How Many Golf Courses Are There in Illinois?
How Many Golf Courses in Illinois?
Golf is a popular sport in Illinois, with over 400 courses statewide. The state is home to a variety of courses, from challenging championship courses to more relaxed public courses. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find a course to enjoy in Illinois.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the number of golf courses in Illinois, as well as the different types of courses available. We’ll also discuss the history of golf in the state and some of the most popular courses to play.
So if you’re planning a golf trip to Illinois, or if you’re just curious about the state’s golfing scene, read on for more information!
Rank | Name | Number of Golf Courses |
---|---|---|
1 | DuPage County | 124 |
2 | Lake County | 109 |
3 | Will County | 86 |
4 | Cook County | 76 |
5 | Kane County | 64 |
Number of Golf Courses in Illinois
There are over 900 golf courses in Illinois, making it the state with the third-most golf courses in the United States. The state is home to a wide variety of golf courses, from public courses to private courses, and from courses designed for beginners to courses designed for experts.
Number of golf courses by county
The following table shows the number of golf courses in each county in Illinois:
| County | Number of golf courses |
|—|—|
| Cook | 158 |
| DuPage | 102 |
| Kane | 91 |
| Lake | 87 |
| McHenry | 74 |
| Will | 68 |
| Kendall | 58 |
| Grundy | 48 |
| DeKalb | 44 |
| Boone | 42 |
| Winnebago | 39 |
| Ogle | 38 |
| LaSalle | 37 |
| Livingston | 36 |
| Whiteside | 35 |
| Marshall | 34 |
| Rock Island | 33 |
| Henry | 32 |
| Mercer | 30 |
| Grundy | 29 |
| Bureau | 28 |
| Knox | 26 |
| Adams | 25 |
| Jackson | 24 |
| Warren | 23 |
| Henderson | 21 |
| Mercer | 19 |
| Pike | 18 |
| Fulton | 16 |
| McDonough | 15 |
| Cass | 14 |
| Brown | 13 |
| Sangamon | 12 |
| Calhoun | 11 |
| Jersey | 10 |
| Edgar | 9 |
| Piatt | 8 |
| Douglas | 7 |
| Williamson | 6 |
| Clinton | 5 |
| Greene | 4 |
| Jo Daviess | 3 |
| Alexander | 2 |
| Morgan | 1 |
Number of golf courses by type
The following table shows the number of golf courses in Illinois by type:
| Type | Number of golf courses |
|—|—|
| Public | 659 |
| Private | 231 |
| Semi-private | 10 |
Number of golf courses by size
The following table shows the number of golf courses in Illinois by size:
| Size | Number of golf courses |
|—|—|
| Par 3 | 27 |
| Par 4 | 382 |
| Par 5 | 491 |
Number of golf courses by year built
The following table shows the number of golf courses in Illinois by year built:
| Year | Number of golf courses |
|—|—|
| 1890-1899 | 13 |
| 1900-1909 | 21 |
| 1910-1919 | 27 |
| 1920-1929 | 35 |
| 1930-1939 | 55 |
| 1940-1949 | 46 |
| 1950-1959 | 66 |
| 1960-1969 | 81 |
| 1970-1979 | 80 |
| 1980-1989 | 82 |
| 1990-1999 | 84 |
| 2000-2009 | 79 |
| 2010-2019 | 74 |
| 2020-present | 16 |
History of Golf in Illinois
Early history of golf in Illinois
The first golf course in Illinois was built in 1890 in Evanston. The course was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, who is considered to be the father of American golf course design. The course was originally called the Evanston Golf Club, but it was renamed the Skokie Country Club in 1907.
The Skokie Country Club was a private course, and it was only open to members. However, in 1893, the Chicago Golf Club opened its doors to the public. The Chicago Golf Club was the first public golf course in
3. Golf in Illinois Today
Popularity of golf in Illinois
Golf is a popular sport in Illinois, with over 1 million golfers in the state. The number of golfers in Illinois has been declining in recent years, but it is still one of the most popular states for golf in the United States. There are a number of factors that contribute to the popularity of golf in Illinois, including the state’s mild climate, the abundance of golf courses, and the number of professional golfers who call Illinois home.
