3’s Company – Chicago’s 9-hole Par-3 Courses

In the world of rock’n’roll entertainment there exists a listing, a dubious listing, of rock stars who have died in their mid-20’s, specifically at the age of 27. The “27 Club” includes the following deceased musicians: Brian Jones (Rolling Stones), Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison (The Doors), Pete Ham (Badfinger), Kurt Cobain (Nirvana), Ron ‘Pigpen’ McKernan (Grateful Dead), Alan Wilson (Canned Heat), and Amy Winehouse.

In the Chicago area ‘world of golf’ there exists a less morbid “27 Club”, that is the list of short courses composed of nine holes that are all par-3’s, and open to the public.

Such facilities provide a ‘golf fix’ that is less expensive, takes less time, and can possibly improve and hone a golfer’s short game to take to future rounds at bigger courses. Depending on the course and the golfer’s swing speed and distance, it may not even be necessary to carry a entire set of clubs. Furthermore, there are 9 chances to score a hole-in-one, making the round more enjoyable.

Since the USGA, under the World Handicap System, now permits the posting of scores shot on shorter courses (750+ yards) to be included when entering scores for handicapping, now might be the time to provide a list of our area’s 9-hole public access courses, whose every hole is a par-3. Here, in alphabetical order, are the twelve short courses comprising Chicago Golf Report’s “27 Club”:

Anetsberger Golf Course (Northbrook)

Anetsberger Golf Course

The par-3 Anetsberger Golf Course is located in Techny Prairie Parks and Fields at 1750 Techny Road. The golf course provides an excellent opportunity to walk a quick 9 and sharpen your short game skills. Hole yardages range from 95 to 190 yards, and forward tees play from 60 to 120 yards. The Anetsberger facility also offers a large short game practice area. (Putting green, chipping green, two practice bunkers, and 40 yards of fairway to work on your wedge game; total back tee length 1128 yards).

Apple Orchard Golf Course (Bartlett)

Apple Orchard Golf Course

The Apple Orchard Golf Course is a nine hole, par three, public course owned and operated by the Bartlett Park District that opened in 1960 and was designed by David Gill. Features include a clubhouse equipped with snacks, beverages, beer, restrooms, golf accessories and outdoor sitting areas. The hole lengths range from a distance of 80-213 yards with just one set of tees. The hazards include eleven bunkers and one pond.

Apple Orchard is a walking course with pull carts available to rent. However, a Solo Rider Single Rider Cart is available for rent by individuals with limited mobility. Individuals must be 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license and have a medical condition that prevents them from being able to walk the course; call ahead of time to ensure it is available and ready. (Total length 1247 yards)

Buena Vista Pitch & Putt Junior Course (DeKalb)

Buena Vista Pitch & Putt Junior Course

The Buena Vista Pitch & Putt Junior Course along with the 9-hole, par 32 course, and the driving range comprise the DeKalb Park District’s Buena Vista Golf facility, located just off North 1st Street in DeKalb.

Designed to cater to novice players, this course offers an ideal setting to learn and enjoy the game without the intimidation of a full-sized course. Each hole is thoughtfully crafted to challenge and engage, and to provide a fantastic learning experience that is both fun and rewarding.

For just a minimal /nominal fee, a round of golf at Buena Vista’s Pitch & Putt Course is perfect for families and newcomers. Pitch & Putt rounds are quick and engaging and can fit into any schedule. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult to play the Pitch & Putt Course. Hole lengths range from a distance of 41-67 yards. (Practice putting green and driving range within the complex; total length 479 yards).

Cantigny Youth Links (Wheaton)

Cantigny Youth Links

Cantigny Youth Links is a special 9-hole golf course for junior players ages 8-15. The one-of-a-kind facility combines instruction and play, allowing kids to apply what they’ve learned in a safe and fun environment. At the Youth Links, junior golfers enjoy their own clubhouse, golf shop, snack bar, tournaments, group outings, special events and more.

There is ‘limited access’ for adult play on the Youth Links. In a reverse dichotomy, adults must be ‘accompanied’ by a junior golfer in order to play the Youth Links. Cantigny’s Youth Links was built in 1989 and credits Roger Packard as its architect.

Hole distances range from 65-160 yards; four bunkers and a small pond present the look and feel of a regulation size course to junior golfers at Cantigny. (Practice putting green adjacent to Youth Links clubhouse, and driving range within the complex; total length 939 yards).

Golf Center Des Plaines (Des Plaines)

Golf Center Des Plaines

Golf Center Des Plaines is a complete outdoor golf practice facility which features a 3-tier driving range, a 1.5 acre short game practice area for chipping, putting, and bunker play, and the Chicago area’s only 9-hole lighted par-3 course. Designed and renovated by golf course architect, Rick Jacobson, the course is open until midnight during summer months.

With two / three sets of tees, the course is a challenge for golfers of all abilities, and includes variety of hazards—including a lake, berms, hills, and prairie grass. While the majority of the holes are less than 125 yards, holes #2 (203 yards) and #9 (154 yards) are the most difficult; playing in opposite directions over the edges of the course’s lake, the wind is most likely to be a distance inhibitor 50% of the time.

Inside the Golf Center professional instruction and club fitting is available from GolfTec; Club Casa Cafe is a full menu restaurant and bar with banquet and catering; and, one of the largest green-grass pro shops in the area, DreamGolf offers all the equipment a golfer might need.
(Putting green, chipping green, three practice bunkers in the short game area; driving range; total back tee length 1050 yards).

