
Sunset Valley Course
Sunset Valley Golf Course



About this course
Sunset Valley Golf Course, a Highland Park institution since its inception, offers a classic Midwestern golfing experience steeped in local tradition. While not a major championship venue, its charm lies in its accessibility and community spirit. The course presents a traditional parkland layout, characterized by mature trees lining gently rolling fairways. Architect Lawrence Packard, who shaped many Midwestern courses, provided a playing field that presents a fair challenge. Sunset Valley favors strategic play over sheer power, with subtly contoured greens demanding thoughtful approaches. Locals say the course is particularly tricky when the wind whips off Lake Michigan, adding a layer of complexity to even the most familiar rounds. Sunset Valley's appeal extends beyond the course itself. It's known for its active men's and women's clubs, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels. In a nod to its unpretentious nature, the clubhouse grill is rumored to serve up some of the best post-round burgers in the North Shore, proving that golf isn't just about the score.
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
- Highland Park, IL, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1922
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,484 yards
- Difficulty
- 71.1/128
- Course Vaults score
- 7.5
Getting there
The journey to Sunset Valley Golf Course begins at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or the closer Midway International (MDW), each roughly 30 minutes north or southwest respectively, before a straightforward drive into the North Shore suburbs. For those arriving by private aircraft, Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in nearby Wheeling offers a discreet alternative just minutes from the club. The final leg carries you through the leafy, established neighborhoods of the North Shore, where tree-lined streets and graceful estates give way to the manicured grounds of Sunset Valley, a course that sits as one of the region's most coveted private sanctuaries.

FAQ
Common questions about Sunset Valley
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Sunset Valley has a Course Vaults score of 7.5 out of 10 based on 79 logged golfers.
Yes. Sunset Valley is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Sunset Valley is 72.
Sunset Valley plays 6,484 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Sunset Valley is 128.
Sunset Valley is a 18-hole course.





