Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round 3)

[MountainKing]

55 minutes ago, TheBear95 said:

 

Smart man. Fathers Day Weekend is the NYE of golf.

 

For sure.   I haven't played this weekend in years.   Beyond that,  I'd rather spend father's day with daughter and my old man.  

[DavePelz4]

Considering the health bump in the road of 2024 and the impact of the volume of rounds, I've already exceeded 2024. Guessing at this rate, the 2025 total will be in the 150+ range. 

 

Heading to MI tomorrow with the college guys and taking a week off of the F/S Silver Lake schedule.  They're playing at Dunne Friday and as much as I like the layout, just not a fan of the conditions. Planning on a lot of USO watching this weekend and enjoying time with the kids.

 

Early Happy Father's Day to the wonderful posters in this way long term forum!

[ldchristopher]

Half day at work but I had to get an oil change. Afterwards, I was able to play a late twilight at Glencoe for the first time in years. I forgot how dull the front is. Let’s go East. Let’s go West. Let’s go East. Let’s go West. The back is more fun though. Greens were bumpy but that’s gonna happen when I don’t tee off until 5:15. It’s been a long time since I played a North Shore twilight round. It’s nice when everyone on the course is trying to get done before sunset. Two birdies on 5 and 17. Long par save on 15. No 3 putts. 74

[Argonne69]

8 hours ago, ldchristopher said:

Half day at work but I had to get an oil change. Afterwards, I was able to play a late twilight at Glencoe for the first time in years. I forgot how dull the front is. Let’s go East. Let’s go West. Let’s go East. Let’s go West. The back is more fun though. Greens were bumpy but that’s gonna happen when I don’t tee off until 5:15. It’s been a long time since I played a North Shore twilight round. It’s nice when everyone on the course is trying to get done before sunset. Two birdies on 5 and 17. Long par save on 15. No 3 putts. 74

 

Lol. Well, at least #6 goes south.

 

[Gdane]

Taking Blackstone off of the banned list temporarily next week for a round on Juneteenth, hoping my experience this year beats my experience last year.

 

Most of my rounds this year have been with my son at late twilight, and the last 2 have been spectacular at Pine Meadow and Mount Prospect but I think its time I treat the pro shop check in more like a flea market haggle, rather than a firm set pay for play for these super twilight rounds.   I'll fix 10 ball marks per green if they let my 6 year old play for free.  Deal or no deal?   

 

The state of public greens at 7pm is abhorrent.  I've started to see some places have their starter hand out repair tools at the 1st tee and remind people to fix their pitch marks and while I recognize I'm old man yelling at the clouds, there isn't much that I detest more in golf than walking onto a green that looks like the surface of the moon because of peoples laziness/ineptitude.   

[MountainKing]

Back to Arrowhead for an early morning Friday round to avoid any potential fathers day weekend nonsense.   We went south/east again, nothing really new to report on the course, outstanding shape and fast and firm even despite a little bit of rain that dumped before we went out.   No birdies on the card, despite chipping on 3 of the 4 par 5's.  On hole 7 (south course) I did stick my 2nd shot to about 10 feet and drained it for eagle, so that was a nice highlight.  Beyond that just way too many bogies on the card, which seems to be a thing with me and Arrowhead.  78. 

[mikes919]

Booked a 6:30ish time at Deerfield tomorrow morning, hoping it’s early enough to beat the riffraff. This weekend is always a big gamble.

[MountainKing]

12 hours ago, mikes919 said:

Booked a 6:30ish time at Deerfield tomorrow morning, hoping it’s early enough to beat the riffraff. This weekend is always a big gamble.

 

You're generally safe prior to 7am

[mikes919]

55 minutes ago, MountainKing said:

 

You're generally safe prior to 7am

Yea it was totally fine, finished in 3:20. Shot a new personal best 77! Not a lot of trouble on that course.

[DavePelz4]

Ventured to Edwardsburg, MI to play Four Lakes with the college buds. A unique course style that I'm not sure I've played before, or if I did, don't remember. 17 of the 18 greens were raised, tiny, and fast. Not sure if fast is the norm of this was the "USO" setup for the weekend.

