When Chicago golfers start searching for their next great round, they often focus exclusively on courses within Illinois borders. But limiting your search means missing some of the most rewarding championship public golf courses in the Chicago area—particularly the hidden gems just across the state line in Northwest Indiana.
The best public golf courses within 90 minutes of Chicago offer everything serious golfers demand: meticulously maintained bentgrass greens, thoughtful course design, championship credentials, and genuine value. Whether you’re searching for tournament-quality conditions, scenic layouts, or walkable public golf courses near Chicago, expanding your radius beyond the immediate suburbs opens up a world of possibilities that most golfers overlook.
This comprehensive guide explores the top-rated public golf courses near Chicago Illinois, with special attention to award-winning courses in Northwest Indiana that consistently deliver experiences rivaling private clubs—without the membership fees.
Discover why the best public golf courses within 90 minutes of Chicago often sit across the Indiana border. Northwest Indiana offers championship golf with 20-30% lower green fees, less crowded conditions, and award-winning layouts like Legacy Hills Golf Club—delivering tournament-quality experiences without premium Chicago pricing.
Why Look Beyond Illinois for Chicago-Area Golf
Most “best golf courses near Chicago” lists focus exclusively on Illinois courses, creating a significant blind spot for golfers willing to drive just a bit further. The reality is that some of the most compelling public golf courses south of Chicago sit just across the Indiana border, offering championship golf in Northwest Indiana that rivals anything you’ll find in the immediate Chicago suburbs.
The advantages of exploring golf courses near the Indiana-Illinois border are substantial:
Superior Value Propositions: Indiana courses typically offer 20-30% lower green fees than comparable Illinois courses, making them the best value golf courses Chicago-area golfers can access without sacrificing quality.
Less Crowded Conditions: While popular Chicago municipal courses book solid weeks in advance, many hidden gem golf courses near Chicago in Northwest Indiana offer easier tee time access and faster pace of play.
Championship Credentials: Several courses in this region have hosted state championships and professional events, delivering tournament-quality public golf in the Chicago area without the premium pricing.
Scenic Variety: The rolling terrain of Northwest Indiana, particularly around LaPorte County, provides more dramatic elevation changes and natural beauty than the flatter Chicago suburbs.
The 90-minute radius from downtown Chicago encompasses roughly 8,000 square miles of golf opportunities, and the courses that truly stand out are those willing to invest in conditions, design, and player experience—regardless of which side of the state line they call home.
Explore the highest-rated public golf courses south of Chicago, led by Legacy Hills Golf Club in LaPorte, Indiana—ranked #12 among Indiana’s top public courses by GolfPass. This 75-minute drive delivers championship conditions, historic character dating to 1904, and exceptional value that rivals private clubs.
Top Public Golf Courses South of Chicago
Legacy Hills Golf Club – LaPorte, Indiana
When discussing the best public golf courses within 90 minutes of Chicago, Legacy Hills Golf Club deserves special recognition as an award-winning golf course in Northwest Indiana that consistently ranks among the state’s elite public facilities. Located approximately 75 minutes from downtown Chicago, Legacy Hills earned the #12 ranking among Indiana’s top public courses from GolfPass, and stands as the highest-rated public golf course in LaPorte County.
What makes Legacy Hills exceptional is its unique dual personality. The front nine reflects the course’s historic roots dating back to 1904, with tree-lined fairways and classic design elements that reward strategic play. The back nine transitions into a more modern championship layout with wider fairways, dramatic water features, and bold risk-reward opportunities.
Course Specifications:
- Length: 6,600 yards from championship tees
- Par: 72
- Designer: Combines historic 1904 layout with modern renovation
- Signature Feature: Memorable par-5 finishing hole with risk-reward options
- Best For: Mid-to-low handicappers seeking championship conditions
- Green Fee Range: $40-$75 (significant value compared to Chicago-area equivalents)
The course concludes with one of the region’s most exciting finishing holes—a par-5 that tempts aggressive players to go for the green in two while offering strategic layup options for those playing smart golf. It’s the kind of hole that creates memorable rounds and brings golfers back repeatedly.
