Shepherd's Crook Golf Course, Zion, IL

This is one of the premier "values" in, not just the area, the entire Midwest. Always in excellent condition. The modern links style layout can be challenging from the back tees, especially when there is wind. No range is a negative, but the straightforward opening holes try to make up for that. Food is pretty good and also very reasonable. The layout has some interesting holes and most of the greens have multiple levels. The smell of the adjacent landfill can hit you at times on the first couple holes, but I tend to forget about it quickly. I would recommend this to anyone in the area, regardless of budget or skill level.