Thomas, the marshal, made our experience truly memorable. What a great, friendly guy and lovely course. It's in great shape aside from a little goose poop. Nice challenges with water. Walkable. Very pretty. read more

Solid price for 18 holes with a cart. I liked the course, but there is NO food or water available mid round. The turn is in the middle of nowhere, no water refill stations, and no cart person selling snacks. Staff are nice and organized, and you can find a good deal on the sale rack for apparel. read more

Jackson Park Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wonderful experience playing 18 holes though played all alone. Fantastic layout and staff was very friendly and helpful guiding me with the layout of the course as I was a first timer . Other golfer's were also very courteous and allowed me to play through as I was playing alone. Nice sight all around the course. Thanks. read more

Convenient parking with meters ... we walked towards the Japanese garden ... the flora and fauna were a sight to behold. read more

Jackson Park Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came to the driving range yesterday, (which is on the other side of the gold statue from the golf course). Whether you are going to the range or the course, it feels like you're driving somewhere you aren't suppose to be going. I wish there were more signs/ direction. A large bucket is 13 and a small is 8. The range is pretty average, on a monday afternoon there was 1 employee and 8-10 patrons. The shop has snacks and simple accessories. The nice thing about this range was the water cooler with ice water for patrons. That was pleasant. I wasn't super impressed but If I were in the area, I'd come here again. read more

My overall experience was a disappointment. For paying $100 for my Mother and I, I'd expect it to be clean and fantastic customer service. My first-time experience: PROS: Beautiful views of Lake Michigan Beginner and Intermediate friendly course CONS: My Mother and I both felt extremely awkward talking to the 6 am staff today. We felt as though the staff looked down upon us for being women. The man collecting our golf ticket was rude to me when I asked him where Hole 1 was at. He looked at me as if I was an alien (that look like, why are you talking to me?). When I asked him where Hole 1 was at, since it was our first time at this course, his reply was "uh, the sign says 1?!" He also rudely forced us to golf with two complete strangers. I wanted to get my refund immediately because of him, but golfing is a bonding moment for my Mother and I and we were looking forward to our time together. Luckily the strangers were nice, and we departed into our own groups once we reached Hole 2. We had to skip three holes because every time we were about to golf, maintenance tractors kept coming up right next to us as we were golfing (sometimes they would be right in front of us, and I was afraid of hitting them. We literally had one parked next to our golf cart during the middle of my game. It was at the point where I got super distracted I had to pick up my ball and move to the next hole). An example is attached. It's not the maintenance workers' fault, but management should enforce rules when golfers are present. No ball cleaners. Ant Hills at the majority of holes. Upon returning the golf cart keys, a gentleman was paying for his tee time and said "Oh, I have a friend joining." The cashier woman said don't worry about paying for your friend, just pay $50. How come we had to pay $100 and he didn't? We left not feeling relaxed, but angry. We felt ripped off. read more

Jackson Park Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Golf driving range closed because of rain. Golf course closed because of outing. No notice provide as usual!

I played Jackson Park Golf Course on a Wednesday in early April when it was a bit windy and around 50 degrees. Despite the subpar weather conditions, JPGC delivered a quality morning of 18-hole golf that anyone could appreciate, especially in place of heading into work. The greens were well maintained and not too trampled, rough thick but not overgrown, and the fairways wide yet lacking that typical brown beatdown look they typically tend to take on later in the year when its warmer and drier. We did not wait, likely due to the timing and temperature, and finished 18 in around 3.5 hours walking at a leisurely pace. The best part is clearly the price at this very fun course, with LOTS and LOTS of challenging, well placed bunkers. Use your Chicago card and get $5 off for a total of around $15-22, depending on timing. JPGC is a great place to work on your game while not breaking the bank. Definitely will return for another late mid-week round. http://www.cpdgolf.com/Jackson-Park-Golf-Course.html Holes 18 Par 70 (M) 71 (W) Tees Rating Slope Yardage Men (B) 65.7 109 5,444 Men (W) 65.1 108 5,327 Men (R) 63.5 104 4,982 Women (B) 70.4 113 5,444 Women (W) 69.7 112 5,327 Women (R) 67.8 108 4,982 Course Architect: Tom Bendelow Greens: Bent Grass Fairways: Rye Grass Club Rentals: Yes Practice Facilities: *- Driving Range *- Putting Green *- Mat tees *- PGA instruction Dining Facilities: Snack Bar Dress Code: Appropriate Golf Attire read more

