[Jennifer]

Just wondering if anyone can recommend any good courses in the Midwest, particularly Minnesota and the Chicago area? I'm a relatively new golfer, but I'm interested in trying out a few new courses this summer once I have my confidence up a little bit!

I'm especially interested in courses that might have small tournaments that I might be able to aspire to in a few years!

Thanks,

Jennifer

 

[DOMAINerBLOGer]

Have you looked at the course in East Moline, IL. I know the John Deere Classic is played there and here people talk nothing but good about the course. Also, Michelle Wie will be playing in East Moline at the John Deere Classic Tournament in July.

 

[zaphod]

Come up to Wisconsin Dells

Try the Wisconsin Dells area. Itrs a good area for a vacation and lots of great golf in area. The Dells proper has 3 top-notch courses but within 1 hour drive are some spectacular courses at very reasonable rates.Also tee times are generally open

Dells proper
Trappers Turn---Andy north Design spectacular views and elavation changes
Wilderness---redesigned 2006 a good resolt golf course
Cold water Canyon--redesigned 2006 haven't played new design but loos like links golf here

within an hour drive
Madison area
The Oaks ---Golf Digest Top 100 public course awesome course
University Ridges ---Top 100 public the back nine is thru woodlands and is wonderful just for the walk.
The Bridges--Excellent public
Bergamont--Andy north again

North
Northern Bay---Golf Digest top new public a replica course with very good playability (5 tees/hole) but at tips challenges the top golfer.#17 at PGA Sawgrass(island hole) and #13 Augusta National par 5 are wonderful to play
Lake Arrowhead---36 holes of pleasure again playable (4 tees / hole) and at tips challenges low handicapper.Lakes course is 7200 yards at tips with FAST UNDULATING greens. Need to be shot maker to score well.

Many other course in area that merit mention but time restricts.

This area really is golf heaven for quality courses at very reasonable green fees and are new golfer friendly

happy golfing

 

[bunkerpro]

Bunker Hills in Minnesota is a great course. I have been golfing there all my life. It has a 3 championship courses which are in tip top shape. It is just north of minneapolis.

 

[GolfKid22]

The Rail Golf Course in Springfield, IL..its where the State Farm Classic is held every year..reasonable prices too

 

[indiginit]

courses I-35/I-80

if you've never played a true links-style course, try Coldwater in Ames, IA... its less than 5 minutes off I-35 and a GREAT course. no trees within the links but great fescue/wetland areas. hit a provisional... hehe...

the fairways and greens are in usually immaculate shape and for a couple of bucks you can get a course booklet that gives all the distances within the hole for driving/tee-off hazadards and locations of sprinklerhead yardages (great for walkers)

i love this course. love it, love it, love it... if you go (GO GO GO) get the booklet... i've never played with a caddy, but it gave me the idea of what its like...

you mentioned MN and ILL... you drive this trip?

iowa has some nice courses. if you golf/travel in the midwest and havent tried Iowa, your missing something... some of the best soil on earth...

the Iowa City/Coralville area has a couple of gems (Pleasant Valley, Brown Deer); Cedar Rapids has a few nice Muni courses, and a recent Masters champion; Byrnes and Gates are fun muni's in Waterloo; Des Moines has several fine courses.... Iowa is not as flat as some people think...

but... Coldwater! the renown Veenker Memorial is also in Ames.


heres a link to the course website:
Coldwater Golf Links

PM me for more info/opinions