Blackstone Golf Club

Nice course layout, with a variety of holes designs and changes of elevations. Generally very good conditions, too. One negative is that several holes have steep rises in front of the greens and the course typically has firm conditions, so it can be nearly impossible to get a full iron shot close to a front pin position. And we have seen some very slow pace of play.

Prior to this year I would have given Blackstone 4 stars. But this year they get dinged 2 stars for their total disregard to wearing masks and the Coronavirus. On a mid-July Sunday neither of the 2 staff behind the counter wore masks and most if not all of the golfers weren't wearing them either. And at the end of August a friend said no one was wearing masks there.

We won't play there again until either we know the management has gotten serious about the Coronavirus or the pandemic is over.

Staff should be masked! Plexiglass barrier needed for check in cashier in pro shop

Great course in western suburbs. Always in great condition, greens are terrific and we love to play here. We drive 1 hour to get there but it's worth every penny and time. Put this on your "to play" list for suburban Chicagoland.

Blackstone is a great hidden gem in Marengo, IL. It was recommended last week and what a great course!
Conditions were outstanding, pace of play fantastic and greens were fast and in great shape. Worth the drive out to Marengo.

The course is great shape: greens, fairways, rough. The sand traps were hard and needed a lot of work. It looked like they were maintained with a tank.

Have been playing here since it opened in 2006
Live 35 miles away but make sure I play here at least 6-10 times a year
Have played here in April through November and conditions are always great
Tee time 8:40 - threesome , played in 3::15
The other 2 players I played with were visiting from philly area and were impressed with conditions and layout
Must play

Great course that any golfer would fall in love with. However, golf prices have gotten way out of hand and Blackstone never, never discounts their extremely high green fees.

This is my favorite public course in the Chicagoland area. But it really isn’t that close for those near the city. It is definitely worth the drive, but it is a long drive. I would strongly consider a membership here if I didn’t live so far.

PROS - From the first time I played this course, I was enamored with it. The conditions, greens, pace of play, challenge of the course all made me really enjoy it. When people ask me where I like to play I always recommend Blackstone. Other than a few holes, I really like the layout. The conditions are always well kept based on it being public. And the greens are as fast and slick as any public course around. The course is challenging and fun. Two holes to watch out for. #3 par 4 with the tree on the left side. If you don’t hit a good drive, you’ll have to deal with that tree or have a long, tough approach. #5 par 3 which is over 200 yds. This hole always creates a back up on the course as you’re coming off a par 5 and then going into another par 5. I like the fact that they have 5 par 3s and 5 par 5s, but the 5s aren’t spread out enough (#9 and #10 are back to back par 5s AND #4 and #6).

CONS - It’s far from Chicago! On the drive out on 90, I always remember that the Highlands of Elgin is far too, but then you are driving another 15 miles to this place. I’d rather walk, but the distance from the clubhouse to #1, back from #9 to the clubhouse, walk to #13 and back from #15 are too long. The range is a little small. I have had some issues with the pro shop when making and cancelling tee times. And it is true that members are preferred customers, but I can see why.

VALUE - To me this course has tremendous value. I believe the best bang for your buck maybe outside of the Highlands of Elgin.

Notes for the course:
Please put your aeration schedule on your website, and discount a week after the aeration.

Tee boxes, fairways and greens are all excellent. First time playing here can be tough because the best lines to play aren't immediately visible.
At times it feels like every other hole is a par 5 (because it is... 5 par 5s in 9 holes). Fun back 9. Wind is a factor.
Enjoy!

This course is hands down one of the nicest course(if not the nicest) in the northwest suburb area. The greens are challenging and fast as well as the challenge getting to the green. The course is laid out very well and provides a challenge for any skill level. This course is very upscale yet has a feeing of friendliness and joy. If I had any complaints it would have to be the signage directing you to the first tee. That’s hardly a complaint though because I had no problem finding it, but I’m sure other people may have trouble. This is a MUST play course if you’re anywhere close enough for the drive.

Out in the middle of nowhere is this beautiful challenging course. Rolling fairways and greens and plenty of strategically placed sand traps. Fun course!

Just a great challenging course and worth the drive & cost

Course was in good shape and well maintained.
Given current state in Illinois with COVIID, staff didn't care about social distancing or following state guidelines.
Carts were shared; thankfully I walked, but was surprised when asked for a second cart, I was told "we are pairing carts up"
Overall, course is good,; but lack of responsibility for health of customers will make me think twice before coming back.