Settler's Hill GC
A view of a green protected by a bunker at Settler's Hill Golf Course
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Rating Index Rating
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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
67 Reviews (67)
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
15
2 Stars
17
1 Stars
12
Conditions
2.3
Value
2.7
Layout
3.8
Pace
3.0
Amenities
2.6
StaffFriendliness
3.9
44.8%
Recommend this course
30 out of 67 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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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.

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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
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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.

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Recommended
Handicap
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Played On
Reviews 1
3.0
First Time Playing
Poor weather

Nice Course, AWFUL PACE OF PLAY

Regardless of the massive amount of rain we had the day prior or that morning, the course condition was better than expected. Each hole is different and offers a new challenge. Truly a great course if you get a hot buy, but if you go, plan to spend the entire weekend finishing the round.
We payed for a full 18 and left after 11, it took us 3 hours and 45 mins just to finish the front 9 and it was awful. It is impossible as a golfer to get into a rhythm when you are waiting over 5mins per SHOT! The ranger spent the day just riding around rather than actually expediting the golfers in front of us. It was not the best experience. I would only recommend this to people playing in large groups because then the pace of play will not upset you.
All in all, really pretty, peaceful, challenging course but it may challenge your patience more than golf shots.

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

Thank you for taking the time to visit our course recently. We apologize for the pace of play during your time here. We strive to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time and staff available on cart paths as needed. We apologize for your experience and hope you will visit us again soon. Thank you again!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Nice course

The staff was very welcoming and even allowed us to add another to our group at the last minute. They were extremely helpful in filling us in to certain things since this was the first time we played here. Definitely ride this course. If you walk it, you will feel like you ran a marathon. There is a lot of elevation change and usually a large distance between the greens and tee boxes. If it is your first time going, really pay attention to the scorecard because you often can't see the trouble that is certainly there. On 1, there is a pond just right of the green and another if you drive the ball left of the green and straight from the tee box. Really nice course, especially for the price.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/17/2015

Thank you very much for your review and feedback. We always appreciate hearing from customers. We strive to ensure everyone has a good time and receives great service. Thank you again. Do visit us again soon!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

See why it was cheap!

I'll start with it was extremely hot on Tuesday 9/1...96 degrees with a heat index over 100. There was not one place to get water on this course. I mean coolers of just cold tap water. They just want to sell it to you. I always bring my own but I refill my bottle with just plain tap water. That's just not safe on a day like yesterday. Also, there is no sand in the bunkers, hitting off of solid dirt...good luck! I only paid $19 to ride so now I see why it was so cheap. I like the course but it needs some work, lots of still water and huge puddles, not even sure what it's from, surely not rain water.

Conditions Poor
Value Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/04/2015

Hello, thank you for taking the time to visit our course recently. We apologize water service was not available during your time here. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. Do visit us again soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good track,

very good track, loved elevation change, challenging for any golfer! Front desk wasn't very friendly, the man seemed like he knew we weren't regulars, just felt like hurry and pay and leave! Overall golf was good service was ok at best,

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/04/2015

Hello, we appreciate your feedback regarding our staff and course track. We hope you enjoyed your time and will visit us again soon.

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Rained all day

Paid $25 for a 3pm tee time. Good value in good weather, I rated the value an average due to the rain that day.

Beautiful course, but due to it raining all day there we puddles all over, just extremely wet. (The rain absolutely affected my rating the course condition as average, without the puddles from the rain in some fairways and on the 1st green I probably would have given it an excellent rating)

Play in front of us was extremely slow, waited on almost every hole. (A grandfather was teaching his grandkids how to play; understandable)

When I asked for a raincheck, I was denied because rainchecks are only for rain and can't be given for not finishing on a twilight tee time, regardless of slow play in front of us. (It was raining off and on the whole time we were on the course, and the course had puddles in some fairways due to rain, so I felt a rain-check was warranted)

Starter went around before we started to keep carts on the path only, but didn't go around since and unfortunately there was no attempt to speed up play or let us move ahead.

Luckily we did finish, unluckily it has affected my review.d

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/03/2015

Absolutely No water on the course at all. Bring plenty of beverages. The cart won't take a card and you won't get back to the clubhouse to buy a drink until after the 13th hole.