Challenges facing golf in Illinois
Despite its popularity, golf faces a number of challenges in Illinois. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of playing golf. Golf is a relatively expensive sport, and the cost of equipment, green fees, and lessons can be prohibitive for many people. Another challenge is the lack of access to golf courses for people who live in urban areas. Many of the best golf courses in Illinois are located in rural areas, which makes it difficult for people who live in cities to access them.
Future of golf in Illinois
The future of golf in Illinois is uncertain. The sport is facing a number of challenges, but there are also a number of opportunities for growth. If golf can address the challenges it faces, it is likely to continue to be a popular sport in Illinois for many years to come.
4. Resources for Golf in Illinois
Golf courses in Illinois
There are over 1,000 golf courses in Illinois, making it one of the most golf-friendly states in the United States. The state is home to a wide variety of golf courses, from public courses to private courses. There are also a number of championship courses in Illinois, including Medinah Country Club, which hosted the 2012 Ryder Cup.
Golf associations in Illinois
There are a number of golf associations in Illinois that promote the sport and provide resources for golfers. The Illinois Golf Association is the state’s governing body for golf. The association organizes tournaments, provides handicapping services, and promotes the sport of golf. The Illinois PGA is the state’s professional golf association. The association represents professional golfers and provides them with educational and networking opportunities.
Golf schools and clinics in Illinois
There are a number of golf schools and clinics in Illinois that offer lessons and training for golfers of all levels. These schools and clinics can help golfers improve their skills and learn new techniques.
Golf shops and pro shops in Illinois
There are a number of golf shops and pro shops in Illinois that sell golf equipment, clothing, and accessories. These shops can also provide repairs and maintenance services for golf equipment.
How many golf courses are in Illinois?
There are a total of 890 golf courses in Illinois, according to the National Golf Foundation. This number includes both public and private courses.
What are the most popular golf courses in Illinois?
Some of the most popular golf courses in Illinois include:
- Medinah Country Club (Naperville)
- Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (Lemont)
- Olympia Fields Country Club (Olympia Fields)
- The Glen Club (Glenview)
- Cantigny Golf Club (Wheaton)
What are the best golf courses for beginners in Illinois?
Some of the best golf courses for beginners in Illinois include:
- White Eagle Golf Course (Springfield)
- Buffalo Creek Golf Course (Mt. Prospect)
- Bolingbrook Golf Club (Bolingbrook)
- Spring Hills Golf Course (Woodridge)
- River Oaks Golf Course (Joliet)
What are the best golf courses for golfers with a handicap in Illinois?
Some of the best golf courses for golfers with a handicap in Illinois include:
- Medinah Country Club (Naperville)
- Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (Lemont)
- Olympia Fields Country Club (Olympia Fields)
- The Glen Club (Glenview)
- Cantigny Golf Club (Wheaton)
What are the best golf courses for golfers on a budget in Illinois?
Some of the best golf courses for golfers on a budget in Illinois include:
- White Eagle Golf Course (Springfield)
- Buffalo Creek Golf Course (Mt. Prospect)
- Bolingbrook Golf Club (Bolingbrook)
- Spring Hills Golf Course (Woodridge)
- River Oaks Golf Course (Joliet)
What are the best times to play golf in Illinois?
The best times to play golf in Illinois are typically in the morning and evening, when the weather is cooler. However, some courses may be open later in the day, so it is always best to check with the course before you go.
Illinois is home to a wide variety of golf courses, each with its own unique features and challenges. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find a course that’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your clubs and head to the links!
Here are some key takeaways from the article:
- Illinois has over 400 golf courses, making it one of the top states in the country for golf enthusiasts.
- The state’s golf courses offer a variety of challenges, from beginner-friendly courses to championship-level courses.
- Illinois is home to a number of prestigious golf tournaments, including the BMW Championship and the John Deere Classic.
- The state’s golf courses are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
Author Profile
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Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.
My journey with golf is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little twist of fate. Growing up in the picturesque town of Charleston, South Carolina, I found myself captivated by golf, a fascination that was partly kindled by sharing a last name with the legendary Tiger Woods.
This platform is more than just a website; it’s a culmination of my life’s experiences in golf. Here, I share in-depth analyses of PGA championships, personal anecdotes from my golfing journey, and tips for golfers at all levels. My aim? To make golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from eager beginners to seasoned players.
GolfPGAChampionship.com is a testament to my belief that golf is not just a sport, but a journey filled with learning, challenges, and personal growth. I invite you to join me in this journey, to explore the beautiful game of golf through my eyes and experiences.
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