I play here several times a year. It's a great value for seniors during the week when fees are $29. They generally keep the place in good shape. This time there were a lot of unrepaired ball marks on the greens. It's a good layout and some holes are extremely tough. Our cart was in disrepair and we changed at the end of nine.

Customer Service

Average, they need to smile & welcome guests

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One of the better public courses in NWI.

I love this golf course! I usually play here once a year (it's an hour's drive from home) and I'm never disappointed. But it is not for everyone. If you're looking for a course where they take your bag out of the trunk and there is a big fancy club house and they clean your clubs after your round, then don't come here. But if you're looking for a solid layout with lots of elevated tees, trees, and variety that's in excellent condition (especially for an affordable public course in the middle of nowhere), then this is the place for you to play.

The course isn't quite in the middle of nowhere, it's just across the border from Illinois about 15 miles south of the Illinois tollway, but it has a very rural feel to it. The clubhouse is basically an old shack that's probably been there as long as the course, but they have obviously put their money into the course and not the peripheral amenities.

The course itself is hilly and tree lined in most spots, "links" like in others, but was in great condition. The greens rolled true, the sand in the bunkers was good, and the fairways were among the best I have played in the last several years, very dense and springy (it was like hitting off a tee!).

They have reconfigured several of the holes in the last few years, and all the changes I believe have been for the better. The new 15th hole is a par 3 over water to a wide , narrow green that is very difficult to hit and has double bogey written all over it, and the 11th hole has a new green that makes the hole a slight dog left and really enhances the visual on the approach shot. And the 17th hole is a monster par 5 that goes up hill to a green protected by large oaks (I think they're oaks, but whatever they are, they're BIG).

But overall, the course is challenging but not overwhelming, and the "feel" of the holes (split fairways, elevation changes, collection areas off the greens) would indicate a much more expensive course (we paid $30 bucks w/cart on a Friday afternoon because we had a coupon, normally it is $42).

I would recommend this course to anyone who enjoys a round on a course that provides great value, lots of scenic views and above average conditioning, as long as you don't get turned off by the (lack of) amenities. (But make sure you get good directions, it's a little bit tricky to find.)

Customer Service

Average. The people behind the counter were nice, but my only gripe was that when I made the tee time I wasn't told that there was a shot gun start on the front nine for a high school tournament, so we had less than 2 hours to be off the 9th tee, and we had an older gentleman reminding us of this to the point of annoyance, but it worked out OK. (The round took less than 4 hours, and we ended up playing another 8 holes on the back nine after that.)

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Settler's Hill in Geneva, IL, Balmoral Woods (but not that many trees).

They have taken the bulldozer to this place three times since I've been playing. Looks like they need to finish the job.

Customer Service

Higher prices than most, indifferent staff.

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Grounds workers seem to get in the way on purpose.

Course length will challenge even the best golfers. Layout makes every hole a different challenge.

Large number of leagues make afternoon play almost impossible. Greens leave a lot to be desired. Expensive!

One of the nicest courses in Lake County. Lots of water on the back nine. Tees and fairways are in great shape. Greens show signs of continual abuse.

Customer Service

Poor customer service. On-course maintainance staff often in the way. Clubhouse staff borders on rude.

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Plenty of practice areas. Poor clubhouse.

Fairways and layout

Longest round of golf besides a scramble I played all year. They try to jam the tee times too tightly together.

The course has been well-maintained. Fairways in beautiful shape. Greens are a little inconsistent. The layout is very creative. They have added a lot of new landscaping.

Customer Service

Customer service average at best

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The clubhouse has a lot to be desired