Marengo Ridge Golf & Country Club

I played this course twice in the last three days. Both times disappointing from a pace-of-play and staff friendliness standpoint.

I played with my brother on Thursday, August 8, 2019. We had a 2:33 tee time. We showed up at about 1:35 hoping to get some range time in. They told us to tee off immediately or we would be blocked on the turn by leagues who "held the box" at 4:00 p.m. No one had told us this when booking the tee time. After that, we were treated with a 5 hour round.

Today I played with my wife and son. 3:00 p.m. tee time. When we showed up the folks in the Pro Shop seemed surprised and irritated that people might be expecting to play golf. There was no one present initially, and when finally the lady came over from the bar it was a joke. She had no idea what was going on. Another guy came over, and I politely asked "Are there any pencils?" (since none were present) and at one point also politely asked "Can we get our cart keys?" Again, he was quite irritated that someone who had booked a tee time and been waiting in the Pro Shop for at least 10 minutes might be asking these questions. He said something like "OK, OK, settle down. Everybody wants pencils, cart keys, etc." Geez.

Then we had another 5 hour round (or I should say we skipped the final hole to avoid a 5 hour round).

I use the word "hack" in the title, and as an 18 handicap, I'm pretty much also a hack. But my wife, son and I will EASILY play under 4 hours if no one is in front of us. Brooks Koepka is right: Slow pace is killing the game.

If you're looking to get drunk, and play in a league or an outing, Marengo Ridge is for you. If you just want to play golf, go somewhere else.

And it's too bad.. the course is is really nice shape, and it's an interesting layout.

First impressions are important. My first impression was not good. The sandtraps all look like bags of Quickrete or they look like they're about ready to blacktop them. The greens and fairways were literally just OK. Inside the clubhouse and on the scorecard it says "proper golf attire". The group ahead of us played without their shirts. Classy!! The best part is they had a "ranger" of sorts out on the course....so shirtless must be okay....FYI. A busy Friday in my opinion deserves a beverage cart, however I'm willing to look past them not having one out. I've always wanted to play this course, glad I did, however won't be going out of my way to get back here again.

7:12 tee time and never had to wait at any holes. Staff was friendly and hot us out quickly..

First time golfing at marengo ridge .had a great time fairway and greens Were in great condition And the pace of play was great . I definitely will be back to play again

Found this course almost by accident and glad we did. Friendly check in and got straight out. Course in good shape and the greens rolled really well, the fastest we have played so far this year.

Pace of play was interesting, on the front nine it suddenly got slow around hole 6 as we caught the ladies day group, and a five some at that! At the 8th tee by what I assume is the owner’s house the owner apologized and said he had called in! Anyway the pro arrived on 9 with the good news that it was their last hole, even better news we hadn’t been charged the senior’s rate and he funded the difference. Back nine pace was great.

Really recommend this course if you are in the area.

Great value. The staff is very attentive to the players.

Well worth the extra distance to travel.

I enjoy coming here, it’s reasonable prices and nice layout make it nice to play.

Good value, bring your GPS and watch subtle breaks in greens and you’ll enjoy your round in the Fox Valley

I love this course and pace of play is good. Its all you need and more. Plus the club house staff is terrific.

The course was in okay condition. This early in the year it’s hard to expect much. I’d like to come back later in the year because it was a fun layout.

Course was crowded so play was slow. Probably due to a group of 6 in front of us. Lots of new/beginner players most Asian

We enjoyed an under 3 hour round on a perfect Sunday afternoon - booked the 1st time after their Superintendents Revenge scramble so the course completely cleared out after the last group finished on the 1st green. Flagstick positions for this round were at their most difficult however they were very fair....just tucked with several cut in difficult positions near the edges with lots of slope. Overall Marengo is in decent shape....greens are just fine. Sand traps were pretty crusty and do need some work but has been the case for several years. Tee boxes are okay but need a tad of attention. The fairways have been cut a tad too short and are patchy getting sparse in areas some areas the ball just doesn't seem to sit up well....not normally the case...my opinion they need to let the fairways grow out a little. Very welcoming folks and they care deeply about your experience. Range off grass and a locker room showers in the basement. No gps on cars bring a laser/garmin. Nice bar and decent food post round. Always a solid consistent affordable 4 star play and a track I always want to play at least once or more a season. A top 20 affordable gem in Chicagoland.

The courses in really nice shape the pin placements today we're kind of crazy, I played 18 holes in three and a half hours.

front nine is difficult with a lot of water, back nine is easier.