Legacy Hills offers unlimited golf memberships that include cart fees and unlimited practice balls at the driving range—an exceptional value for serious golfers looking to make it their home course. The facility also features Bistro on the Greens, serving Cajun/Creole cuisine Tuesday through Sunday, making it easy to extend your golf day into an evening experience.
Distance from Chicago: 75 minutes via I-90 and US-35
Why It’s Worth the Drive: Championship conditions, historic character combined with modern design, and exceptional value proposition make this one of the most affordable public golf courses in the Chicago suburbs extended area.
Additional Notable Courses South of Chicago
Briar Leaf Golf Club – LaPorte, Indiana
A former gem in public golf courses LaPorte County, Briar Leaf property was rezoned to residential in January 2026, forever ending all opportunities to play this course.
Palmira Golf & Country Club – St. John, Indiana (50 minutes)
One of the most scenic public golf courses within driving distance of Chicago, Palmira features dramatic elevation changes unusual for the region, along with pristine bentgrass greens that putt true throughout the season.
White Hawk Country Club – Crown Point, Indiana (55 minutes)
A links-style layout that offers a completely different experience from traditional parkland courses, White Hawk features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and firm, fast conditions that reward creative shotmaking.
The northern Chicago suburbs offer exceptional championship public golf courses, including Bittersweet Golf Club in Gurnee and The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. These tournament-quality layouts feature bentgrass greens, strategic design, and meticulous conditioning within 45-50 minutes of downtown Chicago.
Championship Public Golf North of Chicago
The northern suburbs and Wisconsin border region offer several compelling options for golfers seeking challenging public golf courses in Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
Bittersweet Golf Club – Gurnee, Illinois (50 minutes)
This John Harbottle III design features all the hallmarks of championship golf: bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens, strategic water hazards, and a layout that demands both power and precision. The course consistently ranks among the top public golf courses north of Chicago for its conditioning and challenge level.
The Preserve at Oak Meadows – Addison, Illinois (45 minutes)
A recent renovation transformed this historic course into one of the premier public golf courses in the Chicago area. The links-style design features strategic bunkering, native grasses, and an open feel that’s unique in the region.
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (Courses 1-3) – Lemont, Illinois (40 minutes)
While Course #4 (Dubsdread) gets the headlines for hosting PGA Tour events, Cog Hill’s other three courses offer excellent championship golf at more accessible price points. These layouts provide the same meticulous conditioning and strategic design that made Cog Hill famous.
Best For: Golfers seeking tournament-quality public golf in the Chicago area with easier access than courses further south.
Find the most affordable public golf courses in the Chicago western suburbs without sacrificing quality. Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, Seven Bridges in Woodridge, and Blackberry Oaks in Bristol deliver championship-length golf and excellent conditions at mid-range pricing—perfect for frequent players seeking value.
Best Value Public Courses West of Chicago
The western suburbs offer numerous options for golfers prioritizing value without sacrificing quality—truly the most affordable public golf courses in the Chicago suburbs.
Cantigny Golf – Wheaton, Illinois (35 minutes)
Two championship courses (27 holes total) set on the historic Cantigny estate offer exceptional conditions, beautiful landscaping, and reasonable rates. The Woodside and Lakeside courses both feature strategic design and excellent practice facilities.
Seven Bridges Golf Club – Woodridge, Illinois (40 minutes)
Carved through mature woodlands with dramatic elevation changes, Seven Bridges offers a premium golf experience at mid-range pricing. The course features several signature holes with water features and risk-reward opportunities.
Blackberry Oaks Golf Course – Bristol, Illinois (60 minutes)
For golfers seeking best value golf courses in the Chicago extended area, Blackberry Oaks delivers championship-length golf with excellent conditions at very reasonable rates. The course features wide fairways that reward aggressive play while offering forgiveness for average golfers.
Uncover hidden gem golf courses near Chicago that locals treasure but most golfers overlook. Mistwood Golf Club, The Highlands of Elgin, and Ruffled Feathers offer premium experiences with dramatic design elements, exceptional conditioning, and pricing well below comparable championship courses.