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I played this course for the first time in late November. I got a deal online, 18 holes for $16 bucks. I'm sitting there on a Par 5, not a soul in site. How can I have a massive expanse of land, in the middle of a major urban city, all to myself, for just $16 bucks? No rush, no fuss, take as much time as you damn well please. Sure, the course isn't exquisitely manicured, but neither were the original links courses in Scotland. The value here is off the charts. If you're a spoiled, rarified dandy that needs perfect conditions, this isn't your place. For everyone else, Jackson Park rocks out loud. read more

Jackson Park Golf Course - Shot of Jackson Park Golf Course, November 2015 - Golf Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The course is beautiful. Staffs friendly. Like to walk around there. Good and positve energies.

This is a huge 18 hole course that covers many acres of land. In 1893 the World's fair was held in Chicago and this course now occupies part of the ground of where the fair was held. A replica of the Statue of the Republic stands right across the street from this course. This is one of the best golf courses in Chicago. read more

Jackson Park Golf Course - Jackson Park Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Been playing Jackson for years. Course is in great condition this season. Quick story - I left my range finder in the cart recently and didn't realize for 2 days, I called and it was waiting at the front desk. Thank you! A lessor course would never have been that honest read more

Jackson Park fills a need. There really aren't enough cheap, accessible golf courses within 10 miles of downtown Chicago, but Jackson Park is one of them. With that said, anybody who thinks this golf course is "well-maintained" has never played a real golf course before. This course looks like what would happen if Marovitz golf course didn't shave for 3 weeks. The rough is thick and uneven. The fairway is pretty thick too, which makes driving distances short. This is OK though; the course itself can't be more than 5500 yards. Many of the greens have huge, gaping imperfections on them, however they are definitely not unplayable. Be prepared to cross the street a couple times during the course of your round. Be prepared to hear ambulance and police sirens. Be prepared to avoid large packs of children playing in fields that abut the course on the right side of one or two of the early holes. Be prepared to buy a few Busch heavies from the guy selling them out of his backpack around the turn. There are no riding carts here. Still, for under $20 for a full round of golf, this deal is hard to argue with given the location. read more

I have written a review of a few other Chicago golf courses, this one ranks as my favorite. Not only does it offer 18 holes of golf, but it comes at a great price. For a weekend rate prime time, you can play through it for 40 with a cart... great deal for Chicago (in the city) golf, in my opinion. The staff is very nice, the clubhouse offers everything you might need (sometimes small events too)... they are working to make the course nicer (tee box and green work) but they are not in terrible shape as is. Most of the time the place is in good condition and you can play through a fast 18 without having to wait. The layout is not terribly difficult, but every aspect of this place is worth the price. A few holes have water, a few you need to draw around trees, and the rest you are smooth sailing to a nice round of 18 holes just south of the city. read more

Great course. Had an amazing time here. Some positives. Course wasn't crowded on a gorgeous day. Huge plus. Way better than stupid Sydney Marovitz. I was putting lights out. Course is in good shape. For the price, it's incredible. We had a cheering section from the bus stop near one of the tee boxes. Commuters were cheering for me after I absolutely piped my drive like Shooter McGavin. Great course. Good management. Easy in and easy out. If you want to roll in putts, hit up Jackson Park. I was slam dunking putts from all over the place and I'm not even good at putting. This course made me feel like Ben Crenshaw. read more

Forget its on the southside for a second. They've actually put money into the course..you cant pay $22 and compare it to highland park or northbrook - that's not fair.....it is getting better though. For the rate and for the sake of stepping out for an early tee time (6 am, 1 day notice - you can't beat that).... By the way, I play alot, so I know you get what you pay for...played some crappy courses in better neighborhoods and parted with $50 and felt like crap read more

