Mt Prospect Golf Club

The course was in good shape and we got out on time. Pace of play was very poor - over 5 hours for 18. Greens are extremely challenging and interesting. Charging $18 per person for a cart seems like gouging

It's been 8 years since course revised. Fast greens , some hold approach shots, others roll off.. big breaks in putts result in slow play.

I would definitely give this course a try because it certainly is unique (specifically the green complexes), especially for an affordable public course. There are some classically elegant features and many memorable holes. The design however is just curiously executed (or poorly executed depending on who you ask).

I completely understand the need trick up the course to counter for the lack of land needed to lengthen the course. The course stretches to just 6,300 yards from the back tee/par 70 (most golfers default to the 6,300 yard tee). However, the strategic nature of the greens is often lost due to the wacky distances from which you are approaching the greens.

The par three 4th hole is a reverse Redan that plays 220 yards. That is an absurd distance for a Redan. So rather than trying to use the contours or determine a good line that could provide a reasonable putt you are just blasting a wood up there and trying to get up & down.

The same problem exists at the par three 16th hole. It features a beautiful Biarritz green. But again, the hole plays 225 yards and is the tightest par 3 on the course. There is a huge tree line along both sides and a cart path and fence ~6 paces right of an very narrow green. Typically this kind of green is used in a more open links type setting, not on a very narrow hazard rich chute. (The par three 7th is well designed with a wider green at a more reasonable distance, and is much more fun to play.)

There are two par 4’s on the front that play 460+….again, very strange distances. So obviously there are some short holes out there that pay you back where you MUST score. 3, 9 & 18 are examples of short holes where the devilishly wicked green complexes make a good score well earned. Another really fun green is the 435 yard par four 11th, but the hole seems to play a bit uphill into the prevailing winds, so golfers are often laying up on this hole rather than rolling balls into the punchbowl style green….again, not really getting to interact with the contours.

The redesign largely defaulted to the original routing. I wish they would have thought outside the box more and done a more imaginative rerouting. There is not a forced layup anywhere on the course There are however two creeks that run through the property that could have been used to force some layups which would have essentially lengthened the course. That creek could also have been used to front a couple of greens (creek tends to be 40+ yards from any putting surface). This would have been an alternate way to make the course challenging without making all of the green sloping so severe. Picture moving the green on #3 just across the creek setting up a fun little approach over a hazard. I also think there are places where the use of a double green could have worked to extend distances. If the course could stretch to 6,600 that would push the par up and spread people onto alternate tee boxes. 11 and 17 for example could share a double green; converting the 11th to a par 5 and extending the course distance.

Typically the course is in great shape, but the amount of play is starting to show as tee boxes are butchered on some of the shorter holes and the ball marks on the greens are quite severe. I cannot imagine a more walker friendly course, so the turf doesn’t get as trampled as some of the higher end courses by cart traffic. When they have issues with the turf they generally address it quickly, which is nice to see. The rough and bunkers were in very good shape as were the fairways (aside from some popular layup spots on par 5’s, etc.)

It's definitely a tough and memorable little course which yields all of the passion articulated in the course reviews. Give it a try. Do yourself a favor and walk it; you won’t regret it.

Course I’m good shape and a good test of skills ! Excellent practice facilities . Greens roll as good as anywhere . Only knock cart fees $20 per person as round gets expensive and course not quite on that level for the price you pay !

Course has some interesting holes requiring play with the full bag. Good course for walking. Greens are undulating and fast the day I played. Pin positions (on that Tuesday) were challenging. Fairways were a bit dry, but we've had little rain. Personnel are very friendly. I like this course.

Have played this course many times and the greens are always fast but true. However, the pin placements for a Sunday were ridiculous. This is recreational golf - not the US OPEN. Fairways need a little water.

Course and staff were great! Weather was not!! 50F, windy and rainy, but the course held up very nice. There was a walking 2some in front of us, but they were very courteous and held quick pace of play. Had to rent left handed clubs for visiting friend and no issues there either. Looking forward to another round, hopefully, in MUCH nicer weather!

The course is always in a top notch condition, challenging and fun. The staff is accomdating and helpful. Highly recommend.

Considering the heavy play this course is in beautiful condition- quick, consistent greens make this course a challenge- friendly staff kept pace of play moving. After 4th hole the course opened up & pace was fineHighly recommend!

Course is great. I was reminded on the 10th tee why I play this course so rarely. Foursomes are always being let off 10th tee just in time to bring the pace of play to a screeching halt. If they stopped this practice I would play this course regularly

Course is always in great condition. Greens and pin placement are sometimes a bit overboard but it's fun if you just take it for what it's worth.

Only annoying thing is that they let groups off the back 9 sometimes. I was on pace for a 2:30 round this morning and then got stuck behind a group after the turn. Not great.

Here was a nice village course that was tricked up by some administrator trying to make it challenging for the few. Everyone I talked to who are residents say it was too bad what they did to our course. It is so tricked up as not to be enjoyable. Play somewhere else.