CHALET HILLS GOLF CLUB (847-639-0666)
- Chicago Golf Course Review - 06-01-07 -
 Chalet Hills in Cary, Illinois (about 40 minutes northwest of downtown
Chicago) is a 4-1/2 star championship course (Golf Digest), and has been ranked as a Top 5 Best Course in the State by the Zagat/ESPN Survey of
America's Best Courses. On our visit in late April, we came to appreciate the secluded, rolling terrain with abundant water hazards and wildlife. In fact,
of the 60 + courses we visited in the Chicago area, Chalet Hills had one of the most memorable layouts. Pictured here is an aerial of holes 1-5
sandwiched between two lakes. Chalet Hills has earned recognition in 2004 - by Golf Digest - as # 3 out of the Five Best Kept Secrets in America! Quite
an honor, we think - and from our perspective we can certainly support this claim.
Most of the holes (1-7 and 11-15) along the rolling, hilly countryside offer tranquil seclusion, and the few that
meander amongst an upscale residential community are well removed from the home sites. The features of the
terrain at Chalet Hills originate from a moraine glacier, accounting for an environmentally natural golf course
setting. These facts make the drive from Chicago worthwhile, as attested by the reality that Chicago natives and
out of town visitors from conventions and business functions give Chalet Hills prime consideration.
 On property is driving range with target areas and a golf academy, plus an
ample putting green. The clubhouse features vaulted ceilings and a beautiful fireplace, offers wonderful views and includes a pro shop and bar & grill
serving delicious menu choices with indoor and outdoor seating. Seating for between 20 - 150 people can accommodate wedding receptions, parties,
golf outing buffets, meetings and special events of many types. This is a great atmosphere to host a party or banquet. There are also separate men's and women's locker areas with showers.
Carts are equipped with a GPS system which provides accurate measurements from tee to green as well as
hole location information. Sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green. Medium size greens that are
more sloped than undulating. Though firm, the putting surfaces are receptive, with many sloping back to front. Staying below the hole is a good policy.
The opening hole presents a wide fairway from an elevated tee with a large tree on the right encouraging approaches from the left side.
 The second is also quite open off the tee, providing an opportunity to start well
with 2 short par fours. The third is a challenging three shot par five - with fairway bunkers tightening the fairway about 100 yards out. Pay attention
to the pin placement on the par three 4th as the putting surface is ridged, and read the yardage guide on 5 - which states that you must be within
150 yards of the green for a clear approach - true for sure. You can bank one off the side of the hill past the green - so don't be afraid to go long
here. This dogleg right is the number one handicap. The 6th is a great par three that must clear two ponds -
 little room for error here... The 7th is
another 3 shot par five for most golfers - as the fairway is tight. Your second shot must be within 100 yards of the green for a clear approach.
After a short and simple (though well bunkered) par four, you will find a reasonable test along the lake on the finishing hole of the front. Aim
towards the large left FW trap through the fairway - and take the wind into consideration both off the tee and on the approach.
The back side plays considerably longer than the initial nine, and features more holes with elevation changes. The tenth begins from an elevated tee
, then plays back uphill ( 1 club extra) to a putting surface that slopes towards the right. The par five 11th plays
considerably longer as both he tee shot and approach are uphill. 12 is an incredibly gorgeous golf hole - with an
elevated tee shot to a narrow landing area flanked by water on both sides. Three mature willows along with a
creek that runs to the right of the narrow green give this hole much character - pretty tough hole for a 10 handicap...
 the par three 13th and par four 14th play extremely tight. Number 14 offers an approach to a putting
surface that for all practice purposes is an island green. There is only a few yards of grass in front of and behind the green. The 15th I the number two
handicap as a 550 yards par five (from the tips). The downhill approach narrows, but a lay up about 120 out (there is a pond near the 100 yard
marker) should create the possibility for a good score. The par four 16th doglegs left and plays uphill all the way, and is followed by another
spectacular golf hole. This short par three has water everywhere but right - where there is plenty of bailout room.
 The 18th, like number nine, presents a
risk/reward option off the tee and on the approach. Long hitters may be able to cut off a little on the dogleg left - though it is a 230 yards to carry the left edge of
the lake from the white tees. The gamble really presents itself on the second shot, where you may lay up to the right center, or risk a shot over water
towards the putting surface. If you hit a good tee shot long and to the left center of the fairway, this is a viable option - and an opportunity to eagle this last par five.
Chalet Hills, while presenting some challenging situations, is a course that can be played and by all levels of
golfers. If nothing else - one can enjoy the serene setting and beauty. With 4 sets of tee boxes measuring 6877
(131 slope), 6594 (127 slope), 5983 (117 slope) and 4934 (101-114 slope), Chalet Hills offers an experience
to meet all levels of skills. Great spring and fall rates are available, and you can call for info on information on
Senior Wednesdays, early bird weekdays, and family golf evenings. Worth the drive from Chicago - and highly recommended for those visiting on business or for an extended stay!
For more information on this course and a link to its website (if available) visit our detailed listing page in the Two Guys Who Golf Chicago Section: click here.
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