Lake Carroll Golf Course

Lake Carroll Golf Course sits in the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois near Lanark, about twenty miles south of Galena. Designed by Bob Lohmann and opened in the early 1970s, the course serves a private residential community built around a 320-acre lake. The layout takes advantage of the region's natural terrain, with elevation changes and wooded corridors that distinguish it from the flatter farmland typical of much of Illinois. The routing moves through mature hardwoods and along ridgelines, offering occasional views of Lake Carroll itself. Several holes play across ravines or require carries over wetland areas, and the property's topography creates a variety of stances and approach angles. The design reflects the era's emphasis on playability for a wide range of member abilities while incorporating the natural features of the site. Lake Carroll operates as an amenity for the residential community, which includes several thousand property owners. The club maintains a casual, family-oriented atmosphere typical of Midwestern lake communities, where golf is one component of a broader recreational lifestyle that includes boating, swimming, and other activities centered on the lake. The course remains a year-round draw for residents and their guests, with conditions and maintenance standards suited to regular member play rather than championship competition.