Bonnie Dundee Golf Club

Bonnie Dundee Golf Course, located in Carpentersville, Illinois, was established in 1924. Longtime course employee Anuta Harms acquired the course in 1950 and operated it as a semi-private club until her passing in 1988. In 1991, Kane County residents voted against a developer's plan to convert the land into an office park, leading to the purchase of the course by the Dundee Park District in 1992 for approximately $5 million. The park district invested an additional $600,000 in improvements, including the relocation of the parking lot. The old lot, situated across Highway 25, posed safety concerns as golfers had to navigate their equipment across the busy road. Non-residents were charged $21 for 18 holes in 1992. That number was just $41 in 2023.

The course spans 6,047 yards, on the shorter side by contemporary standards. With a par of 70, a course rating of 68.8, and a slope of 118, it is akin in difficulty to Burnham Woods, Brae Lock, and Indian Boundary. The course is well maintained and often praised for its excellent value, with the maximum fee for 18 holes (walking) capped at $41 in 2023. The flat terrain is characterized by relatively narrow fairways, generally 25 yards wide. Most holes run parallel to each other, with a scattering of trees serving as dividers. For you aquaphobic types, the course features only one water hazard – a pond in the center of the property, coming into play on the par-3 6th hole.

While Bonnie Dundee Golf Course offers a full 18-hole experience, its practice facilities are spartan. A putting green is available for honing your short game, but there's no driving range for warming up with long shots. Instead, golfers can hit into a net. Don't expect a fully stocked pro shop either, as the physical shop has been closed for several years. The current setup involves checking in at an outdoor desk before heading into the clubhouse, where you'll find a limited selection of golf balls for purchase but not much else in terms of equipment. Despite the lack of retail options, the clubhouse boasts an abundance of seating and a well-stocked bar, though there's no restaurant on-site. So, come ready to play and relax, but leave your shopping aspirations elsewhere.