Bittersweet Golf Club

Located at 875 Almond Rd in Gurnee, Illinois, Bittersweet Golf Club is an 18-hole public championship course owned by the Village of Gurnee. Established in 1996 and designed by Harry Vignocchi and Jack Porter, the layout spans approximately 6,751 yards from the back tees and plays to a par 72.

Situated near major local attractions but tucked into a natural setting of mature hardwoods, wetlands and prairie, Bittersweet offers both accessibility and scenic tranquility.

The course is distinguished by its high-quality playing surfaces and challenging design features. Bentgrass tees, fairways and greens provide premium turf conditions, and most holes are framed by water hazards—water comes into play on 16 of the 18 holes.

Multiple tee boxes allow golfers of different skill levels to tailor their experience; for example, the red tees measure about 5,500 yards while the black tees extend toward 6,900 yards. Signature holes on the back nine—especially hole #11 and hole #16—stand out as strategic and picturesque, with undulating fairways and fast, true greens.

Beyond the course itself, Bittersweet Golf Club offers a full complement of amenities aimed at both serious golfers and recreational players. The facility features a lighted driving range with grass tees, a short-game and bunker practice area, and putting/chipping greens—all conducive to improvement and warm-up.

There’s also a clubhouse dining option, Fireside Bar & Grill, with deck and patio overlooking holes #10 and #18, making it a comfortable place to relax after a round.