You’ve probably driven past it a dozen times without thinking twice. Tucked away on Chicago Heights’ west side, right near the intersection of 10th and Division, sits a piece of local history that defies the modern trend of "luxury" golf. Chicago Heights West Golf Course isn't trying to be Cog Hill. It isn't trying to be a country club. It’s a 9-hole municipal course that basically functions as the neighborhood’s backyard. If you’re looking for pristine white sand bunkers and a fleet of GPS-equipped carts, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a $20 round where nobody cares if you're wearing a collared shirt? This is your spot.
Golf is getting too expensive. It’s a real problem. Most suburban courses are hiking greens fees toward the triple digits, but "The West" (as the regulars call it) stays stubbornly affordable. It’s owned and operated by the Chicago Heights Park District, and that municipal DNA is everywhere. You see it in the slightly overgrown rough. You see it in the friendly, low-frills clubhouse. You see it in the diverse mix of people on the first tee—retirees who have played here for forty years rubbing elbows with teenagers who just bought their first set of used Wilson irons.
What You Actually Get at Chicago Heights West Golf Course
Let’s be real. It’s a par-32 layout. That means it’s short. At just around 2,100 yards from the back tees, you aren't going to be pulling out the driver on every hole unless you’re looking to overshoot the green and end up in someone’s kitchen. It’s a "shaper’s" course. You’ve got to be smart.
The layout consists of five par-4s and four par-3s. Because it’s a Park District course, the maintenance budget isn't infinite. There will be brown patches in August. The greens are usually on the slower side, which, honestly, is a blessing for high-handicappers who struggle with the lightning-fast surfaces at private clubs. But here’s the thing: the greens are surprisingly small. That’s the defense of the course. If you miss your approach by five yards, you’re chipping from a tricky lie.
One of the most defining features of the Chicago Heights West Golf Course is the mature timber. These trees have been growing for decades. On a windy South Suburb afternoon, those oaks and maples become literal walls. You hit a slice on the 4th hole? Good luck. You’ll be punching out sideways just to see the flag again. It’s a course that rewards accuracy over raw power every single time.
The Layout Breakdown
The opening hole is a gentle par-4 that sets the tone. It's wide enough to shake off the nerves. But things tighten up quickly. The par-3s here are the real stars. They range from short "wedge shots" to mid-iron tests that require a carry over some of the natural undulations of the land.
People often confuse this course with its "big brother," the Chicago Heights Country Club (which is now a public course called Old Westbury). Don't make that mistake. The West Course is the smaller, scrappier sibling. It’s the kind of place where you can walk nine holes in 90 minutes if the pace is moving. That’s the dream, right? Getting a round in before the sun goes down or during a long lunch break.
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Why This Place Survives in a Dying Market
Golf courses are closing all over the Midwest. Land is valuable, and developers love turning fairways into subdivisions. So, why is the Chicago Heights West Golf Course still here?
Community.
It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. The Park District understands that this isn't just a business; it’s a public utility. It’s where the local high school teams practice. It’s where the "Old Guys" meet at 7:00 AM every Tuesday regardless of the humidity. There’s a lack of pretension here that is increasingly rare in the sport. You’ll see people playing in cargo shorts. You’ll hear music. You’ll see a guy playing solo with three balls just to get the practice in.
It’s accessible.
According to Park District records and local rate sheets, this remains one of the cheapest places to play in Cook County. For residents of Chicago Heights, the rates are almost laughably low compared to the "destination" courses in nearby Lemont or Orland Park. This accessibility is the lifeblood of the game. If you kill off the small 9-hole muni, you kill off the next generation of golfers.
Common Misconceptions
- "It’s too easy."—Short doesn't mean easy. If you can't chip or putt, these tiny greens will eat you alive.
- "It's always crowded."—Actually, weekday mornings and early afternoons are surprisingly quiet. You can often have the place to yourself.
