Willow Hill Golf Course

The design is a nice Tim and Dick Nudent layout. However, that is the only good thing I can think of about this course. The condition is the worst anywhere . I understand it is late March, but the field behind my house is in better shape. The greens are slow, littered with debris and still has holes from the aeration done in the fall. The tees and fairways are sparse and has weeds. The bunkers have not even been touched like the never maintain them with sand or even rake them. I began to wonder dose the course even have a Greens Keeper Crew maintaining the place? I played on a Tuesday and never saw 1 Greens Keeping Crew member or piece of equipment maintaining anything. Do not recommend until they put some money into maintaining the course instead of expanding the patio or putting in brick cart paths by the club house. Glenview Prairie Club is in the Glen across the street and is a nice all Bent Grass Facility and that is always nicely maintained and for same or less green fees.

The Good: Dick Nugent & Tim Nugent design on an old Chicago North Shore suburban landfill has some interesting holes, particularly the Par-3’s that include some significant green complex undulation. If you like the challenge of playing in the wind, then you’ll love Willow Hill! Decent course conditions for mid-March and excellent pace of play for a weekend morning quick nine holes. Nice practice facilities for just a nine-hole complex with full driving range and short game area. Staff is very friendly. Beautiful Chicago skyline views from one of the highest points in the county.

The Bad: While it’s expected that the greens are going to be a little rough in the early Spring, they were VERY bumpy and to the point that putting was irrelevant. There was limited Par-4 variety with all of them at similar distances and no dogleg creativity in the design. Clubhouse is very modest and quaint, but the entire facility was in mid construction and the parking lot just dirt. A little overpriced at $29 to walk nine-holes for winter months.

The Verdict: Willow Hill is a nice option for a quickie 9-holes if you can’t get a full 18-holes in. While it’s overpriced, you won’t lose a golf ball and the sightlines to downtown Chicago are a nice touch.

Best Hole: The Par-3 3rd hole is a nice, slightly downhill one-hitter with the nicest bunkering and unique green complex on the course.

Course was okay for start of the season. First time out there will be some muddy spots. Welcome to Chicago.

It was my first time playing this course and while it was early in the season, it was quite a mess. It seems as if they’re doing a lot of construction around the area which is great, but caused for inconsistent cart paths, confusion, and overall discontent. The course is very tight and not very well maintained, from my perspective.I will say the skyline view of Chicago made my day!

Greens were airrated, but still in good shape. always a breezy course lots of fun considering there isn't any water, except for piuddles from rain the day before. Still a great staff and fun way to get in a bonus 9 at the end of the season

Greens were embarrassingly bad. Poorly aerated with the mud filling left on greens. Tee Boxes were trash. Theyve made a lot of revenue this season and have put little money into watering and maintenance. A lot iof balls charging $35 with cart. They also cut all the fescue killing the link style charm and making it easy. 10 years ago this place was a gem. Never again.

Love playing here. 9 holes links course. Unfortunately the greens are a bit rough because of the winter.

Will keep going.

Really nice golf course. It was a windy day and somewhat cool, but still had a lot of fun out there today. The course is in good condition and it was good to get some exercise and fresh air. Have played this course a few dozen times and it never disappoints. Wonderful experience.

This is a bare bones course, not great scenery, An OK course on short notice for a quick round.

First time playing the course. It was a bit wet, but in good condition. With the course being so elevated the views of the surrounding area were spectacular. You can even see the Chicago skyline. But it makes it quite windy. Plenty of space and not a lot of trouble. Greens were tricky with their undulations, but rolled smoothly. It was an interesting and fun 9 hole course. I’d probably play again.

Pretty course with really tough greens. Had a hot deal for $17 which made it worth walking 9. Probably wouldn’t pay the regular $25 to walk 9 but will definitely play again on a hot deal. Course was in great shape even in early October

Really nice course. Good bang for your buck. Well worth it.