Exploring Edgebrook Golf Course: Chicago's Scenic Public Green -

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Edgebrook Golf Course is a popular 18-hole public golf course located in Chicago’s serene Forest Glen community.
It’s intimately connected to the historic Old Edgebrook neighborhood, offering a unique, secluded atmosphere within the city’s limits.
The course is beautifully set amidst extensive forest preserves and borders the Chicago River, providing a picturesque natural escape.
As a relatively short, par-66 course, it’s designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players looking for a quicker round.
Convenient amenities include equipment rentals, practice facilities, and light food and beverage options.

Edgebrook Golf Course is a cherished 18-hole public golf course nestled on Chicago’s northwest side, specifically within the tranquil Forest Glen community area and the Northern Forest Preserve District. This course is deeply connected to the historic Old Edgebrook neighborhood, an area originally developed in 1894 as a railroad suburb for railroad executives. Surrounded by extensive forest preserves, the entire district offers a unique, secluded atmosphere right in the heart of the city, making it a distinctive natural escape for golfers (source).

Key Facts About Edgebrook Golf Course:

Location: Situated on Chicago’s northwest side, in the Forest Glen community, adjacent to the historic Old Edgebrook neighborhood.
Type: An 18-hole public golf course, welcoming all players.
Setting: Surrounded by the beautiful Cook County Forest Preserves and bordered by the Chicago River.
Course Length: Known for being a relatively short, par-66 course, spanning approximately 4,567 yards from the white tees.
Historical Significance: Its history is deeply intertwined with the Old Edgebrook neighborhood, a designated Chicago Landmark historic district.
Accessibility: Designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, offering a scenic and intimate experience.
Amenities: Provides equipment rentals, practice facilities, and typically light food and beverage options for convenience.

Where is Edgebrook Golf Course located?

The Edgebrook Golf Course is conveniently located on Chicago’s northwest side, within the serene Forest Glen community area. It lies directly beside the historic Old Edgebrook District, which was notably designated a Chicago Landmark historic district in 1988 (source). This prime location is bordered by Central and Devon Avenues and is notably close to the winding Chicago River.

A Natural Oasis in the City: Both the golf course and its neighboring historic district are embraced by the vast woodlands of the Cook County Forest Preserve. This natural setting creates a picturesque, park-like backdrop that is quite uncommon for an urban environment like Chicago (source). The protected status of Old Edgebrook further helps preserve the golf course’s serene and natural surroundings.

What kind of golf experience does Edgebrook Golf Course offer?

Edgebrook Golf Course provides an accessible and scenic 18-hole experience tailored for a wide range of golfers in Chicago. It’s recognized as a relatively short course, playing as a par-66. From the white tees, the course stretches approximately 4,567 yards (source).

Course Design and Features: The course’s design gracefully meanders through mature trees and along the banks of the Chicago River, offering a truly intimate and beautiful natural golf experience (source). It boasts a course rating of about 61.2 with a slope rating of 88 for men’s tees, with slightly higher ratings for women’s tees.

Ideal for Casual Rounds: Edgebrook is frequently described as a “neighborhood” course and a “short yet fulfilling” track. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking quick rounds or a moderately challenging game without the extensive length and complexity often found in championship courses. It’s a great option for public golf in Chicago.

How do golfers review Edgebrook Golf Course?

User reviews for Edgebrook Golf Course are varied, reflecting a mix of appreciation for its unique charm and observations about its characteristics.

Positive Feedback: Many golfers commend the course for its beautiful natural setting, often highlighting the friendly staff and an overall affordable and fun experience. Its integration with the surrounding Forest Preserve golf environment significantly contributes to its appeal.

Areas for Improvement: Some criticisms point to maintenance issues and an unconventional design, noting long par-3s and short par-4s. These unique hole lengths can sometimes challenge golfers’ traditional expectations of course layout.

What is the history behind Edgebrook Golf Course?

The rich history of Edgebrook Golf Course is deeply intertwined with the planned development of the Old Edgebrook neighborhood, a community established in 1894.

A Planned Railroad Suburb: Alderman Arthur Dixon and railroad executives strategically planned the Old Edgebrook neighborhood as a distinct railroad suburb, specifically designed to be adjacent to this very golf course (source). This historical planning has been crucial in preserving the course’s significant role in the local landscape and community identity.

A Secluded Urban Retreat: Even today, the Old Edgebrook district has maintained much of its original historic residential character and protective status. Combined with the surrounding forest preserve and limited street access, this creates a tranquil, secluded environment that feels far removed from urban bustle, despite being within Chicago city limits. You can learn more about Chicago’s historic neighborhoods here.

What amenities are available at Edgebrook Golf Course?

Edgebrook Golf Course is well-equipped to support casual golfers with a range of convenient amenities, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Available Facilities and Services:

Equipment Rentals: Golfers who don’t have their own clubs or other gear can easily rent necessary equipment on-site.
Practice Facilities: Areas are available for golfers to warm up before a round or work on specific aspects of their game.
Food and Beverage: Light food and beverage services are typically offered for refreshments during rounds or after play.
Online Tools: Reflecting its integration into modern golf recreation, the course also supports online score tracking and handicap calculation tools, allowing players to monitor their progress and scores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edgebrook Golf Course Chicago

Q: Is Edgebrook Golf Course a public course?

A: Yes, Edgebrook Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course, making it accessible and open to all golfers.

Q: Where exactly is Edgebrook Golf Course located in Chicago?

A: It’s located on Chicago’s northwest side, within the Forest Glen community area, and is closely associated with the historic Old Edgebrook neighborhood, surrounded by the Northern Forest Preserve District.

Q: How many holes does Edgebrook Golf Course have and what is its par?

A: Edgebrook Golf Course features 18 holes and is a par-66 course.

Q: Is Edgebrook Golf Course suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, its relatively short length and design make it accessible to players of all skill levels, including beginners and those looking for a quicker, more relaxed round.

Q: What makes Edgebrook Golf Course unique among Chicago golf courses?

A: Its unique appeal comes from its scenic location within the Cook County Forest Preserves, alongside the Chicago River, and its historical connection to the planned Old Edgebrook neighborhood, creating a secluded, natural atmosphere within an urban setting. It offers a unique 18-hole golf Chicago experience.

Q: Does Edgebrook Golf Course offer practice facilities or equipment rentals?

A: Yes, the course provides practice facilities for golfers to warm up and also offers equipment rentals, along with light food and beverage services.

Q: What is the Old Edgebrook neighborhood?

A: Old Edgebrook is a historic Chicago Landmark district, originally developed as a railroad suburb in 1894. It borders the golf course and significantly contributes to the area’s preserved, natural character and tranquil environment.

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Exploring Edgebrook Golf Course: Chicago’s Scenic Public Green