 

Lots of slope on the greens and landing it on a green wasn't a guarantee it would hold. Several shots hit the side, or the front, and will roll off and you'd have a short, uphill shot from 3-4 inches of rough. Very few true bunkers on the course, as most were replaced with grass bunkers and they let those grow to 5-6 inches. More courses should go this path as the shots are as tough and the maintenance cost is lessened.

 

Some interesting features and hole designs as well. On the 15th hole (think it was 15), which is around 400 yards, you have two choices off the tee. Elevate your shot to at least 120 feet to cover the enormous tree that literally blocks the entire fairway, or, you can try to go under it.

 

Overall conditions were very good and it's a course you'd like to play a second time after learning about some of the nuisances.  

Edited June 14 by DavePelz4

[@_the_crook]

minor rant -

I don't understand why people rush to the point that they're right behind us - but don't actually get in position to play through.

we played in 3:35. all walkers and the next 4-some are all riders.

this year, they play behind us to within one shot of our position. I'm no nervous Nellie , but one shot? really?

they did lag back at all the par threes & the turn, so we couldn't get their attention to ask/allow the courtesy .

and the group behind them, three holes behind at the finish. can only imagine the sh!tshow for anyone that teed off after 6:15.

rant over -

 

What a beautiful morning, cool, bit of a breeze, course was in excellent shape. greens slicker than waxed paper.

The guys having fun, hitting (mostly) great shots, recovering well, being good around the greens,  laughing & smiling.

I love starting weekends like this.

 

 

 

[Phreddy]

5 hours ago, DavePelz4 said:

Ventured to Edwardsburg, MI to play Four Lakes with the college buds. A unique course style that I'm not sure I've played before, or if I did, don't remember. 17 of the 18 greens were raised, tiny, and fast. Not sure if fast is the norm of this was the "USO" setup for the weekend.

 

Lots of slope on the greens and landing it on a green wasn't a guarantee it would hold. Several shots hit the side, or the front, and will roll off and you'd have a short, uphill shot from 3-4 inches of rough. Very few true bunkers on the course, as most were replaced with grass bunkers and they let those grow to 5-6 inches. More courses should go this path as the shots are as tough and the maintenance cost is lessened.

 

Some interesting features and hole designs as well. On the 15th hole (think it was 15), which is around 400 yards, you have two choices off the tee. Elevate your shot to at least 120 feet to cover the enormous tree that literally blocks the entire fairway, or, you can try to go under it.

 

Overall conditions were very good and it's a course you'd like to play a second time after learning about some of the nuisances.  

 

Dave,

Any chance the course was a Langford and Moreau design?  They did a number of courses in the midwest during the 1920's and loved the invention of the steam shovel.  Raised greens were a bit of a signature item for them.

[MountainKing]

14 minutes ago, @_the_crook said:

minor rant -

I don't understand why people rush to the point that they're right behind us - but don't actually get in position to play through.

we played in 3:35. all walkers and the next 4-some are all riders.

this year, they play behind us to within one shot of our position. I'm no nervous Nellie , but one shot? really?

they did lag back at all the par threes & the turn, so we couldn't get their attention to ask/allow the courtesy .

and the group behind them, three holes behind at the finish. can only imagine the sh!tshow for anyone that teed off after 6:15.

rant over -

 

What a beautiful morning, cool, bit of a breeze, course was in excellent shape. greens slicker than waxed paper.

The guys having fun, hitting (mostly) great shots, recovering well, being good around the greens,  laughing & smiling.

I love starting weekends like this.

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps they felt you were moving along enough that there would be no benefit to going through?   My group is probably guilty of what you described,  it's not rushing, its doing our part to stay in position and keep things moving.   

[DavePelz4]

50 minutes ago, Phreddy said:

 

Dave,

Any chance the course was a Langford and Moreau design?  They did a number of courses in the midwest during the 1920's and loved the invention of the steam shovel.  Raised greens were a bit of a signature item for them.

