Pine Meadow Golf Club, Mundelein, Illinois, USA

http://www.pinemeadowgc.com


After having played Cog Hill No. 4, I couldn't miss to visit the other Jemsek Golf facility in Chicago designed by the same architect of the Dubsdread, Joe Lee.

A gem located about one hour north of the Windy City that opened in 1986 and named soon after Best New Public Golf Course by Golf Digest and 1988 and 1990 One of America's Top 25 Public Golf Courses.

Pine Meadow is a fun and challenging tree lined fairways course built on the grounds of an old seminary. Actually on that piece of land surrounded by pines, lakes and creeks, an 18 holes course already existed since 1929. Wanted by Cardinal Mundelein, first cardinal named on the diocese of Chicago, it has been designed by William Flynn of Toomey and Flynn of Philadelphia on 220 acres of the 1,000 acres consisting the seminary property. Then, in 1985, Joe Jemsek leased it from the Archdiocese of Chicago and started a $7 million renovation with a new design of the course and the result of today's jewel.

First think I noticed approaching the clubhouse was the extremely relaxed and serene atmosphere of the club.

The General Manager, the pro shop and bar employees, golf course superintendent and the maintenance staff, all where cordial, friendly and really welcoming.

Before challenging Lee's creation, I headed towards the state of the art practice area, considered one of the best in the state, featuring a huge driving range with mats and grass tee, bunkers and short game greens, and an awarded fitting center.

The course itself has been an absolute unexpected positive surprise. 

Pine Meadow is a 7297 yds classic parkland (74,8/138), with seven sets of tees to choose from.  Bentgrass fairways are wide and most of the holes are generally forgiving on errant shots giving the golfer easy chances of recovery. Greens are generous in size, receptive and relatively easy, rolling true on the day I played. The layout is surrounded by a lush vegetation including shagbark hickory trees, 200 year old oak trees, pines, maples, six water hazards and tree lakes, and of course sand bunkers, 86 of them.

An incredible protected natural environment for an unforgettable golf experience. At times, while walking Pine Meadow fairways, I had the sensation of being brought back in time, far from everything, as I was playing golf on another era. I don't know why, just a feeling...may be due to the spiritual soil of the property!!

Today Pine Meadow is nationally recognized as one of the top public courses in America, receiving various accolades. Just to mention a few of them:

• 2002 - 5 Star Rating by Chicagoland Golf

• 2003/2004 - Voted 28th Best Public Golf Course in the Country by Golf Digest

• 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 - Top 10 Public Courses in Illinois

• 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 - Top 25 Courses in Illinois

• 2012 8th Best Public Course in Illinois by Golf Magazine

• 4.5 stars rating by Golf Digest

Check my photos and if you are traveling Midwest don't miss to visit Pine Meadow.

#1 Hole Par 4 402 yds

#2 Hole Par 5 556 yds

#3 Hole Par 4 492 yds

#4 Hole Par 5 540 yds

#4 Hole Par 5 540 yds

#5 Hole Par 3 245 yds

#6 Hole Par 4 445 yds

#7 Hole Par 4 457 yds

#7 Hole Par 4 457 yds

#8 Hole Par 3 196 yds

#9 Hole Par 4 380 yds

#9 Hole Par 4 380 yds

#10 Hole Par 4 394 yds

#10 Hole Par 4 394 yds

#11 Hole Par 4 374 yds

#12 Hole Par 3 195 yds

#13 Hole Par 5 565 yds

#13 Hole Par 5 565 yds

#14 Hole Par 4 418 yds

#15 Hole Par 5 563 yds

#18 Hole Par 4 460 yds

#18 Hole Par 4 460 yds

Practice Facilities

Practice Facilities