Craig Woods Golf Course

I have played at Craig Woods more that 20 times over the past 3 years. Each time I come here to play, I know that I am going to be getting a good value (cost me $14 to walk 9 holes today). The course has always been in good shape no matter what time of the year I have played it and today was no different. When considering 9 hole courses in McHenry County, in my opinion, it is the second toughest behind Woodstock CC.

The course layout will test everyone's game whether you are a beginner or you have a solid game. I currently am an 11 handicap and this little 9 hole track always seems to beat me up. There are three sets of tees with it playing 2429 yards from the blues down to 2006 yards from the reds. Water hazards come into play on 6 of the 9 holes. There is only one par 5 on the course, three par 3's, and five par 4's. The course does not play "long" and realistically you could play all day with just your irons. The longest par 4 is just 325 yards from the tips.

Where the course challenges you is the par 3's. The third hole is an island green that gives you very little room for error. It is what I would consider the signature hole of this course. It is only 130 yards from the tips, but the tee shot it downhill and just visually intimidating. The fifth hole is a "turtle back" green that just repels balls. If your tee shot is right, you are OB. If your tee shot is left, you are going to have an interesting shot out of mature trees.

Overall, the course's greens are small so your wedge or short iron approaches need to be very accurate. You very rarely will have a straight, flat putt on these greens. They are a great test. There are no bunkers on this course, but thick rough runs right up to the edges of most of the greens.

The clubhouse is just a place to pay for your round and grab a soda or Gatorade to take onto the course with you. There are no beverage carts on the course. The alcohol and hot food are across the street at Crystal Woods. The staff has always been very friendly. Pace of play is OK depending on when you come out to the course. They do not accept tee times so there can be a back-up waiting to tee off at the first tee. If there is a line at the first tee, you are better off trying to go across the street and walk on at Crystal Woods.

Don't shy away from this course because it is "just" a par 34, 9 hole course. Play it, enjoy it, and watch your game improve.

If you don’t have 4 hours. This is a great lil course that has a bit of everything and and price and time are easy on you.

Decent little 9-hole track. Small greens but no sand. Pace of play was poor on this day - too many two-somes. They need to force some of those two-domes and singles to play together.

Horrible first time experience here. Took a friend who wanted to work on their game here. Was told it was a good beginner course. Was held up by a group in front. we did not mind but once it was our turn the owner was hassling and rushing us the whole time. Was consistently told one practice swing only and then to move on. Also told not to pursue balls even when they were near us. Definitely seemed like they were more concerned about selling as many tee times as possible instead of insuring clients were having a good time. I have never experienced this anywhere else. Golf is my time to relax and unwind. Did not feel valued or respected. Would not recommend this course.

Such a very nice course, and not so very busy at all. It’s a very good layout for a beginner like myself and some holes were still a challenge as well whether you’re using a cart or walking the pace of play is very nice and didn’t feel rushed at all, I would recommend this course for anyone that’s just starting to get into the sport or even someone that’s been playing for a long time. Will definitely return.

Watch out for all the geese as well! I lost a ball to them lol

We typically play this course at the beginning if the season just to get our “mojo” up and running after the winter months. We always say we should play this course more often as it is such a nice course! It has its challenges but it is so pleasurable playing there. The course is very well kept, the staff is awesome and it’s just a pretty location with all the older trees and layout.
Highly recommend! You can’t beat the cost in these inflationary times.

Has fun holes, and it plays fast. It is walkable, but we took a cart. The two of us played in an hour and a w.

Not a great experience. Took a friend who was interested in developing his game and was rushed and hassled the whole time. Delay was caused by a father and son in front of us. We did not mind and no one rushed them but once it was our turn we were consistently told to rush through one practice swing and then move on by the owner. He seemed more concerned with selling as many tee times as possible instead of making sure clients were happy and taken care of. If you are looking to go out relax and unwind this is not the course for you. There are far better courses near by.

Friendly, affordable, well kept, some challenging holes with one par 5 makes this a fun 9 hole play.