SHEPHERD'S CROOK GOLF CLUB (847-872-2080)
Chicago Golf Course Review 8/06/05
Shepherd's Crook is the Zion Park District's newest championship layout - designed in 1999 by respected
architect Keith Foster. Rated 5 stars by Chicagoland Golf Magazine, this layout is influenced by Scottish links
style courses, with wide rolling fairways bordered by fescue mounding leading to undulating green complexes
designed in a variety of shapes and sizes. The Chicago Tribune has named it one of the best bargains in town,
and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also gave the course rave reviews. Golf for Women Magazine has given it an award as one of the "100 Best Fairways".
Located 40 miles north of Chicago, 40 miles east of Lake Geneva and 40 miles south of Milwaukee,
Shepherds's Crook is easily accessible on Green Bay Road (Illinois State Highway 131) near I-94. Four sets of
tees are interspersed to allow golfers of all abilities to choose a set that matches their game. The tips play to
6827 yards with a slope of 128, while alternate tees measure 6271/123, 6002/119 slope for men and 129 for women, and 4901 yards with a 115 slope from the forward sets, which are very player friendly.
The secret to scoring well is to manage the course efficiently, by choosing the correct club and hitting to the
prime landing zones off the tee. Driver can be utilized often as 7 of the par fours are 378 yards plus in length,
but some of the fairways require thoughtful placement. Land in the thick fescue that flank most of the holes and a
par save can be a tough proposition. There also are numerous natural areas to deal with, with carries over marsh lands and creeks called for on several holes.
Sixty nine sand traps are situated greenside or along the rolling fairways, with some grass bunkers also part of
the mounded green complexes. In addition to the sprawling wetlands, water hazards come into play on 6 holes.
Some of the most interesting hole designs include the tight and beautiful par three 8th, the par four 12 and 13th
- which feature beautiful downhill approach shots, the par three 16th which plays from an elevated tee to a green
complex guarded by marsh land on three sides, and the par five 9th and 18th holes which play along contoured fairways toward the clubhouse.
If you enjoy links style layouts, you will love Shepherd's Crook! The course is player friendly with ample landing
areas that allow golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the experience. There also is enough length and trouble to
warrant the attention of skilled players. The conditioning of the bent grass fairways and greens was very good
on our August 2005 visit. Rates are extremely reasonable. The clubhouse features a pro shop, snack area with
lounge and outing facilities, plus locker rooms with showers. There is a putting/chipping green but no range on
property. For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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