Stonewall Orchard isn't bad, except for the last hole. It's got a nicer clubhouse/restaurant than Pine Meadow if that's important. Google maps lists it at 50 minutes from Northfield/Glenview, but that doesn't seem right to me. That said, if it's about the golf, Pine Meadow is better. And it's got a nice practice facility. I walk out there as a single on weekend afternoons all the time, so I can't imagine it's difficult to get out on a weekday. It's pretty much my "go-to" course on that side of town.
As for private clubs in that area, I don't know how tough it is to get on, but I just played a practice round at Sunset Ridge Country Club today, which is really close to where you'll be, and it was in terrific shape. Pretty tight, and too many trees, but it was fun to play.