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4.9
109 Reviews (109)
5 Stars
80
4 Stars
20
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.9
Value
3.2
Layout
5.0
Friendliness
4.1
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.1
98.8%
Recommend this course
101 out of 109 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
1 Reviews (1)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
3.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.0
StaffFriendliness
4.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
1 out of 1 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
1 Reviews (1)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
3.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.0
StaffFriendliness
4.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
1 out of 1 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 7031 yards
Slope 141
Rating 74.2

ThunderHawk Golf Course covers a diverse terrain of mature forests, marshland, and prairie. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. who made a commitment to preserving the natural terrain as much as possible, it was the first public course in Illinois to be certified by the Audubon Society. It has also been ranked as not only one of the top municipal golf courses in the state but in the entire U.S. as well. ThunderHawk is definitely a must-play if you're in the area. The layout balances challenging elements with more player-friendly features, offering a course that is versatile enough to accommodate players of all skill levels. The fairways are exceptionally wide with some room for error but there are a few tricky blind shots as well as strategically placed bunkers.

Course Details

Year Built 1999
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Open: 4/01 Closed: 11/15
Architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (1999)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Accolades

Reviews

4.9
109 Reviews (109)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 12
Patio Dining 9
19th Hole Scenic Views 6
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 17
Water Hazards 14
Forced Carries 12
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 16
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 15
Entertaining Clients 12
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 16
In the 'Burbs 14

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Best course in the north

By far the best course in the north burbs. This municipal course looks and feels like you are at a private club. A must see!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Beautiful Layout...front 9 looks like Scotland

Love the course...worth the drive. Best daily-fee course on the north side of Chicago!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Cart paths

We were asked to stay on cart paths only and that made it for long round. Course was dry! No need to stay On paths only. Next I'll call first and make sure it not cart path only. Other then that greens rolled awesome and over all conditions were good.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Challenging , yet fun!

My Son and I really enjoyed this Robert Trent Jones layout. We were paired up with another Father-Son and were 2nd off on Father's Day following a twosome so we had not problem setting the pace for a 4 hour round. Course was in great shape with a good mix of water, tree-lined and links style holes. Liked the 3 par 3s, 3 par 4s & 3 par 5s on the back nine. All in all a good test of golf on what I consider to be the best course in northeastern Chicago Illinois.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Only Fair...

Been a few years since I've played ThunderHawk. A let-down to what I was anticipating since it's had a few years to continue maturing. Great layout, however the greens have taken a beating from our last winter. At full green fees there are other courses which are better. At a discounted rate it's worth a round.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Very good course

Always love getting out to play Thunder Hawk at least once a year. If wasn't so pricey I'm sure I would be back more often. The layout is very good with challenging holes. The greens were maintained and rolled true. I can't think of a negative to say about the course and will continue to make a trip there every year. ( live 1.5 hours away)

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Best Course NORTH of Chicago

Thunderhawk really is an elite facility. Everything you can ask for is there. Beautiful....calm....spacious...multiple sets of tees for various skill sets, great staff, great food, etc. It's a bit pricey compared to most public courses - but discounts can be had if you are flexible. Worth every penny....a must play if you have the time to get that far north.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Great course

First off I love RTJ Jr courses and this one is great. Springs rates are good and the course is in very good shape. Well worth the drive.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Impressive

Really felt that every aspect of the golf course was tremendous. The atmosphere of the clubhouse, course, and surroundings is just really good. It's a high quality course without being pretentious. The course itself is very challenging and simply has a beautiful layout that is extremely well designed. A couple of the par 5's are real special and the natural areas and great bunkering give it a great look. If you're a serious golfer, you should definitely try it. This course is absolutely on my favorites list. Thanks Golfnow.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Defintely a very nice/difficult course.

Great course. Difficult. Long. Greens were a little slow but it was Nov 3. They were closing in a week so they might have been letting the greens grow for winter

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Love Thunderhawk....

one of the best public courses available in Illinois. Great pace of play and difficult as always. Can't wait to play again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Miserable Day

They think they are a premier course, but they treat customers horribly. We had a maintenance tractor on our tail most of the day, literally doing circles around us on tee boxes and greens. We asked a ranger for assistance, but he said, "Its not his job to police maintenance staff..." I'd rather play Shepard's Crook, Pine Meadow or Stonewall Orchard. If a manager reads this, don't bother contacting me.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

WOW! Speechless

Trent Jr did an amazing job with this track. You won't be disappointed. It will challenge you. Target golf all day!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course with great ambiance

Picturesque setting for this terrific course.
Normally fast and pure greens slow and bumpy due to aeration.
Otherwise the usual terrific golf experience

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent variety of holes/beautiful course

perfect 70 degree sunny day in October(how could I complain) Thunderhawk was everything I expected. Very memorable/interesting layout, especially the back nine. A couple of holes felt somewhat "target like" as you were limited on a couple of par 4's and one par 5 from hitting Driver. The course was in great condition other than the recently (one week prior) aerated greens which made putting a little less than pure. What I enjoyed most about T-Hawk was the variety of golf holes, I hit all the clubs in the bag. The starter was very helpful even gave us an extra yardage book he had with him. I would highly recommend Thunderhawk if near Wisc/ILL line!

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course and price point!

This one of the most beautiful courses near Chicago. The staff at Thunderhawk took action to make sure that I had a good time.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course, and if you get a GolfNow deal, well worth the money

Fantastic course. Great layout, beautiful terrain and surrounding area, very nice greens, challenging and beautiful sand. The only negative is the horrible driving range. Hit balls somewhere else before you come here. If you can get a Hot Deal through GolfNow, it is worth the drive.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Course but.....

The course is great as everyone says but they give theses times out without saying there is a tournament full of terrible slow golfers in front of you. Won't be going back here anytime soon. 5 hours on the course and decided to leave after the 15th hole.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Too slow...

Don't go for a quick round. One group in front of us slowed us down all day, made us wait to hit every shot. Course was wide open in front of them yet they never let us through and the rangers never asked them to speed up.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Most beautiful golf course in the N Chicago area

I've played numerous courses in the N Chicago Illinois area over the past four months, but none rival this course. The tees, fairways, bunkers, and greens are absolutely pristine. I hate I'm leaving the area to go back home to Georgia, but took some good pictures for memory. I should mentioned the greens are lightening fast and very challenging.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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Destination Kohler - Champions' Trail Golf Package

FROM $617 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 2 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn at Woodlake and 3 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River or Meadow Valleys Course) and Whistling Straits (Straits or Irish Course)

Destination Kohler - To Dye Four Golf Package

FROM $557 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn on Woodlake and 4 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River & Meadow Valley Courses) and Whistling Straits (Straits & Irish Courses).

SentryWorld Stay & Play Package

FROM $347 (USD)
STEVENS POINT, WI | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at The Inn at SentryWorld and 2 rounds of golf at SentryWorld Golf Course (site of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open).

SW Michigan Golf Around Package

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GRAND RAPIDS/KALAMAZOO | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at Quality Inn – Battle Creek and 3 rounds of golf at The Medalist Golf Club, Angel’s Crossing Golf Club, and The Grande Golf Club.

Best of Battle Creek Package

FROM $147 (USD)
GRAND RAPIDS/KALAMAZOO | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at FireKeepers Casino Hotel and 3 rounds of golf at The Medalist Golf Club, Riverside Golf Club, and Binder Park Golf Course.
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