Downtown Chicago

[takafam]

Need close golf

Will be in Chicago at a meeting and need a golf course close to downtown loop or something with cheap transportation to a golf course. I looked and found a indian boundaries which looks okay but Taxi is 31$ each way so 62$ for taxi and green fees are about 27 so 89$ for 18 holes. Not that I can afford the green fees but 89$ for 18 holes isn't cheap either so if there is a better way to travel or something closer that would be great.

I wanted to play Cog Hill but Taxi ride was over 40$ each way and then I still have to pay green fee, if anyone has suggestions I would appreciate them.

[jabrch]

Harbourside is going to be a less expensive cab ride, but pricier greens fees. I'd play there between the two. Indian Boundary is OK...but meh...

I'd also consider saving money by taking public transportation if needed.

[MichMan123]

rent a car for the day, you can play where you like

[takafam]

[quote name='jabrch' timestamp='1301970297' post='3120293']
Harbourside is going to be a less expensive cab ride, but pricier greens fees. I'd play there between the two. Indian Boundary is OK...but meh...

I'd also consider saving money by taking public transportation if needed.
[/quote]

Thanks Jabrch Harborside looks like a really nice course. Is there public trans out to cog hill?? Sorry we don't really have much for public trans in South Dakota.

kg78 small rental car for 1 day is 92$ plus gas which doesn't help.

I just want to play golf on a fairly nice course and not spend a lot of money, 80ish is okay but if there is a less expensive way I'm all for it. Prefer 18 holes and with a lake view or nice trees.

[hitsalittle]

[quote name='takafam' timestamp='1301973209' post='3120556']
[quote name='jabrch' timestamp='1301970297' post='3120293']
Harbourside is going to be a less expensive cab ride, but pricier greens fees. I'd play there between the two. Indian Boundary is OK...but meh...

I'd also consider saving money by taking public transportation if needed.
[/quote]

Thanks Jabrch Harborside looks like a really nice course. Is there public trans out to cog hill?? Sorry we don't really have much for public trans in South Dakota.

kg78 small rental car for 1 day is 92$ plus gas which doesn't help.

[b]I just want to play golf on a fairly nice course and not spend a lot of money, 80ish is okay but if there is a less expensive way I'm all for it. Prefer 18 holes and with a lake view or nice trees.
[/b][/quote]

wrong city. don't mean to be rude, but they ain't selling what you're looking for 'round here.

EDIT: felt I should clarify - because I really don't intend to be one of those "big city" guys as far as this is concerned - but the truth is that I'm not sure you'll find what you're looking for. You can take Metra to just about anywhere around here - but you'll have to take a cab from the station (generally in the downtown area of suburbs) to a course, unless you can get on Olympia Fields (metra right next to the club). For greens fees for a good course, expect, at this time of year, minimum of $60. Hell, a dogtrack in the summer around here costs $70 to ride. There's a course near me called Fresh Meadows - or, as we like to call it, Fresh Ghetto - and they'll get you for $55 on a weekend to walk. And it would cost all of $12 if you put it in Michigan.

[takafam]

No problem Hitsalittle. Don't get me wrong I will pay if it is worth it to some degree, Harborside looks nice and is something I will consider. I really would like to play cog hill but at about 250$ all said and done it just really pushes what I believe a round of golf is worth. Indian Boundaries sounds like a nice enough place and would beat sitting in a hotel room all day. I also saw a city course called Jackson which is 18 holes and only 24$. If there is grass in the fairways and greens are okay I'll be just fine. I don't expect a lot of options but I'll take any options I can get.

[apprenti23]

Don't waste your money on Cog Hill, especially this time of the year... Your best experience will be Harborside. Whichever course is open you will thoroughly enjoy. They have brand new Nike rental sets there, too, so if you don't feel like lugging your clubs or didn't bring them you can use brand new ones. Short cab ride, beautiful views, excellent conditioned course, good food, etc. You won't believe you're playing on an old garbage dump until you realize you're at the highest point in the city!

[jabrch]

You COULD take public transportation to get close to Cog Hill - then take a cab to close the gap...but I'll tell you this...

You will be disappointed. It's just not all that. Save your money (it's pricey) and play Harborside. It's has two very nice links course right on the lake, just south of the city. You won't have to spend tons of time or money going from one place to another, your greens fees won't be so much, and you will definitely see a unique course.

That said, if you are dead set on playing where the pros play, Cog Hill is your best bet in the Chicago area....I just don't recommend it. I don't even believe it is the best golf course in Lemont (the suburb it is in also has Ruffled Feathers), much less the area....and you surely pay for it if you want to play on Dubsdread.

[quote name='takafam' timestamp='1301973209' post='3120556']
[quote name='jabrch' timestamp='1301970297' post='3120293']
Harbourside is going to be a less expensive cab ride, but pricier greens fees. I'd play there between the two. Indian Boundary is OK...but meh...

I'd also consider saving money by taking public transportation if needed.
[/quote]

Thanks Jabrch Harborside looks like a really nice course. Is there public trans out to cog hill?? Sorry we don't really have much for public trans in South Dakota.

kg78 small rental car for 1 day is 92$ plus gas which doesn't help.

