Finding an open golf course can be the biggest hurdle between you and a great day on the links, especially in a city with four distinct seasons. This guide cuts right to the chase, outlining when Chicago-area courses are typically open, which ones to prioritize during the tricky shoulder seasons, and how to confirm conditions before you head out the door. We’re going to give you a clear-cut plan for year-round golf enjoyment in the Chicagoland area.
Unlike destinations in the sunbelt, Chicago’s golf scene is dictated entirely by weather. Understanding the seasonal rhythms is the first step to maximizing your playing time. Every course has its own specific schedule, but they generally fall into these distinct periods.
This is the heart of the Chicago golf season. Barring extreme weather events like a severe thunderstorm, you can assume virtually every single golf course in the area is open from sunup to sundown, seven days a week. Conditions are typically at their best: the turf is healthy and growing, the greens are fast, and the days are long. The only challenge during this period is securing a tee time, as demand is at its absolute highest. Booking in advance is a must, especially for popular courses on weekend mornings.
The shoulder seasons are a favorite for many seasoned local golfers. The crowds thin out, and you can often find better rates. However, this is also when the "Is it open?" question gets more complicated.
Most Chicago-area courses close completely during the deep winter months. However, a dedicated group of courses will remain open on any day that doesn’t have snow on the ground and when the temperature creeps up to a tolerable level (often around 40°F). These are what we call the "weather-permitting" courses. Play is usually first-come, first-served, and you can expect winter rules (allowing you to lift, clean, and place your ball). Tee times are rare, it's all about showing up and hoping to get out.
When you get the itch to play, especially during those unpredictable shoulder seasons, these are some of the first public facilities you should check. I've broken them down by type and included a little coaching insight to help you play them well.
Managed for the city, these courses offer unbeatable convenience and some truly iconic views.
Located just south of downtown with dramatic skyline views, Harborside’s two 18-hole courses offer a true "links-style" experience. With very few trees, wind is the primary defense. They are often one of the first well-known facilities to open in the spring and stay open late into the fall. Their expansive practice facility often has covered and heated bays, making it a viable option even in winter.
Coach’s Tip: When it's windy, swing easy. Your natural instinct is to swing harder to fight the wind, but this usually adds more spin to the ball, making it veer even farther off-line. A smoother, more controlled swing at 80% effort will produce a more penetrating ball flight and better results.
This 9-hole course, right on the Lake Michigan shoreline in Lakeview, is one of the most scenic municipal courses in the country. It’s relatively flat and walkable, but its narrow fairways and proximity to the lake bring a consistent breeze into play. Due to its prized location, it's meticulously maintained and a great option for a quick, scenic round when open.
Coach’s Tip: On a shorter, tighter course like Marovitz, strategy is more important than power. Leave the driver in the bag on some holes. The goal is to put your ball in the "A" position in the fairway, even if it means you're 20 yards shorter. This mindset avoids big numbers and leads to lower scores.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County offer some of the best-value and most challenging golf in the state. These courses are true local favorites.
Located in Lemont, Cog Hill is a must-play facility with four courses. Course #4, "Dubsdread," is a former PGA Tour host and one of the finest public tests of golf in the nation. For a less punishing but still exceptional round, Course #2 (Ravines) is a player favorite. Because it's a high-volume facility with a massive practice area, Cog Hill often stays open for play on warmer winter days.
Coach’s Tip for Dubsdread: Don't be a hero. Famous championship courses are designed to penalize aggressive mistakes. Play for the center of the greens. The deep, tough bunkers surrounding these greens will turn a missed-shot bogey into a triple-bogey fast. Putting from 30 feet is always better than trying to escape a cavernous bunker.
This Oak Forest course is widely regarded as one of the best bangs for your buck. It’s a challenging, well-kept layout with water in play on a majority of its holes. Its reputation for excellent conditions means it’s usually in prime shape as soon as the season allows. Dunne is an excellent place to test every club in your bag.
Coach’s Tip: When facing a course with a lot of water, pick a definitive target away from the hazard. Instead of thinking "Don't hit it in the water," think "Hit it at that specific tree on the right side of the fairway." This positive, target-focused thought process helps you make a committed swing, rather than a tentative, steering motion that often leads to the exact mistake you're trying to avoid.
These courses represent the incredible variety within the DuPage and Cook County systems. From the water-laden challenges at Maple Meadows to the classic parkland feel of Highland Woods and the renovated layout at Joe Louis, these are go-to options for most Chicagoland golfers. They tend to have very clear "open/closed" policies listed on their regional golf websites, making them easy to check up on.
Coach’s Tip for Value Golf: The best thing you can do on these fun, accessible courses is to manage your expectations. You're there to have a good time. Don't stress over a bad shot. Instead, focus on a positive pre-shot routine. Take a moment to breathe, visualize the shot you want to hit, and make a confident practice swing. Even if the result isn't perfect, going through a consistent process will make you a better player in the long run.
You’re ready to play, but now you need to confirm. Don't just show up and assume a course is open, especially between October and April. Follow these simple steps.
Chicago is a fantastic city for golf, offering an incredible range of public courses for every skill level and budget. Knowing how the seasons affect course availability and which courses to target during different times of year is all you need to play more often and with less frustration.
Once you’ve found an open course, feeling confident on the first tee is the next step. I built Caddie AI to act as that on-demand course expert right in your pocket. Standing on a par 5 you’ve never seen before? Describe the layout and get an immediate strategy on where to aim. If you face a tricky lie in the wet, spring rough, you can even snap a photo, and we can offer tailored advice for that specific shot. It’s designed to help you make smarter decisions, so you can focus on simply swinging the club.
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