White Deer Run Golf Course

One of my new favorite courses to play. Played the BLUES (6464 YDS) so I didn't drive it into bunkers or lateral hazards. Could be a problem for some. Slope rating is high, but a played above average for this course. Tee boxes are FLAT, fairways PRISTINE, but the greens are FAST! The only negative is certain holes don't fit my shot shape off the tees. A must play but, play the correct tee box conducive to your game. Don't play the tips if you're a sprayer of the ball. It slows down the pace of play.

We had a great time and enjoyed the course quite a bit. Well kept and fun layout. #9's and 10 require some repeat play to really understand how to play them, but the other holes were easy to figure out. Just require some good shot making. We'll definitely play it again.

Great course with a challenging layout and wide fairways with plenty of sand traps.

The problem here is all the goose crap! It’s everywhere!!!

You’ll pay a premium here and if the goose crap was removed it’d be worth it. Be careful when picking up your ball!

White Deer is a great course. Fair greens that roll true, challenging layout with just a couple gimmick holes to keep it interesting. Great practice facilities.

What keeps me coming back is the staff. Always someone to great you upon arrival and check you in. Cart guys load your gear respectfully. The on course staff is friendly and helpful. Beverage cart service is fantastic.

The staff is the main reason I will keep playing White Deer, Bob and his team are 5 star worthy.

Great course and wonderful staff they work hard at customer service here, obviously with the Covid thing we do not get everything but it is coming soon...

FIX YOUR BALL MARKS PEOPLE!!

Wished I could have played the back nine, but rain got it the way.

Have played this course prolly 50 times in my day. Have not played in the last few years, so went back over the Labor Day weekend with a few buddies.

I have to say the course is always in great shape. The superintendent does an awesome job and he deserves a raise.

Management team needs a complete overhaul however. I have seen other reviews mention the same thing. Quick recap of our experience at the course.

- Bar was not open at 9am on Labor Day weekend. If you wanted a beverage, you had to track down a staff member to go behind the bar, then you would have to pay in the pro shop for your drinks. Guys making the turn wanted some cocktails and it took forever, then the rangers complain about pace of play.

- We saw the beverage cart 1 time in our 4.5 hrs on the course. We are big drinkers and wanted to give the course our money and we couldn't. Also all water jugs on par three's out of drinking cups.

- We finish the round and always nice to settle up and get our clubs wiped down. The bag guy rushed us out to parking lot, saying we can take the cart. He looked way behind on flipping carts and no interest in making tip money.

- Walking into the clubhouse, the GM and two assistants are practicing their swings with clubs from the pro-shop.

Understaffed in beverage and outside services, while 3 managers are in the clubhouse messing around when it was quite obvious outside needed help.. It rubbed me the wrong way being in the service industry. A lot of people play golf just to golf, but a higher percentage play golf for the experience. F&B and outside services are part of that experience and that's why this course hasn't raised prices in 20 years. They know they cannot because people will stop coming. I have never known a single golf course that has not raised rates in 20 years. Make the effort and turn this course into a course people want to play again and again. The golf course is worth it.

I will not be back until that happens.

Outstanding course! The layout is phenomenal and the course was in excellent condition. Very fast greens which made putting have a true role.

The Good: Nearly impeccably conditioned upscale facility in Vernon Hills is one of the better public courses on the North Shore (and my new home course!). Fairly wide open layout with no trees, but sand bunkers at every corner and a significant amount of water. Some very nice holes, particularly the par 3's and some good short Par 4's. Nice greens that are subtly slick and very difficult. Nice clubhouse with full bar and restaurant. On-course amenities include elaborate GPS on carts and restroom facilities. Good practice facility and well known golf education center.

The Bad: Houses (including my own) loom on many holes and causes the course to feel a little claustrophobic. Service is only above-par at best is a little underwhelming considering the hefty price tag. Overpriced at $90 during high season. Many holes seem to run together and are not overly memorable. the Par 3's are nice but limited variety in yardage.

The Verdict: While I'm not a huge fan of residential courses, White Deer Run gets my recommendation because of its excellent conditioning and overall experience.. One of the better options in the north suburbs, but Thunderhawk and Shepherd's Crook are better values.

Best Hole: The tricky Par 4 9th is a devious hole that requires a precise drive around large trees to a green enveloped by a large pond.

Have played out here several times and have never been disappointed. The greens are always fast and true and the course in general is well kept. Houses on every hole but each hole but fairways are wide and generous and greens are average sized. Great place to play when you want a quality round of golf for a good price.

Surrounded by houses on every hole, this course is not scenic. Course condition is on par with green fees.
The arrogant staff makes it an overall poor experience. They should not offer discounted tee times if they are going to pout and lecture people who use them. There are better course in the area.