Course Details
- Course Type: Public
- Architect(s): Harry B. Smead (1930), Ken Killian & Dick Nugent (1982)
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,050
- Rating: 74.6
- Slope: 142
Course Accolades
- Zagat: America’s Top Golf Courses (2012)
Course Score
- Course Conditions: 4
- Green Complexes: 6
- Amenities: 5
- Practice Facilities: 2
- Service: 4
- Course Design: 8
- Value: 5
Total Score: 4.94
Course Review
The Good: Big Run is a 90-year old Harry B. Smead design (with an influence from Nugent/Killian in the 80’s) in the southwest suburbs of Chicago that is one of the most dynamic, interesting public designs in the area. Fun topography throughout with many downhill drives & uphill approaches, but the Par-3’s are the true standout of the design. Both closing holes of each nine are tough Par-5’s that require precise drivers & strategically placed approaches. The greens complexes were expansive and very undulating, considering the pin placements on Sunday! When in good shape, it can be one of the better values in the western burbs.
The Bad: The course conditioning was extremely rough with very spotty fairways and burnt out rough. While it has certainly been a dry summer, all the area courses I’ve played thus far this year have been in better shape. The pace of play was excruciating, at nearly 6-hours on a weekend afternoon. A combination of zero management and a routing not conducive to slow play, but inexcusable regardless. Staff is fairly accommodating in the clubhouse but there was no on-course service, which didn’t aid the experience. Limited practice area with a small putting green and no driving range. At $69 during peak season, a mediocre value considering the better conditioned alternatives nearby.
The Verdict: I’m sure Big Run was a hidden gem in its heyday, but unfortunately its fallen on tough times. An extremely fun design with excellent bones, if only there was enough love from its owners.
Best Hole: Even though I tripled it, I really liked the long Par-4 2nd hole. Your drive must avoid water left and trees right, with an uphill approach to a demanding green guarded by overhanging trees and several traps.
Midwest Golf Tripper 
I jokingly inquired about buying this course a while back. A friend reached out to the mayor of Lemont I believe at the time and the word I heard was that since it has been family owned so long the course is paid off and they just use the revenue and don’t really invest in the course. I think this course has so much potential and teeth that it could be amazing with some TLC.
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