Golf in the Chicago area is a weird, expensive beast. You’ve got the private clubs on the North Shore that nobody can get into, and then you’ve got the local muni tracks that feel like hitting off a green-painted parking lot. But then there is The Highlands of Elgin. Honestly, if you live in the burbs and haven't played here, you’re basically leaving the best part of the Illinois golf season on the table. It isn't just a "nice course." It is a massive, sprawling transformation of an old landfill and stone quarry that looks like something you’d find in Ireland, minus the sheep and the $400 greens fee.
Most people hear "Elgin" and think of watches or maybe the riverboat. They don't think of 155-foot elevation changes. They should.
The Weird History of The Highlands of Elgin
Construction on this place started in the late 90s, but it didn't really become the monster it is today until the 2008 redesign by Keith Foster. Foster is the guy who worked on legendary tracks like Winged Foot and Colonial. He doesn't do "boring." He took a site that was literally a dumping ground and turned it into a links-style masterpiece.
It’s built on two distinct types of land. The first nine holes feel like a classic prairie course, but once you hit the back nine—specifically the holes carved out of the old stone quarry—everything changes. Suddenly, you’re looking at massive rock walls and deep, intimidating ravines. It’s jarring. It’s also incredibly fun.
The city of Elgin owns it. That’s the crazy part. Usually, city-owned courses are defensive and cramped. Not here. The Highlands of Elgin sprawls across 200+ acres of rugged terrain. You’ll see fescue that grows waist-high. If you hit your ball in there, just forget it. It’s gone. Say a prayer and move on with your life.
Why the Prairie Nine Beats the Quarry Nine (Sometimes)
Everyone talks about the quarry holes because they’re photogenic as hell. But the front nine—the "Prairie" side—is where you actually win or lose your lunch money. It’s wide open, which sounds easy until the wind kicks up. Since there are very few trees to block the gusts coming off the Fox River valley, a 10-mph breeze feels like a 30-mph gale.
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- Hole 2 is a par 5 that dares you to go for it in two.
- You’ve got to navigate a massive bunker complex that looks like it was designed by someone who hates golfers.
- The greens are huge. Seriously. You can have a 60-foot putt and still be "on the dance floor," which is a special kind of torture.
The turf quality is surprisingly elite. We’re talking bentgrass from tee to green. Most public courses in the Midwest switch to poa annua or bluegrass halfway through the summer, but the maintenance crew at the Highlands keeps this place tournament-ready even in the humid swamp of an Illinois July.
The Quarry Holes: Where Rounds Go to Die
Let’s talk about Hole 12. It’s a par 3. It isn't particularly long, usually playing around 180 to 200 yards from the back tees. But you’re hitting over a massive, gaping limestone chasm. If you're short, you're in the rocks. If you're long, you're in the thickest rough imaginable. It’s one of the most intimidating tee shots in the state.
I’ve seen grown men, low handicappers, just absolutely crumble on the 15th. It’s a par 5 that hugs the edge of the quarry. You have to decide how much of the corner you want to cut. If you’re feeling brave, you can shave off a lot of distance, but the penalty for failure is a vertical drop into oblivion.
Managing the Expectations of the "Muni" Label
People call this a municipal course because the city owns it. But the experience is way closer to a high-end destination resort. The clubhouse sits up on a ridge, giving you a view of the 18th hole that makes you feel like you're at a US Open site.
The sand is different here too. They use a specific type of white silica sand that doesn't just look pretty—it plays consistently. You won't find those "hidden rocks" or mud patches that plague most public bunkers. It’s fluffy. It’s professional. It also makes it very easy to look like an idiot if you don't know how to play a proper explosion shot.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Playing Here
The biggest mistake? Playing from the wrong tees. The Highlands of Elgin can play over 7,000 yards from the tips. Unless you're carrying your driver 280 yards consistently, do not play the black tees. You won't have fun. You'll spend four hours looking for balls in the fescue and wondering why you even like golf.
The course is designed to be played along the ground, links-style. If it’s windy—and it usually is—you want to keep the ball low. High, towering shots get eaten alive by the crosswinds.
- Check the wind direction on the 1st tee. It dictates your entire strategy for the day.
- Aim for the center of the greens. The pin placements here can be "sucker pins" tucked behind deep bunkers or on the edges of steep slopes.
- Bring extra balls. Even if you're a 5-handicap, the fescue is unforgiving.
The Pricing Reality
Is it the cheapest course in Elgin? No. That would be Wing Park (which is a charming 9-hole track, but a totally different vibe). But for the quality of the layout, the Highlands is a steal. On weekdays, you can usually snag a tee time for under $70. Compared to the $150+ you’d pay for a similar caliber course in the North Suburbs or closer to the city, it’s a no-brainer.
They also have a solid practice facility. The lighted driving range is actually one of the better spots in the area to work on your game after work. It’s got target greens that actually mimic the conditions on the course, rather than just being a flat field with some yardage markers.
The Experience Beyond the 18th Green
After you finish the 18th—which is a brutal uphill par 4 that requires a precise approach—you have to hit the Grumpy Goat Tavern. It’s the onsite restaurant. Most course food is a soggy hot dog and a bag of chips. This place actually has legitimate food. The outdoor seating overlooks the course, and watching other people struggle with the 18th green while you have a cold drink is basically a local pastime.
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The staff there is surprisingly chill for such a high-traffic spot. You’d expect them to be stressed out, but there’s a general "we know this place is awesome" vibe that keeps things relaxed.
Actionable Tips for Your First Round
If you’re planning to head out to The Highlands of Elgin, there are a few things you need to do to actually enjoy the day instead of just fighting the course.
First, book your tee time exactly 14 days out. This place fills up fast, especially for weekend morning slots. If you wait until the Wednesday before, you’re going to be stuck with a 3:00 PM tee time and you might not finish before the sun goes down.
Second, use a GPS app. Because of the elevation changes and the way the bunkers are angled, distances are deceptive. What looks like 150 yards might play like 170 because of the uphill slope, or 135 if you’re hitting down into the quarry. Don't guess.
Third, focus on your short game before you go. The greens are fast—faster than you think. Spend 20 minutes on the practice green getting a feel for the lag putts. If you start three-putting early, it’s going to be a long, miserable day.
Finally, don't be a hero on the quarry holes. If you have to lay up, lay up. There is no shame in taking a bogey on 12 or 15. The course is designed to tempt you into making a mistake. The players who score well here are the ones who play boring, conservative golf and stay out of the rocks.
Go play it. Even if you play terribly, the views on the back nine are worth the price of admission. It’s a piece of world-class golf architecture sitting right in the middle of a Chicago suburb, and it’s arguably the best public-access golf experience in Northern Illinois. Just keep it out of the tall grass.