Hidden Gems Worth the Drive
Every golfer loves discovering a course that exceeds expectations—those hidden gem golf courses near Chicago that locals treasure but remain under the radar for most Chicago-area golfers.
Mistwood Golf Club – Romeoville, Illinois (45 minutes)
This Ray Hearn design features dramatic elevation changes, strategic water hazards, and bentgrass greens that rank among the best in the region. Mistwood offers a premium experience at mid-range pricing.
The Highlands of Elgin – Elgin, Illinois (55 minutes)
Set in the far northwest suburbs, this course features rolling terrain, mature trees, and excellent conditioning. It’s particularly notable as one of the walkable public golf courses near Chicago, with a traditional routing that flows naturally.
Ruffled Feathers Golf Club – Lemont, Illinois (40 minutes)
Consistently rated among the top public courses in Illinois, Ruffled Feathers features water on 15 holes, dramatic bunkering, and conditioning that rivals private clubs. The signature island green par-3 is one of the most photographed holes in Chicagoland.
Sandy Hollow Golf Course – Rockford, Illinois (90 minutes)
At the outer edge of our 90-minute radius, Sandy Hollow rewards the drive with exceptional value and a links-style layout unusual for inland courses. Wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and firm conditions create a unique playing experience.
hoose the perfect public golf course near Chicago for your skill level. From beginner-friendly layouts with wide fairways at Cantigny Golf to championship challenges at Legacy Hills Golf Club for low handicappers—find courses matching your game and building your skills.
Golf Course Selection by Skill Level
Where to Golf Near Chicago for Beginners
New golfers need courses that build confidence rather than destroy it. Look for layouts with:
- Wide fairways that forgive wayward drives
- Minimal forced carries over water
- Reasonable length from forward tees
- Forgiving rough that allows recovery shots
Best Beginner-Friendly Options:
- Cantigny Golf (Lakeside Course): Shorter layout with generous landing areas
- Village Links of Glen Ellyn: Executive-length course perfect for learning
- Arrowhead Golf Club (Wheaton): Wide fairways and player-friendly design
Challenging Public Golf Courses Illinois Offers for Low Handicappers
Accomplished players seeking a true test should target:
- Legacy Hills Golf Club: Championship length with strategic design elements
- Cog Hill Dubsdread: When budget allows, the ultimate Illinois public course challenge
- Mistwood Golf Club: Demanding approach shots and lightning-fast greens
- Ruffled Feathers: Water hazards and precise iron play requirements
Mid-Handicap Sweet Spots
Most golfers fall in the 10-20 handicap range and need courses offering:
- Multiple tee options for appropriate length
- Strategic interest without excessive penalty
- Good conditioning that allows proper ball flight
- Mix of challenging and scoring holes
Ideal Mid-Handicap Courses:
- Seven Bridges Golf Club
- Briar Leaf Golf Club (closed)
- White Hawk Country Club
- The Preserve at Oak Meadows
Public golf courses near Chicago range from $30-$150+ depending on quality and location. Discover the best value tier ($50-$80) where courses like Legacy Hills Golf Club deliver championship conditions at accessible pricing, plus money-saving strategies for twilight rates and weekday play.
How Much Does It Cost to Golf at Public Courses Near Chicago?
Understanding the pricing landscape helps golfers find the best value golf courses Chicago area offers while setting realistic budget expectations.
Pricing Tiers (Weekend Peak Rates)
Premium Tier ($80-$150+)
- Cog Hill Dubsdread
- Kemper Lakes
- Harborside International (Port Course)
- Cantigny Golf
These courses offer conditions and design rivaling private clubs, often with tournament pedigrees and celebrity architects.
Mid-Range Tier ($50-$80)
- Legacy Hills Golf Club
- Mistwood Golf Club
- Seven Bridges Golf Club
- Ruffled Feathers Golf Club
- Bittersweet Golf Club
This sweet spot delivers championship conditions and thoughtful design at accessible pricing—the best overall value proposition.
