OAK GROVE GOLF COURSE (815-648-2550)
Chicago Golf Course Review 8/06/05
Oak Grove in Harvard - about 1 hour northwest of Chicago, is an Audubon International Certified Signature
Sanctuary golf course which has received numerous accolades for its layout and service. Nominated to Golf
Digest's Best New Courses list in 1999, Oak Grove has also earned 4 stars by the magazine's Places to Play Issue, and was honored with the "Best Greens in Illinois" by some of Golf Digest's readers.
As the photos above and below indicate, the layout features a nice mix of tight tree lined, and open fairways,
with plentiful landing areas and room greenside for slightly offline approaches. Distance and correct choice of
tee areas is important as the five sets measure 7021 yards/142 slope, 6613 yards/138 slope, 6354 yards/133
slope, 5737 yards 127 slope fro men and 133 for women, and 5254 yards/127 slope from the forward tees.
Golfers will confronted with a great variety of shot shapes, with some elevation changes from tee to green and
with interesting doglegs. The large undulating green complexes feature well conditioned bent grass putting
surfaces that are usually open in front, with mounding and sand bunkers located on the perimeter. There are no
water hazards on the course, but upwards of 92 sand traps are located near the landing zones on the rolling fairways or greenside.
The course provides yardage blocks that are posted at 100, 150 and 200 yards, and pin placements are
indicated by a triad of hole locations that are printed on each score card. On property is a grass range and a
practice green for putting and chipping, and the clubhouse features a pro shop plus spacious lounge with hot &
cold sandwiches and beverages. This facility also serves for outings and other events. Locker rooms with showers are located downstairs.
The slope ratings are formidable, but we found the course to be fair and user friendly. The number of bunkers is
considerable, but many are low lipped and not overly penal in nature. There are only a few forced carries, with
the one off the tee over a ravine on the par four 16th the most demanding. Natural areas also come into play,
driving up the need for course management. Play smartly and good scores can be had. With reasonable rates
and wonderful conditioning, this is a well recommended golf experience. For more info, visit our page for the property, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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