Top indoor and outdoor golf locations around Chicago
Known as a lifetime sport because of its low-impact and non-contact nature, golf is a phenomenal way to continue mastering the art and skill of golfing. And with lush green surroundings with gorgeous golf courses and driving ranges, it can be an excellent way to relax and unwind and escape the stress of the city. If you find yourself in Chicago, looking for both indoor and outdoor golf options, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we’ll guide you through the city’s best golf locations to help you choose the best one for your needs. Let’s get ready to GOLF!!
Indoor golf locations
Just because it’s raining outside, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a round of golf. Practice your swing and putting and work on your game at these top indoor golf locations.
- Upper Deck Golf – 1410 Museum Campus Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
A unique, once in a lifetime experience, you can now tee off and golf from the legendary Wrigley Field – a Major League Ball Park and home of the Chicago Cubs! You can now play an epic round of golf inside Soldier Field. The venue offers a VIP experience as you hit tee shots from the upper deck throughout the stadium and down to the custom greens of the field. You and your friends will love the cold beers and delicious foods at the clubhouse festival in the stadium. Not to mention all the exciting golfing challenges!
- Top Golf – 2050 Progress Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL
Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, this is a premier entertainment destination or the “big kahuna” of golf! You can enjoy year-round comfort in climate-controlled hitting bays with HDTVs. With high tech balls that score themselves, you can now play an advanced game of golf as you take aim at the giant outfield targets. This venue consists of three floors, over 100 all-weather bays, 28-foot video wall and over 200 HDTVs, and a whole lot more. As for the relaxation afterwards, there is a bar and restaurant and, of course, fire pits on the rooftop terrace.
- Play 18 – 17 North Wabash Avenue, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
Known as Chicago’s most realistic golf simulator, Play 18 offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in over 50 of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. Of course, that’s not all. This is because you can get a quick round of 18. Alternatively, you can hit the driving range to continue improving your game. It’s an excellent location for those who want to unwind while having a blast.
- Five Iron Golf (5i Chicago) – 609 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
Looking for something close yet convenient when it comes to indoor golf? 5i is the answer! It is located in the River North neighborhood. Aimed at serious golfers, this location hosts 12 Full Swing simulators, a Trackman lesson studio, lessons with PGA teaching professionals, practice time, leagues, club storage, shower facilities, and top-of-the-line, complimentary clubs. For those on the less serious side, there is a full bar, fantastic food menu, ping pong, pool, widescreen TVs, and NFL RedZone. This golf location also hosts regular women’s events and a junior program.
- My Chicago Golf – 707 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642
This is a virtual golf simulator located in downtown Chicago. It caters to absolutely anyone who wants to enjoy a round of 18 on the variety of courses on offer. You can also improve your game through a private or group PGA lesson.
Outdoor golf locations
And if you want to feel the breeze and warm sun on your face and the cool grass under your feet, outdoor golf is the answer! Here are some of Chicago’s finest outdoor golf locations.
- Medinah Country Club – 6N001, Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL 60157
Type of club: Private
A private country club situated in Medinah, Illinois, this gorgeous location offers three golf courses spanning 640 acres. It also offers swimming facilities, Lake Kadijah to be enjoyed, a golf learning center and a whole lot more. The clubhouse is designed and built according to a Moroccan-domed Byzantine-style, which has minarets and some classic Moorish architectural peculiarities. Famous for its Course 3 which is 7,657 yards, this stunning location will host the President’s Cup in 2026.
- Cantigny Golf – 27w270 Mack Road Wheaton, IL 60189
Type of club: Public
Found in Wheaton, Illinois, this is considered a classic parkland course. Cantigny Golf is set in the midst of nature and boasts lush forests, hills, and lakes across its three nines. What’s more is that it has hosted the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links, the Illinois Amateur Championships, and numerous USGA qualifiers.
- The Glen Club – 2901 West Lake Ave Glenview, IL 60026
Type of club: Public/Private
Known as a suburban oasis, and designed by Tom Fazio, this is a golf course at the heart of a 195-acre refuge. It is now filled with beautiful rolling hills, lakes, and creeks and can be found in Glenview, Illinois.
