Prairie Landing Golf Club

Prairie Landing Golf Club Overview
Owned by the DuPage Airport which borders it to the north, Prairie Landing is quite simply one of the most spectacular public golf courses in the Chicago area. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr, the prairie-style track resembles a seaside links course from Ireland or Scotland, while being nowhere near any coastline. Due to its proximity to the airport, few trees are allowed on the property, making it perfect for a links blueprint.

The land here was a marsh until construction started in 1991. Over 300,000 cubic yards of dirt from a DuPage Airport runway project was hauled into the course, serving as the foundation for hills and mounds that add texture and drama to Prairie Landing. Play began in 1994 on the award winning course, which clocks in at 7,042 yards from the back tees and an intimidating course rating of 74. The hole layout is somewhat atypical for a championship course, with five par-5’s and five par-3’s. Water hazards are in play on over half the holes, adding to the difficulty. Grip it and rip it isn’t the key to success; you need to plan your shots and think your way around here, and the GPS and maps on the golf carts aid in that.

Luckily the course has a practice facility that is on par with the tremendous golf course. There are multiple par-4 practice holes to test out your game, along with designated chipping and putting greens, and a full driving range. For 2022, the fee is $32 to access the entire practice center for 3 hours. Prairie Landing’s pro shop is spacious and has tons of gear, both with and without the course logo. The restaurant here is called McChesney’s Pub & Grill and has upscale American fare.