Olympia Fields Country Club, Olympia Fields, IL

Olympia Fields is one of the top historical golf courses in America. First, a bit about the background of this course. It was designed by Scottish professional golfer Willie Park Jr. and updated by Mark Mungeam. The course has been the site of two U.S. Opens (1928, 2003) and PGA Championships (1925, 1961.)

Playing this course will let you experience American golf history firsthand. It was the world’s largest private golf club when it was completed in 1925 and is one of the best traditional golf courses in the world.

This course is part of a private club. There are actually two courses (North and South.) This is a review of the North course. It’s in meticulous championship play conditions. Part of the reason is that it is extremely long, so members prefer to play the shorter South course. The north is a more accurate test of golf ability.

Like I said, this course is a test of endurance. The longest hole (#15) is 567 yards from the blue tee. It’s an 18 hole regulation length course with bent grass. You’ll find two holes each on the front 9 (#6, #8) and back 9 (#13, #16) that are shorter. Even the shorter holes are challenging - on #6 you hit straight over a creek which winds throughout the course (you’ll see it again on #7, 12, 14 and 16.)

Every hole is challenging in it’s own way. There isn’t one hole that lets you relax and take it easy. It’s an extremely challenging course, even for experienced golfers. There are four tees and tight, straight fairways. It’s a fairly flat course and not overly scenic, although the clubhouse is a large, historical building that looks like a cathedral from a distance and even has a clock tower.

Here’s a few things to watch out for. There are doglegs right on #2 and #3. You’ll find many traps all along the fairway (#9 and #10 have the most sand traps.) There is a large body of water between the tees on #10 and the tee on #18. The holes that don’t have sand traps or water are very narrow and heavily treed (you’ll see this on #4, #5 and #15)

Here’s a few tips I can share. Use your long irons (keep in mind the course was designed in the early 1900’s before hybrid clubs.) Being able to intentionally fade the ball will come in really handy on this course. Play this course on a day when you are feeling your best. It will test every aspect of your game and you need to be in top shape to play it well.

There are two restaurants to enjoy in the historical clubhouse - the 73rd hole or the Stagg room. Olympia Fields is a true destination, championship style course. It’s also meticulously maintained. This is sure to be one of your most memorable rounds of golf. Step back in history when you play this course!

I've played Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Medinah No.3 and Troon North among many others and I can say Olympia Fields'North and South courses are both truly elite due to the meticulous maintenance, amazing amenities and the championship level of play that is at sometimes overwhelming. It's a difficult challenge for even some of the best golfers and can bring some to tears:)All around its a great place to enjoy a round or two and have a great meal at the 73rd Hole or Stagg Room.

From the moment you arrive on property you can feel the history behind this traditional chicago-land golf course. From the back tees this course is insanely difficult with contstant long irons to well bunkered firm fast green complexes. Not as fun as the south course at OFCC in my opinion but overall is a truer test of championship style golf. Its everything you want and more in a US Open golf course