Value Tier ($30-$50)
- Briar Leaf (closed)
- Blackberry Oaks Golf Course
- Sandy Hollow Golf Course
- Village Greens of Woodridge
Solid conditioning and enjoyable layouts without premium pricing—ideal for frequent play.
Money-Saving Strategies
Twilight Rates: Most courses offer 30-50% discounts for afternoon tee times, typically starting after 2-3 PM. Summer twilight golf in Chicago area courses provides excellent value and often allows 18 holes before sunset.
Weekday Play: Monday-Thursday rates run $15-$30 less than weekend pricing at most facilities.
Season Passes: For golfers playing 20+ rounds annually at one course, unlimited golf memberships (like Legacy Hills offers) provide exceptional value.
Online Booking Discounts: Platforms like GolfNow, TeeOff, and Supreme Golf frequently offer 20-40% discounts on available tee times.
Early/Late Season: April and October rates are typically 25-40% lower than peak summer pricing.
Get answers to common questions about public golf courses in the Chicago area, including the best courses to play, walking policies, year-round availability, tee time requirements, and links-style options. Learn why Legacy Hills Golf Club ranks among the nicest public courses near Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best public golf courses in Chicago?
The best public golf courses within 90 minutes of Chicago combine championship conditioning, strategic design, and reasonable value. Top choices include Legacy Hills Golf Club in LaPorte, Indiana (#12-ranked public course in Indiana), Cog Hill’s Dubsdread course in Lemont, Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, and Cantigny Golf in Wheaton. For golfers willing to explore championship golf in Northwest Indiana, Legacy Hills offers award-winning conditions at exceptional value compared to comparable Illinois courses.
Can you walk public golf courses in Chicago?
Walking policies vary significantly among public golf courses near Chicago. Traditional parkland courses like The Highlands of Elgin and Legacy Hills Golf Club welcome walkers, particularly during weekday mornings. However, many modern courses with dramatic elevation changes and long distances between greens and tees require carts for pace-of-play reasons. Always call ahead to confirm walking policies, as they often vary by day of week and tee time. Early morning weekday slots typically offer the best walking opportunities.
Which Chicago public golf courses are open year-round?
Most public golf courses in the Chicago area operate seasonally from April through October or November, weather permitting. However, several facilities remain open year-round during mild winters, including Harborside International and some Forest Preserve courses. For guaranteed winter golf, consider indoor golf simulators at facilities like Five Iron Golf or X-Golf, which maintain your game during Chicago’s coldest months. Always check course websites or call ahead during shoulder seasons, as conditions dictate daily opening decisions.
Do Chicago public golf courses require tee times?
Yes, virtually all public golf courses in the Chicago area require advance tee time reservations, especially for weekend play. Popular courses book 7-14 days in advance during peak season (May-September). Most facilities offer online booking through their websites or third-party platforms like GolfNow. For weekend golf tee times at Chicago public courses, book as early as possible—prime morning slots (7-10 AM Saturday/Sunday) often fill within hours of becoming available. Weekday tee times are generally easier to secure with 2-3 days notice.
What is the nicest public golf course near Chicago?
While “nicest” is subjective, Legacy Hills Golf Club in LaPorte, Indiana, consistently ranks as one of the top-rated public golf courses near Chicago Illinois, earning recognition as an award-winning golf course in Northwest Indiana. The combination of historic character (dating to 1904), modern championship design, meticulous conditioning, and exceptional value creates an experience that rivals private clubs. Other contenders include Cog Hill Dubsdread for pure championship pedigree, Cantigny Golf for overall facility quality, and Mistwood Golf Club for dramatic design and conditioning.
Are there links-style golf courses near Chicago?
True links golf requires coastal dunes and firm seaside conditions, but several Chicago-area courses offer links-inspired designs. White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, Indiana, features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and firm conditions that mimic links play. The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison embraces links principles with native grasses, minimal trees, and wind-influenced shotmaking. Harborside International’s Starboard Course also incorporates links elements. These courses provide the closest approximation to Scottish/Irish links golf available within 90 minutes of Chicago.
