The best courses you can play in Vernon Hills, Illinois

“Great $50 walk. Fescue is overly penal. Impossible to find the ball even if it’s six inches in, despite the fescue being only a couple inches tall. I don’t need to be able to play it but I’d like to at least find it when i know exactly where it went”

Written by

@Joemcinerney

• 🌾Links
• |💎Hidden gem
• |🤩Underrated

“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…”

Written by

@TGUN312

• 😅Challenging
• |❗️Must play
• |💎Hidden gem

“Great conditions with a truly unique and exciting layout. No range but new putting green is right next to beautiful patio that overlooks the course with easy sight lines to the ninth and 18th greens.”

Written by

@RayZanz

• 💎Hidden gem
• |👋Friendly
• |😅Challenging

“Best value and one of the best walks in Chicago public golf. Course is a bit repetitive/straight, but there is enough detail in the greens and green surrounds to keep things interesting”

Written by

@Njz1719

• 💰Great value
• |🚶🏻Walkable
• |💎Hidden gem

“The Preserve is one of the better public courses in the Chicago area — definitely a fun spot to tee it up. The practice area is great for warming up, with a nice range and short game setup that sets the tone for the round.”

Written by

@TGUN312

• 🏌️‍♂️Driving range
• |🌱Grass range
• |🟢Putting area

“Definition of a hidden gem. Langford & Moreau design that just needs a little love and small renovation and they could charge triple. No sand in the bunkers, but it doesn’t make them any less challenging. Must-play for a Golden Age nerd.”

Written by

@SadBadgerFan

• 💎Hidden gem
• |❗️Must play
• |🤩Underrated

“The course is much better after the renovation, but the layout still sucks. It’s way over treed and has way too much water to be enjoyable. Maybe if I played it a few more times I’d get where not to hit it better. But right now it’s just incredibly penal and not fun.”

Written by

@Njz1719

• 🚶🏻Walkable
• |😅Challenging
• |💨Fast greens

“I think would be higher if played during the peak season and not mid October. Still a great track with some challenging holes. 1 and 2 are probably the hardest starting holes I’ve played. Great set of par 3s and some long par 5s. Going to need to revisit”

Written by

@freak5

“Train up from the loop, greens roll great! Couple of cool template greens and almost every hole has remarkable mounding. No sand traps to allow easier play.”

Written by

@T100caddie

• 💎Hidden gem
• |🟢Putting area
• |🐥Scoreable

“Conditions were some of the best in the area for public courses. Lots of construction going on. When they open their new clubhouse it will be awesome. A few dumb holes like the one where tree branches hung over a third of the fairway.”

Written by

@BGN

• 🏌️‍♂️Driving range
• |💰Great value
• |🟢Putting area

“Great public course, great conditions and fun course. Staff is incredible and provides an awesome club house experience. The cart paths and bunkers need major upgrades.”

Written by

@th0mbee