Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club

The Good: Crystal Tree Golf & CC in Orland Park, IL is a very nice, challenging Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design that is cut within an upscale, private housing community, yet has some of the most unique topography for a course in the south suburbs. While it’s fairly spacious off the tee (except some awkward, wonky short Par 4’s), the super slick greens are extremely interesting and menacingly difficult all the same. Course was in exceptionally good shape considering the mid-Fall timeframe & the greens were running at a 12.5 stimpmeter! Has one of the better opening & closing hole combos of any course in the Chicagoland area that I’ve played. The clubhouse is miraculous and one of the most impressive backdrops to a private course in the area that I’ve played. Robust practice facility & nice on-course amenities including a halfway house after the 1st & 10th holes. The Par-3’s are a memorable group of one-hitters.

The Bad: The greens putt so true but did not hold short-iron shots well at all. The tee-shots on both the 4th & 6th holes are too tricked up and don’t provide nearly the reward for the risk involved. There are a half dozen greens with false fronts that borderline on the unfair. The staff is nice enough but didn’t really provide a “warm and fuzzy” experience for unaccompanied guests as I would have hoped.

The Verdict: Crystal Tree is a super fun, enjoyable golf course that is another notch on the positive for Robert Trent Jones, Jr. despite his typical naysayers. Some of the most interesting greens that I’ve played all year. A Top 25 course in Chicagoland that I’ve played.

Best Hole: The 18th is one of the better closing holes & Par-4’s that I have played in the greater Chicagoland area. The tee-shot can either take the easier route to the left of a massive bunker over water, or it can be taken on for those who are feeling feisty.

A member there organized some high school friends to get out on a perfect fall day.

Everyone had an unreal time, not to mention the course was breathtakingly beautiful. We were treated like members, felt welcome from the start, and the staff couldn't have been more accommodating.

If I ever move back to the South side of Chicago, Crystal Tree is a place where I'd absolutely consider becoming a member.

A beautiful open design course that is challenging but plays fair. Navigating the bunkers is the biggest key to succeeding here. Fun and fair for all levels of players.

.$120 USD