Plan the perfect Chicago-area golf outing with insider tips on optimal playing seasons, essential equipment, weather preparation, and combining golf with dining. Discover why shoulder season (April and October) offers the best combination of conditions, value, and availability.
Planning Your Golf Trip: Practical Considerations
Best Times to Play Chicago-Area Public Courses
Peak Season (May-September): Courses are in prime condition but also most crowded and expensive. Book tee times 7-14 days in advance for weekend play.
Shoulder Season (April, October): Excellent value with 25-40% lower rates, less crowded conditions, and often superb course conditions. October particularly offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall colors.
Early Season (March-April): Courses may be soft with temporary greens or limited cart access, but rates are lowest and you’ll have courses nearly to yourself.
What to Bring
For the best public golf courses within 90 minutes of Chicago, come prepared:
- GPS Device or App: Many courses feature blind shots and dramatic elevation changes
- Extra Balls: Water hazards are common on championship layouts
- Rain Gear: Chicago weather changes quickly
- Layered Clothing: Morning temperatures can be 20+ degrees cooler than afternoon
- Sunscreen: Summer rounds require protection
- Cash: Some facilities offer cash discounts or have limited card acceptance at beverage carts
Combining Golf with Dining
Several top courses offer excellent dining options:
- Legacy Hills Golf Club: Bistro on the Greens serves Cajun/Creole cuisine Tuesday-Sunday
- Cantigny Golf: Multiple dining venues on the historic estate
- Cog Hill: The Clubhouse Grille offers full-service dining
- Mistwood Golf Club: Bourbonnais Restaurant provides upscale dining
Maximize your golf experience by exploring public golf courses in LaPorte County and Northwest Indiana. Legacy Hills Golf Club and other regional courses offer 30-40% lower green fees than comparable Chicago courses, easier tee time access, and championship conditions worth the 70-75 minute drive.
Making the Most of Northwest Indiana Golf
For Chicago golfers who haven’t explored public golf courses in LaPorte County and surrounding areas, you’re missing exceptional value and quality. The best golf courses southern Lake Michigan region offers sit just across the state line, delivering championship conditions without Chicago-area pricing premiums.
Strategic Advantages:
- 30-40% Lower Green Fees: Comparable courses cost significantly less in Indiana
- Easier Tee Time Access: Less competition for prime slots
- Excellent Conditions: Courses like Legacy Hills maintain bentgrass greens rivaling private clubs
- Less Traffic: Once past the immediate Chicago suburbs, drive times become predictable
- Tournament Pedigree: Several courses host state amateur and professional events
Planning Tips:
- Combine Multiple Rounds: With lower rates, play 36 holes in a day
- Explore the Region: LaPorte offers shopping, dining, and lodging options for weekend golf trips
- Join Email Lists: Indiana courses frequently offer midweek specials and seasonal promotions
- Consider Memberships: Unlimited golf packages at courses like Legacy Hills provide incredible value for frequent players
Conclusion: Expand Your Golf Horizons
The best public golf courses within 90 minutes of Chicago aren’t confined to Illinois borders. By expanding your search to include championship golf in Northwest Indiana, you’ll discover award-winning courses like Legacy Hills Golf Club that deliver exceptional conditions, strategic design, and genuine value that’s increasingly rare in the Chicago-area golf market.
Whether you prioritize tournament-quality conditioning, scenic beauty, walking-friendly layouts, or simply the best value golf courses Chicago-area golfers can access, this 90-minute radius encompasses enough variety to satisfy every preference and skill level.
The hidden gem golf courses near Chicago are waiting to be discovered—often just across the state line where fewer golfers think to look. Legacy Hills Golf Club exemplifies what makes exploring beyond the immediate suburbs worthwhile: a course with genuine championship credentials, historic character, modern amenities, and pricing that respects your budget.
Ready to experience some of the top-rated public golf courses near Chicago Illinois has been overlooking? Start with Legacy Hills Golf Club in LaPorte, Indiana, and discover why discriminating golfers are making the 75-minute drive to play one of the region’s most rewarding public courses.
Book your tee time today and experience championship public golf that delivers on every promise—without the private club price tag.