- Cog Hill Golf and Country Club – 12294 Archer Avenue Lemont, IL 60439
Type of club: Public
If you are looking for award-winning 18-hole courses, this one is perfect for you! Host to Western Open and BMW Championships, this facility has four award-winning 18-hole courses, including Course #4 Dubsdread, which is ranked among the Top 100 in the country. It can be found in Lemont, Illinois.
- Ruffled Feathers Golf Club – 1 Pete Dye Dr, Lemont, IL 60439
Type of club: Semi-private
Ruffled Feathers Golf Club has a championship layout. And that’s all because it was designed by Pete Dye! This top golf location offers remarkable amenities and fantastic guest service. Not to mention the fact that it is set within a breathtaking natural setting, making it one of the state’s premier golf properties.
- Bolingbrook Golf Club – 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Type of club: Public/Private
Located in the quaint and picturesque village of Bolingbrook, situated just an hour outside Chicago, this is an 18-hole championship golf course. You can enjoy the beautiful course designs by Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest. With elevated tees, rolling fairways, and seven lakes scattered all around, you can also enjoy some delicious treats at The Nest Bar and Grill.
- Harborside International Golf Center – 11001 S Doty Ave East Chicago, IL 60628
Type of club: Public
Located on S. Doty Avenue East in South Deering, or just 25 minutes from Chicago’s Loop, these are two links-style courses built on reclaimed land. Here, you’ll be able to view the city’s incredible skyline at many of the holes. It was designed by Dick Nugent and as such, the location carries some signature features.
- Robert A. Black Golf Course – 2045 W Pratt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60645
Type of club: Formerly private
Also designed by Dick Nugent, this is one of the newest and latest golf courses in the Chicago Park District. It has a par 33 layout and is a north-side 9-hole course that’s perfect for all skill levels. It can be found at 2045 W. Pratt Boulevard in Rogers Park.
- Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course – 3701 N Recreation Drive, Chicago, IL 60613
Type of club: Public
With its championship length and waterfront location, this is a nine-hole course that is just north of downtown. It has tight greens and multiple bunkers and the Clock Tower Cafe is renowned for its simple yet delicious meals. It is located at 3600 N. Recreation Dr., Lakeview
- Jackson Park Golf Course – 6401 S. Richards Drive, Chicago, IL 60649
Type of club: Public
Located at 6401 S. Richards Dr., South Shore, this is an historic South Side 18-hole golf course. Its positioning just off Lake Michigan means that the course features mature trees to protect the fairways. In addition, the design of the greens is created to emphasize accurate shots. Of course, there is also a renovated clubhouse for those who want to fill up with some treats after a couple of hours on the course.
- Diversey Driving Range & Miniature Golf – 141 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago, IL 60657
Type of club: Public
Another golf course that is located just off Lake Michigan, this is considered one of the most picturesque driving two-tier driving ranges. It features both covered and heated stalls all year round. For those interested in mini golf, there is an 18-hole course in the center of Lincoln Park that features a cascading waterfall and footbridges. Overall, it’s suitable for people of all ages and it can be found at 141 W. Diversey Pkwy., Lincoln Park.
- Pine Meadow Golf Club – 1 Pine Meadow Lane, Mundelein, IL 60060
Type of club: Public
With towering evergreens and hardwood trees as the backdrop to its 18 holes, this is one of the best places to golf near Chicago. Located in Mundelein, Illinois, it’s considered to be a mini-Cog Hill, that is owned by the Jemsek family.
Getting around with ease and simplicity
With no shortage of options as to where to play golf this summer – with both indoor and outdoor location variety – you have no excuse not to take out your clubs and immerse yourself in a game or two of golf. Of course, some locations are further away than others. And this means that you need to plan a trip there. However, with Bus Connection, this tiny detail is fully covered.
That’s because we offer a wide range of vehicles and buses to ensure you and your team of friends get to the right golf course at the right time with no concern about finding parking or even finding the location! Rely on us for all your transportation needs and rest easy knowing that one important detail is taken care of! Simply get in touch with us today!