Nestled in the West Suburbs of Chicago, Willow Crest Golf Club is a delightful blend of charm and challenge, making it a favorite among avid golfers. The course’s compact routing and unique features ensure that players have a memorable experience, whether they spot a sports legend or not.
During a past visit, I caught a glimpse of NBA star Scottie Pippen on the putting green. Though I resisted the urge to approach him for an autograph, the encounter added a layer of excitement to my outing. Yet, it is the course itself that remains etched in my memory. Designed by Dick Nugent, this par 70 course is situated off Cass Avenue on the picturesque grounds of the Hilton Oak Brook Hills resort.
Spanning just over 6,400 yards, Willow Crest boasts a variety of holes that challenge players of all skill levels. Among its features are a 595-yard par 5 (the 11th) and four par 4s that exceed 400 yards, ensuring there are plenty of opportunities for better golfers to showcase their skills. With a rating of 71.1 and a slope of 132 from the back tees, the course reflects its meticulously designed layout, marked by water hazards on two-thirds of the holes and 50 strategically placed bunkers.
Although the course is compact, golfers may find more space off the tee than anticipated, emboldening players to take a confident swing. One notable hole is the 5th, a challenging 525-yard par 5 that requires careful consideration of its obstacles. A pond graces the front of the tee box, but the real challenges arise as the fairway climbs and angles to the right, with out-of-bounds areas to the left and mature trees framing the landing zone.
The par 5 holes, including the 11th, often culminate in uphill approaches, with the 14th playing particularly steeply over the final yards. Action on the course is not just reserved for par 5s; Willow Crest also features six well-designed par 3s. Spaced evenly throughout the layout, each hole presents unique challenges, such as the 170-yard 8th that features water lining the right side. The signature 18th hole concludes the round with a rare par 3 that demands a precise downhill tee shot over water.
Nugent’s design maintains an interesting mix of pars without back-to-back holes of the same type, creating a varied and engaging golfing experience. The dual doglegs of the 16th and 17th holes require strategic navigation with water hazards affecting both tee shots. The 9th hole stands as a contender for the hardest par on the course, entailing a 443-yard trek that favors the right side of the fairway to avoid the trees lining the left.
As players make their way around the tightly designed course, they can appreciate the intentional use of space that combines elements of both parkland and prairie golf. However, those with an errant drive may find themselves in adjacent fairways, underscoring the course's compact layout.
In terms of pricing, Willow Crest is at the higher end of public courses in the Windy City. Weekend rates for morning tee times hover around $79, while weekday prices fall into the mid-$70s range. A special before 9 am offers a more appealing $59, with discounted afternoon and twilight rates available. These fees align with similar courses in the area, such as Oak Brook Golf Club or the Hilton Resort course at Indian Lakes.
For golfers seeking a dynamic round with scenic views and a variety of challenges, Willow Crest Golf Club presents an enticing option within the vibrant golfing culture of the Chicago suburbs.
