SEVEN BRIDGES GOLF CLUB 630-964-4653
Chicago Golf Course Review
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 7111 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 Dock Bar & Grill that is open from 10 AM to closing, in season, with a good variety of lunch and dinner items on the menu, along with daily specials.
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 Visage 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 7111 yards with a 144 slope rating. Alternate sets play to 6696
yards/139 slope, 6306 yards with a 135 slope for men and 141 slope for women, 5828 yards/130 slope for men and 135 slope for women and 5262 yards/128 slope.
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 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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