Olympia Fields Country Club

 


      This past weekend, I played golf Olympia Fields Country Club, one of the most prominent clubs in Illinois, if not the world. A couple of months before, I received an invitation to play here from a member. Immediately, we worked to set up a tee time, and soon we decided on playing the 3rd Friday of May. As soon as we pulled up to the course, I knew I was in for something special. The expansive clubhouse with its world famous clock tower was a sight to behold, and the rolling, perfectly groomed, emerald fairways looked like something out of a golf magazine. Next, we had met with our host (I am truly grateful. He made this an amazing experience). Then we went off to the range to hit some practice balls. Then, it was off to the first tee.

    The entire front 9 flows very well together. It plays through centuries old trees and over gentle hills. Some of the most exciting holes were the 3rd, a world class par 4 were the tee shot is blind and the second shot plays over a creek and an interesting, old fashioned bunker complex, and the 6th, a fun downhill par 3. The front 9 closes with a monster of a par 4 that may be one of the hardest holes on the course.

    However, it is really the back 9 when this classic layout begins to show its style. The best holes start at 12, a par 4 were you must negotiate with water, trees, and a tricky green. Next is the 13th an interesting, middle length uphill par 3. Then comes 14, a classic golf hole. This extraordinary par 4 consists of an elevated teebox, 2 creek crossings, and an uphill 2nd shot (that may be partially blind depending on where your tee shot landed). 15 is a bruiser of a par 5 with a hazard along the right side. 16 is a solid par 3, 17 a par 4 with interesting bunkering. Finally, 18 is the final test; a 500 yard par 4 from the back tees that may make or break your round. Overall, this course is a fun, tough, traditional, and all around outstanding course with a world class closing stretch.