
Blackberry Oaks Course
Blackberry Oaks Golf Club


About this course
Blackberry Oaks Golf Club sits in Bristol, a small community in Kendall County in northeastern Illinois, roughly an hour southwest of Chicago. Designed by David Gill and opened in the mid-1990s, the course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of the Fox River valley region, where glacial activity left behind gentle elevation changes and scattered mature tree stands. The layout takes its name from the native blackberry brambles and oak groves that define much of the property's natural character. Gill's routing works with the existing topography rather than imposing dramatic earthwork, creating a parkland-style test that emphasizes strategic positioning over length. The course features a mix of risk-reward opportunities and straightforward holes, with water coming into play on several holes and fairway bunkering that rewards accurate tee shots. Elevated greens and subtle green contours add complexity to approach play, while the tree-lined corridors frame most holes without creating excessive tightness. As a daily-fee facility serving the western Chicago suburbs, Blackberry Oaks functions as a regional amenity for area golfers seeking accessible conditions and reasonable green fees. The course attracts a mix of local players and visitors exploring options beyond the immediate metropolitan area. The clubhouse provides standard amenities typical of public facilities in the region, supporting both casual rounds and organized outings throughout the season.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in IL
Quick facts
- Location
- Bristol, IL, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1993
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- David Gill
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,404 yards
- Difficulty
- 75/134
- Course Vaults score
- 7.2
Getting there
The journey to Blackberry Oaks Golf Club begins at Chicago O'Hare International (ORD), roughly an hour's drive west into the gently rolling farmland of Kendall County. The route traces Interstate 88 through the outer suburban fringe before peeling south onto quieter two-lane roads, where the landscape opens into a patchwork of cornfields and oak groves that define Illinois' rural character. The final approach along Blackberry Road feels deliberately unhurried, a transition from the hum of the city into the kind of understated Midwestern calm that defines this corner of the Fox Valley.

FAQ
Common questions about Blackberry Oaks
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Blackberry Oaks has a Course Vaults score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 18 logged golfers.
Blackberry Oaks was designed by David Gill.
Yes. Blackberry Oaks is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Blackberry Oaks is 72.
Blackberry Oaks plays 6,404 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Blackberry Oaks is 134.



