I have wisely claimed that Chicago and the immediate surrounding area is the number 2 region in the country for golf. Every time that I visit, I uncover more great options for golf. From high end private courses to accessible public golf courses, Chicagoland has a lot to offer. My most recent visit required a short drive out to Channahon and Heritage Bluffs Golf Club. The Bluffs is operated by the Channahon Park District which makes this beauty a bonafide municipal gem.
Hole #1: Par 4 - 437 yards
The first hole starts off straight forward. If you can avoid the fairway bunkers, you will have a short opening approach shot into this bunker-less green. Fire one at the flag and get started off with a birdie.
Hole #2: Par 4 - 422 yards
The second hole gives you a taste of the challenge that awaits you at Heritage Bluffs. With trouble both left and right, you will need to a relatively straight job in order to have an open approach into this medium length par 4. Navigating The Bluffs will require a nice mixture of strength on some holes and accuracy on others… this gives you a moderate dose of both.
Hole #3: Par 5 - 527 yards
The first par 5 at Heritage Bluffs is reachable for those golfers that hit a big drive in the middle of the fairway. In order to reach this green in 2 shots, you will need to navigate a wide range of hazards. The green is surrounded by bunkers and a pond awaits those that get aggressive and slice one off-line.
Hole #4: Par 4 - 467 yards
This lengthy par 4 was one of my favorite golf holes to photograph. The light in the morning and afternoon do a great job at showing off the curves and mounding around the green. Length is the primary challenge here with a pair of bunkers guarding the green.
Hole #5: Par 3 - 212 yards
The first par 3 at Heritage Bluffs requires a mid length shot to a green bunkered heavily on the right hand side. The back tee is way back there and plays over 200 yards. From the middle tees its much more manageable and the smart play is to the left hand side of the green avoiding the bunkers.
Hole #6: Par 4 - 413 yards
Both the 6th and 7th holes at Heritage Bluffs require some serious shotmaking if you are planning on emerging onto the 8th hole with the same golf ball that you entered with. You can get away with a 3 wood from the tee on the 6th hole and you will also need to be precise with your approach on this tree lined golf hole.
Hole #7: Par 4 - 430 yards
The 7th hole is another hole playing directly through the forest. Its easy to get blocked out with a tee shot that goes too far left, so keep your drive down the right hand side of the fairway. A marsh awaits poorly struck approach shots on both the left and the right. Get your par here and escape the forest.
Hole #8: Par 3 - 175 yards
The 2nd par 3 on the front nine is a reverse redan template with a large bunker guarding the front right hand side of the green. Even though the bunker is easily escapable, the smart play is out to the left hand side of the green.
Hole #9: Par 5 - 557 yards
It is time to wrap up the opening front nine with a big drive and a potential putt for eagle. You can swing hard and play down the left hand side of the hole in order to avoid the trouble that awaits to the right of the fairway. A birdie would be a great way to head into the back nine.
Hole #10: Par 4 - 379 yards
The 10th hole is one of my favorites at Heritage Bluffs. You have several options from the tee and most golfers won’t need a driver to put the ball in an ideal position for the approach. However, the claustrophobic nature of the hole will likely cause some golfers issues. But the late afternoon shadows create a magnificent scene that will make you forget all about your double bogey.
Hole #11: Par 5 - 543 yards
The first par 5 on the back nine is one of the most photogenic golf holes at Heritage Bluffs. This slight dog leg right plays slightly uphill and gets some glorious light in the morning and the afternoon. A quartet of bunkers protects the green, but if you manage three solid shots, you should have a good look at birdie.
Hole #12: Par 4 - 470 yards
After a good chance at birdie, the 12th hole requires you to step up and hit two good golf shots. The approach is the most demanding of the two as it plays into a grove with a big bunker protecting the left front side of the green. The length of this hole will most likely have you asking, “I still have how much into the green!?!” after your drive.
Hole #13: Par 3 - 167 yards
The shortest par 3 at Heritage Bluffs is a fun one. Depending on the pin position, this hole can offer a good chance to stick one in there tight. A miss that finds any of the four bunkers can prove problematic.
Hole #14: Par 5 - 573 yards
The longest hole at The Bluffs doesn’t feel quite as long as it is. A few good shots and you will have a short iron into this well protected green. The picture below is my favorite angle from the entire photo shoot. There are a lot of great elements here with the 11th and 16th holes looming in the distance and the water tower peaking over the horizon. This shot really gives you a great feel of what its like to visit and play Heritage Bluffs.
Hole #15: Par 4 - 409 yards
The 15th is one of the more unique par 4’s at The Bluffs. The fairway plays straight away and then cuts back to the right, down a hill and through a grove of trees. The unique crook in this golf hole gives the approach shot an exciting feel.
Hole #16: Par 3 - 184 yards
The final opportunity for an ace comes on the 16th hole. This a big pond fronting the right side of the green but there are no bunkers in play. Just ignore the water and send one right at the flag.
Hole #17: Par 4 - 404 yards
Things tighten up a bit down the stretch at The Bluffs. With a good drive, the 17th offers a good chance at finding a late birdie. The pin position can make a big difference on this lengthy green.
Hole #18: Par 4 - 402 yards
Similar to the 6th and 7th holes, the 18th hole requires a great deal of accuracy off of the tee. There is room to the right, but those woods to the left of the fairway are filled with golf balls. You might want to hit a driving iron or a 3 wood just to make sure that you hit the fairway. The approach is set into a hillside and is much easier than the tee shot. A sign thanks you for playing as you head back to the clubhouse.
