Course Details
- Architect: William B. Langford & C.D. Wagstaff (1917)
- Course Type: Municipal, Public
- Par: 71
- Rating: 72.6
- Slope: 130
Course Score
- Course Conditions: 5
- Green Complexes: 7
- Amenities: 4
- Practice Facilities: 8
- Service: 5
- Course Design: 5
- Value: 4
Overall Score: 5.39
The Good: William B. Langford design (original nine, C.D. Wagstaff completed the final 9 holes) in the north shore suburbs has retained some of its 1917 charm, with a good variety of doglegs, unique green complexes, and a fantastic little Par 3 course that is great for beginners and seniors. Greens are fun and putt pretty smoothly, even if a little slow. Course includes a modest clubhouse, but an excellent practice facility that includes a huge training center and multiple short game areas. Great finishing hole!
The Bad: Fairways are not in great shape and are really bumpy. On-course amenities are really lacking: very poor signage, limited yardage markers, and no GPS. Some of the holes tend to blend in together and look / feel like you’re playing the some shot over and over. There was no on-course service when we played on a weekend afternoon. Overpriced by about $15 for the area.
The Verdict: I’m sure that Winnetka was a fine course in its day, but there are dozens of public courses in the area that I’d play for the $$ before this squandered Langford track.
Best Hole: The closing 18th was quite the pleasant surprise even though its very difficult. A long, straight away Par 4 with a downhill tee sheet and approach to a double-tiered green.
Midwest Golf Tripper 