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Illinois golf

Best golf courses in Illinois.

Ranked by LooperScore, BogeyMap's own algorithm. 168 of the 168 courses we publish in Illinois are playable without a member invite.

BogeyMap publishes 168 golf courses in Illinois, of which 168 are playable without a member invite (public, resort, municipal, or semi-private). Cog Hill Golf & Country Club - Dubsdread in Lemont currently leads the state with a LooperScore of 88.0. The cities with the most courses are Wheaton, Galena, Rockford.

168

Courses published

162

Public

2

Resort

4

Semi-private

Top-rated courses in Illinois

Public18 holes

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club - Dubsdread

Lemont, IL

88.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

TPC Deere Run

Silvis, IL

Host of the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic

86.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Kemper Lakes Golf Club

Kildeer, IL

Kemper Lakes Golf Club stands as a testament to championship golf, having hosted the 1989 PGA Championship and the 2018 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Designed by the esteemed duo Ken Killian and Dick Nugent, this sprawling 1970s-style layout presents a formidable yet fair challenge. The course masterfully integrates a rich tapestry of mature woods and shimmering lakes, creating a visually stunning and strategically demanding environment. Recent renovations by Rick Jacobson have further enhanced its championship pedigree. The playing experience culminates in an epic closing stretch, with the final three holes designed to test even the most accomplished players. The par-3 17th, often cited as a signature hole, demands precision over water. Kemper Lakes consistently delivers an excellent blend of pristine conditions and a rigorous test of golf. Recognized by Golf Digest among its "100 Greatest" for over a decade, its legacy is firmly cemented in golf history. This course is ideally suited for destination golfers and serious local players seeking a true championship experience with a rich tournament heritage.

85.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Mistwood Golf Course

Romeoville, IL

81.2 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Stonewall Orchard Golf Club

Grayslake, IL

Arthur Hills design through Illinois orchard country

80.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Pine Meadow Golf Club

Mundelein, IL

80.0 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (North)

Galena, IL

79.7 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Cantigny Golf

Wheaton, IL

79.0 LooperScore
Public27 holes

Highlands of Elgin Golf Course

Elgin, IL

Municipal gem along the Fox River in Elgin

78.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Preserve at Oak Meadows Golf Course

Addison, IL

Restored DuPage County forest preserve course

78.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Balmoral Woods Country Club

Crete, IL

78.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Harborside International Golf Center - Port

Chicago, IL

A links-style course on the south side of Chicago with stunning skyline views.

78.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Silver Lake Country Club (North)

Orland Park, IL

78.0 LooperScore
Semi-private18 holes

Kankakee Elks Country Club

Kankakee, IL

76.5 LooperScore
Semi-private18 holes

Prairie Landing Golf Club

West Chicago, IL

76.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Harborside International Golf Center (Starboard)

Chicago, IL

Step onto a links-style layout that transports you from the urban sprawl of Chicago to a windswept, open expanse. This course, designed by Dick Nugent, offers a refreshing challenge with its undulating fairways and strategic bunkering, reminiscent of classic Scottish courses. You'll find yourself navigating a terrain shaped by the elements, demanding thoughtful shot-making and a keen understanding of wind conditions. It's a fantastic local escape, providing a genuine golf experience without the need for extensive travel. The course is particularly well-suited for golfers who appreciate a strategic test and enjoy the raw beauty of a links-inspired design. If you're looking to hone your game on a challenging yet fair track, or simply seeking a unique round close to the city, this course delivers. Its distinct character and excellent conditioning make it a standout option for a memorable day on the greens, offering a refreshing departure from typical parkland layouts. You'll leave feeling like you've truly played a round of golf.

76.0 LooperScore
Semi-private18 holes

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (The General)

Galena, IL

75.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Annbriar Golf Course

Waterloo, IL

74.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Tamarack Golf Club

Naperville, IL

72.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Cantigny Golf (Woodside/Hillside)

Wheaton, IL

72.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Aldeen Golf Club

Rockford, IL

72.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Ingersoll Memorial Golf Club

Rockford, IL

72.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Cantigny Golf (Lakeside)

Wheaton, IL

70.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Orland Hills Golf Club

Orland Hills, IL

70.0 LooperScore

Golf by city in Illinois

Architects behind Illinois's best golf

Common questions about Illinois golf

How many golf courses can you play in Illinois?
BogeyMap publishes 168 courses in Illinois. 168 of them are public, resort, municipal, or semi-private, meaning a visiting golfer can usually book a tee time directly with the course.
What is the best public course in Illinois?
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club - Dubsdread in Lemont holds the highest LooperScore among public courses we publish in Illinois (88.0).
How does BogeyMap rank Illinois courses?
Every list is generated by LooperScore, BogeyMap's own 0-100 composite of course quality signals, verified golfer ratings, and editorial review. We never republish another publication's rankings, and a course only shows a score once the underlying evidence exists. See how the rankings work.
Can BogeyMap get me on a private club in Illinois?
No. BogeyMap doesn't sell tee times and never guarantees access. For clubs that allow limited outside play, Looper Pro members can read researched Access Intel describing how that access generally works — the club is always the final authority.