BryanTweed16

The Good: Fun RTJ Sr. design west of Chicago has "old school" charm and devilishly difficult greens. Good course conditions and long, shallow greens that will fall off the table. Nice variety in Par 4's, nice Par 3's, and a couple strong Par 5's. Fair clubhouse with full restaurant and bar. Above average driving range with short game area. Ranger will make sure pace of play stays on track. Good value at around $65 peak weekend with great senior and weekday deals.

The Bad: Sand bunker consistency is a continuous challenge. Limited on-course amenities with no GPS or restroom areas. Cart paths are very bumpy. Putting green is gimmicky and doesn't really prepare you for the greens ahead. Service is slightly disappointing and staff is not overly friendly.

The Verdict: Hilldale is another good option in the western Chicago suburbs. A fun place to play if you aren't looking to be "wow-ed" by amenities or service.

Best Hole: The long Par 5 2nd is a beast. Drive must avoid a pond left and the approaches must fit between sand and other water hazard.

The Good: The second course at Cog Hill, appropriately named "Ravines", is not the caliber of Dubsdread, but its probably the most fun course of the four. Lee, Wilson and Roquemore layout is classic parkland design with very strong Par 3's, nice variety of Par 4's, and one excellent Par 5. Very good course conditions and good greens for a public facility. Great driving range and good short game area. One of the most fair priced public tracks in the Chicago market. Arguably the best pure golf layout within 30 miles of the city under $75.

The Bad: Pace of play was horrendous. Limited on-course service and course does not route back to the clubhouse after 9 holes. Clubhouse and dining facilities are only fair. The closing hole is pretty benign. Lack of GPS or significant signage is a big minus.

The Verdict: Ravines is a very fun course, but beware that you are basically forgotten about by the staff unless you are playing Dubsdread. Great course for the 8-15 handicapper. Despite lack of service, a strong track for the price tag.

Best Hole(s): The Par 5 9th is a great 3-shot hole that has a look similar to the closing hole on No.4. The Par 4 10th is a beast that requires a tough drive and approach to a green perched over a signature ravine.

The Good: Fantastic Michael Hurdzan design in the Wisconsin Dells area showcases super course conditions and some of the most challenging, undulating greens in all of Wisconsin. The "Rock" is a big, visually rugged course that in which almost every hole is secluded from the other. While enveloped in woods, the fairways are ample and the elevation changes are amazing. Super clubhouse with very nice restaurant and bar. Very nice on-course amenities including multiple restroom areas and one of the best cart GPS you will find. Strong practice facility, although it is a little ways from the Wild Rock course. Very nice staff and informative starter. Excellent Par 5's and some super Par 3's. Good value at under $100 during peak season. Off-season rates are excellent.

The Bad: Green complexes are so difficult that the average golfer will have nightmares. The practice facility and putting green is far from the opening tee. While many Par 4's are good, there isn't as much variety.

The Verdict: Wild Rock is becoming one of the true "destination" courses in Wisconsin. The crown jewel of the Wisconsin Dells area.

Best Hole: The downhill Par 5 #6 is postcard worthy. Simply stunning!

The Good: The "Castle" course is the jewel of the Northern Bay resort complex about 20 miles north of Wisconsin Dells. Combination of original design and 7 replica holes from major championship venues. The front nine is fairly open, while the back nine is a particularly great stretch of holes that weave through woodlands. Good course conditions and very nice amenities including large clubhouse and restaurant. Very strong practice facility and on-course amenities that include GPS. Very friendly staff will ensure you have a great experience. The replica holes are very cool and don't really disrupt the flow of the round. Good value for quality of course, particularly during off-season. Good variety of holes; many of the non-replica holes are great.

The Bad: Greens can be a little on the slow side. Lack of starter is a little surprising. Lack of on-course restrooms is a minus. At around $100 during peak season, can be a little steep compared to stronger courses in the area (Wild Rock and Trapper's Turn). The front nine is fairly boring compared to the back nine.

The Verdict: While no longer the premium course in the area (thanks to Wild Rock and upcoming Sand Valley), Northern Bay still provides a strong overall golfing experience. A sporty track that is fun to discuss at the 19th hole, but even more fun to play.

Best Hole(s): The 18th is a great replica of Bay Hill's closing hole. The short Par 5 #8 is a great risk-reward hole.

The Good: Extremely well-maintained municipal course about 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Arthur Hills track is primarily devoid of water and trees, but still an interesting layout that has a little Scotland in it. Beautiful fairways and challenging, slick green complexes. Good variety in Par 4's and Par 5's, particularly on the front nine. Superb practice facility for a public course and decent on-and-off course amenities. Staff is nice enough. Very good value, especially twilight and off-season rates.

The Bad No GPS on carts. Not much of an upscale service feel. Limited variety in the Par 3's and Par 5's on the closing nine. In-season pricing is steadily rising.

The Verdict: Washington County is one of the better courses in the greater Milwaukee area. While nothing that will make you say "wow", but a fun course that is fair for all levels of play. Super conditions.

Best Hole: The Par 5 7th is a great hole that requires a drive that avoids water and an approach that must cross a creek to a thin green.

The Good: Formerly on the grounds of Thunderbird CC, this beautifully manicured public course was completely renovated in 2004. Parkland layout, yet expansive off the tee with extremely small, challenging green complexes. Great course conditions and super slick greens. Top-notch clubhouse with superb restaurant, banquet area, and pro shop. Nice driving range and multiple putting greens. Very strong Par 5's, particularly on the closing nine. Decent value for quality of course and conditions. GPS on carts!

The Bad: Greens can be so fast and undulating that the average 10-handicapper will have nightmares. Service is only fair for a nearly $100 price tag. Par 3's are relatively boring and limited dogleg variation with the Par 4's. Peak season cost be a little steep compared to other courses in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

The Verdict: Makray Memorial is an upscale golf facility in many ways, except having an exceptional course or service. A strong option in the North suburbs, but there are more fun options for less.

Best Hole: The long Par 4 #11 is a devilish hole that requires a long drive over water and an uphill approach to one of the smallest greens on the course.