Prairie Bluff Golf Course – A Scenic Challenge In Lockport

Prairie Bluff Golf Course, designed by two-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North and Roger Packard, stands as one of Chicago’s most impressive public golf destinations. Located less than 30 miles south of downtown Chicago, this 4-star Golf Digest-rated course has been challenging golfers since its opening in 1998.

The links-style layout stretches across 6,893 yards with a par 72, featuring 32 soft sand bunkers and water hazards on eight holes. Additionally, the course’s distinctive characteristic lies in its sustained winds of 15-20+ mph, creating an authentic links-golf experience. Despite these challenges, the usual speed for an average round of golf remains manageable, allowing players to fully enjoy the large, undulating putting surfaces and a course rating of 72.7. Prairie Bluff Golf Course offers both seasoned players and newcomers an engaging round of golf in a pristine setting.

Prairie Bluff Golf Course: A Links-Style Challenge in Chicago’s Backyard

Nestled in the southwest suburb of Crest Hill, Prairie Bluff Golf Course spans across a sprawling 237 acres of gently rolling terrain. This expansive property showcases the authentic links-style experience that makes it stand out in Chicago’s golf scene. The course covers more than 230 acres decorated with water features, prairie grass, and meticulously manicured bent grass fairways.

What truly defines it is its open layout with minimal tree coverage. The design embraces the natural landscape, with native prairie grasses forming the borders of most fairways—creating a stunning visual when waving on windy days. Indeed, wind plays a crucial role here, often howling across the largely open-style course and dramatically altering how each hole plays.

From the tips, the course stretches to an impressive 7,007 yards, but seems much longer due to its wide-open nature. When the wind is gusting, Prairie Bluff Golf Course can play much tougher than its 72.7 rating and 124 slope might suggest. However, the course remains approachable for various skill levels thanks to its forgiving fairways and strategic design.

Elevation Changes and Scenic Drama

A ridge runs through the middle of the property, adding visual interest and scenic drama to this wind-swept links track. The elevation changes are particularly noticeable on holes like the uphill 7th and the par-five 15th, which stretches to a hefty 609 yards from the Gold tees.

Water hazards come into play on 8 holes throughout Prairie Bluff Golf Course, while 32 strategically placed soft sand bunkers create additional challenges. The large, undulating greens roll true despite their subtle slopes, making the usual speed for an average round of golf quite reasonable.

Prairie Bluff Public Golf course reviews often highlight how the course transforms with changing weather conditions. The golf course showcases beautiful wildlife within its untouched natural environment, further enhancing the experience. For those interested in the photos, the rolling terrain and surrounding prairie park truly add to the aesthetic appeal of every round.

Navigating the Unique Features of Prairie Bluff Public Golf Course

Stepping onto Prairie Bluff Golf Course means experiencing a championship design adorned with water features, prairie grass, and meticulously manicured bent grass fairways. This expansive golf course stretches across 7,007 yards covering more than 230 acres, creating a playing experience that feels even longer than the yardage suggests.

Before teeing off, golfers can take advantage of the golf course’s comprehensive practice facilities, including a dedicated putting green, a professional short game area with bunker, and a spacious ten-acre driving range. These amenities make it perfect for warming up or honing specific skills.

The layout features 32 soft sand bunkers strategically positioned throughout the course. Unlike many public courses in the area, these bunkers contain actual sand, allowing players to execute proper bunker shots. Water hazards come into play on eight holes, with notable challenges on the 14th hole where water fills the bend on a dogleg left par four.

First-time visitors to Prairie Bluff Public Golf course should note that golfers must have a receipt from the golf shop to tee off. The usual speed for an average round of golf should not exceed 4 hours for a foursome. Players must complete the turn between nines within 5 minutes, or they risk forfeiting their position.

The course offers free drops from cart paths, yard markers, ground under repair, and newly planted trees. Course markings are excellent, with yardage well-marked on fairways and all sprinkler heads indicating distance to the center of greens.

Prairie Bluff Golf Course’s Natural Beauty and Accessibility

Prairie Bluff Public Golf Course reviews frequently highlight the course’s immaculate condition. Set in Lockport, the Course boasts all-natural lakes and ponds, while untouched prairie grass provides a haven for beautiful wildlife. The natural beauty of the landscape adds to the overall charm of the golf course. For those interested in Prairie Bluff Public Golf course photos, the elevated tees and greens throughout most of the layout offer spectacular vistas.

Four sets of tees accommodate players of all skill levels, with slopes ranging from 124 from the back tees to 113 from the forward positions. Consequently, the Golf Course remains accessible to everyone from beginners to accomplished players.

Playing Prairie Bluff Golf Course: Strategies for Success

Mastering Prairie Bluff Golf Course requires strategic thinking and adaptability, especially when the notorious winds come into play. The course appears player-friendly at first glance, yet conceals challenges that can quickly inflate your score if you’re unprepared.

1. Keep the Ball in the Fairway

The first rule for success at Prairie Bluff Golf Course: keep your ball in the fairway. While the landing areas are generously wide, venturing into the rough means dealing with chest-high grass where finding your ball becomes nearly impossible. As one reviewer noted, “The fairways are quite wide but if you go off them, then the deep rough is chest high so say goodbye to your ball”.

2. Approach the Greens with Caution

When approaching the greens, remember they’re large, undulating surfaces with perimeter mounding. They roll true and maintain the right speed, but don’t look for more break than might be expected. The usual speed for an average round of golf should be no more than 4 hours for a foursome, so maintain good pace while giving putts proper attention.

3. The Challenge of the Par-4 7th Hole

Pay special attention to the par-4 7th hole, the #1 handicap hole stretching 448 yards from the championship tees. This uphill challenge often plays directly into the wind, requiring both distance and accuracy. A solid tee ball should find the right side of the fairway, setting up the best angle to an elevated green protected by water left and a bunker right.

4. Improve Your Game with PGA Professional Scott Lunde

For those seeking to improve their game specifically for Prairie Bluff Golf Course, PGA Professional Scott Lunde offers private lessons ranging from single 30-minute sessions at $60 to series packages of six sessions for $280. Group lessons for two or more are also available at $50 per person for 50-minute sessions.

Prairie Bluff Public Golf Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Prairie Bluff Golf Course unique among Chicago’s golf options?

Prairie Bluff offers an authentic links-style experience with sustained winds of 15-20+ mph, large undulating greens, and a natural prairie landscape. Its open layout and minimal tree coverage create a challenging and visually stunning environment for golfers.

What amenities are available at Prairie Bluff Golf Course?

Prairie Bluff features comprehensive practice facilities, including a dedicated putting green, a professional short game area with a bunker, and a spacious ten-acre driving range. The course also offers golf carts and on-course refreshments.