Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course

Riverdale, Illinois

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Sign at the entrance to Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course
2025 Peak Green Fee
$32 + $18 cart
Saturday morning rate; prices will vary.
Visit Course Website →
$ Low $$$ High
Budget-friendly
9th least expensive of 159 18-hole courses
Price History (w/ cart)
'23 $50
→
'24 $50
→
'25 $50
Full Page Map →
Phone (708) 849-1731
Website joelouis.forestpreservegolf.com
Address 13100 S Halsted St, Riverdale, IL 60827 (Map)
Type Public
Holes 18
Par 72 (36/36)
Tee Boxes 3
Length 6,742 yds
Longest Hole 603 yds
Rating (men) 71.4
Slope (men) 124
Driving Range No
Tee Spacing 10 minutes 🙂
Year Built 1928
Food & Drink Snacks Only

Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course Overview
The Forest Preserves of Cook County own this course, which opened in 1928 and was called Pipe O’ Peace back then. Joe Louis was a famous boxer and world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949. In fact, Louis had the longest single reign as champion of any boxer in history. He and many other outstanding African American golfers played Pipe O’ Peace frequently -- notables such as PGA Tour players Cliff Brown, Lee Elder, Charlie Sifford, and many more. In fact, according to Sports Illustrated, there used to be high stakes games here in the 1960’s, where one caddie “remembers looping for Lee Elder and Charlie Sifford, holding as much as $5,000 in each pocket for them.”

After Joe Louis retired from boxing, he challenged the PGA of America’s whites-only playing policy in 1952. He accepted an invitation and played in the San Diego Open as an exempt amateur, breaking the PGA’s color barrier for the first time. Even still, it took until 1961 for the PGA to change its policy barring golfers of color.

In 1986, the Forest Preserve began a $5 million renovation to Pipe O’ Peace which took 3 years. On August 14th, 1989, it was officially dedicated and opened as Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course. Back then, it cost $11 to play on the weekends, according to the Southtown Star newspaper. These days, the 6,742 yard, par 72 track features a 603 yard par-5, one of the longest in Chicagoland. The course is heavily wooded, mostly flat, and requires accuracy to score well. There’s 3 ponds on the venue, and while the property is bordered on the north by the Little Calumet River, it doesn’t really come into play unless you try your hardest to find it on holes 6 and 14. Overall, this muni is in line with the other 9 Forest Preserve courses in terms of course maintenance and amenities; they do a good job with the budget they have, but this is an unpretentious golf course.

The clubhouse has lots of Joe Louis photos and memorabilia, like boxing gloves and trophies. The pro shop has a modest amount of merch, and doubles as a snack shop. There’s one practice green to warm up on, but there’s no driving range here.

Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course Scorecard

Scan of the scorecard from Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course in Riverdale, Illinois.
Scan of the scorecard from Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course in Riverdale, Illinois.

Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course Aerial Imagery

Aerial satellite imagery of Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course in Riverdale, Illinois.

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News about Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course

The Crusader Oct 26, 2024 Docuseries Sheds Light on Joe Louis and the Legacy of Black Golfers Sharon Fountain CBS Chicago Sep 6, 2024 Suburban Chicago golf club encourages Black women to take up the sport Jim Williams, Edie Kasten Daily Southtown Aug 7, 2024 Flossmoor gala celebrates state’s first African American women’s golf league Jeff Vorva

Frequently Asked Questions about Joe Louis GC
Is Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course a public or private golf course?
Joe Louis GC is a public golf course.
Does Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course have a driving range?
No, Joe Louis GC doesn't have a driving range.
How many holes does Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course have?
Joe Louis GC is an 18 hole golf course.
What is par at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
Par at Joe Louis GC is 72. Par is 36 on the front 9, and 36 on the back 9.
How long is Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
Joe Louis GC is 6742 yards long.
How long is the longest hole at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
The longest hole at Joe Louis GC is 603 yards from the back tees.
How many tee boxes are there at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
Joe Louis GC has 3 tee boxes.
When was Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course originally built?
Joe Louis GC was built in 1928.
What is the hardest course rating for men at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
The toughest course rating at Joe Louis GC for men is 71.4.
What is the hardest slope rating for men at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
The highest slope rating at Joe Louis GC for men is 124.
What is the peak green fee at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
For 2025, a Saturday morning round of golf at Joe Louis GC costs $32 but a golf cart isn't included.
What is the golf cart fee at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
In 2025, golf carts cost $18 during peak times.
What kind of golf carts do they have at Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
They have both motorized golf carts and push carts at Joe Louis GC.
Where is Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course located?
The street address for Joe Louis GC is:

13100 S Halsted St
Riverdale, Illinois 60827

Here's a link to Google Maps.
What is the phone number for Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
The phone number for Joe Louis GC is (708) 849-1731.
What is the website for Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course?
The website for Joe Louis GC is https://joelouis.forestpreservegolf.com

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