Ruffled Feathers Golf Club

Nestled in Lemont, Illinois, next to famed Cog Hill (and the now defunct Gleneagles GC), lies the only Pete Dye-designed course in the Chicagoland area, Ruffled Feathers Golf Club. Created by the legendary architect and his son, P.B. Dye, the course opened in 1992 on a property stitched together from five former farm plots. It was originally intended to be a private club for the surrounding upscale home community, with a hefty $50,000 non-resident membership fee, but a recession led to a change in plans. The developer, Robert Ranquist, was ousted, and the course shortly became public. The name itself is a story according to a July 14, 1990 Chicago Tribune article; before work everyday, Ranquist's wife would tell him, "Don't get your feathers ruffled," a phrase that ironically foreshadowed the project's tumultuous beginnings.

True to the Dye legacy, Ruffled Feathers presents a formidable challenge, emphasizing strategy and visual intimidation. With a par of 72, the course stretches to 6,898 yards from the back tees, boasting a demanding 74.1 rating and a slope of 142. Its difficulty is comparable to other imposing tracks like The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Thunderhawk, and any 18 hole combination at Cantigny. Water is a constant threat, and each hole, often spread far apart from the next, is its own Dye puzzle to solve. The design was initially meant to evoke the feel of a Scottish links course, though today it's characterized by a modest number of trees and the stately homes of the Ruffled Feathers community that frame many fairways. Derby Road runs north-south through the property, splitting the layout with five holes situated to its west.

While the design pedigree is impeccable, recent golfer experiences have been mixed. The 2024 peak green fees are in the same upscale tier as a course like Cantigny, setting a high expectation for course conditions. Unfortunately, many who play here now gripe about the conditioning not meeting that standard, with particular frustration directed at the numerous, often poorly maintained bunkers. Several traps have been called entirely unplayable, which is unthinkable at this price point. Some golfers point the finger at the management company, Arcis, for these perceived shortcomings. The focus of the facility also seems divided. The huge and striking clubhouse, which opened in 1995, is beautiful inside and out. It's a popular venue for weddings and events. But tellingly, when you call the club, the first phone option is for "event sales," not the pro shop, leading to accusations that the golf experience has become a secondary priority.

The pro shop at Ruffled Feathers is large and well-stocked with merchandise, yet much of its space is unusually filled with tables and seating. The practice facilities, however, are a bright spot. A large driving range features grass tees and a rare fairway practice bunker. While a large putting green sits near the first tee, the true gem is the expansive short game area near the entrance. Although a sign designates it for the DePaul golf team, it's not uncommon to see other golfers honing their skills there. In its heyday, Ruffled Feathers was a prestigious host, housing the Illinois PGA and Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, entities that have since relocated to The Glen Club, leaving behind a beautiful, challenging, yet somewhat enigmatic golf destination.