
Keller's Crossing Course
Keller's Crossing at Stone Creek
About this course
Keller's Crossing at Stone Creek is a Jerry Lemons design located in Makanda, a small community in southern Illinois near Carbondale. The course occupies terrain characteristic of the Shawnee Hills region, where the relatively flat agricultural landscape of central Illinois gives way to more varied topography with wooded ridges, rock outcroppings, and creek corridors. Lemons, a regional architect active primarily in the Midwest, worked within this natural setting to create a layout that incorporates the area's rolling contours and native vegetation. The routing takes advantage of the property's elevation changes and natural drainage features, with Stone Creek itself likely influencing several holes. Southern Illinois courses typically feature a mix of hardwood-lined fairways and more open areas, and the design here reflects that regional character. The terrain allows for strategic variety, with holes playing across slopes and through wooded sections that require accuracy off the tee. Keller's Crossing serves the local golfing community in the Carbondale area, which includes Southern Illinois University. The course provides a public-access option in a region where golf facilities are more spread out than in metropolitan areas. The setting offers a contrast to the flatter courses found elsewhere in Illinois, giving players a taste of the more rugged landscape that defines the state's southern tip. The facility operates as a daily-fee course accessible to visitors exploring the Shawnee National Forest region and surrounding attractions.
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 USA
Quick facts
- Location
- Makanda, IL, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2017
- Designer
- Jerry Lemons
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,875 yards
- Difficulty
- 74/140
Getting there
The journey to Keller's Crossing at Stone Creek begins at either St. Louis Lambert International (STL), roughly two hours northwest, or Nashville International (BNA), a similar distance to the southeast, with the former offering the most direct routing for most travelers. From St. Louis, the drive traces Interstate 64 east before peeling south into the forested hills of Southern Illinois, where the landscape shifts from flat farmland to the rumpled, wooded terrain of the Shawnee National Forest. The final miles wind through Makanda, a tiny artist enclave tucked into the bluffs, before arriving at Stone Creek's secluded property - a hidden gem carved into one of the most geologically dramatic corners of the Prairie State.

FAQ
Common questions about Keller's Crossing
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Keller's Crossing was designed by Jerry Lemons.
Yes. Keller's Crossing is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Keller's Crossing is 72.
Keller's Crossing plays 6,875 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Keller's Crossing is 140.
Keller's Crossing is a 18-hole course.



