My Must Play Courses in the Metro Chicago AreaFirst a few caveats. Exmoor, where I've only seen the front 9, and Butterfield, where I haven't seen the renovation work yet, are likely to be included in the future. I believe the only other courses of significance which I haven't seen that have a decent shot are Beverly, Flossmoor and Evanston. Also there are some very good courses that you could do a daytrip to but are not considered in the metro area for the purposes of this list, i.e. Lost Dunes, The Dunes Club and perhaps Erin Hills, although I've yet to see the latest work there either:
1. Chicago Golf- Simply a must for any student of GCA.
2. Shoreacres- One of my all-time favorites and probably the only Chicago area course I'd beg, borrow or steal to join.
3. Olympia Fields North-Surprisingly fun for a championship track. Have to get back again to see the South course.
4. Skokie- Great course with some of the best renovation work by Pritchard. Also the best course within 5 minutes of my house!
5. Medinah #3-Love it or hate it, a must play...
6. Butler National- Just take your medicine and find out how feeble your game really is.
7. Knollwood-An underrated Colt/Allison gem IMO. Used to stake guys in big money games there. Have to get back to see the renovation. Short par 4 2nd is one of my favorite holes.
8. Old Elm-A classic old Ross men's club that is like a step back in time with some wonderful greens.
9. Bob'o'Link-The poster child for what an all-male club should be. Also a very good track that is fun and challenging for a variety of golfers (with penises!)
10. Black Sheep- I know there's some complaint about the similarity of challenge on a number of holes, but there's nothing else like it in the Chicago area.
11. Onwentsia-First Country Club in America? Perhaps a bit too easy for some here, but a great old track nevertheless and some very good holes as well (the par 3 #9 comes to mind). I think Doak consulted there as well.
12. Ravisloe- 108 year old Jewish club that just went public last year. For my money the best public course in the area with some old Ross features and nice renovation work by Black Sheep's Esler.
13. Shepherd's Crook- One of the best munis in the country for a good reason. Foster did some work here worth seeing.