Golf Courses in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 08/18/2016

tigerJust because school is reconvening for the youngsters, it’s still August.

Golf courses in Lake County are everyone’s sanctuary. Well in some cases... because in my case it conjures up my deepest rage – but that’s because I’m bad.

In our area, Lake County has 46 scenic courses with pristine wall-to-wall fairways. With the beauty, complexity and elaborate terrain, Golf Courses in Lake County have hosted some of the greatest talent in the PGA and LPGA.

We’ve seen such stars as Tiger Woods, Jordan Speith, Rory McIllroy, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson on the men’s side and Lexi Thompson, Stacey Lewis, Cristie Kerr and Gerina Piller on the women's side, plus a slew more, that will make the list uber long.

You see, there isn’t just one golf course in Lake County that has hosted events – DSC_0178there have been multiple. Lake County has been home to the PGA’s BMW Championship, and the LPGA’s UL International Crown among other high profile tournaments.

In the private sector, Merit Club in Gurnee/Libertyville was on the list for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

However, if you're here for a weekend and you’re looking for a new golf course in Lake County to tee off, we have plenty. Here’s a list that… pardon the cliché, is a hole in one.

Golf Courses in Lake County

Bittersweet Golf ClubBittersweet Golf Club - Click to Enlarge 875 Almond Rd., Gurnee

Challenging and scenic 18-hole golf course that offers the public a fantastic practice facility with lighted driving range and natural grass tees. PGA golf instructors on staff to help improve your game. In addition, we can help you plan the perfect golf outing, small wedding or special event. Or stop by the Fireside Grill for breakfast, lunch, dinner or Friday fish fry.

Bonnie Brook Golf Course - Click to EnlargeBonnie Brook Golf Course 2800 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan

Bonnie Brook is one of the most popular public courses in Lake County, boasting a meticulously manicured 18-hole course with rolling, wooded terrain. Its natural, picturesque landscape offers golfers the ability to enjoy tree-lined fairways, spacious greens, small lakes and the beauty of the north branch of the Waukegan River, which flows gently throughout the course. With a course length of 6,701 yards, Bonnie Brook offers championship golfers a solid test while being friendly and forgiving to the high handicappers. The clubhouse features a Indoor Golf and Learning Center which houses a P3Pro Swing Simulator. The simulator and its software helps analyze a player's swing and provides guidance how to improve their game and is available on an appointment basis only.

Brae Loch Golf & Banquets 33600 N. US Highway 45, Grayslake

The golf course has 18-holes and it is a par-70 course. Brae Loch Banquets feature a bright space in a country setting overlooking the fairways at Lake County Forest Preserves' Brae Loch Golf Club. A fine balance of food, location and people are the three ingredients that an event at Brae Loch brings together for a truly memorable experience. The banquet facility comfortably seats up to 165. The menu includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat, but too wonderful to skip. The golf course has 18-holes and it is a par-70 course. Contact Bob Suchsland at 847-968-3445 for events/banquet information.

Countryside Golf Club - Click to EnlargeCountryside Golf Club 20800 W. Hawley St., Mundelein

At Countryside Golf Club, play two challenging, award-winning 18-hole golf courses. The Prairie course, with bentgrass tees, wide-open greens and sand bunkers offers golfers a chance to challenge their game. The Traditional course, with bentgrass tees and tree-lined fairways, offers golfers scenic and challenging rounds of golf.

Crane's Landing Golf CourseMarriott Lincolnshire Resort 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire

Crane's Landing Golf Club at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort has welcomed golfers for many years. As a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and known as the Premier Destination for golf in Illinois, Crane's Landing offers destination golfers the array of challenges the beautiful 18-hole course is known for. Golf tournaments and outings offer a one-of-a-kind way for golfers to be together and enjoy spectacular views on the golf course. Be sure to take a look at what options are available to your group this year.Stay & Play golf packages are also available for those interested in enjoying Crane's Landing to the fullest as a vacation destination.

Greenshire Golf Course - Click to EnlargeGreenshire Golf Course 38727 N. Lewis Ave., Beach Park

A well-maintained par 27-layout, with holes ranging between 100 and 210 yards. With the course length being 1,265 yards, Greenshire will test the best of golfer's short game and provides a course for all skill levels to enjoy. The ability to play a round in less than 1.5 hours offers experienced players an alternative to the driving range. Comprehensive instruction from PGA professionals, ladies leagues and exciting events are also offered. Located just north of Waukegan in Beach Park, this course offers everyone, from the novice golfer to even the most accomplished golfer, a real short-game challenge. Open seasonally.

HeatherRidge Golf Course - Click to EnlargeHeatherRidge Golf Course 5900 HeatherRidge Dr., Gurnee

HeatherRidge Golf Course is a beautiful and challenging full length nine hole layout that is enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Adding to its beauty are the flowing creeks and ponds that come into play on seven of the nine holes. Managed and impeccably maintained by GolfVisions, HeatherRidge has been selected as one of the finest nine hole facilities in Illinois.

Shepherd's Crook Golf Course - Click to EnlargeShepherd's Crook Golf Course 351 Green Bay Rd., Zion

This 18-hole, par 72 public golf facility, designed by Keith Foster, opened in August, 1999 and has earned rave reviews as a course that is both challenging and exciting to play. Its design reflects the golden era of golf course architecture of the 1920's and 30's with bentgrass fairways, tees, and greens. Individuals, tournaments and golf outings welcome. Enjoy a sandwich and beverage in the full service clubhouse grill or enjoy refreshments on the veranda overlooking the 9th and 18th holes.

ThunderHawk Golf Club 39700 N. Lewis Ave., Beach Park

This public golf facility, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is one of the most challenging courses in the Chicago area. This 18-hole, par 72 golf course is nestled on 241 acres of beautiful forest, marsh and prairie. This is the first public course in the United States to achieve Audubon Signature Sanctuary certification. Banquet facilities to accommodate a wide range of group sizes from small private outings to a full-course tournament. Also, rent the banquet hall for weddings and other special occasions. Cathedral ceiling and beautiful terrace overlooking the course.

Vernon Hills Golf Course - Click to EnlargeVernon Hills Golf Course 291 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills

This golf course has been ranked as one of the top ten 9 hole golf courses in Chicagoland. Situated in Vernon Hills, this challenging 9-hole municipal course boasts small greens, rolling terrain, tight fairways and seven holes featuring water. Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate both the playability and the eye-catching views. The full-service clubhouse features a varied lunch menu, which is served all day and a full-service bar. Banquet facilities available for up to 80 people.

White Deer Run - Click to EnlargeWhite Deer Run 250 W. Gregg's Pkwy., Vernon Hills

Built on the well-known Cuneo Estate in Vernon Hills, White Deer Run Golf Club is an 18-hole public course sprawling over 240 acres of rolling terrain and picturesque lakes with bent grass greens and fairways. Our stunning location can accommodate business meetings, weddings, rehearsals, showers, reunions, charity fundraising and other banquets up to 225 ppl. Enjoy the incredible view while dining on our outdoor patio and veranda.

Willow Glen Golf Club 2821 Great Lakes Dr., Bldg. #8400 Great Lakes.

The Willow Glen Golf Club is home to a picturesque 18-hole layout that provides an enjoyable challenge for all skill levels. The new clubhouse is home to Buckley's Restaurant and Pub making Willow Glen one of the finest golf and dining experiences on the North Shore. Open to the public!

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