Course Details
- Architect: David Esler (2002)
- Course Type: Private
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 6,930
- Rating: 73.5
- Slope: 134
Course Accolades
- Golf Digest: #16 in Illinois
- Golf Week: #66 Modern USA & #6 Private in Illinois
- Top100Courses: #8 in Illinois
Course Score
- Course Conditions: 9
- Green Complexes: 9
- Amenities: 6
- Practice Facilities: 9
- Service: 9
- Course Design: 9
Total Score: 8.46
Course Review
The Good: Black Sheep is a 27-hole men’s only private club on the outskirts of western Chicago suburbs. Amazing prairie style design from local architect David Esler is ruggedly beautiful and very challenging. Course is visually intimidating but fair off the tee, while the real test are the extremely undulating green complexes. The 6-foot tall fescue grass all over has a “Field of Dreams” look to it. The 1st and 3rd Nines have the best Par 5’s on the course and excellent Par 3’s. Near perfect fairway conditions and greens that putt very quick and true. Fabulous practice facility includes very nice driving range and excellent short game area. Service is top notch: the complimentary drinks and food for member guests is a nice touch. One of the most beautiful tree-less layouts in the Midwest, particularly in the fall.
The Bad: While many would suggest its part of Black Sheep’s mystique, the amenities are lacking for a high-profile private club: No restroom areas or paved cart paths on the course. Limited signage and distance markers.
The Verdict: Black Sheep is one of the very best golf courses in all of Illinois, private or public. An absolutely memorable experience. What Esler did with a fairly benign piece of land is just short of a miracle.
Best Hole(s): The uphill Par 5 #2 on the 1st Nine is an incredible marvel of a hole. Huge sand traps must be navigated to an uphill green that falls of the table. The long Par 4 #9 on the 3rd Nine is a very tough finishing hole that can ruin a good round.
Midwest Golf Tripper 