The 5 Craziest Public Golf Courses near Chicago, IL
Matthew Holder

The Chicago-Naperville-Joliet metro area is home to some of the most challenging public golf courses in the Midwest. These courses offer a thrilling experience for avid golfers with their unique layouts, strategic hazards, and scenic views. Here, we rank the five most difficult public golf courses in the region, listed from least to most difficult, followed by an honorable mention for those looking for an extra challenge.
5. The Glen Club
Location: Glenview, IL
Hardest Tees: Gold
Yards: 7170
Slope: 142
Rating: 75.3
The Glen Club is a golfer’s paradise located in the heart of Glenview, Illinois. This 195-acre refuge offers rolling terrain, dramatic elevation changes, tranquil lakes, meandering streams, and breathtaking vistas. Situated on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station, golfers are treated to a unique golfing experience as they take in views of the Chicago skyline in the distance. The Glen Club is home to a championship golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The course features lush fairways, immaculate greens, and multiple sand bunkers.
4. George W. Dunne National Golf Course
George W. Dunne National Golf Course Tee Times
Location: Oak Forest, IL
Hardest Tees: Gold
Yards: 7262
Slope: 142
Rating: 75.4
George W. Dunne National Golf Course is renowned for its challenging layout and beautiful surroundings. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens, making it a favorite among local golfers.
3. Redhawk – White Hawk Country Club
Location: Crown Point, IN
Hardest Tees: Green
Yards: 3515
Slope: 144
Rating: 76
White Hawk Country Club’s Redhawk course offers a challenging layout with well-maintained fairways and greens. The course is known for its beautiful scenery and strategic hazards that test golfers of all skill levels.
2. Silverhawk – White Hawk Country Club
Silverhawk – White Hawk Country Club Tee Times
Location: Crown Point, IN
Hardest Tees: Green
Yards: 3750
Slope: 149
Rating: 76.3
The Silverhawk course at White Hawk Country Club is known for its challenging layout and picturesque views. Golfers can expect a fair test of their skills with well-placed hazards and beautifully maintained greens.
1. Dubsdread – Cog Hill Golf Club
Dubsdread – Cog Hill Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Lemont, IL
Hardest Tees: Black
Yards: 7554
Slope: 153
Rating: 78
Dubsdread at Cog Hill Golf Club is the most challenging public golf course in the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet area. This well-designed course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience to players of all skill levels with its long fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens.
Honorable Mention: Stonewall Orchard Golf Club
Stonewall Orchard Golf Club Tee Times
Location: Grays Lake, IL
Hardest Tees: Silver
Yards: 7131
Slope: 150
Rating: 75
Stonewall Orchard Golf Club is a classic 18-hole golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills. This award-winning course offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels with its unique hole designs and beautiful natural surroundings.
The Chicago-Naperville-Joliet area offers a variety of challenging public golf courses for avid golfers. Whether you’re aiming for the top spots or seeking an extra challenge, these courses provide a unique and exciting golfing experience.
- challenging golf courses
- Demanding Golf Layouts
- Hard Golf Courses
- Tough Golf Challenges
Updated May 30, 2024





