Mistwood Golf Club consistently earns its reputation as a top-tier destination in the Chicago area, lauded for its challenging yet equitable play, pristine conditions, and a holistic approach to the golf experience. Since a multi-million dollar renovation, owner Jim McWethy’s vision to develop a new standard of excellence, excitement, and entertainment for Chicagoland golf has been fully realized. Mistwood has garnered national acclaim, including Golf Magazine’s “Renovation of the Year,” Golf Digest’s “Best New Course,” and one of Golf Range Magazine’s “Top 50 Public Ranges.” This commitment to a “Public Course, Private Experience” ideology sets Mistwood apart, offering an unparalleled visit for every golfer.
The Championship Course: A Ray Hearn Masterpiece
Designed and meticulously renovated by course architect Ray Hearn, Mistwood’s championship course masterfully blends formidable challenge with accessible playability. Spanning over 7,000 yards from its longest tees, the 18-hole layout is centered around a beautiful, 65-acre lake, providing breathtaking scenery alongside strategic hazards. The course features 20 distinct St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers, truly bringing a feeling of Scotland to the Midwest and demanding thoughtful shot placement. With five tee placements per hole, golfers of all skill levels can find an appropriate challenge.
Expect exceptionally well-maintained bentgrass fairways and highly manicured greens, offering a superior playing surface that consistently earns praise for its immaculate condition. Hearn’s strategic layout, characterized by split fairways, subtle undulations, and terraced greens, consistently challenges golfers to think critically about each shot.
Understanding Mistwood’s Challenge: Course Rating and Slope
For golfers eager to truly understand the course’s difficulty, its meticulously calculated course rating and slope provide vital insights. The course rating assesses the number of strokes a scratch golfer should take to complete the course, offering a baseline for expert players. Meanwhile, the slope rating indicates the relative difficulty a course presents to bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers. A higher slope number, such as Mistwood’s 144 from the Tournament tees, signifies a significantly greater challenge for those with higher handicaps.
Mistwood features varied slope ratings across its tee placements, ensuring a dynamic experience that tests different facets of a golfer’s game. The course demands precision and power due to its tree-lined fairways, subtle undulations, and strategically placed water hazards. These features compel even seasoned golfers to plan each shot meticulously, emphasizing the importance of accuracy over brute force.
| Tee | Par | Length (Yards) | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tournament | 72 | 7005 | 74.7 | 144 |
| Gold | 72 | 6782 | 73.3 | 141 |
| Black | 72 | 6396 | 72.1 | 138 |
| Blue | 72 | 5961 | 70.1 | 133 |
| Red (W) | 72 | 5332 | 71.5 | 130 |
Elevating Your Game: Mistwood’s Performance Center & Practice Facilities
Mistwood Golf Club extends its premium experience to game improvement with world-class practice facilities and a state-of-the-art Performance Center, recognized as one of Golf Range Magazine’s “Top 50 Public Ranges.” The extensive 18-acre practice area features a top-notch driving range, meticulously maintained putting greens, and dedicated chipping areas. This comprehensive setup allows golfers to fine-tune every aspect of their game, from long drives with the available Toptracer Range Mobile technology to delicate short game shots.
For golfers truly committed to improvement, Mistwood Golf Club’s Performance Center stands as a premier training destination. This facility provides the tools and expertise necessary to refine technique and unlock full potential. Imagine translating subtle swing adjustments into more consistent ball striking; this is the reality Mistwood helps create.
State-of-the-Art Technology for Precise Feedback
The Performance Center utilizes advanced technology like TrackMan and Foresight GC2 to provide precise feedback on every swing. This data-driven approach allows for accurate identification of strengths and weaknesses, forming the foundation for targeted improvement. Experienced instructors collaborate with golfers to create customized drills and practice plans designed to address specific areas for enhancement. Regular performance tracking using this technology helps golfers accurately gauge their improvement and refine their practice routine. Additionally, the club offers full-service club repair and a custom club fitting studio, ensuring equipment is perfectly matched to individual swing dynamics for maximum efficiency and consistency. The Mistwood Golf Dome and other facilities enable year-round practice, ensuring skill enhancement continues throughout all seasons.
Renowned for its staff, guests frequently praise the exceptional service. As one Google reviewer, D.M., stated, “Top notch conditioned course and driving range. The staff is the best you’ll ever find in a public course.” Another, K.W., highlighted, “every single employee was helpful and cheery, A+++.” This dedication to an expert and attentive staff enhances the entire experience.
