Golf Courses in Chicago, IL
Tee It Up Chicago tracks 7 public and 2 private golf courses in and around Chicago — covering the city, the lakefront, and surrounding communities within 10 miles. Browse tee box ratings, course details, and booking links below, then explore the full metro area by region.
George W. Dunne National Golf Course
Chicago Area Golf Guide
The Chicago metro stretches across hundreds of square miles with courses suited to every skill level and budget. Here's a breakdown by region to help you find the right course.
North Shore
The North Shore corridor along Lake Michigan is home to some of the most prestigious private clubs in the Midwest, alongside well-regarded public tracks. Courses here tend to be mature, tree-lined, and immaculately maintained.
Northwest Suburbs
The northwest suburbs offer a dense mix of public daily-fee courses and semi-private clubs, making this one of the most accessible regions for golfers visiting or living near O'Hare. Rolling terrain and open fairways are common.
Western Suburbs
The western suburbs along the I-88 corridor feature a wide range of public and private courses, including championship-caliber layouts. The Fox River valley terrain adds natural elevation change and scenic holes you won't find closer to the city.
Southwest & South Suburbs
The southwest suburbs are known for their value and accessibility. Lemont in particular has become a destination for serious golfers, with world-class courses carved into natural ravines and limestone ridges. South suburban courses consistently offer competitive rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are near Chicago?
The Chicago metropolitan area has over 150 public and private golf courses spanning the city, North Shore, northwest, western, and south suburbs — making it one of the most golf-rich regions in the Midwest.
Are there public golf courses in the city of Chicago?
Yes. The Chicago Park District operates several public courses, including Sydney Marovitz Golf Course (Waveland) along Lake Shore Drive and Marquette Park Golf Course on the South Side. Both are accessible by public transit.
How much does it cost to play golf near Chicago?
Green fees at public courses typically range from $25 to $90 for 18 holes depending on the course, day of week, and tee time. Weekend morning tee times at premier courses command the highest rates. Many courses offer twilight and junior discounts.
When is golf season in Chicago?
Chicago's golf season generally runs from late March or early April through late October, weather permitting. Some courses open as early as March during mild winters and stay open into November.
What are the best suburbs for golf near Chicago?
The North Shore and western suburbs (Naperville, Wheaton, Barrington) offer the highest concentration of quality courses. The southwest suburbs — especially Lemont — have become destination golf territory with championship-caliber layouts built into natural ravines.
What is the closest golf course to downtown Chicago?
Sydney Marovitz Golf Course (Waveland) is located just off Lake Shore Drive on the North Side, roughly 2 miles from the Magnificent Mile. Harborside International Golf Center on the South Side is another option within a short drive of downtown.