Chicago and its suburbs make a superb golf destination. With over 200 golf courses to choose from, Chicago has plenty of options for the visitor looking for a tee time while staying in the city.
The city’s popular courses like historic Jackson Park Golf Course, award-winning Harborside International Golf Center, and the lakefront Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course make for a quick and convenient golf getaway. And top suburban golf courses near Chicago such as Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in nearby Lemont have hosted professional tournaments.
Golf season in Chicago is typically April through November, though spots like Diversey Driving Range & Miniature Golf are open year-round with heated and covered tees. Here’s a primer on where to golf in Chicago.
Chicago golf courses
The city is home to a number of quality public courses, suited for everyone from beginners to experts. Chicago Park District Golf maintains several scenic courses, a driving range, and miniature golf course all within the heart of the city and all with affordable rates.
Harborside International Golf Center
Located just 25 minutes from Chicago’s Loop, the two links-style courses are Dick Nugent designs built on reclaimed land that showcase the city skyline at many of the holes. 11001 S. Doty Ave. East, South Deering
Robert A. Black Golf Course
Newest among the Chicago Park District golf courses, this par 33 layout was designed by the renowned Dick Nugent. Short in distance, this north side 9-hole course is a great choice for all skill levels. 2045 W. Pratt Blvd., Rogers Park
Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course
A waterfront gem, this 9-hole course just north of downtown is incredibly popular not only for its prime location, but for its tight greens, numerous bunkers, and championship length. The Clock Tower Café offers simple fare along with its beautiful backdrop, from salads and wraps to burgers and steaks. 3600 N. Recreation Dr., Lakeview
Jackson Park Golf Course
This historic South Side 18-hole golf course just off Lake Michigan features mature hardwood trees that protect the fairways, greens that put emphasis on accurate shots, and a renovated clubhouse. 6401 S. Richards Dr., South Shore
Diversey Driving Range & Miniature Golf
Quite possibly Chicagoland’s most picturesque driving range, it is located just off of Lake Michigan. The two-tier range with covered and heated stalls is open year round. The 18-hole mini golf course is adjacent, nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, with cascading waterfall and footbridges offering all-ages fun. 141 W. Diversey Pkwy., Lincoln Park
Public golf courses around Chicago
Head out to the links in these suburbs and you won’t be disappointed.
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club
Host to Western Open and BMW Championships, this spectacular public golf facility has four award-winning 18-hole courses, including famous Course #4 Dubsdread, ranked among the Top 100 in the country. Lemont, Illinois, 28 miles southwest of downtown Chicago
The Glen Club
Located on the former site of a Naval Air Base, this top-ranked suburban oasis designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio sits at the heart of a 195-acre refuge and is now filled with beautiful rolling hills, lakes, and creeks. Glenview, Illinois, 25 miles north of downtown Chicago
Cantigny Golf
A classic parkland course set in the midst of nature, it boasts lush forests, hills, and lakes across its three nines and has hosted the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links, the Illinois Amateur Championships, and numerous USGA qualifiers. Wheaton, Illinois, 35 miles west of downtown Chicago
Pine Meadow Golf Club
Considered by some to be a mini-Cog Hill, this picturesque parkland course is also owned by the Jemsek family and with towering evergreens and hardwood trees as a backdrop to its 18 holes, it continues to rank one of the best places to golf near Chicago. Mundelein, Illinois, 40 miles north of downtown Chicago
With all the top Chicago-area golf courses, the list could go on — The Highlands of Elgin, Homewood’s Ravisloe Country Club, Orchard Valley Golf Course in Aurora. Pack your golf clubs and take your pick, or just get your fix with a round of putt-putt mini-golf at Maggie Daley Park.