Beyond the Fairways: Comprehensive Amenities & Hospitality
Mistwood Golf Club extends its premium experience far beyond the championship course, offering a suite of amenities designed to cater to every facet of a visitor’s needs. Stepping into Mistwood’s clubhouse is like entering a welcoming haven, built with comfort and convenience in mind.
The well-stocked pro shop is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, featuring an array of the latest golf equipment, stylish apparel, and essential accessories. After a challenging round, the full-service restaurant and bar provide the perfect setting for relaxation, offering delicious cuisine and a wide selection of beverages. The popular Sunday brunch provides a delightful way to relax, socialize, and refuel, whether guests have just finished a morning round or are simply enjoying a leisurely weekend amidst the beautiful surroundings.
Mistwood also shines as an exceptional venue for special occasions, providing versatile event spaces ideal for weddings, corporate outings, or any memorable gathering. The club consistently achieves high satisfaction rates for event hosts, ensuring every occasion is meticulously planned and executed.
As Dan Bradley, General Manager of Mistwood Golf Club, proudly states: “We are thrilled to be rated number two in the country, especially as a facility that is open to the public. We care very much about the guest experience, and we are passionate about golf. We want golfers who share this enthusiasm to visit us and enjoy our property.”
Rates & Operating Hours
Experience the beauty and challenge of Mistwood Golf Club with flexible rates and extensive hours designed to accommodate every golfer. There’s no better way to spend the afternoon than through a great round of golf while immersed in the beautiful Chicago sun, surrounded by acres of pristine greenery.
18 Hole Greens Fees
- Weekday (Mon – Thurs): Senior/Junior | $70
- Weekend (Fri – Sun): Senior/Junior after 2:00 PM | $70
9 Hole Rates
- Weekday (Mon – Thurs) after 2:00 PM: $50
- Weekend (Fri – Sun) after 2:00 PM: $55
Practice Facilities
- Driving Range / Putting Green / Chipping Area: Unlimited # of range balls | $25 (Toptracer Range Mobile available; check-in/pay in Pro Shop)
Operating Hours
- Range Hours:
- Monday: 6am – 5pm
- Tuesday: 9am – 8pm
- Wednesday: 6am – 8pm
- Thursday: 6am – 8pm
- Friday: 6am – 8pm
- Saturday: 6am – 8pm
- Sunday: 6am – 8pm
- Pro Shop Hours: Daily: 6am – 8pm
Please note that rates and hours are subject to change; it is always recommended to verify details directly with Mistwood Golf Club.
Why Choose Mistwood Golf Club?
Mistwood Golf Club is a consistently rewarding choice for anyone searching for a high-quality, challenging, yet enjoyable golf experience near Chicago. Its dedication to player experience, outstanding course design, and comprehensive amenities make it a truly premium destination. For those serious about their game and seeking a top-tier facility in Illinois, Mistwood comes highly recommended.
Pros of Playing Mistwood:
- Top-Notch Condition: Expect exceptionally well-maintained bentgrass fairways and greens, providing outstanding playing surfaces.
- Thoughtful Design: Ray Hearn’s strategic course layout consistently challenges golfers to think critically about each shot, offering both beauty and strategic depth.
- Suitable for All Skill Levels: With five tee options and a maximum playability over 7,000 yards, the course offers an appropriate challenge for every ability level, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
- Award-Winning Facilities: Recognized nationally for its renovation and practice range, Mistwood provides a truly elite golf environment.
- Excellent Amenities: The expansive 18-acre practice area, fully stocked pro shop, high-quality dining options, and diverse event spaces contribute significantly to a comprehensive overall experience.
- Comprehensive Game Improvement: The Performance Center, with its advanced technology and expert instruction, provides unparalleled opportunities for skill enhancement, supported by year-round facilities.
- St. Andrews-Style Bunkering: The unique sod-wall bunkers provide a distinctive links-style feel, adding character and challenge.
Cons to Consider:
- Challenging Rough: Errant shots can be heavily penalized by the notably thick rough, demanding precise recovery play and highlighting the course’s strategic difficulty.
- Premium Price Point: Mistwood typically commands a higher green fee compared to some other local courses, reflecting its “private experience” quality and championship conditioning, which might be a consideration for casual golfers on a tighter budget.
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