Searching for an exceptional yet accessible golf experience near Chicago? Allow us to introduce Water’s Edge Golf Club, a true hidden gem nestled in Worth, Illinois, on the city’s South Side. Opened in 1999 and proudly owned by the village of Worth, this isn’t just another course; it’s a meticulously crafted golfing destination that challenges, delights, and offers a comprehensive suite of amenities for every enthusiast. Designed by the esteemed duo Rick Robbins and PGA Consultant Gary Koch, Water’s Edge consistently draws players seeking a blend of rigorous challenge, aesthetic appeal, and pristine conditions. From its strategic layout to its recognition as a US Open Qualifier host, Water’s Edge promises more than just a round of golf – it delivers a memorable journey for your clubs and your scorecard. Many also enjoy a round at Mistwood Golf Club in nearby Romeoville.
A Masterpiece of Course Design: Where Strategy Meets Scenic Beauty
Water’s Edge Golf Club stands as a testament to thoughtful design, where every hole presents a unique challenge within a picturesque setting. The course masterfully balances challenge with eye-catching scenery, setting a high bar for Chicagoland golf courses.
Precision by Design: The Vision of Robbins and Koch
The layout that Rick Robbins and PGA Consultant Gary Koch created truly shines at Water’s Edge. Players encounter meticulously kept bentgrass from the tee boxes all the way to the velvet-smooth greens, ensuring true rolls and fair lies that reward accurate approach shots. These greens often putt fast, testing concentration and touch. Mature, full-grown trees border many fairways, creating narrow corridors that demand strategic shot placement and adding to the natural beauty. This course undeniably requires your best game, putting both your skills and accuracy to the test.
The Defining Role of Water and Nature
As the club’s name suggests, water hazards are a defining characteristic, strategically incorporated on an impressive twelve holes, creating both visual appeal and formidable challenges. The historic Cal-Sag Channel canal runs parallel to the course, framing its southern boundary and adding another layer of natural boundary. However, the design ensures water doesn’t completely overwhelm play. Mature trees lining the majority of fairways are just as imposing, shaping fairways and demanding precision. Be strategic in your shot selection, or you may find yourself contributing a ball to the woods. This demanding golf course ensures you are ready for the strategic challenge that Water’s Edge presents.
The Signature 11th Hole: A True Test of Skill
Among its many memorable holes, the 11th stands out as a particularly challenging one. This par-5 measures a significant 561 yards from the back tees and bends sharply to the right, demanding an accurate tee shot that avoids immediate trouble. Successfully navigating the canal to the left and another water hazard on the right is crucial for making par, or even better, a birdie. It’s arguably the most difficult test on the course, requiring not just power but also thoughtful course management. Can your game rise to the occasion?
Elevating Your Game: Comprehensive Practice and Professional Instruction
Water’s Edge Golf Club isn’t just a picturesque course; it’s also a dedicated institution for players committed to skill improvement. The club provides robust resources for golfers seeking to enhance their performance across all facets of the game.
State-of-the-Art Practice Facilities
Water’s Edge provides more than simply a challenging course to play on; it’s a complete golf training facility. The club has outstanding practice amenities available to all guests, including:
- A full driving range with grass tees: Offering a realistic full-swing practice experience, mirroring actual course conditions.
- A dedicated putting green: Perfect for honing your short game touch and mastering crucial putting strokes.
- A short-game area with bunkers: Ideal for practicing chips, pitches, and sand saves, replicating various on-course scenarios.
- Night practice: A unique benefit for busy schedules, our lit facilities allow for extending your practice sessions well after the sun goes down.
If you wish to improve your skills after dark, these practice facilities are fully lit, ensuring your dedication isn’t limited by daylight hours.
PGA-Certified Coaching: Personalized Pathways to Improvement
Do you know that professional coaching can significantly impact your game? A qualified coach can swiftly identify areas for improvement, provide invaluable, objective feedback, and offer personalized guidance that generic tips often miss. They’ll help you bypass ingrained bad habits and offer consistent support, which is empirically proven to lead to more consistent progress and enjoyment. A well-structured lesson plan can shave an average of 3-5 strokes off a golfer’s handicap within a single season.
Water’s Edge boasts PGA-certified instructors with decades of collective experience, dedicated to your progress. PGA Professional Tim Puetz leads the instruction team, expertly positioned to help you fine-tune your technique and profoundly understand your swing. Here’s what makes their instruction stand out:
- Extensive Experience: Teaching golfers of all skill levels, from raw beginners to seasoned competitors, with tailored approaches.
- Technology Integration: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, such as launch monitors and video analysis, to help improve your skills through data-driven insights.
- Continuous Learning: Instructors are constantly influenced by ongoing study of video analysis, leading golf literature, and advanced training aids to ensure cutting-edge methods.
- Professional Development: Regular attendance at PGA of America Seminars ensures up-to-date teaching methodologies and best practices.
For those looking to significantly elevate their game, personalized lessons are available, including specific women’s and junior packages designed to foster skill development and a lifelong love for golf. This commitment to player development truly sets Water’s Edge apart, making it a true hub for golf enthusiasts.
Beyond the Course: Amenities for Relaxation and Socialization
Water’s Edge provides more than just an exceptional golf experience; it offers a welcoming environment for post-round relaxation and social gatherings.
The Edge Bar & Grill: A Perfect 19th Hole Experience
After your round, or even just after practice, head over to The Edge Bar & Grill. This full-service dining establishment overlooks the picturesque 18th green, offering a perfect vantage point to watch fellow golfers finish their rounds while enjoying a meal. With comfortable seating for 144 people, including a spacious outdoor pavilion, it’s an ideal spot for friendly gatherings or private events. The menu offers standard American bar food fare, perfect for satisfying post-game appetites. In a unique feature for Chicagoland courses, there’s even a walled-off gambling area in the dining room with slot machines. The covered outdoor patio is a particularly nice spot to unwind when you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun but still want to be outside.
A Legacy of Excellence: Accolades and Recognition
But don’t just take our word for it. Water’s Edge has been honored by several prestigious organizations, underscoring its reputation for quality and challenging play.
- US Open Qualifier Host: The club hosted a US Open Qualifier in 2010, a significant testament to the course’s challenging layout and excellent conditioning, meeting the rigorous standards required for such a prestigious event.
- Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”: Furthermore, it was named one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play,” reflecting overwhelmingly positive feedback from golfers and industry experts alike.
These accolades consistently demonstrate the high quality of the course and the overall exceptional experience it offers.
Discover Your Edge at Water’s Edge Golf Club
Water’s Edge Golf Club delivers a complete golfing experience, blending a beautifully designed, challenging course with unparalleled practice facilities, expert PGA instruction, and inviting dining options. From its strategic design by Rick Robbins and Gary Koch to its recognition by Golf Digest and the USGA, Water’s Edge consistently proves itself as a premier destination. Whether you’re seeking to test your skills on a championship-caliber layout, refine your game under the guidance of top professionals, or simply enjoy a relaxing meal with a view, Water’s Edge Golf Club is undeniably a solid choice for any golfer in the Chicagoland area. Come discover why this Worth, IL gem is a favorite among local and visiting golf enthusiasts alike.
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