Whitetail Ridge Golf Club

Whitetail Ridge Golf Club, which opened in 2007, was designed by the accomplished architect Greg Martin. Martin is also known for his work on various Chicagoland tracks such as Wilmette GC, The Preserve at Oak Meadows, and Rich Harvest Farms. The club is situated out past Naperville and Aurora in the far southwest suburbs of Kendall County. Since its inception, Whitetail has undergone modifications, adding approximately 200 yards to its original layout, thereby intensifying the challenge for players and affecting the course rating and slope. Recognized for its beautiful natural environment, Whitetail Ridge Golf Club is acknowledged as an upscale golfing destination within the region.

The venue showcases a meticulously manicured landscape with hilly terrain that introduces intrigue and complexity to the playing experience. But with “Ridge” in the name, you knew there’d be elevation changes. Whitetail clocks in at 6,828 yards with a par of 71, featuring a 72.3 course rating and a slope of 135. The course is comparable in difficulty to Springbrook GC, Sanctuary GC, and Sunset Valley GC. The front and back nines offer distinct characteristics. The front, situated on the western portion of the property below the ridge, presents a links-style atmosphere with tightly clustered holes and minimal tree coverage. In contrast, the back nine follows a more traditional setup, featuring additional tree coverage, spaced-out holes, and more elevation changes. Notably, 16 out of 18 holes incorporate water hazards, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in shots. The squared-off tee boxes contribute to the overall quality of the course, a feature I’d expect at this price point in the outskirts of the city.

Whitetail Ridge boasts a large and impressive clubhouse spanning 24,000 square feet, characterized by a modern design. Unfortunately, not a lot of this grand space is dedicated to the golfing public. The pro shop, situated on the bottom floor adjacent to the restaurant, appears to be somewhat of an afterthought and lacks an extensive selection of merchandise. I guess retail is a tough business these days. The restaurant, named the Persimmon Room, offers a menu featuring upscale American classics and golfer favorites such as hot dogs and brats. It has a good amount of outdoor seating. The practice facility, located west of the clubhouse, includes a driving range and one practice green, but it notably lacks bunkers to practice in.