox Bend. This year I have played it three times. I know we have had a lot of rain, but the overall drainage problem is really hurting this course... areas are destroyed, cart usage is being unrestriced meaning it will get worse. I played on the opening of day of Bears football, and I thought it would be pretty pure play. But there wasn't one marshall on the course moving guys to keep pace and even when the cart girl came by she was out of everything we were looking for, including bottle water--H2O, seriously?

I think this course was once pretty fun, but it is so beat up and not taken care of, I am sticking to Fox or maybe even St. Andrews. The prices are the same, if not better, and the pace of play and the quality of the course are better.

Sorry, I usually love golf!

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Wide open and Relaxing

This course plays well and will be enjoyable for the average golfer. The fairways are wide and the holes are not tremendously long.
A few of the tee boxes are not level which should be an easy fix for the course on the off season. A couple of the pin placements were not very fair as they were directly on a slope where you couldn't get the ball to stop.
All and all, a nice course for a reasonable price. I would recommend the course to the average golfer.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/17/2015

Hello, thank you very much for taking the time to visit our course and writing up a review. We take all reviews into consideration and appreciate your feedback. Do visit us again when you're back in town. Thank you!

Nearby Courses
Geneva, Illinois
Private
0.0
0
Geneva, Illinois
Private
0.0
0
West Chicago, Illinois
Public
4.5068493151
511
Saint Charles, Illinois
Public/Municipal
4.7753004428
170
Geneva, Illinois
Public
3.8265828149
474
Saint Charles, Illinois
Private
0.0
0
Geneva, Illinois
Public
3.842738934
596
North Aurora, Illinois
Public
0.0
0
Saint Charles, Illinois
Private
0.0
0
Aurora, Illinois
Private
4.0
2
Golf Packages

Destination Kohler - Champions' Trail Golf Package

FROM $617 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 2 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn at Woodlake and 3 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River or Meadow Valleys Course) and Whistling Straits (Straits or Irish Course)

Destination Kohler - To Dye Four Golf Package

FROM $557 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn on Woodlake and 4 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River & Meadow Valley Courses) and Whistling Straits (Straits & Irish Courses).

Shanty Creek Stay & Play Package

Click Below
BELLAIRE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Shanty Creek's Lakeview Hotel or Lodge of Cedar River and golf at Shanty Creek - Cedar River, Hawk's Eye, Legend, Schuss, or Summit Courses.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account