Hey David,

I am from the Quad City area and have a few personal favoites:

1. While it may not be a hidden gem, TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois is a HUGE favorite of mine. It is not over-priced in the slightest and offers many options as far as shot types and looks in to the green. I've had the pleasure of playing this course a couple times while home on leave. Highly recommend this course.

2. Valley View Country Club in Cambridge, Illinois. My grandfather is a member and any chance I get to play there, I relish entirely. The front nine plays very flat with very little water and it's fair share of doglegs. Number 4 is a short par 5 which gives many players an interesting shot at eagle if played correctly.

3. Byron Hills Golf Course in Port Byron, Illinois. My mothers fiance is the superintendent of the course and he has done an incredible job with upkeep and reconstruction. A challenge for any handicap and a course that while I have yet to play well at, is still a wonderful course and modestly priced at that.

4. My last suggestion would be the Rock Island Arsenal Course in Rock Island, Illinois. This course up until the last couple of years was only available to military members stationed at the arsenal, but as demand to play the course rose, the arsenal finally let it's gates open to the general public. A narrow course from start to finish; trees line every hole and if you are not in the fairway, you are in trouble in some fashion. Bring extra balls and prepare for a long day if you're not accurate.

Those are my suggestions. I'm eager to hear what others think as well. I'm in Japan right now so I won't get the pleasure of playing these courses for some time, but I have every intention of doing so once I get back.

Cheers,

Justin

David,

If you're looking to get away for the weekend you can go to Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort near Galena, I'll. They have 4 great courses with The General being my favorite of the 4.

As Justin mentioned, TPC Deere Run. Love it!

David,

I live just north of Bloomington and we love to play the Elks in Pontiac.  The Elks has the best greens in the Bloomington area and you can play there anytime.  For some reason they are never crowded and always very easy to get on the course.  Hole number one is the toughest starting hole around. 

Also, ISU Wiebering course.  ISU is dumping a bunch of money into the course to spruce it up.  The greens there are fabulous and they are constructing a new learning center range area.  It is the best course in the Bloomington area. 

Joe F. 

Oak Terrace Pana Ill. Nice place very freindly staff

I am from the Lemont area and there are some great courses nearby.  Obvious is Cog Hill and Ruffled Feathers.  Old Oak and Big Run are also great.  Down in Channahon, Heritage Bluff is a great track.