 

Googled architect and Four Lakes and nothing came up and there wasn't anything on the website either. The course though has been around since 1934 so that would fit in your timeframe. Can't imagine that there were 17 natural spots that were about the same size and elevated a bit, so let's go with your theory Sir.

[Holy Moses]

Second time I’ve played Dubs was yesterday. It’s pretty cool to see average weekenders, really good juniors, and semi pro players all on the range. But man, the range was totally chewed up yesterday. I think they move the range spots back as the day progresses because the tee spots were wet and there was essentially no turf left when I got there.

 

Weird that Dubs had no starter on a Saturday afternoon. For the second time in a row, my cart’s GPS would not work. How can you charge $170 and not have a functioning GPS? Course was in great shape, pace was decent, and Dubs was challenging without being over the top. Birdied two par 5s, but the par 3s are just really tough. 

[Argonne69]

4 hours ago, Holy Moses said:

Second time I’ve played Dubs was yesterday. It’s pretty cool to see average weekenders, really good juniors, and semi pro players all on the range. But man, the range was totally chewed up yesterday. I think they move the range spots back as the day progresses because the tee spots were wet and there was essentially no turf left when I got there.

 

Weird that Dubs had no starter on a Saturday afternoon. For the second time in a row, my cart’s GPS would not work. How can you charge $170 and not have a functioning GPS? Course was in great shape, pace was decent, and Dubs was challenging without being over the top. Birdied two par 5s, but the par 3s are just really tough. 

 

I've played more than a few courses lately where the starter serves double duty as a ranger. After the packed morning wave is sent on their way, the starter heads out and does what most rangers do. Look for balls in the weeds. 

 

[Holy Moses]

27 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I've played more than a few courses lately where the starter serves double duty as a ranger. After the packed morning wave is sent on their way, the starter heads out and does what most rangers do. Look for balls in the weeds. 

 

I hear you, but Dubs was booked all day. It didn’t really impact anything, but every course I’ve played this year has had a starter, even the cheap munis. 

[ldchristopher]

Ironing out our annual June Michigan trip.
Round 1: Beeches

Round 2: The Meadows Not of Blue Island But of Grand Valley State. 
 

Drive to Ludington

Round 3: Hemlock

Stupid long drive down 31

Round 4: Blackthorn

 

Looking at 545 miles round trip. Glad I got my oil changed. 

[Holy Moses]

Heard on the practice putting green at Cog Hill on Saturday: “Oakmont doesn’t look that difficult.” 

[MountainKing]

8 minutes ago, Holy Moses said:

Heard on the practice putting green at Cog Hill on Saturday: “Oakmont doesn’t look that difficult.” 

 

That same guy proceeded to shoot a 105 on course #3

[ldchristopher]

Palmira at 2:30 today. First really hot and humid round of the year. I got stuck behind three Covid golfers on the front nine but played well. The course had their Sunday US Open set-up. All the pins were cut on slopes and stuck in corners. It made Palmira - one of the more benign layouts, even from around 7000 - play a little harder than usual. Greens were on the slow side but that’s no shock. I passed the Covid bros at the turn but then caught a threesome. One of the guys in the group was about 85 and looked to be in rough shape. I appreciate the enthusiasm for playing a round but by the end he wasn’t getting out of the cart much. Anyway, the back got me. One birdie on 3 and I shot a 35-41 76. 

[ldchristopher]

On 6/14/2025 at 4:49 PM, DavePelz4 said:

 

Googled architect and Four Lakes and nothing came up and there wasn't anything on the website either. The course though has been around since 1934 so that would fit in your timeframe. Can't imagine that there were 17 natural spots that were about the same size and elevated a bit, so let's go with your theory Sir.

If it was a Langford and Moreau design, I’m assuming it would be the first thing noted on every write up about the course. “Something, something, something, Langford and Moreau. Something, something, something, steamshovels. Something, something, something, Golden Age.” But those two did have a penchant for designing courses in the absolute middle of nowhere. It is odd that the interwebs don’t say who the original architect is though. 

