Formula 18 Golf

Formula 18 Golf

Courses / Best in state

Best Public Golf Courses in Illinois

Experts + Golfers + Story + Architect + Challenge + Access = the Total Score

Top 10
  1. 1Jackson Park Golf CourseChicago · Public · Est. 1899Tom BendelowUnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  2. 2Stonewall Orchard GcGrayslake · Public · Est. 1999Arthur HillsUnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  3. 3The Glen ClubGlenview · Public · Est. 2001Tom FazioUnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  4. 4Thunderhawk Golf ClubBeach Park · Municipal · Est. 1999Robert Trent Jones Jr.UnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  5. 5Ravisloe Country ClubHomewood · Public · Est. 1901Donald Ross (1917-19 renovation, full design credit); originally James Foulis and Theodore Moreau (1901); William Watson (c. 1910 expansion)UnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  6. 6Bolingbrook Golf ClubBolingbrook · Municipal · Est. 2002Arthur Hills (with Steve Forrest & Associates)UnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  7. 7Marquette ParkChicago · Municipal · Est. 1913Tom BendelowUnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  8. 8Pine Meadow Golf ClubMundelein · Public · Est. 1985Joe Lee & Rocky RoquemoreUnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  9. 9Mistwood Golf ClubRomeoville · Public · Est. 1998Ray HearnUnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.
  10. 10Cantigny GolfWheaton · Public · Est. 1989Roger PackardUnchartedNot enough reviews yet. Go see for yourself.

How we rank

Public courses only — anyone can book a tee time (public, municipal, resort, semi-private, university). Each course gets a Formula 18 Golf Total Score out of 10 with one word (Legendary, Destination, Memorable, Playable, Unsolved), cited on its page. Not enough to go on yet? It reads Uncharted. Expert lists, golfer stars, challenge, access and threads make the score. A notable architect and a real story add bonus points, and missing ones never count against a course. See the full formula →
Editor’s picks are placed by the Formula 18 Golf team. Played one that belongs higher? Tell us.