Renwood Golf Course – Round Lake Beach, IL

Course Details

• Architect: Unknown (1922), Bob Lohmann
• Course Type: Public, Municipal
• Par: 72
• Yardage: 6,212
• Rating: 69.8
• Slope: 127

Course Score

• Course Conditions: 6
• Green Complexes: 4
• Amenities: 5
• Practice Facilities: 4
• Service: 4
• Course Design: 5
• Value: 6

Total Score: 4.92

Course Review

The Good: Renwood Golf Course in Round Lake, IL is a nearly 100-year old club that has been recently refurbished by Chicago area architect Bob Lohmann and managed by the local park district. While short in stature in the modern golf game, this 6250-yard course challenges golfers with its fairly tight fairways and smallish greens on the front nine, and severe doglegs and wetlands on the closing nine. While the front nine is fairly benign and unmemorable, the back nine has two extremely interesting Par-5’s (the 13th and 16th respectively) and some tough dogleg Par 4’s. Fairway conditions for early March were impressive and course overall was in pretty good shape. Greens held well (as expected) and weren’t overly bumpy. Nice little clubhouse with good-size pro shop, bar, and reception area for events. Practice area includes driving range and putting green. Pace of play was good. Good value at $26 walking.

The Bad: The front nine is fairly uninteresting with several straightaway, short Par-4’s that don’t require much strategy or skill. Odd routing has only one Par-5 or Par-3 on the front half as well. Green conditions and speed were inconsistent, which is to be expected for the first rounds before Spring. No short game or bunker practice area. Service, particularly on-course was lacking, but I suspect during the summer they have a regular cart staff.

The Verdict: I was pleasantly surprised with this little Round Lake municipal course, particularly the fun holes on the back nine. While its certainly not a visually impressive course, it is inexpensive for the area and has enough character and challenge for the good golfer.

Best Hole: The 16th hole is a crazy-looking short Par-5, a double-dogleg that requires a conservative drive to the right of a sand trap or a sweeping hook around trees to be in position to go for the green in two. The approach is hidden with trees right and a pond left, making for a difficult shot. Fun!