#1 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club

Cog Hill's Dubsdread, a brute sculpted from the prairie south of Chicago, echoes with the roars and whispers of championships past. This is no gentle stroll; its penal, tree-lined fairways and demanding greens were conceived in the early 1960s and continue to test all levels of player. Dubsdread favors those who can turn the ball over; many holes bend left, demanding fades off the tee be near perfect.

Designed by Dick Wilson, with later refinements by Rees Jones in the late 2000s, Dubsdread's championship pedigree is well established. The course hosted multiple Western Opens and the BMW Championship for years, witnessing moments of both triumph and crushing defeat on its unforgiving layout.

While not often mentioned among the titans of American golf design, Dubsdread nevertheless holds a unique place in the hearts of Chicago-area golfers, a true test of mettle. And should you find yourself on the 19th hole, be sure to try the signature chili, a cold-weather staple that warms from the inside out after a humbling round.