Whisper Creek Golf Club

Situated within the massive Del Webb Sun City Huntley residential community, Whisper Creek Golf Club has offered a unique, links-feel experience since its opening in 2000. Course architect Greg Nash and Billy Casper Golf designed a layout with very few trees, instead dotting the landscape with interesting rock formations and small waterfalls. This creates a distinct natural beauty, though your round will be played amongst a great number of homes. The course is a haven for wildlife, with sandhill cranes frequently spotted. For the truly hardcore golfers among us, a perk is its year-round availability; the course only closes when snow is on the ground.

The layout at Whisper Creek presents a formidable challenge, stretching to 7,103 yards from the tips with a course rating of 73.8 and a slope of 135. Its difficulty is comparable to other respected Chicagoland tracks like Highlands of Elgin, Prairie Landing, and Makray Memorial. Water hazards, fed by the nearby South Branch of the Kishwaukee River, come into play on more than half of the holes. Your enjoyment of the round will largely depend on your comfort with the surrounding homes of the Sun City community. Some fairways are lined on both sides by houses, especially on holes 5, 6, 9, 13, 14, and 18. If you feel claustrophobic in these circumstances, maybe this venue isn’t for you.

A standout challenge is the par-5 8th hole, a colossal 616 yards, making it one of the longest in the entire Chicago area. The course is a standard par 72, and players will appreciate the pace of play dictated by 10-minute tee time spacing.

When you arrive for the first time, the facility layout may be a bit confusing. You will see two buildings and pathways; the pro shop and clubhouse are in the building to your left. The larger building to the right is Jamesons Charhouse, a fine restaurant but separate from the golf operations. For a post-round bite, the course has its own Casper's Cafe, a counter-service spot with hot dogs, brats, and outdoor seating. The pro shop itself is huge, ranking among the largest in the area with a vast selection of apparel and equipment. Furthermore, the practice facility is a true highlight. It features a large grass driving range, a putting green near the clubhouse, and a dedicated short game area at the far end of the range with two additional greens and a practice bunker.

Originally opened as an amenity for the planned community, the course was first owned by builders Del Webb and Pulte Homes. In 2006, Pulte Homes sold the course to Billy Casper Golf. That management company eventually rebranded to Indigo Golf Partners before being acquired by Troon Golf, which continues to own and operate Whisper Creek today. This history of professional management is reflected in the course’s consistently nice manicuring. And green fees include a cart, which you’ll appreciate as you navigate this sprawling layout.