I just want to play golf on a fairly nice course and not spend a lot of money, 80ish is okay but if there is a less expensive way I'm all for it. Prefer 18 holes and with a lake view or nice trees.
[/quote]

[jabrch]

[quote name='takafam' timestamp='1301976445' post='3120782']
No problem Hitsalittle. Don't get me wrong I will pay if it is worth it to some degree, Harborside looks nice and is something I will consider. I really would like to play cog hill but at about 250$ all said and done it just really pushes what I believe a round of golf is worth. Indian Boundaries sounds like a nice enough place and would beat sitting in a hotel room all day. I also saw a city course called Jackson which is 18 holes and only 24$. If there is grass in the fairways and greens are okay I'll be just fine. I don't expect a lot of options but I'll take any options I can get.




[/quote]


Skip Jackson park...

Indian Boundary is OK...but after the cab ride, it ends up costing close to Harborside - and isnt anywhere close to as nice.

[John Kreese]

That's a tall order. Your best bet is probably renting a car and driving to Harborside. Indian Boundary isn't terrible, but probably not worth the trouble.

You could take the el up to Lincoln Park and hit up Diversey driving range. Also, if you don't want to rent a car, you could take a cab to the Sydney Marovitz 9 hole course, which is up by Wrigley. It's a pretty good layout right on the lake, but the course is usually in poor condition.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='takafam' timestamp='1301976445' post='3120782']
No problem Hitsalittle. Don't get me wrong I will pay if it is worth it to some degree, Harborside looks nice and is something I will consider. I really would like to play cog hill but at about 250$ all said and done it just really pushes what I believe a round of golf is worth. Indian Boundaries sounds like a nice enough place and would beat sitting in a hotel room all day. I also saw a city course called Jackson which is 18 holes and only 24$. If there is grass in the fairways and greens are okay I'll be just fine. I don't expect a lot of options but I'll take any options I can get.

[/quote]

If you're looking for a decent...note decent course, try Oak Meadows in Addison. It's an old, tree lined former country club and Hogan played here and won in the 40's. Won't kill your budget and if you did this on your way out of or into town, it would be very convenient to/from O'Hare.

If you rent a car, then the possibilities open up quite a bit. There's a challenging track called Big Run that will test you while not breaking your budget. The only drawback is that it doesn't have a range to warm up on.

[sleuth]

Not to sound like a broken record, but Harborside is your best bet. It's the closest proximity and best course in the area. The local Chicago courses are absolutely horrible and you need to drive at least 45 minutes outside the city limits to get to the finer courses.

If you're seriously considering Cog Hill, go ahead and look into Ruffled Feathers. Cog Hill just isn't worth the price. Ruffled Feathers at half the price and equal in quality, will be a more enjoyable experience and actually includes drinks and food during and after your round. Pretty sweet deal.

[just372]

There is a course in Homewood called Ravisloe, that is a Donald Ross design, that recently went public. It is literally steps off the Metra Electric Station in Homewood, and is a great test of golf. The conditioning there is usually very good, and with a little looking, you can usually find a discounted greens fee. The Metra ride from the city will cost you $8 round trip, and the train is a nice ride. OP- PM me if you have any other questions.

[jabrch]

[quote name='just372' timestamp='1302032453' post='3122906']
There is a course in Homewood called Ravisloe, that is a Donald Ross design, that recently went public. It is literally steps off the Metra Electric Station in Homewood, and is a great test of golf. The conditioning there is usually very good, and with a little looking, you can usually find a discounted greens fee. The Metra ride from the city will cost you $8 round trip, and the train is a nice ride. OP- PM me if you have any other questions.
[/quote]


Good call...for me - I'd play Harborside - but Ravisloe isn't a bad facility if he wants to take public transportation.

[just372]

I'd prob play harborside as well, but depending on the day, that course can be just downright brutal to play. So Harborside if you love links golf, and Ravisloe if it is really windy or public transit is a must.

[stasek]

[quote name='sleuth' timestamp='1302031591' post='3122838']
Not to sound like a broken record, but Harborside is your best bet. It's the closest proximity and best course in the area. The local Chicago courses are absolutely horrible and you need to drive at least 45 minutes outside the city limits to get to the finer courses.

If you're seriously considering Cog Hill, go ahead and look into Ruffled Feathers. Cog Hill just isn't worth the price. Ruffled Feathers at half the price and equal in quality, will be a more enjoyable experience and actually includes drinks and food during and after your round. Pretty sweet deal.
[/quote]


Unfortunately, Ruffled Feathers no longer offers free food and drinks during round... It was a great idea, however they lost their behinds on that deal

[sleuth]

[quote name='stasek' timestamp='1302139787' post='3127886']
[quote name='sleuth' timestamp='1302031591' post='3122838']
Not to sound like a broken record, but Harborside is your best bet. It's the closest proximity and best course in the area. The local Chicago courses are absolutely horrible and you need to drive at least 45 minutes outside the city limits to get to the finer courses.

If you're seriously considering Cog Hill, go ahead and look into Ruffled Feathers. Cog Hill just isn't worth the price. Ruffled Feathers at half the price and equal in quality, will be a more enjoyable experience and actually includes drinks and food during and after your round. Pretty sweet deal.
[/quote]


Unfortunately, Ruffled Feathers no longer offers free food and drinks during round... It was a great idea, however they lost their behinds on that deal
[/quote]
Nooooo, say it ain't so. I'm not surprised. I know I took advantage of it. It is a nice course nonetheless.

[takafam]

Thanks guys this was awesome! I will definetly be playing Harborside or Ravisloe. WRXers are the best. Glad to know about COG as for the money I would have been expecting a lot and disappointed.