If you’re driving through the western suburbs of Chicago and you see a massive white clubhouse that looks like it belongs on a plantation in the South, you’ve probably hit St. Andrews. It's a landmark. Honestly, people get a bit confused because the name "St. Andrews" carries so much weight in the golf world. You might think you're walking into a stuffy, private sanctuary where you need a sponsor just to get a glass of water.
That isn't this.
St. Andrews Golf and Country Club West Chicago is actually one of the busiest, most accessible public golf facilities in the entire Midwest. It’s owned by the Jemsek family, who are basically the royal family of Chicago public golf. They also own Cog Hill, which is legendary. But while Cog Hill gets the PGA Tour history, St. Andrews is where the local grinders, the weekend warriors, and the high-handicap beginners actually hang out. It’s been around since 1926. Think about that. A century of golf on this patch of land.
Two Courses, Two Very Different Vibes
Most people don’t realize there are actually 36 holes here. You’ve got the St. Andrews Course (often called the "Big Course") and the Joe Jemsek Course.
If you want a challenge, you play the St. Andrews course. It’s a par 71. It’s long. It’s got these massive, undulating greens that will make you want to snap your putter if you aren't careful. It’s got that classic, parkland feel where the trees are old and they definitely know how to swat your ball out of the air.
Then there’s the Joe Jemsek course. It used to be called the "Lakes" course. It’s a par 70 and it’s a bit shorter, but it’s arguably more annoying if you’re spray-y off the tee. Why? Water. Lots of it. It’s a different kind of test. You don’t need the big stick as much, but you need to be precise.
I’ve seen people show up thinking they’re going to tear the Joe Jemsek course apart because it’s shorter. They usually end up losing three balls by the turn. It’s sneaky.
The Practice Facility is the Real Star
Here is the thing: a lot of people go to St. Andrews and never even touch the grass on the actual courses. The practice range is a beast.
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It’s huge. It’s lighted. It’s open late.
In the middle of July at 9:00 PM, that range is humming. You’ve got guys in work boots hitting balls next to kids with $3,000 bags. It’s one of the most democratic places in sports. They have grass tees (when the weather allows) and mats, plus a massive putting green that actually mimics the speed of the course. Most muni courses have practice greens that feel like shaggy carpet, but St. Andrews keeps theirs tight.
If you’re trying to fix a slice, this is the laboratory.
Why the "Country Club" Name is a Bit Misleading
Let's address the elephant in the room. The name says "Country Club." In 99% of America, that means "Members Only."
Not here.
It’s a public facility. You don't need a membership. You don't need a dress code that requires a specific brand of polo—though, please, wear a collar. The "Country Club" part of the name mostly refers to the amenities. They have a massive ballroom. They do huge weddings. The Great Hall can fit like 500 people.
Because of this, the place can feel a bit like a factory on Saturdays. You might see a wedding party taking photos on the bridge while you’re trying to chip onto the 18th green. It’s chaotic, but in a fun, lively way. It doesn't feel like a library; it feels like a community hub.
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The Food Situation
Don't sleep on the 19th hole. The grill room has that specific "old school golf" smell—a mix of fried food, cold beer, and a little bit of grass. The burgers are legit. It’s not fine dining, but after 18 holes in the humidity of a Chicago summer, a cold sandwich and a pitcher of Gatorade there feels like a Michelin-star experience.
The Reality of Pace of Play
Look, we have to be honest. St. Andrews is popular. Really popular.
If you book a tee time at 10:00 AM on a Saturday, do not expect to be home for dinner. Five-hour rounds are common here during peak times. It’s the price you pay for a course that is well-maintained and open to everyone.
The starters do their best. They really do. But when you have 36 holes and a massive range, the sheer volume of humans is staggering. If you want a quick round, you have to be the first one off the tee at 6:00 AM. Otherwise, just settle in, bring an extra cigar, and enjoy the scenery.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Layout
A common complaint I hear is that the courses are "flat."
That’s just not true.
While it’s not the mountains of North Carolina, St. Andrews has plenty of elevation change, especially on the "Big Course." There are several holes where you’re hitting uphill to a blind green, or dropping down into a valley. The 18th hole on the St. Andrews course is a great example—it’s a long par 4 that plays back toward that iconic white clubhouse. It’s a tough finish. If you’re tied with your buddies going into 18, good luck. That green has ruined many scorecards.
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Is it worth the drive?
If you’re coming from the city, West Chicago is a trek. You’re looking at an hour or more in traffic.
Is it worth it?
Yeah, probably. Especially if you’re a fan of golf history. Knowing that the Jemseks have maintained this place for decades gives it a soul that you don’t get at the newer, plastic-feeling "resort" courses. It feels lived-in. It feels like real golf.
A Few Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Wedding Schedule: If there’s a massive event in the Great Hall, parking can be a nightmare. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes.
- Hit the Range Early: The range balls are actually decent quality, which is a rarity.
- Respect the Greens: They are faster than they look. If you’re above the hole on the St. Andrews course, you’re basically just praying.
- The Pro Shop: It’s surprisingly well-stocked. They often have better deals on shoes and gloves than the big box retailers in the area.
Actionable Insights for Your Round
To get the most out of your day at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club West Chicago, you need a strategy that goes beyond just swinging hard.
- Tee Time Strategy: Book your rounds for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings if you want to avoid the crowds. If you must play on a weekend, aim for after 3:00 PM for "twilight" rates and a slightly faster (though still slow) pace.
- Club Selection: On the Joe Jemsek course, leave the driver in the bag on holes 4 and 7. Precision beats power every time there.
- Green Reading: Everything tends to break toward the drainage basins, not necessarily toward the "landmarks." Trust your feet more than your eyes.
- Hydration: The turn is your best friend. There aren't a ton of water stations out on the far reaches of the Joe Jemsek course, so load up on the way out.
St. Andrews isn't trying to be Augusta National. It’s trying to be a place where everyone can play a championship-caliber layout without needing a six-figure income. It succeeds at that. It's loud, it's busy, and it's a quintessential Chicago golf experience. If you haven't played it yet, you're missing out on a piece of local history.
Just make sure you have plenty of time. You're going to want to soak it in. Don't rush the 18th. Look up at that clubhouse, realize you're playing on a century of tradition, and try not to three-putt. Even if you do, the burger at the end makes it okay.