[psygolf]

Typical Chicago…from 65 & rain right into 95 & drought.

[mikes919]

Playing Old Orchard again tomorrow before the temps really take off. It’s become my go-to “I waited too long to make a tee time and need something available close to home” course.

[ldchristopher]

The problem with playing in Chicago on Juneteenth is everyone’s off and every course is therefore jammed and on weekend rates. Went to Wisconsin with Bear. No such issue. Old Hickory first. Again, shoutout to @ode1 for making us aware of it. It has all the quirky Bendelow traits that I like because I was brainwashed by Grand Beach National at a young age. Completely blind green where you just kinda aim at a tree that doesn’t look like the others nearby? Check. 400+ yard par 4s with a 90° dogleg that makes driver and 3 wood way too much club? You know it. The greens, as always, were perfect. It helped that we were playing right behind the green roller but regardless of that, no marks, no poa. One birdie on 6 for a 75. 
 

For round two, we took a flyer on Rolling Meadows in Fon du Lac. Feel-wise, it’s somewhere in between Ives Grove and Atwood Homestead. Not an award winner by any means but not bad, super cheap, and nice and long at a touch over 7100. Also, it’s a really easy, pancake-flat walk but it’s plenty lengthy at 8 miles. Would I go out of my way to play there again? No way. But I’d pair it with Old Hickory again, since apparently Washington County is the most popular course in the region. One more birdie for another 75. 

[Gdane]

Blackstone yesterday.  As expected for the holiday they had weekend rates without the weekend amenities.  

 

It sounds like the course may be falling on some hard times.  I heard that it is back up for sale, and that the liquor license runs out at the end of July.   We were going to stay for lunch after our round but when we went to order at the bar they said they didn't have any burgers.  Seemed like there was just 1 woman working the bar with no other table service.   I really enjoy the course and have great memories of playing there back when it was truly a hidden gem, but I won't be back after 2 years in a row of the same experience.   

 

To me it is Chicagoland golf's equivalent of Kuma's Korner.  Great burger, way too expense, terrible service.

[mci711]

34 minutes ago, Gdane said:

Blackstone yesterday.  As expected for the holiday they had weekend rates without the weekend amenities.  

 

It sounds like the course may be falling on some hard times.  I heard that it is back up for sale, and that the liquor license runs out at the end of July.   We were going to stay for lunch after our round but when we went to order at the bar they said they didn't have any burgers.  Seemed like there was just 1 woman working the bar with no other table service.   I really enjoy the course and have great memories of playing there back when it was truly a hidden gem, but I won't be back after 2 years in a row of the same experience.   

 

To me it is Chicagoland golf's equivalent of Kuma's Korner.  Great burger, way too expense, terrible service.

 

Blackstone peaked in like 2018. You could go out there and be one of a few groups and it was in great shape. I think people are over the drive and crappy people out there.

[TheBear95]

1 hour ago, mci711 said:

 

Blackstone peaked in like 2018. You could go out there and be one of a few groups and it was in great shape. I think people are over the drive and crappy people out there.

 

Yep. If it dies, it dies.

[MountainKing]

I love Blackstone, but at $105 to play, $15 or so in gas, minimum of two hours of driving time to get there and back.  I put all that together and I'd rather drive 20 minutes up the road and play dubs for what would essentially be the same value.  

[MountainKing]

2 hours ago, Gdane said:

Blackstone yesterday.  As expected for the holiday they had weekend rates without the weekend amenities.  

 

It sounds like the course may be falling on some hard times.  I heard that it is back up for sale, and that the liquor license runs out at the end of July.   We were going to stay for lunch after our round but when we went to order at the bar they said they didn't have any burgers.  Seemed like there was just 1 woman working the bar with no other table service.   I really enjoy the course and have great memories of playing there back when it was truly a hidden gem, but I won't be back after 2 years in a row of the same experience.   

 

To me it is Chicagoland golf's equivalent of Kuma's Korner.  Great burger, way too expense, terrible service.

 

 

Probably comes with a side of sexual harassment just like Kuma's Korner as well.