jchungum

After reading several negative reviews, and hearing some very positive recommendations from fellow golfers, I decided to give this place a try because it is relatively close to the city. I wouldn’t compare this course to the top courses in IL or WI, but for those close to the city it should be compared to Harborside, the Glen Club, and other forest preserve courses like George Dunne.

PROS - For me the distance, quality of the course layout, and convenience I would recommend this to anyone near the city. I played twice in the last month, and I really enjoyed the round except for a few things mentioned later. The conditions were better than most, and I really wish courses would be more transparent about their aeration schedules. Luckily I played a month after the aeration, and the greens were in very good shape, minus people not fixing their pitch marks. They were quick and rolled true to the read, minus a few bumps. The layout was really nice, minus too many short par 4s. Basically I wish the par fours had more balance in length. 9 and 18 are tough and long with the wind, but the rest are basically short and two are reachable off the tee. The par 3s are fair and the par 5s are fun and reachable in 2 depending on the wind. There are enough penalties and water to keep you honest, so you can’t just drive the ball anywhere or shank off the tee. But there are bailouts to play it safe.

CONS - Pace of play was not optimal based on number of players on the course. The first time we had to play through a few groups. The second time I was stuck behind two twosomes and a threesome. But nobody was ahead of the twosomes. The rounds were around 4 hours, but could have easily been closer to 3 if groups would move fast with nobody ahead. The course conditions can be better. Beat up tee boxes, with some under repair. But the sand traps were all pretty good, but not consistent. Compared to Dunne/Harborside, they were amazing. The fairways were a little beat up, but I’m assuming at the end of the season that can happen. I wish this course would stress more walking by carving paths between holes to make shortcuts easier for walkers.

VALUE - I’ve read some concerns about value. The first time I paid in season rates, the second time it was slightly discounted. I typically walk, so didn’t have to deal with sharing a cart during COVID. I would rather pay a round here than courses within 30 minutes at their cost (Harborside/Glen Club) and conditions (Dunne). If the course management improves conditions and keeps the pace of play up, I can see this being as popular as a Highlands of Elgin.

I hope the new clubhouse and range off the grass makes it even better experience. There are chipping/sand practice areas as well.

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.

I liked this course. It wasn't too far from the city, and it was a reasonable price for a Saturday morning with cart at $62. The course is relatively short, but driver was in play on most par 4s. The greens were aerated a few weeks prior, but the greens ran pretty true. My playing partner kept on saying, that it was a good course and I agreed. I'm definitely going back when needing a less challenging but very nice course to play at.