Illinois offers a rich and diverse golfing experience for golfers. From the rolling hills of the southern Illinois to the bustling cityscape of Chicago, Illinois boasts a variety of courses that cater to all skill levels.

Golf in Illinois is more than just a pastime; it’s a thriving sport with a strong community of enthusiasts and professionals dedicated to improving their game. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, understanding where the action is happening can offer some valuable insights based on data from TeachMe.To.

Chicago

When it comes to golf coaching in Illinois, Chicago is unquestionably the leader of the pack in the rankings. With 71.79% of the state’s golf coaches and 64.97% of all golf coaching lessons booked here, Chicago is the heart of the state's golfing community. Diversey Golf, the most popular course in the city, attracts a wide range of golfers, from beginners to seasoned players. Its central location near Lake Michigan and accessible facilities make it a favoriteamong locals. The city’s strong demand for coaching reflects a deep-rooted golf culture, where there’s always room to improve.

Chicago is home to a significant number of golf courses, reflecting its strong golf culture. As of the latest data, there are approximately 77 golf courses within the city of Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area. This includes a mix of public and private courses, offering a range of options for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a classic 18-hole layout or a more modern design, Chicago's golf scene has a variety of courses to choose from.

Countryside

Countryside is a smaller town, but it’s making a notable impact on the golf scene in Illinois. Despite having just 2.56% of the state’s coaches, it accounts for 10.19% of all golf coaching lessons booked. This is largely thanks to Flagg Creek Golf Course, a nine-hole course that’s particularly popular with beginners and families. This location offers a friendly, relaxed environment that’s perfect for learning the game. The demand for lessons here shows that quality coaching can draw in players, even in smaller towns.

Woodridge

Woodridge plays a steady role in Illinois’s golf community, with 5.13% of the coaches and 8.92% of the lessons booked. The Zigfield Troy Course is the area’s standout, offering a mix of par-3 holes and a driving range that caters to players at different skill levels. This course is known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to practice and refine your skills. The steady flow of golfers here highlights the course's appeal and the quality of coaching available.

Des Plaines

Des Plaines is emerging as a key player in Illinois's golf coaching scene, with 15.38% of the coaches and 8.28% of the golf coaching lessons booked. The Golf Center Des Plaines is the leading course here, offering a comprehensive range of facilities, including a fully lit driving range and an indoor simulator for year-round practice. Its convenient location near Chicago makes it an attractive option for suburban golfers. Des Plaines is steadily gaining recognition as a go-to spot for quality golf instruction.

Park Ridge

Park Ridge rounds out the top five, with 5.13% of the coaches and 7.64% of the golf coaching lessons booked. The Oakton Driving Range is the centerpiece of this town’s golf community, offering well-maintained practice areas and a friendly environment. Park Ridge may be smaller in size, but it’s home to a dedicated group of golfers who regularly return to hone their skills. The supportive atmosphere at Oakton makes it a popular choice for those looking to improve their game in a welcoming setting.

The outlook for golf in Illinois

From Chicago’s bustling courses to the more relaxed settings in towns like Countryside and Park Ridge, golf is thriving in Illinois. Whether you’re looking to start learning the game or improve your skills, you'll find many opportunities to do so in Illinois.

Ranking
City
Coaches
Lessons Booked
1
Chicago
71.79%
64.97%
2
Countryside
2.56%
10.19%
3
Woodridge
5.13%
8.92%
4
Des Plaines
15.38%
8.28%
5
Park Ridge
5.13%
7.64%

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