I played here for the first time today. It's a well-maintained 18-hole course that we got for $15 per person. It's not pristine by any means but really good for a park district. There were some good views of the lake and it didn't seem "shady" at all. No bums talked to us so maybe we were lucky! The most interesting part of this course was that the reds were right by the whites on almost all holes except for the par 5's. What's up with that? I didn't get much of an advantage at all. UGH! We finished in 4 hours flat which means we played at a good pace and more importantly so did the people in front of us. I would definitely play here again. It's fairly easy and straight, only a couple dog-legs and only 2 holes with water. Otherwise it played sort of like Columbus Park but a little better manicured and maintained. Please note: You will have to fight with the Canadian Geese for your space but they're not that bad. read more

A "Meh" maintained golf course with wide fairways and non-trained staff but a pretty unique location that should be appreciated for the price. Price at course - $30. Price on Golfnow app $22.50 Location - To enter/park at the course, you must head to a "street" that doesn't really look like a street. There is a small green sign that says "club house parking". Even though you may not believe it, you drive on there. Find a spot, park the car. Parking is free, which is nice. Clubhouse - The staff did not provide the best service. When we walked in, the front desk person was on her cell phone... on speaker phone.... having a very inappropriate conversation. There were customers already in the club house so this obviously happens in front of other guests as well. Club rental was a great price at $25 but we were told it did not come with balls or tees - weird. There were balls in the bag though when we got to the course. Again - staff training. The club house is stacked with items - everything you need. Sunscreen, hats, clothes, balls, tees, gloves, etc. And its large. The restrooms were clean, not necessarily comfortable - think the cement bathrooms from the park or public pool when you were little. The course - Greens were in terrible shape. Dented, tore up, divots everywhere. You will need to cross two busy streets. Two in the front 9 and one in the back 9. The area - Some tee boxes back up right to the street. Some you can see the lake. The surrounding area could be perceived as :unsafe" but it isn't, its urban. This course is smack dab in a neighborhood near Hyde Park. If you take the time to appreciate it, its a unique feeling to be surrounded by green trees and grass and then look up to find stacks of buildings. The course backs up to very busy streets so there are times the public will see you and cheer you on. Because of the location, people just cut right across the course. Not golfers. Just random people walking from work or to the store. There are A LOT of walkers that play twilight and because the course doesn't offer a price for 9 holes, they are RUNNING through to get in 18. Lots of pushing so be prepared to let people play through. We were able to pack a cooler without any hassle. We played well into 8PM so the staff started pulling flags which was annoying but I get it - they were ready to get off work, I was already off work and playing golf. read more

Good course, wide fairways Gas carts are lame, need to be electric! and can we get a decent parking lot and a drink/snack cart?? read more

I like this place a lot. The people are very friendly, and the course is much better than you'd expect for a public course that is quite cheap to play. During the year they often have deals if you become a member for 13 dollar rounds walking, which is stellar price-wise for the course quality. There are downsides. Occasionally the pace of play is too slow (I'm around a 7 handicap and play quite quickly and often by myself or in a pair, but find myself catching people with carts even when walking) and it can take about 4 hours to finish around. However on less busy days, I've finished the course in 2 - 2.5 hours and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Also, occasionally there are some unfriendly locals who play the course and are very territorial about it (i.e. won't let you pass them because it's "their course and they can play as slowly as they want"). Some people also jump around and play random holes, including jumping in front of others, because the employees don't manage the discipline of the course very well. That said, these concerns come up less than once per round, and generally I really enjoy my rounds here. read more

This course is great if you're just looking to have a relaxing time with the boys. The course is pretty wide open, it's well maintained, and extremely reasonable. Things to remember: 18 Holes Sometimes get backed up on weekends Beverage cart on the course You can either walk or get a cart Expect to spend about $25 for a round of 18 read more

They honestly serve the best Bud Lights on the city of Chicago. Crisp, cold, clean. Exactly what you hope for from your Bud Lights. 10/10 would recommend. read more

The best thing about this course is that it only costs $19 (on weekdays with a player's advantage card) and it is easy to drive to from the North side. It is the only 18 hole course operated by Chicago Park District. The course itself is very easy with only one hole with water in play. Fairways are wide and there are few trees and bunkers in the way. The overall condition was horrible this summer and left some fairways in poor condition. The pace of play can be very slow as there are lots of beginners and hackers that play here. It takes 4:30 to finish when I play Fridays around noon. read more

