Cinder Ridge Golf Course, Wilmington, IL

This course is a bit of a well-kept secret. It doesn’t look like much from the highway, but it has plenty to offer. One of my favorite things about the course is how private it is. It’s rare that you see other golfers on the course, and you’ll almost never see golf balls from other player’s rounds landing on your fairway.

Something unique about this course is that it was actually designed by the owner George Kappos, who doesn’t have a background in golf course design. None of the holes run parallel to each other, which is what gives the course such a unique level of privacy. The course was actually nominated for Best Design.

Another fun fact about this course. It was actually built on land that was previously used for coal mining. In the earlier days of the course (it opened in 1996), they actually used cinder to fill the bunkers. They’ve since changed over to sand for easier play. This course has lots of character.

Although the course is on the long side (just under 7,000 yards from the blue tees), they do offer 5 different tees so you can play this course with golfers of different skill levels. The total course length from the Ladies Tee is 4,848.

The course is a nice mix of Par 3, 4 and 5 holes, but don’t be fooled - there are some LONG holes on this course. Holes #2, #11 and #18 are all over 500 yards, and Hole #8 is a beast at 628 yards! You can catch a breather on the Par 3’s, which you can easily use your 8-iron on.

This course has plenty of traps (52 in all.) The front 9 are relatively flat and open, with the back 9 changing into a hilly, ravine-like landscape. Seeing deer on this course is not uncommon. There are large bodies of water just past the pin on the 5th and 13th holes, and directly in front of the green on the 18th hole. If you’re looking for a slightly less difficult round, I’d recommend playing the front 9.

The course is well maintained, but I have sometimes noticed that the putting greens are really fast. So, use a light touch. The course is also extremely well marked, so you can easily play a round in 4 hours.

One of the best things about Cinder Ridge is the amazing value. You can play a weekend round with a cart for $50. If you play a walking twilight round, it’s only $25. For a course of this quality, it’s extremely good value. Especially in the greater Chicago area.

The only real downside of this course is the limited amenities. There is a grill that offers basics like beer and hot dogs, but it’s more of a place to grab a quick bite then enjoy a true 19th hole. Also, I have heard the marshall’s can be a bit intense at times and too strict (even snappy), but that’s never been my personal experience. The owners are passionate about golf and they really keep up with the maintenance of their course, which I appreciate.

Check out Cinder Ridge if you’re looking for a hidden gem not too far from Chicago. Enjoy the privacy, value and unique layout.

All of these reviews are outdated. This course has been well maintained for the past few years and looks and plays great. Tough enough for the scratch golfer but easy enough from the front tees for everyone to enjoy.

Played back nine yesterday and the owner threw me off the course for going into the wood/brush and trying to retrieve a ball. I stood there in total disbelief as he screamed profanities at me at the top of his lungs, tried to rip my golf bag off the cart and threw me off the course. Then he got into his golf cart and drove away. The entire encounter lasted about one minute. After he was done I asked myself "Did that just happen?". Worst golf experience I have ever had, hands down. Just stunned that a business owner would be that aggressive with a patron and actually use profanity and attempt to take there personal property with little to no provocation. If you decide to go "Beware of Golf Course Owner".

Ok course for the $35 that it costs on a Fri. Very weedy and the course needs some TLC!! Would have been disappointed to pay a weekend rate! Definitely not worth the extra drive from the Plainfield courses that I usually play. Probably won't go back.

Nice course and the staff is great.Could play very hard if you spray the ball. The greens need to be a little faster but other wise a fun place to play.

whoever designed this should obviously choose another line of work....the owner is extremely rude..would never go back