ODYSSEY COUNTRY CLUB (708-429-7400)
Chicago Golf Course Review 8/04/05
The Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park just south of Chicago was designed by Henry Bowers/Curtis Strange
in 1992, and has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play. Situated along a rolling terrain in an upscale
residential community just 30 minutes from downtown, the Odyssey provides service and facilities that are
unmatched in the region. The spectacular 48,000 square foot clubhouse features a pro shop, locker rooms with
showers, a restaurant and sports bar, plus outstanding banquet and special events capabilities. Elegantly
furnished banquet and ballrooms upstairs and down can accommodate groups of 40 to 1200, making this an ideal location for weddings, trade shows, seminars, golf outings and all types of special events.
The practice facilities include a grass range, short game area and putting green. The GolfAcademy is a year
-round facility featuring sheltered and heated hitting stations and lighted bent grass tee areas. Professional
instructors offer individual and group lessons suing the latest technology, and the facility even has its own sports
bar! The golf course provides 4 sets of tees that are interspersed quite evenly, affording all levels of players with
an opportunity to choose a set that matches their game. The tips play to 7095 yards with a slope of 131, while
alternate tees measure 6612 yards/127 slope, 6107 yards/120 slope for men and 126 for women, and 5564 yards/116 slope for the ladies.
On our August 2005 visit the golf course was wonderfully conditioned from the manicured bent grass fairways to
the raised, well bunkered green complexes. Golfers will have to maneuver over and around water hazards that
come into play in some shape or form on 16 holes, with some forced carries. There are generally ample landing
areas off the tees, but accurate iron play is necessary on approaches. Scattered trees line the fairways with
natural areas frequently located along the perimeters. 58 high quality sand bunkers are located near the landing
zones or greenside, but water is the main hazard on this layout. The photo below right is of the island green on the par five 16th.
The course is well marked with sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green, and with yardage stakes
posted at 100, 150 and 200 yards. Flags on the greens are color coded for front, middle and back hole
locations, and Par View GPS is standard on all golf carts, which also feature mounted ball and club washers. The tee boxes on all par threes also provide yardage blocks.
The Odyssey is committed to bringing country club amenities to public golfers. The course is challenging from
the two back tees and very player friendly from the whites and reds. Great facilities, good location and excellent
service back up an interesting design to make this a wonderful golf experience. For more info, visit out page for the Odyssey, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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