Was a nice course. However; the ranger and manger that work here really needs to reflect on the negative impact and experience they are giving golfers. My group was 20 minutes ahead of schedule and We constantly got harassed and subjected to verbal abuse by the rangers to go faster. Our group literally finished the first 9 holes in 1:50 mins and I'm shooting a 42 but the rangers are constantly harassing and stopping us for literally 30 mins total and trying to force us to skip a hole in spite of no one even behind us for 2 holes straight until they kept stopping our play. If this is how you guys treat golfers I would really reflect on your actions and possibly looking into better training and maybe hiring better staff as Joe the Ranger was obviously too much of a hot head and should maybe just responsible for the golf shop or washing golf carts. My suggestion is if a group is playing fast you should just leave them alone not too complicated I know.... read more

Jackson Park Golf Course is a very nice golf course. During our five hour round of golf, I consumed three of the finest bud light tall boys I've ever had in my life. Very crisp. Very smooth. Will return for the golf and bud lights. read more

Since the first time playing the course a few years ago, they've made a number of improvements -- the fairways are greener, the sand softer, the greens roll truer. For a municipal course in the middle of a major metropolitan area, it's a good value course. In the grand scheme of golf courses though, it's still just an OK track. I would definitely recommend it for any Chicago resident living further south or nearer to the lake. 3.5 stars. read more

Often overlooked, but a really good, inexpensive place to play in the city. Staff is very friendly and courteous. Don't compare this place to fancy private course and keep your expectations realistic. If you do, Jackson Park Golf Course is definitely worth the visit. read more

With new management the city courses are looking better, pace is slightly improved, and price is still good. Fairways are now distinguishable from the greens. Bunkers still need work. JP is fun, close, inexpensive, and improving. read more

I had really negative feelings when my friend booked a tee time at a south side city park district course, especially when some people told me it wasnt nice. I ended up having the best time. The course was in decent shape, but well kept for a park district course. The people get the 5 stars and why I will come back. Wayne the cart guy was excellent, couldn't of been more helpful and nice. He was always asking if we needed something to drink. When you talk to some of the people that work there, you can tell how much they respect and appreciate working there. read more

I'm here from southern Colorado and wanted to play golf in Chicago for the first time. Staff ( Alex?) Was very friendly and helpful. Course was fun, extremely well manicured, greens were fast and challenging. We had so much fun we booked another tee time for next day before we left. Beautiful, older course that has a sense of history to it. Highly recommend. read more

I'm from out of town and a member of a semi-private club which has a huge staff and spends a lot of money on its courses and amenities. Jackson Park proved to be a little gem of a municipal course, exceeding all my expectations. I read some critical reviews of the course and was initially hesitant to risk my time and money,, but decided to give it a shot anyway. In fact, after having played a few other midwest semi-private and public courses in the last few weeks, this was unbelievably the best. First, it was easy to get to from where I was staying in the loop area. The number 6 CTA bus (Jackson Park express) took me to within 2 blocks of the clubhouse. The neighborhood is fine. Don't believe any reviewers who complain about problems encountered in the neighborhood. They probably brought the problems on themselves. The staff was very helpful and ensured I knew which holes I needed to cross the street for. Even the rangers were helpful, helping me find some balls that landed in high rough, which was immediately adjacent to the fairway. The high rough (there's no intermediate or secondary) was the only complaint I had, but with the wide fairways, it was my fault the ball was lost in it. A couple of players in the clubhouse warned me about the unusually high rough before I started my round. One of the things I appreciated was how the groundscrew personnel on the fairways immediately stopped mowing or trimming and got out of the way when I got ready to tee off, hit to the green or putt. I saw them do that for other golfers on the course as well. I've played on other courses where the groundscrew personnel don't care and pretend you're not there.. The course was in good condition and the greens, though a little spongy, were also in good condition. One complaint, and not with the course management: Lots of ball marks on the greens; players are responsible for helping to repair them. Following my round, the staff even ensured I got on the right bus back to the downtown area. It was a very short course and not difficult, even for a high handicapper like me, but definitely fun to play. Two holes with water; no surprises. I completed the round in three and a half hours. Whoever is managing the course is doing an outstanding job. Thank you. read more

