Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Opened in 1927, Cog Hill is made up of four courses just a half-hour southwest of the Loop. The most famous is the No. 4 Dubsdread, which was the site of the PGA's Western Open from 1991 to 2006 and the BMW Championship in 2007 and from 2009 until 2011. Dubsdread has been mentioned in Golfweek, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and several other publications as a top course in the United States.
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club
12294 Archer Road
Lemont, IL 60439
http://coghillgolf.com
Pine Meadow Golf Club
Just north of downtown in the suburb of Mundelein, Pine Meadow is a picturesque golf course. With 250-year-old oak trees, towering pine and maple trees and the lush green fairways, it's clear to see that a lot of work has been done to maintain this beauty. The practice facilities are what set Pine Meadow apart from other top courses. Don't be surprised if you see a PGA or LPGA pro getting some practice during your round.
Pine Meadow Golf Club
1 Pine Meadow Lane
Mundelein, IL 60060
(847) 566-4653
http://www.pinemeadowgc.com
Harborside International Golf Center
About 15 miles south of the Loop, Harborside's two courses are located on the northwest shore of Lake Camulet. The Port and Starboard courses are links-style courses with the classic tall, grassy dunes and deep pot bunkers. The site of the 2002 SBC Senior Open on the Champions Tour impressed many, including the legendary Ben Crenshaw, who compared Harborside to Muirfield in Scotland.
Harborside International Golf Center
11001 S. Doty Ave.
Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 782-7837
www.harborsideinternational.com
Navy Pier
Constructed in 1916, Navy Pier is an integral part of the lakefront. With fireworks twice a week in the summer and fall, a Ferris wheel, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass and the Chicago Children's Museum, there are plenty of activities for young and old alike. Navy Pier is perfect for the family, a date or just something fun to do with friends.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437
http://www.navypier.com
Willis Tower
Better known as Sears Tower prior to 2009, Willis Tower is the tallest building in the United States and the fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world. The skydeck on the 103rd floor offers an unobstructed view in all directions of Chicago. Plus, there are glass balconies that allow visitors to look down to the street below. While the line to the skydeck may be a bit long, there are plenty of exhibits and posters on the wall that give a brief history of the tower that help pass the time.
Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 474-0090
http://www.willistower.com
About The Author
Sean Quinn is a writer and editor based in New York City. He has spent the last decade covering major sporting events from the NFL playoffs to the U.S. Open. He has written for the Kansas City Star and ESPN, among others. He is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
