As the leaves begin to turn and the air feels a bit more brisk, Midwest golfers start to panic with the knowledge that the golf season is winding down. Yes, it is true that courses in the Midwest have a shortened season and we are not able to enjoy our sport year round, but there are places in our region that give us the opportunity to play as long as possible. It is a fact that the warmer weather is to the south, so that is where we will send you this fall season. So golfers -- cross your fingers for a warm September, October and if we are lucky, November and head towards Illinois. Below we have given you four great options that are sure to be some of the last courses open. Each one is fantastic and make for a wonderful fall golf vacation. Enjoy!

Harborside International – Chicago, Illinois


Talk about an interesting dynamic. Two Irish-inspired seaside courses only minutes from one of America’s largest metropolitan cities. Harborside International in Chicago, Ill. fits this unique description. A Dick Nugent design, Harborside International hosted the SBC Senior Open in 2002, a Champions Tour event won by Bob Gilder. Harborside International consists of two championship layouts, The Port Course and The Starboard Course. Both courses offer stunning views of the city skyline and the Port of Chicago. The two courses can best be described as “458 isolated acres of sculpted fairways, manicured greens, tufted mounds, and tangled roughs.”

Kevin Fitzgerald, Harborside’s PGA Professional, discusses what sets the 36 hole layout apart from the competition. “Our top three attributes are location, condition and design. Our close proximity to downtown makes us a great alternative to other venues. The golf courses are well designed and somewhat unique for the Midwest. Finally, they are kept in excellent condition by our grounds maintenance department,” stated Fitzgerald. I find it ironic that a man named Fitzgerald works at a golf course with a nautical theme. I’m sure he’s a wreck when Harborside hosts double shotguns off both 18’s. Oh, and I checked– the director of golf isn’t named Lightfoot.

Fitzgerald also added that “both courses were designed to be very similar. Our idea was to be able to offer two first class golf courses. This way when a customer calls for a tee time they can be assured of a quality course regardless of which one they play.” To that end, both the Starboard and Port Courses play to just over 7160 yards from the tips and offer the same slope of 132. For more information on Harborside International, visit their website at www.harborsideinternational.com or call (312) 782-7837.

Lake Lawn Resort – Delavan, Wisconsin


There is a link between Harborside International and Lake Lawn Resort near Lake Geneva, Wisc.—the handiwork of renowned designer Dick Nugent has both impacted their histories. But other than that fun fact, the two properties could not by more diametrically opposed.

First opened in 1921, Lake Lawn is set amongst 275 lush, tree-lined acres only 12 miles west of touristy hotspot Lake Geneva. The course is famous for its stately oaks, deep bunkers, and multiple tiered greens. Director of Golf Dan Drier talks about what makes Lake Lawn unique. “The first thing that people notice is our beautiful lake views. We also have state-of-the-art golf carts with the GPS yardage system. But the biggest thing that truly amazes me is how many different levels of players can play this course well. After all these years, the course record is only 5-under par. We mow the course end to end so there is not a lot of underbrush. Therefore players can find their ball easily which makes for a fun playing experience.”

Lake Lawn also features membership packages that start at $895. Upgraded annual memberships can include such perks as: four guest passes, guest rates, use of the boat launch on Delavan Lake, and use at their Fitness Center in the off-season. Lake Lawn also markets itself as a “resort for all seasons,” offering a myriad of activities for the entire family any time of the year. For more information on Lake Lawn Resort, visit their website at www.lakelawnresort.com or call 1-800-338-5253.


Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course - Zion, Illinois

Shepherd’s Crook in Zion, Ill is affordable, enjoyable golf at its finest. I featured Shepherd’s Crook last year as an “Out-of-the-Way Must Play”; my corny way of saying it’s a hidden gem. But every time I’m there the place is busier than an umbrella salesman in a downpour. So I really don’t know how hidden it is, but it definitely is a gem. “The quality of the golfing experience and the moderate pricing structure make Shepherd’s Crook a hidden gem in the golfing world. The standards that the course conditions are maintained to are second to none and of high priority on our agenda,” stated Larry Meyers, Director of Golf.

Shepherd’s Crook is primarily a links-style course with wispy fescue grass posing as its most feared defense. But the beauty of Shepherd’s Crook is the diverse dichotomy within the course. Four of the best holes all happen to use the middle forested portion of the property to their advantage. My two personal favorites are the penultimate holes on each nine– the par-3 8th and the par-4 17th. At 166 yards from the tips, the 8th hole won’t bowl you over with length, but it will take three well-executed shots to par. The green slopes away from the hole in every direction, plus the shadows from the canopy of trees seem to wreak havoc with distance control. The par-4 17th is another tree-lined beauty that begs to be played twice in the same round. The proper play off the tee is 3 wood down the right side. From that position the golfer has a great chance to attack the flag. This is the coolest green on the property, and I mean that literally. The tall canopy of trees that guard the putting surface will provide you the perfect amount of shade on a sweltering summer day.

Overall, Shepherd’s Crook provides northern Illinois/southern Wisconsin residents a pure golf experience at a throwback price. For more information on Shepherd’s Crook, visit their website at www.shepherdscrook.org. or call (847) 872-2080.

Cantigny Golf – Wheaton, Illinois


This award winning golf course will play host to the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. It opened for play in 1989 and since that time had received great reviews, from the golfing community. Designed by Roger Packard, Cantigny has three 9-hole layouts, which can combine for three different 18-hole courses. The three courses are Woodside, Lakeside and Hillside.

The signature hole resides on the Lakeside nine. Hole 9 is a medium length par-4 with a sand bunker in the shape of Dick Tracy and water surrounding the fairway and green. Cantigny was selected “Best New Public Course in America” by Golf Digest in 1989 and has remained one of the “Top 50 You Can Play” in the country.

Cantigny also has the Cantigny Youth Links. This is a 9-hole course designed for junior players ages 8 to 15. It provides the young developing golfer a course designed for their skill level.

The course gives them the same challenges as a regulation course -- bentgrass greens and tees, sand bunkers and water hazards, but takes out the intimidating length. Young golfers can even enjoy their own clubhouse with a complete golf shop and snack shop.

For more information on Cantigny Golf visit their website at www.cantignygolf.com or call (630) 668-3323.