Grab your set of clubs and head out to the greens because August is National Golf Month! St. Charles, IL is home to one of the finest public courses around, as well as member courses, equipment shops, and places that can help you improve your game. Once you're done reading this, you'll be fully prepared to hit under par next time you hit the links.
Public Course
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
In the eyes of a golf enthusiast, having a public course in-town like the Pottawatomie Golf Course is something that can't be beat. This award winning 9-hole course has been a St. Charles, IL landmark for over 80 years, and has been a favorite of many throughout generations of players. Nestled along the side of the breathtaking Fox River, this course layout (designed by Golf Course Architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.), plays into this natural feature, especially on hole 3 with the island green design. This course is not only beautiful, but it also keeps in mind the environment. This course has been an Audubon International Certified Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf for over 25 years, ensuring that the environment is protected and the natural heritage of the game of golf is preserved. Aside from the grounds, they also have a Pro Shop where you can purchase merchandise and refreshments, and a simulator that is open year-round so you can continue to work on your game.
Members Only Courses
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Country Club
The St. Charles Country Club is a members-only club that features a gorgeous 18-hole course over the span of 140 acres. The club provides a high-level of elegance, and the greens on the course are impressively manicured. This full-service golf facility also features a pro-shop to purchase your golf necessities. Need to improve your game? They also have a driving range, a putting green, and expert staff that can help you take your skills to the next level. If you are interested in learning how you can become a member, please click here to find out more.
Photos Courtesy of the Royal Fox Country Club
For an additional member-only club in town, Royal Fox Country Club is where you can find another immaculate course. Initially designed by Richard Nugent, this 18-hole course spans a total of 6,816 yards, and goes hand in hand with integrating in with the natural surroundings. Looking for details on each hole? Please click here. On top of the breathtaking course, the Royal Fox Country Club also has a golf shop, as well as an indoor simulator studio where you can practice your game year-round. If you're interested in learning how to become a member, please click here for more information.
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Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Golf Variations
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
Maybe traditional golf isn't your thing - and that's okay! St. Charles, IL is home to an exciting Disc Golf Course that is located at James O. Breen Community Park. This is a fun alternative to regular golf, using a frisbee that you throw instead of a club to hit a ball. This course is 9 holes and weaves inside a wooded area, up and down varying elevations. Because of the many trees around, this course calls for tight throws and challenging obstacles that will keep you on the tip of your toes. Open from March thru November, this course is free to play (just make sure to bring your own equipment). This is an ideal activity for families to take part in together, and you can explore other amenities of this park, like Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, once your round is complete.
Photo #1 Courtesy of @RachelKawate, Photo #2 Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
If your strong-suit is in putting, then play a round of miniature golf at the Riverview Miniature Golf Course. Located in Pottawatomie Park (just a stone's throw away from the Pottawatomie Golf Course), you'll have picturesque views of the Fox River while you partake in this whacky competition. Navigate tight turns and unique obstacles while you shoot for your next hole-in-one! Opening day for the course is May 6th, but in June, July, and August, you can "Putt & Save" with one of their daily deals, which you can view here. Want to add an added challenge to your round? Take part in "Stanley's Spin-N-Play", where you'll spin the wheel at each hole to see what kind of challenge you'll get, including putting with your eyes closed, or spinning around five times before putting. This adds that extra layer of fun to your miniature golf experience!
Golf Resources
Photos Courtesy of Mike's Golf Center
Golf is not an easy game, and it's no secret that if you want to get better, you have to put in time and practice. This can be especially challenging in the colder months, when courses aren't necessarily open and you don't want to brace the chilly weather. Luckily, St. Charles, IL has Mike's Golf Center in town - an indoor golf instructional facility with nine state of the art golf simulators with access to over 150,000 courses! They offer both Junior and Adult programs, private and group instruction for all ages, 24/7 practice memberships, simulator golf leagues, and much more! This is the perfect place to put in the work so that when the nice weather rolls around, you'll be amply prepared to impress your friends and family out on the greens.
Photos Courtesy of Play It Again Sports
If you find that you need new golf equipment, but you really don't want to spend new golf equipment prices, you have to make a trip to Play It Again Sports. Here, they offer gently used equipment for all sports, (including frisbees for disc golf), and they even buy your old equipment if it's in good condition, too! Their experienced staff is trained to help you find exactly what you're looking for, whether it be that new putter, iron, bag, or whatever equipment you need to have your best outing yet.
After you're round, sit-back, relax, and enjoy a drink at one of the bars and breweries in town! Click here to view all the places in St. Charles where you can indulge in a fantastic beverage.