George W. Dunne National Golf Course - Oak Forest, IL Review

Chicagoland has a multitude of golf courses - from the exclusively private to the public municipal courses. Many of these municipal courses are run by the local Forest Preserve district. Of the eleven Forest Preserve courses in Cook County, George W. Dunne National Golf Course probably has the most potential. It is also the most expensive.

Located in southwest suburban Oak Forest, Dunne does offer a variety of challenging holes with some decent scenery. The bent grass fairways and greens just need some more nurturing to justify the higher green fees. Add regular slow play to the overall mediocre quality of the course, and the result is less than ideal.

I really wanted to like this place. I tried it many times, hoping the next time would be better. I even aced the par-3 17th hole (180 yards into a stiff wind over water - 6 iron). Not even that has made me go back!

If the staff would make the greens more consistent and less bumpy, give life to the many dead areas of grass in the middle of the fairway, and actually use a ranger to keep pace of play under 5 hours, I would try it again. Until then, there are far too many other Chicagoland courses in better condition that are playable for less money.

QUALITY
Tee Boxes - average
Fairways - often dead spots, hard, sometimes green
Greens - bumpy, brownish green
Clubhouse/Pro Shop - old, outdated

PRICE
Over $50 for a prime-time weekend round (cart is another $14) is just not worth it.