- "The conditions are bad."—They aren't "bad," they are "natural." It’s a park. Expect park conditions.
The Reality of Municipal Golf in 2026
Operating a course like Chicago Heights West Golf Course is a constant balancing act. Water costs are rising. Equipment is expensive. Labor is hard to find. The Chicago Heights Park District has to decide every year how much to reinvest. In recent years, there has been a focus on improving drainage—a major issue for South Suburban courses built on flat, clay-heavy soil.
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If you go there expecting a PGA Tour experience, you’re going to be disappointed. You have to meet the course on its own terms. It’s a place to work on your short game. It’s a place to teach your kid how to hit a 7-iron without worrying about a starter yelling at you for being slow. It’s a place for the "everyman."
The clubhouse is modest. It serves the basics—cold drinks, snacks, the essentials. But that’s all you really need. The charm of the West Course is that it hasn't changed much in decades. In a world that is constantly moving too fast, there is something deeply comforting about a 9-hole track that looks exactly the same as it did in 1995.
Logistics: Getting the Most Out of Your Round
If you’re planning to head out to Chicago Heights West Golf Course, here is the "insider" way to do it. First, check the weather. Because of the aforementioned drainage issues, the course can get "spongy" after a heavy rain. If we’ve had a week of downpours, give it 24 hours to dry out.
Second, walk. It’s a flat course. Walking nine holes here is great exercise and honestly faster than carting if you’re playing in a group. Plus, you save the cart fee, making your round even cheaper.
Third, watch out for the 6th hole. It’s a par-3 that plays longer than it looks on the scorecard. The wind usually whips across the open area there, and if you under-club, you’re looking at a difficult up-and-down from the front fringe.
Nearby Alternatives
If the West Course is backed up or you want a full 18, you have options nearby:
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- Old Westbury (formerly Chicago Heights CC): Right down the road. Much longer, more traditional "country club" feel but now open to the public.
- Joe Louis The Champ: A bit further north in Riverdale. It's a heavy-hitter 18-hole course with a lot of history.
- University Park Golf Club: To the south. It offers a more modern layout but lacks the "old-school" vibe of the West Course.
The Verdict on Chicago Heights West Golf Course
Is it a world-class destination? No. Is it the best course in Illinois? Of course not. But that’s not why people go there.
People go to Chicago Heights West Golf Course because it represents the soul of the game. It’s affordable, it’s unpretentious, and it’s right in the middle of the community. It’s a place where you can fail miserably at a flop shot and no one is there to judge you. It’s a place where the grass is green (mostly), the beer is cold, and the sun sets over the trees just like it does at Augusta—only here, you can actually afford the greens fee.
In 2026, we need more places like this. We need spots where the barrier to entry is low and the fun factor is high. If you find yourself in the South Suburbs with a couple of hours to kill and a bag of clubs in your trunk, do yourself a favor. Skip the "big name" courses for once. Pull into the gravel lot at the West Course, pay your twenty bucks, and enjoy a walk through the trees. You might find that you enjoy it a lot more than the $150 resort course you played last month.
Actionable Next Steps for Golfers:
- Check the Park District Website: Always verify current seasonal hours. Municipal courses often change their "first tee" times based on the month to save on staffing.
- Support the Youth Programs: The Chicago Heights Park District often runs clinics at the West Course. If you have kids in the area, it's the most cost-effective way to get them into the sport.
- Pack Your Own Water: The clubhouse is great, but on a hot July afternoon, the "on-course" amenities are minimal. Be prepared.
- Walk for the Health Benefits: A 9-hole round at the West Course is roughly 2.5 miles of walking. It’s an easy way to hit your step goal while working on your handicap.
- Respect the Locals: This is a neighborhood course. Be mindful of the houses lining the perimeter and keep the noise at a respectful level.
Golf doesn't have to be a rich man's game. Places like Chicago Heights West Golf Course prove that every single day. Go play a round and see for yourself.
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