ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
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Course Report
Stonewall Orchard is regularly ranked as one of the top five public golf courses in Illinois and features over 65,000 mature pine and oak trees.
About
Stonewall Orchard Golf Club is a public, 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 1999. Spanning 7,124 yards, it weaves through mature pines, wetlands, and natural prairie with a layout offering strategic variety. Consistently ranked among Illinois' best public courses, it provides a challenging, scenic round for all skill levels.
Caddie Tip
Stay below the hole on approaches—many greens have significant slopes and can play very fast, especially in summer. Off the tee, favor accuracy over length to avoid the large native areas, and be mindful of pin positions to set up manageable putts on contoured greens.
The Main Challenge
Navigating Stonewall Orchard's hazards is the main challenge—wetlands, native grasses, and water hazards punish errant shots. Greens can be fast and sloped, demanding excellent distance control and touch. The par-4s and par-3s are especially challenging, requiring smart club selection off tees and creative recovery options.
The Good
Golfers love the blend of scenic beauty and strategic challenge, with no two holes feeling the same. The rolling topography and mature wooded corridors offer memorable isolation on each hole, and the course consistently stands out for its visual appeal and overall design quality.
The Not So Good
Players commonly note that, while the greens are quick and enjoyable, conditioning can be inconsistent and some cart paths need repair. Occasional weeds in the fairways and sometimes unrealistic pin positions also draw criticism, especially given the higher green fees for the region.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th hole is a par 4 that caps off the round with a dogleg left, requiring a precise tee shot to avoid wetlands and position for an uphill approach into a well-guarded green. Strategic placement and accuracy are essential, making it a memorable and challenging finish.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse features a full-service pro shop, bar & grill, locker rooms, and banquet space for events. Greeted by friendly, attentive staff, golfers enjoy comfortable amenities to relax before and after rounds, plus a patio with course views.
Practice Facilities
Stonewall Orchard offers a full driving range, short game area with bunkers, and putting green. Guests have access to practice facilities before play, with range balls included. Instruction is available and the setup caters to warm-up and skill building.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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