The Glen Club, Glenview, Illinois - Rated the #1 Public Golf Course in Illinois by GOLF Magazine

The Glen Club can be found on a 195-acre refuge of tranquil lakes, rolling terrain, gently meandering streams and some beautiful vistas, including the Chicago skyline in the distance.

The 18-hole, par-72 course is a Tom Fazio design located on the former site of the Glenview Naval Air Station on Chicago's North Shore. The Club opened in 2001 and immediately gained the distinction of being the only U.S. golf course to be named to all three Top 10 New Course lists published by Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and Sports Illustrated. GOLF Magazine also rated it the #1 Public Course in Illinois in 2008.

Because it was constructed over the former naval air station, Fazio essentially had a "blank slate'' to work with, and moved 2.4 million cubic yards of earth and added 4,000 trees during construction. The result is a visually appealing design with a classic golf tradition, including rolling fairways and dramatic elevation changes.

The course plays to 7,149 yards from the Gold tees, with a USGA rating of 74.8 and a slope rating of 140. It also features a number of highly acclaimed and noteworthy holes, including its par-3s, which Sports Illustrated proclaimed the "best par-3s in the state.''

The No. 4 hole is one of those par 3s and is short but deceptive. Golfers will tee off downhill to a green surrounded by tall, native grasses and bunkers left and right. But what makes this hole so tricky is the wind. When it's blowing, par is considered a good score on this hole.

Two more noteworthy par-3s are Nos. 11 and 17 - sister holes and two of the more challenging par-3s on the course. No. 11 is considered the most difficult par-3, typically playing into a prevailing wind. A water hazard runs the length of the hole on the left, and the left side of the green is also guarded by several bunkers and a slope that runs to the water.

No. 17 looks remarkably similar, only the water hazard on the left is even more imposing to the eye as golfers get ready to tee off. The hole plays downhill and usually downwind, and the green is large but features distinct undulations in three areas. To have any hope of birdie, tee shots must find the right tier for the day's pin placement.

The course also features a practice area and golf shop. But perhaps the most impressive facility is a majestic, 48,000-square-foot clubhouse with the unique distinction of offering overnight accommodations. The Glen Club also features a grand ballroom, as well as dining fare ranging from casual to upscale.