Bittersweet Golf Club

Bittersweet Golf Club Overview
Bittersweet Golf Club was established in June 1996 as a public-private venture with the village of Gurnee. Noted for the vast amount of water on the course, an August 1996 Chicago Tribune review mentioned the unique and demanding tests of the course: “A wet suit would be fitting attire, and bring plenty of balls. Bittersweet makes Kemper Lakes seem like a walk through the desert." Water is on 16 of the 18 holes here. Back then, it cost $40 to play Bittersweet, and at $70 in 2023, costs have been kept down. Financial difficulties led to the club’s foreclosure in 2009, prompting the Gurnee village government to invest over $500,000 in public funds to take over the struggling course. On April 15, 2011, Gurnee officially assumed ownership, and the management responsibilities were entrusted to GolfVisions.

Spanning 6,751 yards with a par of 72, the challenging landscape is nothing if not demanding. With a course rating of 73.3 and a slope of 137, it offers a level of difficulty comparable to Bowes Creek, Odyssey, and Blackstone, but feels more on-edge than those courses. Abundant water features and wetlands present a formidable challenge. Notably, Bittersweet avoids the feeling of parallel fairways, creating an isolated experience for each hole. Hole #2 stands out as the most challenging, featuring a 565-yard par-5 with water to the right, wetlands to the left, and imposing trees on the other side, leaving players with nowhere to miss. But that template can basically be used to describe most holes at the venue.

This muni has a first-rate practice facility, making it an ideal destination for golfers seeking to hone their skills. The lighted grass-tee driving range features a trap for fairway bunker shot practice, a convenient touch. Three separate greens allow for putting, chips/pitches, and bunker shots. The pro shop is well-stocked with necessary merchandise, ensuring golfers have what they need. The on-site restaurant, Fireside Bar & Grill, serves American pub classics, offering a casual dining option for visitors at Bittersweet Golf Course.