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Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
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Aesthetics
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Reviews
Review
“CB Macdonald designed the first 9 holes back in 1895 with Herbert Tweedie designing the second nine. Tom Doak redesigned the course. Great character and aesthetics with a long history, thick heather throughout the course, and classic old clubhouse. Conditioning of firm and fast greens and fairways."
Read More2025
Review
“Wide fairways and interesting green complexes at this historic (1895) club with a rich history (host of 1906 US Open). Lovely aesthetic with the the entirety of the course visible throughout, and an enjoyable walk with a unique routing with a back 9 that travels around the perimeter of the property."
Read More2024
Review
“Onwentsia is a sleepy club in the Chicago suburbs that is perhaps a quarter-step below the top tier, but just barely. The course moves elegantly back and forth over a large meadow, relying on strategic bunkering that often flanks both sides of each green. There is good variety here over a property that is less than dynamic, and several very fun holes that will keep the player guessing."
Read More2023
Review
“It starts with an incredibly charming, old-school clubhouse, then the walk around the property is fun and the routing is creative."
Read More2023
Review
“Under the radar club that oozes charm and history at every corner. 1906 host site of the US Open. Recent restoration/redesign by Tom Doak that has touches from CB MacDonald, James Foulis, Robert Foulis, HJ Tweedie, and HJ Whigham. At different points of the round one will find greens so close to each other that it seems possibly they may have been double greens in the past....1&8, 7&11, as well as 6&12. Also, there is debate that the extra putting green between the 9th green and the clubhouse served as a double green at some point in history. Every club in the bag was used seemingly more than once. Architect(s) was able to route the par 5's and par 3's masterfully in different directions. Challenging yet fair green complexes that often allow for running the ball up to the green on approaches. No "wow" holes but no boring or bad holes either....overall solid hole to hole."
Read More2023
Review
“Onwentsia Club requires accuracy throughout the bag as a result of its penalizing long fescue that serves as a hazard on just about all holes. The recent tree removal has created a large amount of width and options throughout the course, but when the wind picks up golf balls can easily sail into the fescue and be unplayable/difficult to locate. The course isn't overly difficult from tee to green due to its relatively short yardage, but it makes up for it with difficult green complexes and treacherous bunkering along with firm/fast conditions and closely mown runoffs and nearly all greens. Balls will easily funnel off surfaces and many bunkers are closely mown to the edge so they will fall close to the edge of lips making bunker shots quite difficult. Old school vibe throughout the place and relatively hidden while in the hustle/bustle of the Chicago northside. The front 9 has some great halls towards the end of the 9 while the back 9 has more fun shorter holes to round out the 9. Word on the street is they are going to be switching the 9s soon and with the front 9 becoming the back it'll play as a much better match play type finish."
Read More2023
Review
“A fantastic private facility which has hosted several USGA Championships including the 1906 US Open. The club measures 6700 from the back tees with a rating of 72.8 and slope of 134. The fairways are wide and receptive to a left to right ball flight. Most holes have tall fescue surrounding the fairways. The greens are receptive and very fast. Pay attention to the subtle slopes on the greens which can move your ball significantly. The par fives are shorter but protected by bunkers and tricky greens. If you have the opportunity to play Onwentsia you should."
Read More2022
Review
“Great architecturally sound golf course. Great movement throughout the different holes. Excellent conditioned and very fun to play. You could play here everyday and not get bored."
Read More2022
Review
“Remarkable property in the heart of tony Lake Forest. Recent tree removal has improved options and sight lines. More fun than challenge out here. Maintenance staff keeps this place in great condition."
Read More2019
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