Big Run GC
A view over the water of a hole at Big Run Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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3.8
928 Reviews (928)
5 Stars
267
4 Stars
340
3 Stars
157
2 Stars
96
1 Stars
68
Conditions
3.5
Value
3.9
Layout
4.5
Friendliness
4.1
Pace
3.9
Amenities
3.3
78.4%
Recommend this course
681 out of 928 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.6
35 Reviews (35)
5 Stars
9
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
4
1 Stars
3
Conditions
3.4
Value
3.9
Layout
4.5
Pace
3.8
Amenities
3.2
StaffFriendliness
3.6
71.4%
Recommend this course
25 out of 35 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
67 Reviews (67)
5 Stars
18
4 Stars
32
3 Stars
9
2 Stars
5
1 Stars
3
Conditions
3.6
Value
3.9
Layout
4.6
Pace
3.8
Amenities
3.3
StaffFriendliness
3.9
80.6%
Recommend this course
54 out of 67 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Big Run's dramatic elevation changes and challenging layout consistently earn high praise from golfers seeking a true test. Noticeably improved course conditions and friendly staff make this a strong value worth booking.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 7028 yards
Slope 142
Rating 74.6
Book a Tee Time at
Big Run Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1930
Fairways Blue Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Harry B. Smead (1930) Dick Nugent (1986) Ken Killian (1982)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range No
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Dicover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Proper attire is required.

Available Facilities

Banquet Facilities

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Most Improved U.S. Golf Courses (2025 #24)
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Reviews

3.8
928 Reviews (928)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 34
Watching the Game 7
Course Challenges Include:
Elevation Changes 71
Undulating Greens 60
Plays Long 57
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 61
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 37
Locals 27
This Course's Location is:
In the 'Burbs 64
Worth the Drive 42
Convenient to the City 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 449
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Illinois Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Another nice day at Big Bad Run

Big Run was in it's usual excellent shape. 2nd time out this year on the course....the greens were decent but just a tad bumpy because they just started growing. Always a 4.5 star experience. If you want to enjoy yourself and not get too beat up play the green tees on this course. Playing from the orange/white the par 3's on the back nine will be overly challenging for anyone over a 10 handicap. Always under my consideration when there's a hot deal on Golfnow.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Big Run

Course conditions were great given the rough winter, greens were pretty slick. Play the green tees and enjoy the round!

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

What a surprise!

Never heard of this course until I saw a great deal on Golfnow for $20. This course is very challenging unless you are an experienced golfer. Long tree-lines holes, bunkers and pin placement made for an interesting round. But this is a must play course as there aren't many courses in area with such a distinct terrain. Lots of hills and valleys. I will definitely try this course again.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 449
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Illinois Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

BIG BAD RUN IN GREAT SHAPE EARLY SEASON

I've played this course since the late 70's with 12 of the 18 holes undergoing significant remodels since that time. If you want to have fun play the green tees. If you want to beat yourself up go ahead and play the whites/orange tees and shoot well above your handicap. Have fun on the 11th green. Big Run is always enjoyable and it's always a 4 1/2 star experience. Only drawback is no warm up driving range thus the 1/2 star deduction.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Big Run

Course in beautiful shape. Evil pin positions, but greens rolled true. Next time I will move up a tee .

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Greens too fast but rolled smoothly

Big Run was in great shape. The green were very quick and rolled smoothly, however a few holes on the back nine were so slick that no matter where you hit it, the ball would not hold the green. Everyone in my foursome ended up picking the ball up and moving on to the next hole. The foursome behind us had the same experience.

Besides the problems with the greens, I absolutely loved the course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

DIFFICULT FOR HIGH HANDICAPPERS

Big Run is an old classic course with some very long holes. Lots of trees and trouble await all but the very good players. After the winter the fairways and greens are in need of a lot of work and all bunkers need new sand.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Big run, big score

I have played this course twice now and each time it throws something different at me. The ninth hole is a 600+ yard par five and it plays like the daunting distance it is. If you like a lot of hills in your golf courses you will love big run. Also it isn't very busy so it's kind of like a hidden gem.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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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.
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