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Course Description Exaggerated

After reading the course description we decided to give this course a try instead of another I have played and like. Overall, there were some very nice holes with beautiful backdrop, but this was basically holes 3-8 (well guarded, tree lined holes reminiscent of Michigan golf), and after that you were staring at either the landfill adjacent to the course (and its burning methane on the horizon) or the old county jail and barbed wire fencing...couple that with a lack of water on the course, poor food options and a terrible snack cart driver who seemed to constantly be "fleeing" our foursome, and this course was overall very disappointing. Also, a ton of ball marks everywhere unfixed and some of the tee boxes were in terrible shape.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/04/2015

Thank you for taking the time to visit our course recently. Settler’s Hill has a distinct history. We strive to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time and have staff available on cart paths as needed. We apologize for your experience during your visit and hope you will visit us again soon.

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice course, great views

Frequent this golf course alot during the golf season. Best part about the course is the layout/views you get off the tee boxes, as there is quite a bit of elevation change. For some inexplicable reason they do not have drinking water available on the golf course, so be sure to bring your own. Also the Beverage cart is cash only. Be sure to save your email confirmation for your tee time. Booked three days in advance, got to the course early and they had no record of my tee time apparently. Lady cashier was friendly and accommodating.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/29/2015

Thank you very much for the great review. We appreciate your feedback and hearing what we can do to make customer experience more enjoyable all around. Visit us again soon!

Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

If you're going to berate your customers, at least be right.

Teed off around noon on a Saturday as a threesome and twosome, with another friendly twosome pairing up with us.

1st hole: Starter was nice enough to begin with, but yelled at our first group for waiting for the group in front of us to clear the green. The first hole is about 300 yards and all downhill, and with a little wind can play around 270-280. Two players in our group are capable of reaching the green on the fly, but they all missed the green (one was hole-high, but off line), and as a result were berated for waiting.

As if it mattered anyway, by the 4th hole we were all waiting about 5-10 minutes on each tee box. To make the best of was already morphing into a typical slow Saturday round, we politely asked our paired two some if we could play with our friends as a 5some, promising to fade back if we could not keep up with pace. We played like this for another 8 holes without issue, still waiting about 5-10 minutes on each tee box for multiple groups in front of us.

On hole 12, while again waiting on the tee box for the group in front of us to clear, a ranger approached us and very condescendingly said “You better not be playing as a 5-some”. We politely tried to explain the situation and told him how we had been waiting on every hole and were just making the best of it. Instead of hearing us out, we were interrupted mid-sentence by deaf ears and an increasingly raised voice and threatened with expulsion from the course if we didn’t split up. A wonderful way of treating your customers with respect, and valiant attempt at fixing the actual root of the problem instead of the byproducts of them.

When we reconvened with our friendly twosome, they also mentioned that before berating us, the same ranger also went on a tangent to them about how all the ‘bad golfers’ were out today and how his life would be so much easier if he could just ‘kick them off’.

I wondered why this course was rated so much lower than it should be, and now I know. It’s sad too, because I really like the challenging layout, and conditions were generally very well maintained. It would be at least a 4 star course in the right hands, but with the current personnel, we do not plan to go back any time soon.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/02/2015

We sincerely apologize you were displeased with the pace of play and sorry to hear that our staff was unfriendly during your visit on our course. We strive to ensure everyone on our course has an enjoyable time and treated with utmost respect. Since we do not have your contact info, please feel free to contact us at (630) 232-1636 and ask for a general manager. He would appreciate speaking with you in more depth about this incident. If there is anything else we can do please let us know.

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

settle for it

Great course , Marshall was involved and reminded you of your pace of play. Gps is a good option as there are not many markings. Again why do a few have to fix ball marks on the greens? All of these privilaged people out there will be the first to complain when the greens get bumpy. Get a life and fix the tee box , fairway divots and your ball marks on the greens.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/29/2015

Thank you for the four star review. We do our best to keep up with our green and appreciate customer feedback when maintenance is required. Do visit us again soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great deal, would never pay full price

First time playing tge course. Got a great hot deal. Course was playing firm and fast. Was alot of fun to hit some big drives. Greens were firm but fairly receptive. Would have expected better pace putting given the overall course conditions. Lots of old ball marks to contend with. Many hole locations cut with slope around the hole which made scoring difficult even when you had short approach shots. Course was fun to play, but a few quarky holes, especially #11.

