Golf isn’t just a four-letter word. It’s a terrific life sport that you can learn to play as a kid and keep on going right until they close the coffin lid.
Golf is perfect for family bonding or a girls’ or guys’ day out, and thanks to the plethora of options on the North Shore, a great tee time is just a phone call away.
We’ve rounded up some of the best golf courses on the North Shore, along with information about a major tournament headed to town, if you’d rather watch some stars than swing a club:
Tournament Action
The PGA Champions Tour comes to Glenview this summer with a stop at North Shore Country Club June 16–22. These aren’t just your father’s favorites—you’d be surprised how many popular PGA players have signed on to play the senior tour.
This tournament is also unique in that Friday and Saturday action will be in a Pro-Am format, meaning golfers will team up with celebrities in match play, with PGA Champions Tour golfers then competing for the individual title on Sunday. To catch the action, you can buy tickets here.
North Shore Courses
Looking to change things up with a new course? There’s no shortage of green space on the North Shore. Try any one of these great courses:
EVANSTON
There’s not a lot of free parking in Evanston, but if you’re a golfer, parking is free at The Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course. Located adjacent to Evanston Northwestern Hospital, it’s an extremely affordable course, with rates $14-20. It boasts a par-60 executive layout.
Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk
GLENVIEW
Glenview has two fantastic public golf options—The Glenview Park Golf Club and the newly renamed Glenview Prairie Club.
The Glenview Park Golf Club is the village’s 18-hole, par-70 option, with yardage ranging from 4,900-6,100. It’s also home to The Café—a full-service restaurant (al fresco dining or air-conditioned relaxation!), pro shop and clubhouse.
Glenview Park Golf Club
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk
The Prairie Club offers a brand new clubhouse, part of a larger renovation to include paddle courts. Want to grab a bite to eat? Walk over to the Glen Town Center, home to a number of dining options for after the game.
Glenview Prairie Club
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk
HIGHLAND PARK
Sunset Valley Golf Course is one of the only places we know of where you can play golf year-round. Enjoy getting your ankles wet? There are nine holes that’ll keep you on your toes. They also host the annual North Shore Amateur Tournament.
Sunset Valley Golf Course
Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk
Highland Park Golf Learning Center
LAKE FOREST
Lake Forest is home to one of the oldest public courses in the country—Deerpath Golf Course, which was rehabbed a few years ago to improve sand traps, irrigation, water quality, the wildlife habitat and aesthetics.
Deerpath Golf Course
Hours: Dawn to dusk
NORTHBROOK
There’s a lot of golf in Northbrook: Anetsberger, Sportsmans Country Club and Willowhill Golf and Academy, which has an awesome Chicago skyline view!
Anetsberger Golf Course
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Sportsmans Country Club
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Willowhill Golf Course
Hours: Dawn to dusk
RIVERWOODS
You have to love a course that offers up a lunch bucket special. At the Deerfield Golf Club, you can get a medium bucket of balls, beverage and a hot dog for $11.
Deerfield Golf Club & Learning Center
Hours: 5:30 a.m. to dusk
SKOKIE
This 9-hole, par-3 course is a great place to work on your short game. If you just want a bucket of balls, try out the Top 100 driving range at Sports Park (3459 Oakton), complete with heated stalls. What’s special? On-site babysitting!
Weber Park Golf Club
Hours: 7 a.m. to one hour prior to sunset
WILMETTE
It’s one of the few places where you can catch lake perch every Friday night! Located in west Wilmette, Wilmette Golf Club is a par-70 course. It offers discounted off-season rates and boasts a wonderful full-service restaurant and pro shop.
Wilmette Golf Club
Hours: April 1 to September 30, 7 a.m. to one hour before sunset daily; October 1 to November 30, 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset, daily
Holiday Hours: Memorial Day: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 4th of July: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Labor Day: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thanksgiving Day: Closed
If that’s not enough golf to keep you busy all summer and fall, try one of these courses:
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
BARRINGTON
BUFFALO GROVE
LAKE BLUFF
LIBERTYVILLE
LINCOLNSHIRE
MORTON GROVE
VERNON HILLS
WADSWORTH
Midlane Championship Golf Resort
WHEELING
WINNETKA
