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4.2
81 Reviews (81)
5 Stars
42
4 Stars
31
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.5
Layout
4.3
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.6
Amenities
3.7
93.0%
Recommend this course
77 out of 81 reviews
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Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
6 Reviews (6)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.8
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.8
100.0%
Recommend this course
6 out of 6 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
10 Reviews (10)
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
4
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.5
Layout
4.4
Pace
4.6
Amenities
3.7
StaffFriendliness
4.8
90.0%
Recommend this course
9 out of 10 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
The staff consistently earns high praise for their welcoming, friendly approach with golfers of all experience levels. Smooth pace of play and strong overall value make this course an accessible and enjoyable round.

About

Holes 9
Type Public
Style Executive
Par 34
Length 2429 yards
Slope N/A
Rating N/A
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Craig Woods Golf Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1982
Golf Season Open: 3/01 Closed: 11/01
Architect Roger Craig

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Pull-carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range No

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code No tank tops or sleeveless shirts allowed.

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Short Courses in the U.S. (2021 #9)
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Reviews

4.2
81 Reviews (81)
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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 44
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Illinois Advisor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

Great value that will test your game

I have played at Craig Woods more that 20 times over the past 3 years. Each time I come here to play, I know that I am going to be getting a good value (cost me $14 to walk 9 holes today). The course has always been in good shape no matter what time of the year I have played it and today was no different. When considering 9 hole courses in McHenry County, in my opinion, it is the second toughest behind Woodstock CC.

The course layout will test everyone's game whether you are a beginner or you have a solid game. I currently am an 11 handicap and this little 9 hole track always seems to beat me up. There are three sets of tees with it playing 2429 yards from the blues down to 2006 yards from the reds. Water hazards come into play on 6 of the 9 holes. There is only one par 5 on the course, three par 3's, and five par 4's. The course does not play "long" and realistically you could play all day with just your irons. The longest par 4 is just 325 yards from the tips.

Where the course challenges you is the par 3's. The third hole is an island green that gives you very little room for error. It is what I would consider the signature hole of this course. It is only 130 yards from the tips, but the tee shot it downhill and just visually intimidating. The fifth hole is a "turtle back" green that just repels balls. If your tee shot is right, you are OB. If your tee shot is left, you are going to have an interesting shot out of mature trees.

Overall, the course's greens are small so your wedge or short iron approaches need to be very accurate. You very rarely will have a straight, flat putt on these greens. They are a great test. There are no bunkers on this course, but thick rough runs right up to the edges of most of the greens.

The clubhouse is just a place to pay for your round and grab a soda or Gatorade to take onto the course with you. There are no beverage carts on the course. The alcohol and hot food are across the street at Crystal Woods. The staff has always been very friendly. Pace of play is OK depending on when you come out to the course. They do not accept tee times so there can be a back-up waiting to tee off at the first tee. If there is a line at the first tee, you are better off trying to go across the street and walk on at Crystal Woods.

Don't shy away from this course because it is "just" a par 34, 9 hole course. Play it, enjoy it, and watch your game improve.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
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Golf Packages

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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

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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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