Biggest complaint was about the staff. The starter and guy behind the counter take their job very seriously. With an almost empty course when we played they sure were uptight. Just being a little friendlier would go a long way.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/07/2015

Thank you very much for your review and feedback. We are so sorry to hear that our staff at the course. We like to ensure that we hold our staff to an exemplary level of customer service and deeply apologize for your experience. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to further address. If there is anything else we can help you with, please bring it to our attention. Thank you again and hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice Course

Good course with a lot of elevation. Forced to pair up with another group and the course played slow with groups of 3s and 4s ahead of us.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/07/2015

Thank you very much for the 4 star review and feedback. Visit us again soon!

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

Settlers Hill review

Please do yourself a favor and skip this course. We went out Saturday morning at 748 and had no groups in front or behind us for 30 mins each way. Well they paired us up with 2 guys we didn't know for no reason to "keep us together". The course is in terrible shape, standing water in the fairways and divot marks on the greens. If that isn't bad enough it was cart path only for 7 holes and they wouldn't give us a break on the price. No GPS on the carts and the fairway is barely marked besides the 150 marker. None of the cart paths are marked which way to go so twice we went to the wrong hole. No Water at all on the course or refreshments available anywhere. We were told at the 13th hole you can stop back at the clubhouse. In an era where golf courses are struggling and needing golfers this place did everything in its power wrong in its treatment of the golfers. Needless to say the other 2 we golfed with won't return either. Take your 55.00 and go practice on the range rather than go here.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great play for the $

Over hill, over dale - what's not to like? The landfill provides great terrain with hills and sharp drop offs to keep it interesting. Course was a bit wet when we played due to the recent rains, but still had a great time.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/17/2015

Hello Rob, Thank you very much for your feedback and 4 star review. Come back any time.

Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Conditions

Not enough shade, rough too deep, greens needlessly overslopped. Garbage smells.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/07/2015

We deeply apologize for your experience on our course and than you for your feedback. We work daily to improve the conditions so that it is enjoyable all around. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know.

Played On
Reviews 3
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great

Will play again. Elevation changes, scenic views, mixture of tight and open fairways. Green in good shape. Pace of play was great.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/17/2015

Thanks a bunch for the 4 star review and great feedback. Please feel free to visit us any time you're in the area.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very nice course

This course was fun. I enjoyed the variations on the par threes. The course itself is, in my opinion, a mixture of openness of the British style courses and the more traditional American style. Kept the round very interesting!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/17/2015

Thank you very much for your 4 star review and excellent feedback. "British style course" is quite a compliment. We appreciate it. Visit us again soon!

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

No frills but pretty views!

Despite recent heavy rains the course was well maintained. It seems like they could update the main "clubhouse" a bit. Plenty of room but very few amenities.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/17/2015

Hello Heather, thank you for your review. We do our best to maintain our course and appreciate your feedback regarding the clubhouse and amenities. We hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 4
Plays Once a week
2.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Fathers day to forget

I've played here before and thought I'd try again. My GF wanted to play for the first time this year and thought this may be an ok place to go with her. Yes we have had a lot of rain but the general condtions for what is being charged are far from good. Cart paths that aren't completed in some areas. Standing water in areas that just look like they don't drain at all. Traps that had very little attention to being quality racked for some time. Very poor tee's. No directs on which tee's and holes are which directions. Yes I have been here before but just the same this should be fairly easy and cheap to do. Last two holes just a mess in extremely poor drainage. For the money St. Andrews a far better deal and always in top shape.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/07/2015

We deeply apologize for your experience at our course. We do our best to improve it daily so that everyone has a good and fun time. Please feel free to contact us so we may find a suitable solution for the experience you have had at our facility. If there is anything we can assist you with please let us know.

Played On
Reviews 21
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Layout & Has Its Challenges- Fun!

I haven't been to this course in 5 years but it's exactly how I remember it. Wonderfully laid out with a scenic terrain. There is nothing flat and boring about this course. Bring your thinking caps and an accurate putter. This track is tons of fun. For me, it was a bit more ($55) than I usually pay but it seemed a going rate compared to other tracks being that it was Father's Day. Only drawback is it has no bar or kitchen present. They serve beer behind a counter with hotdog steamers. No biggie.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/17/2015

Hello Michael, thank you for your 4 star review and comment regarding our food and beverage service. We do our best to ensure everyone has a good time in our course and appreciate customer feedback to make it even better. Please feel free to visit us any time!

Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Fore!

Elevation changes make it a very fun course to play.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/17/2015

Thank you kindly for the 4 star review. Glad to hear you had plenty of fun. Visit us again soon!

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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)

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FROM $557 (USD)
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