The Best Chicago Golf Courses You Should Be Playing

Chicago might be known for its huge deep-dish pizza and beloved Cubbies, but it really stands out when it comes to golf. You don’t need an expensive membership to play at some of the best Chicago golf courses. Plenty of magnificent courses are open to the public, so schedule a tee time and test your skills today.

Here are five public courses we think you should know about:

Port Course at Harborside International Golf Center

The Port Course at Harborside International Golf Center has some of the best views in Chicago, and it also provides state-of-the-art golfing fun. Take in the gorgeous Chicago skyline as you move through the challenging holes. The 15th hole is the course’s signature hole. Known as the “Anchor Hole,” the par 3 is designed to look like an anchor, making it difficult to stay on the fairway.

Robert A. Black Golf Club

Want to play a round of golf but don’t have a lot of time? If so, head to Robert A. Black Golf Club. This nine-hole course will take care of your golfing urge without taking up too much of your time. It’s not overly difficult, so it’s the perfect place to work on your shots. This is a great little Chicago golf course that you can play after work.

Billy Caldwell Golf Course

If you’re short on time, you will also love playing at the Billy Caldwell Golf Course. The nine holes are quick and the fairways are relatively level, so you won’t get a major workout in during your round. In fact, this is a great choice if you want to try walking a course for the first time. The walk might be easy, but you’ll have a bit of a challenge when you try to launch your ball over the lake. Once you play here, you will see why it is one of the best Chicago golf courses.

South Shore Golf Course

If you have a good approach to the greens, South Shore Golf Course is a great fit. The fairways are a bit tight, but as long as you don’t have a big slice, you will enjoy playing here. The nine holes wind along the lake, so the views are outstanding, and it is well maintained. Plus, it’s affordable and has ample parking. That makes for a great day out on the golf course. Oh, and don’t forget that it used to be a private country club way back in the 1900s. That means you’ll golf where Chicago’s elite used to hit the links.

Indian Boundary Golf Course

If you have time for a full 18, check out Indian Boundary Golf course. While all of the holes are a lot of fun, the course really hits its stride with the back nine. That’s when you will golf your way through a par-5 playground. This course isn’t just about free-swinging fun, though. It also has some tight fairways, so it offers a nice mix of challenging holes and crazy fun.

Want To Explore More Chicago Golf Courses?

Be sure to check out our interactive map which features every single public golf course in Chicago (and beyond). Our unique tool will make it easy to locate courses, instructors, and practice facilities. The video below shows how it works:

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There are so many great golf courses in Chicago. The best thing you can do is get out there and try them all. Are there any spots you think should have made our list? Let us know in the comments section!

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