ThunderHawk Course
Beach Park, IL, USA
ThunderHawk Golf Club, carved into the landscape near the shores of Lake Michigan, is a testament to Chicago's enduring love affair with the game. This public course, while not steeped in championship lore, offers a robust test that reflects the rugged character of the area. Designed by a less renowned but clearly capable team, ThunderHawk presents a modern links-style layout. Undulating fescue grasses frame the fairways, demanding strategic ball placement for favorable approaches. The course favors a calculated player, as errant drives can quickly find themselves swallowed by the unforgiving native areas. Don't expect perfectly flat lies; this course mirrors the natural contours of the land. While ThunderHawk may not host televised tournaments, it holds a strong regional reputation as a challenging and fair venue. Post-round, the clubhouse offers a convivial atmosphere, where local golfers debate the merits of each hole and the best approach to tackling its subtle nuances.
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
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in IL
Public: #11
7.6
88 players
ThunderHawk is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design up in northern Illinois, and it’s an absolute blast to play. The course has this great mix of marshland, wetlands, and tree-lined holes that make it both scenic and strategic. From the start, it just feels like one of those places that’s meant to be walked and enjoyed. The 2nd hole is where the round really kicks into gear — a par 5 with a split fairway that gives you options off the tee. You can take on a longer carry down the right for a better angle in, but it brings the marsh more into play. A pot bunker guards the front of the green and forces you to commit to your approach. Easily my favorite hole on the course. Another standout is the par 5 11th — a beautiful hole that tempts you to go for it in two, but you’ve got to carry a stretch of wetlands to get there. It’s one of those risk-reward shots that makes you think twice before grabbing the fairway wood. The greens throughout were a real highlight. Quick, smooth, and full of subtle breaks that keep every putt interesting — some of the best I’ve played on a public course around Chicago. Overall, ThunderHawk is one of those under-the-radar gems that delivers everything you want in a public golf experience: great design, pure conditions, and just a fun, memorable round from start to finish.
Most pure course I’ve ever played. Caught at the best time of the year. Started par, birdie, 8 on a par 3, then birdie. Not sure what that was about. Halfway hotdog was the best I’ve ever had. Only improvement would be if the range wasn’t at the opposite end of the parking lot.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
ThunderHawk has a Course Vaults score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 41 explicit golfer ratings.
ThunderHawk was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr..
Yes. ThunderHawk is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at ThunderHawk is 72.
ThunderHawk plays 7,031 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at ThunderHawk is 136.
