SEVEN BRIDGES GOLF CLUB 630-964-4653
Chicago Golf Course Review - 4/08/04
Seven Bridges in Du Page County, just 25 miles from downtown Chicago, is a beautiful Dick Nugent design
that has been recognized as one of the top 5 courses you can play in Chicagoland. This 7103 yard layout
features a nice mix of holes - some lined by mature trees and others bordered by ponds, lakes and channels
from the east branch of the Du page River. Water comes into play in some form on all but 5 holes, though only a few feature forced carries.
Players will delight in the excellent service and the wonderful clubhouse amenities, including a pro shop stocked
with golf attire and accessories, well appointed locker rooms with showers, and the Grill Room that is open from
11AM to closing, with a good variety of lunch items on the menu. Banquet/outing facilities can accommodate up
to 230 people - and the views of the course from the clubhouse terrace create a wonderful environment for any event.
On property golfers will find two practice greens, and though no range is available, there are complimentary
warm up stations with a hitting net. Some sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green, but all
golfers will need to make their club selection is provided for on each cart in the form of the Uplink GPS - which
indicates exact yardages to the pin, plus hole diagrams and tips. This traditional layout was extremely well
conditioned from tee to green on our early May visit, with sculpted tees and manicured bent grass fairways.
Though the terrain is quite rolling, the landing areas off most tees generally provide even lies, making this
course playable for all levels of golfers. The greens are large and sloping, with mild undulations and putt true
and quick. Accuracy is the key to scoring well, as the numerous water hazards are also complimented by some challenging bunker complexes.
Scratch golfers will encounter a good challenge from the tips, which measure 7103 yards with a 135 slope
rating. Alternate sets play to 6681/130 slope, 6278/126 slope (recommended for the mid-handicapper and average player), and 5262 yards with a 114 slope rating for men and 121 slope rating for women.
The two opening holes are bordered by water hazards that come into play on both sides - running nearly from
tee to green. The first provides an ample landing area with a narrow approach to a sloping, undulating putting
surface. The second presents a bit of an opening on the right side, but is backed by another hazard that awaits
shots carrying too far past the green. On number three, golfers will have to tee it up over a water hazard and
then will confront a fairway split a creek that crosses diagonally. The left side is safe just right of the 150 stake,
and the right side demands a carry to inside the 100 yard marker - pretty hole, but also the # 1 handicap. A
river crosses again on the par three 4th, this time about 20 yards in front of the putting complex, which is well
bunkered on the left side. A tee shot aimed just short of the 150 stake will leave good positioning to approach
the mounded green complex on five, with the second shot demanding a short carry over a river. A creek winds
its way along the path to the par three 6th, which presents ample room near the green. Pay attention to the pin
placement here, as it is important to be on the correct portion of this sloping putting surface. Number seven
demands an accurate shot to a narrow fairway with water again on both sides. The approach is over water to a
green defined by a rock retaining wall. There is an abundant landing area off the tee on 8, but an up and down
from the mounds and collection areas may be tricky if you miss the green on the second shot. The finishing hole
on the front plays downhill off the tee to a tree lined fairway that narrows at the 150 area, with a creek crossing about 80 yards out. Long is trouble here.
The back side begins with a snaking par five with bunkers on the left and trees to the right. Approached in three
shots, this hole is score-able. Eleven presents an open fairway with the 150 yard stake representing a desired
landing area. Avoid the immense bunker complex along the left and be sure to take enough club on the uphill
approach. Bunkers, mounds and devious collection areas are all that is in the way of par or better on number 12
, which precedes a straight away four par that is also score-able. Be aware of the pond that sits in the middle
about 100 yards from the green. A tee shot over a lake is necessary on 14, which doglegs to the right around
the hazard. Willow trees and water make this a tough hole to cut. The 150 stake is a good target, leaving an
approach over water fronted by a beach sand trap, with some bail out room left. There is more water short right
of the well bunkered green on 15. Pay attention to the pin placement on the long, narrow putting surface. There
is plenty of room on the dogleg right par four 16th - which at 469 yards is the longest par four on the course.
Seventeen presents a tree lined fairway and bends to the left, making this 449 par four play even longer. Golfers
will be able to air it on out 16 and 17 - but must pay attention to the terrain so as not to end up on the wrong side
of a tree line on the approach. From an elevated tee, players should be able top grip it and rip it on the closing
hole. The downhill slope levels just prior to the river, which crosses about 110 yards away. There is plenty of room on the approach.
Seven Bridges is an extremely pretty course that offers a fair challenge to golfers of all skill levels. The frequent
water hazards that will test the skills of experienced players are immensely more manageable from the front two
tees. Great service and food (including a Sunday Brunch) make the experience even more enjoyable. Highly
recommended! For more info on the course and facilities - visit our informational page for Seven Bridges, with a link to their web site, by clicking here.
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