Old Oak Country Club

Old Oak Country Club in Homer Glen has weathered nearly a century of changes while maintaining its character as a tree-lined challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course claims to have opened in 1926, though the earliest records I can find date to 1929 when it operated as Kinsman Golf and Country Club, where players could enjoy all-day Saturday golf for just $1.25. After falling into disrepair following World War II, the property was resurrected as El Dorado Country Club before Frank Aldridge purchased it in 1964 and gave it the Old Oak name that endures today. Mr. Aldridge also owned Old Orchard CC in Mt. Prospect. Now owned by the Lieponis family, the course has maintained its historic charm while offering modern amenities.

The 18-hole layout stretches 6,460 yards with a par of 71, featuring three par-5s and four par-3s across rolling terrain that provides both scenic beauty and strategic challenges. With a 71.5 rating and 133 slope from the back tees, Old Oak presents a difficulty level comparable to courses like Randall Oaks, Oak Brook GC, and Settler's Hill. True to its name, massive oak trees line every fairway, creating natural corridors that demand accurate tee shots. Stray from the short grass and you'll find yourself punching out from beneath the sprawling branches that have stood sentinel over this course for decades.

The course design maximizes the natural topography, with Long Run Creek flowing north of the property and numerous bunkers strategically placed throughout. The par-3 4th hole exemplifies the course's defensive philosophy, with seven bunkers guarding the green and presenting multiple recovery scenarios. Some parallel fairways exist here, while the absence of homes on the property maintains an uninterrupted golf experience. The manicured conditions and 10-minute tee time spacing ensure a quality round without feeling rushed, though weekends can always get busy.

Old Oak's facilities complement the golf experience with a multi-level clubhouse that houses both a well-stocked pro shop on the lower level and an upstairs restaurant featuring indoor seating, outdoor tables on both sides of the building, and a bar that accommodates about a dozen guests. The restaurant also includes slot machine gaming terminals, if that’s your jam. However, the practice facilities truly set Old Oak apart. The driving range descends approximately 50 feet from the tee area, creating an unusual and expansive practice environment where players usually hit off mats. Five separate practice greens and two dedicated short game areas with bunkers provide ample opportunity to refine every aspect of your game before heading to the first tee.