LOCAL GUIDE

Best Golf Courses in Chicago, IL (2026)

Cubical Golfer
Cubical Golfer ⛳ 5 courses reviewed  ·  📅 Last updated: 2026-03-24  ·  ✈️ Nearest airport: O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW)
✅ Local Golf Guide
Essential Gear for Your Chicago Golf Trip
Product Price Why You Need It Buy
Precision Pro NX9 HD Rangefinder ~$169 Exact yardages on unfamiliar courses Buy Now →
Garmin Approach S42 GPS Watch ~$249 Course maps + hazard distances Buy Now →
Bushnell Tour V6 Shift ~$329 Best-in-class for bucket-list rounds Buy Now →

Chicago has some of the best public golf in the Midwest. From challenging lakefront layouts to classic parkland courses within 30 minutes of the city, there's a round here for every budget and skill level.

5 Courses Reviewed
May through October Best Season
O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) Nearest Airport

🟢 Public Golf Courses in Chicago

Harborside International Golf Center

🏌️ public 💰 $40–$80 ⛳ 36 holes 📊 Rating: 72.4 / 73.1

Two 18-hole championship courses on the south side. Best kept secret in Chicago public golf.

Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course

🏌️ public 💰 $20–$45 ⛳ 9 holes 📊 Rating: 35.5

Stunning lakefront views. Short 9-hole layout perfect for a quick round after work.

Cantigny Golf

🏌️ public 💰 $50–$90 ⛳ 27 holes 📊 Rating: 71.9

27 holes in Wheaton, 30 minutes west. Beautiful parkland course, excellent conditions.

🔵 Semi-Private Courses Near Chicago

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

🏌️ semi-private 💰 $55–$150 ⛳ 72 holes 📊 Rating: 75.3

Former home of the BMW Championship on the PGA Tour. The No. 4 course (Dubsdread) is a must-play for any serious golfer near Chicago.

Kemper Lakes Golf Club

🏌️ semi-private 💰 $80–$130 ⛳ 18 holes 📊 Rating: 73.5

Hosted the 1989 PGA Championship. 45 minutes northwest of Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best public golf courses in Chicago?
The best public golf courses in Chicago include: Harborside International Golf Center, Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, Cantigny Golf. All offer excellent conditions and value for weekend golfers.
What is the best time of year to play golf in Chicago?
The best golf season in Chicago is May through October. Plan tee times in advance during peak months — popular courses book up 2–4 weeks ahead.
How much does it cost to play golf in Chicago?
Public golf in Chicago ranges from $20–$200 depending on the course and tee time. Municipal courses run $20–$55. Semi-private courses $60–$150. Twilight rates after 3pm can cut peak pricing by 30–50%.

🏁 Final Recommendation — Gear for Your Chicago Golf Trip

On an unfamiliar course, the right gear matters more than anywhere else. A rangefinder gives you exact pin distances every shot — the Precision Pro NX9 HD (~$169) is the best value pick with a lifetime warranty. For course maps and hazard distances on your wrist, the Garmin Approach S42 (~$249) covers 42,000+ courses worldwide. Bring three fresh gloves for a two-day trip — FootJoy WeatherSof (~$18/pair) handles any weather.

Precision Pro NX9 HD — ~$169 → Garmin S42 — ~$249 →

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