(Mods, I don't know where this belongs, so move as necessary - I don't post here often... must say B.S.G gets most of my talk posts... don't know why... consider WRX lucky for that )

My company (I am the BD Manager - it's not my company ) is looking to join a private club in the chicago-land area. We were members at Kemper Lakes but the previous BD guy left and so did the membership.

I am wondering what country club any of you that are more familiar with that scene than I would suggest. It's difficult to decide with some really nice clubs around and I don't know the availability/price of sponsored clubs like Conway Farms, Knollwood, Shore Acres, etc. so the likes of Ivanhoe, Wynstone, Royal Melbourne and a bunch others are being kicked around. It should be noted we are in Lake County IL and east almost along the lake and just south of the wisconsin border, so south side chicago clubs are somewhat inconvenient.

It'd be good if we could do a corporate membership as the Owner of the co. and myself would need to be able to play pretty regularly, but maybe a loose unaccompanied guest policy could help with me as he would most likely be the member if it was a solo membership so the "kemper" situation doesn't happen again.

What we need is a good golf course in great shape, good practice facility, good staff, great food/amenities, pretty social. I'd say golf and the "other stuff" (especially food) split importance. Price should be "reasonable" but around here we know it'll be a little pricey.

Anyway, what do ya think?

If you have the dough, Ivanhoe and Wynstone are your best bets in that area. Ivanhoe is a great place. Just my .02

Thanks... dough should not be that big of a problem, though I can't go nuts. I know Ivanhoe and Wynstone are within "reason" for us, and Ivanhoe is the cheaper of the two I believe. Those are two that have been kicked around. Another that is strongly considered is Royal Melbourne... I am leaning toward the hoe or Wynstone myself atually. Any info or ideas about any club will help...

Thanks

Christian

Agreed with the above poster regarding Ivanhoe- three rather distinct nines, immaculate conditions, solid membership. Played in their member guest for years and was very impressed. Most of the aforementioned clubs will NOT have a "loose" unaccompanied guest policy- not too many do in the Chicagoland area (or so it seems). Regarding anything on the north shore, ie Shore Acres, Glencoe, North Shore C C, Bob O Link, etc will run you close to six figures or more (% of equity unknown) and be put on a waiting list. Unlike certain parts of the city, these clubs are NOT hurting for members. Ive played Bull Valley- little tricked up but not too bad. Conway Farms is very nice but is also pushing 50-100 k entrance fee. What about Barrington Hills?

Unfortunately for you, distance will be a problem finding a good deal because there are a few clubs south of Chicago that are rather reasonable and do not have full membership. Flossmor is a great track as is Ridge CC. Idlewild is not to bad.

Im a member at Riverside G.C. We have a great track and am quite happy that I joined a few years back. Tight tree lined fairways with very fast greens. Always in excellent shape (although that last rain storm damaged a few holes so they are out of play for the rest of the year ). Great membership. A lot of great clubs west of the city for a bit less than the ones on the north shore but solid golf nonetheless. Ive played quite a few so if I can help feel free to ask...

i have friends that are ot Conway Farms and it is really nice. really really nice. you just need some $$$$$

thanks guys, keep it coming... again cash isn't a problem. We are fully expecting to spend 50k pretty easily for initiation and understand that it's most likely going to be closer to 100k (Chicago is $$$$ - for comparison purposes, I played a course in the Hamptons on Long Island a few weeks ago.... get ready.... $1 million initiation... that would be a cash problem )

Keep in mind, many of the clubs mentioned do NOT have a relaxed, unaccompanied policy. Most in that range require member accompaning guests.

.02

Yeah that's going to be tough... it's really the company that we want to have the membership persay. It's mainly me that will be playing and entertaining, and although I'd love for them to name me and just get me a membership, I'm sure the Owner of our co. is most likely going to be the named person of the account so as to avoid the problem we had with our former BD guy leaving. I don't know how to accomodate us (there's 3 of us that could use this for business) without a loose unaccom. guest policy or a corporate membership.

I have played Royal Melbourne and it is a great track. The amenities are great and the staff was wonderful. I am not to sure about the corprate deal or how loose the guest play policies are but overall I was pleased with everything there.

Does it have to be a private course? Why not Cog Hill? 4 courses and one of them hosts a PGA event every year.

Damn I never knew that was a public setup.

I have to get out to RM... sounds good. As for Cog, or even Glen Club or whatever, yes it does have to be full private.

You guys hiring? LOL

actually yes - if you're an expereince project manager or estimator... but we work you guys to death and don't pay you well enough... for me being BD, it's golf, schmoozing and more golf hopefully!

There is a course opening soon in Oakbrook that is a Arthur Hills design, 7500 yards, with a incredible practice facility including 2 practice holes. The course name is Chicago Highlands. It is near Fresh Meadows golf course. If you want more info. shoot me a p.m. I've got a friend that just joined. Last I heard the course which will open in the spring.

Okay, so these are strongly considered at this point... Ivanhoe, Wynstone, Merit Club. I know the least about Merit Club but it's the closest to the office. I've only played it once and it was great, but that was years ago. Any more info? We might even try Merit and another like Ivanhoe or Wynstone, but we'll see.

I am lobbying to join one north and one south... what are the good deals/cubs a little farther south? A friend is telling me about Olympia Fields and there are few others around Chicago that I think are pretty reasonable right now (hurting for members) or so I hear...

Stay away from Wynstone - nice country club, but the golf is average.

Olympia Fields is a great club and a great deal on the southside.

Olympia's cost and policies may be your best bet.

Oh and it has 2 OUTSTANDING courses.....

Conway and North Shore are awesome. So is the Glen View club.

Anymore thoughts on Merit Club

The Merit Club is fantastic. I have played it quite a bit because my father in law was a member there. First of all, it is a great golf course. Second, it is beautiful. We had the rehearsal dinner for our wedding there and people could not stop commenting on how pretty it was. Staff is also very friendly. I would highly recommend it.

P.S. I am a project manager, where should I send the resume

I live right down the street from Merit and i must say that course is overrated. I believe North Shore, Knollwood or Shore Acres are the best in Lake County. If you don't mind driving up to Lake Geneva, then i think Bigfoot C.C. is better than anything around here.

Can somone ballpark $$ for Olympia fields membership?

~60k I believe.

I would think that is very high for OF... the south side clubs are really aching for members from what I understand and in this economy - anything is possible! It's one I might consider for a southern club, so I'll know soon I guess, but it sounds high from some preliminary info.