This is a great location with some great views. That said, I don't really like this course. I don't think it's maintained that well, and it's not in the best neighborhood. It's the only course that I've been to where you have to worry about panhandlers while you're putting. It is a City course, and it's pretty cheap, so you get what you pay for. I'd go back if I got a good deal or if my friends wanted to go, but it wouldn't be in my top ten cheap/decent courses in the City. read more

It's a cultural experience. Period. As for a golf course, it doesn't deserve much mentioning. It is not well maintained, woefully short, and features some biological hazards (i.e. used condoms, band-aids, and syringes). I've had numerous balls stolen by the wondering mob of little neighborhood kids - as long as you can shrug that off with a little grin, you'll have a good time. read more

Half of the fun is guarding your clubs from hobos as you tee off from an intersection on the 13th hole. Can't beat JP National!

Very scenic, there is a club house for parking. It is to the right of the statue if you are facing the back of the statue. Very nice people who come play here. The park rangers are also very helpful and nice as well. The golf course is huge! You can also drive down to the driving range and practice your swings. That is to the left of the statue and then you just cross the bridge and to your left there will be a sign that reads "driving range" turn into there and park. There is complimentary water provided at the driving range. The owner downer is no shades, when it gets hot out, it is VERY hot! Also parking costs money at the driving range, may be better off parking at the club house and walking over. though I do see people parking all the way up to where the range is, but I did read a sign that says authorized vehicles only, so not sure if it is permitted. Though think of it as you are contributing back to the fees to maintain this park! read more

Very well maintained for late in the season. Had a great time, both challenging and relaxed at the same time. Great Chicago gem.

I normally love this course. It not the most challenging and not the most maintained. But for being in the city and the price, I thought you really couldn't beat it. I was out on a foursome who. I would say we were playing leisurely and we are not the best but we were not taking more then 6 strokes and most times not even that. The Marshall asked us to speed it up and stated that the people behind us were asking us to speed it. We were in a 4some and they had a 3some so they were moving faster. We agreed to move faster. When he asked us we were on the green and we continued to finish. I guess, my brother moved to slowly because the Marshall came back very agitated and swore at us asking if we were "fu@king" with him. He continued to be very rude telling us that you could not move that slow on a public course and told us we would have to leave. We demanded our money back. When we got back to the club house and spoke with the supervisor. I explained what happened and that I wanted my money back. She said fine but, never once apologized. I thought the city courses encouraged golfers. I guess not. I would not go here unless you enjoy being treated poorly read more

Jackson park golf course(est 1899) is the first public golf course in Illinois. It is also one of the earliest public courses in the nation, and world. Its success may have contributed to the growth of public courses, and the game of golf as a whole. The course, by today's standards would be considered basic and simple. However, distances are challenging, there are a few very competitive 3s, 4s, and a 560yrd par 5. A fair number of greens are protected by hazards too. Course conditions could always improve. Greens are not the best, fairways are not perfect, neighborhood isn't desirable......but, This course should be played by every golfer! Too much history to be denied. I am from the opposite side of town and played this course 50+ times over 35 years. I love this course. read more

A nice little gem on the south side. Pace of play can be a little slow, but what do you expect while golfing in the city. Price tag was on point with what you get. I will be back. read more

I started golfing in Chicago almost 20 years ago. I was working at The Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville and a number of older men would come in mid-day and talk about their golf games at Marovitz just a few blocks east on the lake. These guys were serious AND very good golfers. They turned me on to Jackson Park as a hidden gem amongst the local public courses. They would frequent Marovitz due to the proximity to their respective homes, but Jackson Park was their favorite. They were absolutely correct! There is enough history alone, starting from The World's Fair in 1893. I often find myself just soaking in the fact that Nikola Tesla walked those grounds. There are still remnants of the event in plain sight. The course can be a challenge if one does not keep straight off of the tee. The trees are very mature and can very much create a "jail" effect. The greens are fair, but not overly challenging. There can be some subtle breaks, but charging straight at the hole is the best tactic. The rough around the greens can be thick and demand a confident chip or you stay short of the green. The best feature is that one will need every club in the bag. The overall atmosphere is friendly and low key. There are very few PGA wannabes so the pace of play is good. The clubhouse is more than adequate. The overall pricing structure is more than fair. When I played often, that was my local go to place and it quite easy to get to since it is right off of LSD. read more