The best golf courses in Illinois, USA

Chicago Golf Club, established in 1895 and designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and later renovated by Seth Raynor, is among America's most historic and exclusive courses. Renowned for its strategic Raynor greens and classic routing, the club's limited membership and tradition-rich atmosphere make it a coveted, private destination for golf purists. No photos are allowed on the golf course.

Medinah Country Club's Course #3, originally designed by Tom Bendelow and recently redesigned by OCM Golf in 2024, is renowned as one of the Midwest's premier championship venues. A host to U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and a Ryder Cup, Course #3 combines historic parkland architecture, bold bunkering, broad fairways, and newly reimagined strategic features—particularly on the final stretch alongside Lake Kadijah.

Shoreacres, located in Lake Bluff, Illinois, is a private Seth Raynor design from 1921 recognized for its ingenious routing and use of dramatic ravines and classic Raynor template holes. Shoreacres pairs strategic interest with walkable beauty, offering original features and a memorable test of golf. Shoreacres is effectively a no‑electronics club: members and guests are expected to leave cell phones, GPS units, rangefinders, and similar devices in the car and not use them on club grounds.

Butler National Golf Club, located in Oak Brook, was founded by Paul Butler and designed by George and Tom Fazio. The club opened in 1972 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest, most exclusive inland tests in the U.S. Its tree-lined fairways, strategic hazards, and small, contoured greens challenge even elite players. Tom Fazio has updated the course in recent years.

Olympia Fields Country Club (North) is a historic private course just south of Chicago, established in 1923 and designed by Willie Park Jr. The North Course features classic parkland architecture with rolling terrain and the meandering Butterfield Creek impacting multiple holes. Regularly ranked among the top 50 in the United States, it is renowned for hosting majors and elite tournaments.

Canyata Golf Club, designed by Michael Benkusky and opened in 2001, is an acclaimed private course carved from Illinois' rolling farmland. Known for its challenging 18-hole layout, pristine bentgrass surfaces, and seclusion, it stands among the nation's elite golf experiences. With dramatic elevation changes and meticulous detail, Canyata offers exclusivity and championship-level conditions.

A Tom Fazio-designed private club in Lake Forest, Illinois, Conway Farms Golf Club opened in 1991. The course is known for its challenging layout and tournament pedigree, including hosting several BMW Championships. With top-tier bentgrass greens and fairways, it provides a pure golf experience in a classic parkland setting, carrying a reputation as one of the premier modern tracks in the Midwest.

Old Elm Club in Highland Park, Illinois, is a storied private club featuring a classic 18-hole layout by H.S. Colt and Donald Ross, established in 1913. Known for its strategic bunkering, push-up greens, and tree-lined fairways, the course offers a timeless parkland challenge. Recent restorations have recaptured the original design intent and enhanced playability.

Dubsdread (Course No. 4) at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is a renowned public championship layout designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee, renovated by Rees Jones. It is recognized nationally for hosting major professional events, demanding shot-making with tight fairways, deep bunkers, and large undulating Bentgrass greens. The course's challenging and strategic design has earned it continuous acclaim since opening.

TPC Deere Run, designed by D.A. Weibring and opened in 2000, is a public championship course situated on 385 scenic acres along the Rock River. It hosts the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic and blends natural beauty, elevation changes, and strategically placed oak trees. Legendary tournament conditions and a challenging yet accessible layout make it a true Midwest golf destination.

The Beverly Country Club is a celebrated Donald Ross design and Chicagoland classic, originally opened in 1908 by George O’Neil and later reimagined by Ross in 1919. Located just south of downtown Chicago, Beverly features masterful routing, no two holes running the same direction, and showcases distinct dune formations from ancient Lake Chicago, making it a true test for championship golf.

The Glen Club, designed by acclaimed architect Tom Fazio, is a top-ranked public course set on the historic grounds of the former Glenview Naval Air Station. Featuring rolling terrain, significant elevation changes, meandering lakes, and views of the Chicago skyline, The Glen Club is recognized as one of Illinois’ premier golf destinations and offers a championship experience for players of all abilities.

Skokie Country Club, established in 1897, is a prestigious private club located in Glencoe, Illinois. Originally laid out by Tom Bendelow, the course received major redesigns from Donald Ross and later William Langford, blending strategic parkland features with classic design elements. Renowned for its championship pedigree and lush, tree-lined fairways, Skokie has hosted multiple major tournaments including the 1922 U.S. Open.

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.

Medinah Country Club Course #1 was originally designed by Tom Bendelow and completely renovated by Tom Doak in 2015. Featuring strategic bunkering, varied par 3s and 5s, and a blend of parkland and open terrain, the course delivers exceptional design and playing experiences for members. Its routing makes excellent use of water hazards and provides wide fairways for all skill levels.

Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville was renovated by Ray Hearn and features a distinctive Scottish links character with more than 20 sod-wall bunkers. The course is renowned for its challenging layout, firm yet fair greens, and risk-reward holes, attracting both local and visiting golf enthusiasts seeking a high-quality public round.

Medinah Country Club Course #2 is a historic parkland layout designed by Tom Bendelow and restored in 2017 by Rees Jones. It features state-of-the-art USGA greens, bentgrass fairways, and classic bunkering, challenging golfers with variety and strategic options while highlighting vintage design elements.