Grayslake Golf Course (Grayslake)

Grayslake Golf Course

The Grayslake Golf Course, a public course operated by the Grayslake Community Park District, opened with a ‘soft opening’ in the Fall of 2000. This scenic and sporty 9-hole par-3 course was designed by noted architect Greg Martin of Martin Design Partnership. The course occupies 20 acres, of which 9 acres are hazardous wetlands and retention ponds. Additionally, bunkers, berms, and undulating greens combine for a memorable and challenging golfing experience.

With two and / or three sets of tees, the course can be enjoyed by someone just learning the game or by a seasoned golfer trying to improve his or her iron play. Seven of the nine holes include ‘penalty drop zones’ to facilitate pace of play. Grayslake Golf Course is a walking only course with pull carts available for rent.

Skillfully routed such that the nine holes play in each of the four compass directions, any wind direction sometimes helps, sometime hurts, and sometimes crosses the flight of the ball. Hole distances range from 100-165 yards. (Putting green; total back tee length 1137 yards).

Greenshire Golf Course (Beach Park)

Greenshire Golf Course

Greenshire Golf Course is a par-3 golf course occupying 15.5 acres in Beach Park, Illinois. The course is operated as a facility of the Waukegan Park District and is managed by GolfVisions. Greenshire GC has one set of tees.

Natural obstacles faced by golfers during their round at Greenshire are bunkers, water and established trees. Hole distances range from 100-210 yards, with the finishing hole, the longest and most difficult, playing over a stream and a pond, but having additional shorter / easier teeing areas for this final hole.

Greenshire is a place for beginners, families and those looking to practice their short game. A concessions stand is located on-site. Tee times on a first-come, first-served basis. (Putting green; total length 1265 yards)

Links and Tees (Addison)

Links and Tees

As part of the Links and Tees Golf Facility, in addition to its par-3 course, the campus also features an outdoor driving range (spring, summer, and early fall months), a heated indoor golf dome (late fall and winter months) with Top Tracer technology, and Putter’s Peak, a family-fun mini-golf course. The golf facility is owned and operated by the Addison Park District.

The Links and Tees par-3 course contains all the features and challenge of a full-sized regulation course, but on a shorter scale. With bent grass tees, fairways, and greens, the par-3 course also has its share of bunkers, mature trees, and three ponds. Hole distances range from 82-186 yards.

The course also became certified as a par-3 FootGolf course in 2014. (Practice putting green and driving range within the complex; total length 1195 yards). (Photos credit / courtesy Addison Park District).

Nickol Knoll Golf Club (Arlington Heights)

Nickol Knoll Golf Club

Opened in 1995 and built on a former landfill, Nickol Knoll Golf Club occupies 56 hilly acres and is one of the most unusual par 3 courses in the state. Three holes feature vertical-drop tee shots and two holes require up-hill shots to the green. The 9-hole, par-3 course features 27 sand bunkers; water comes into play on two of the nine holes; there are three sets of tees.

Famous Chicago Bear Walter Payton used this site for his daily exercise routine hence the aptly named, “Payton’s Hill” on the 3rd tee, that includes an oversized Chicago Bears helmet and the number “34”. On a clear day you can see the Chicago skyline. (Putting green; total back tee length 1233 yards). (Photos credit / courtesy Arlington Heights Park District).

Weber Park Golf Course (Skokie)

Weber Park Golf Course

Weber Park Golf Course is designed to be the perfect place to learn to golf or work on one’s short game. Located behind the Skatium Ice Arena on the northwest side of Skokie, the par 3, 9-hole course features bent grass greens, challenging sand traps, and beautiful landscaping.

The course is also home to the game of FootGolf, a golf and soccer hybrid sport with giant holes and a very small learning curve. Just one set of tees for each hole; the longest hole measures 140 yards; no water hazards on the course. The golf shop has snacks, soft drinks, and adult beverages available for sale. (Putting green with practice bunker; total length 1095 yards). (Photos credit / courtesy Skokie Park District).

Winnetka Golf Club Par-3 (Winnetka)

Winnetka Golf Club Par 3

Along with its companion, the 18-hole regulation course, Winnetka Golf Club’s 9-hole short course was closed for renovation from November, 2022 to August 13, 2024. The renovation plans and designs were drawn up by golf course architect, Rick Jacobson, and were overseen by KemperSports agronomist, Dave Groelle.

Stormwater management was the impetus and key to the renovation plans, as water hazards are present on many holes to challenge golfers on the short course. Winnetka’s par-3 course is walking only, and the clubhouse services both the 18-hole and 9-hole courses. Hole distances range from 78-166 yards with one set of tees. (Practice putting green and driving range within the complex; total length 1109 yards). (Photos credit / courtesy Winnetka GC / Dronation).

Zigfield Troy Par-3 (Woodridge)

Zigfield Troy Par-3

Mr. Zigfield Troy, the man who is the namesake of the final entry in our par-3 list, had a motto and mantra of “practice, practice, practice”. Mantra is the belief that repetition can invoke energies and vibrations, leading to transformation. Starting at a young age, his lifelong dedication was to encourage people to practice to become better at golf. In the early days of golf’s ‘golden eras’ Zigfield opened his first driving range in 1934.

In 1976, he opened a driving range that is the current Zigfield Troy Golf facility in Woodridge. Four years later, he added the 9-hole, par-3 course to his endeavor and this short tract has become a lasting favorite in the western suburbs ever since its opening. 2024’s playing of the Zigfield Troy Open marked the 43rd year of this popular annual tournament.

Hole lengths range from a distance of 83-140 yards with two sets of tees. The Zigfield Troy complex also features the Lost Mountain Adventure Golf putt-putt mini course. The pro shop sells a full line of the latest golf equipment. (Practice putting green; chipping green, bunker, and driving range as part of the complex; total length 1030 yards).