Tee Time

GolfWillowCrest

By Emma Wolf

It’s summer time and that means it’s tee time! Surrounded by blue sky, sunshine, and well-contoured greens, golf is a superb summertime sport. Hinsdale Magazine took a look at a variety of golf courses in the area, each one with something unique to offer. Whether you’re looking for a low-key, family-friendly golf event or a cut-throat competition, our Top 10 is sure to have the perfect golf course for you.


1. Most History

Downers Grove Golf Club
Established in 1892, the historical Downers Grove Golf Club was the first 18-hole golf course in the U.S. Located on Haddow Avenue in Downers Grove, the Downers Grove Golf Club-formerly known as the Chicago Golf Club-was built on a plot of farmland owned by golfer A. Haddow Smith.


2. Hotel Setting

Willow Crest Golf Club (Hilton Oakbrook Hills Resort) Nestled right inside the Hilton Oakbrook Hills Resort, Willow Crest Golf Club offers a par of 70 with a slope of 134 with a beautiful setting that contains gorgeous greens and water all throughout.


3. Play Where the Pros Play

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Play where the pros-including Tiger Woods-play! This course has been featured in multiple golf magazines and has also been used to host the BMW Championship. It has four 18-hole courses and a driving range that is equipped with Toptracer technology.


4. Bucket List

Whistling Straits Golf Course
Located right alongside the Lake Michigan shoreline, this course has hosted many championships, including two U.S. Women’s Opens, a U.S. Senior Open, and three PGA Championships. In September, Whistling Straits will be hosting the 43rd Ryder Cup.


5. Most Unique

Cantigny Golf
The beautiful rolling terrain that covers nearly 300 acres has three distinct nine-hole courses that rotate-the Woodside, Lakeside, and Hillside. Cantigny has hosted the Illinois State Amateur Championship five times and was named the “Best New Public Course in America” by Golf Digest when it opened in 1989.


6. For Beginners

Zigfield Troy Golf
This family-friendly course that contains both a golf course and the Lost Mountain mini golf course is perfect for beginner golfers of all ages.


7. Worth the Drive

Prairie Bluff Golf Course
This sweet and simple course offers water, prairie grass, and a beautifully manicured lawn to make your golf experience


8. Great Atmosphere

Seven Bridges Golf Club
An 18-hole championship course that has a 4-star rating from Golf Digest, Seven Bridges is a public golf club that has a private club feel. The wonderfully manicured course features 100-year-old Oak trees and, as the name suggests, seven bridges throughout.


9. Best Value for Your Money

Heritage Bluffs Golf Club
One of Chicagoland’s highest rated golf courses since opening in 1993, The Bluffs is a simple golf course that is charming and also won’t break the bank. The course is the pride and joy of the Channahon Park District and has four tee boxes throughout the course that range
from 5,000-7,100+ yards. This year, the course will be undergoing cart path renovation and a clubhouse renovation and expansion, including the addition of an indoor/outdoor bar and expanded patio seating.


10. Weekend Getaway

Lake Lawn Resort
Located near Lake Geneva, WI., the scenic Majestic Oaks Golf Course at Lake Lawn Resort is located two miles from the shoreline and is lined with 250 acres of lush tree-lined land, making it the perfect weekend getaway. Opened in 1929, Majestic Oaks is a premier Midwest golf destination that features many tiers, making it a superb course for golfers of all levels.

Author

Executive Chef Stephen Langlois

Feeding His Passion: Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

Celebrating A Century of Open Road: Now in its 100th year, this slice of Americana still beckons travelers

Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens
Photo by Victor Hilitski

Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

ATJMAH_CM_2223

Striking the Right Note: The Chicago Youth Orchestra shapes the lives of aspiring young musicians

The camaraderie of the volunteers often keeps them involved after their student graduates

Always Boosting: Hinsdale Central’s Booster Club helps fill gaps in student activity and athletic budgets

Anne Schultz, MD, FACP Cindy Lagone, MD, FACP

Authentic Internal Medicine: Building relationships with patients and the community

Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten.

The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years.
Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal.

“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

An open book: Clarendon Hills four-year-old earns library recognition

Charlie Tomfohrde and his array of house plants for sale at the Hinsdale Farmers Market

A Budding Entrepreneur: Charlie Tomfohrde’s plant business continues to grow

Terri Doney (left) and co-founder Barb Thayer are “sisters” in the group, My Breast Cancer Sisters

Breast Cancer survivors: Hinsdale area group looking for others to help

Maxx Klein and Jack Klein

Airoom’s New Design Space Maxx and Jack Klein take the helm of their family’s business

IMG_4543

Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club A Tennis Player’s Dream