Gordon Cunningham

Mason City, IA

Northern Iowa's best-kept secret

Elgin, IL

Bowes Creek Golf Club, part of Bowes Creek Country Club, is an 18-hole public course in Elgin, Illinois, anchoring a 616-acre residential community in Kane County. The course was designed by architect Rick Jacobson. The layout integrates natural features of the site, including Bowes Creek itself, wetlands, a lake, rolling former farmland, mature trees and bluff slopes, with expansive fairways and sweeping bunkers edged by fescue grass. Five sets of tees range from about 5,100 to 6,900 yards, accommodating a wide range of playing abilities. Membership is open to the public through annual memberships or a "member for a day" fee instead of standard green fees, which includes cart use and access to the practice facility, driving range and clubhouse restaurant.

Red Wing, MN

Mississippi National Golf Links is a public golf course owned by the City of Red Wing. It is managed by the Red Wing Municipal Golf Corporation. The facility opened in 1986 as an 18-hole course, and by 1999, it had expanded to 36 holes, consisting of two 18-hole courses.

Crystal Lake, IL

Prairie Isle Golf Course covers 135 acres of woods, wetlands and meadows on Route 176 near Crystal Lake. It is a strategic course that asks players to weigh risk and reward and to shape shots both ways.