BOB O'LINK GOLF CLUB
🇺🇸 Highland Park, IL, USA
Designed by Donald Ross

Bob O'Link stands as a testament to understated exclusivity, a haven for those who value classic golf and genuine camaraderie over fleeting notoriety. Carved into the rolling terrain of Highland Park, Illinois, this early Golden Age design presents a deceptively challenging parkland layout. Tree-lined fairways demand strategic positioning, rewarding thoughtful approaches rather than brute force. The smallish, subtly contoured greens place a premium on precise iron play and a deft touch with the putter. The course is known to favor players who can work the ball, navigate doglegs with finesse, and thrive on approaches into well-guarded targets.
Originally crafted by the legendary Donald Ross, Bob O'Link has seen sympathetic enhancements over the years, ensuring its classic character remains intact while subtly addressing the demands of the modern game. The club has resisted the siren call of chasing distance, instead focusing on preserving the course's inherent strategic nuances and its connection to the land. This dedication to its heritage is reflected in the membership, a blend of accomplished players and passionate golf enthusiasts who appreciate the club's unpretentious atmosphere.
While Bob O'Link may not be a frequent host of major championships, it is a fixture on the regional amateur circuit, offering a stern test for the area's top players. Its true distinction, however, lies in its unique identity and the deep connections forged within its membership. It is a place where the traditions of the game are revered, and where the shared pursuit of a well-played round takes precedence over all else. Bob O'Link is rumored to be one of the few clubs where members can be seen enjoying a post-round cigar and a spirited game of backgammon on the veranda.
Reviews
One of the most pure golf hangouts there is
Beautiful clubhouse. Pristine golf environment.
Pristine experience from the bag drop to the 19th hole. You can feel the history in the clubhouse and the course is so pure. Always a good hang in the clubhouse. Members are super friendly.
A great men’s only club.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Bob O'Link at Bob O'Link Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 26 explicit golfer ratings.
Bob O'Link was designed by Donald Ross.
Bob O'Link at Bob O'Link Golf Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Bob O'Link is 72.
Bob O'Link plays 7,247 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Bob O'Link is 140.