ThunderHawk Golf Club
Chicagoland's premier public golf destination, featuring a challenging Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and stunning twilight golf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour golf vibes
ThunderHawk Golf Club
Best Time
Golden hour golf vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chicagoland's premier public golf destination, featuring a challenging Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and stunning twilight golf.
"Top notch public golf course. Fun greens, extremely well kept fairways, awesome par 3’s, challenging overall and long!"
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular course, especially for twilight rounds. Book online in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking the course, so comfortable golf shoes are a must for navigating the terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Twilight Golf Magic
Entire Course
Experience breathtaking sunsets and a unique atmosphere as you race the fading light to finish your round.
Challenging Par 3s
Various Holes
Test your precision on well-designed par 3s that offer beautiful views and demand accurate iron play.
Immaculate Course Conditions
Fairways and Greens
Enjoy meticulously maintained fairways and greens that provide a top-notch playing surface for golfers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tee Times in Advance
Prepare for a Challenging Round
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular course, especially for twilight rounds. Book online in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking the course, so comfortable golf shoes are a must for navigating the terrain.
🚗 Be Aware of Cart Paths
Some cart paths are rough; drive carefully to avoid discomfort or potential tire issues.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water or plan to purchase it at the turn.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular course, especially for twilight rounds. Book online in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking the course, so comfortable golf shoes are a must for navigating the terrain.
🚗 Be Aware of Cart Paths
Some cart paths are rough; drive carefully to avoid discomfort or potential tire issues.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water or plan to purchase it at the turn.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The twilight views are stunning! Don't forget your phone for some epic sunset golf shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
ThunderHawk Golf Club is widely praised as a top-tier public course with a challenging Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, well-maintained fairways, and beautiful greens. Many highlight the exceptional twilight golf experience and scenic views. However, some guests have noted issues with the condition of cart paths and occasional slow play, with one reviewer detailing a negative interaction with a course marshal.
"Top notch public golf course. Fun greens, extremely well kept fairways, awesome par 3’s, challenging overall and long! This course will challenge you, even scratch players.
Would highly recommend to anyone local and traveling through the Chicagoland area. Would give more than 5 stars if I could."
Chris Nowak
"I recently played here again and the course was in decent shape, but the greens and fairways were not as well kept as when I played it before. It’s probably because of it being towards the end of the season. Their cart paths could definitely use some work as well.
The reason for my one star review is because of the terrible way we were treated by one of their Marshals. The course was very slow when we played where we were waiting probably 10 minutes on every tee box and then waiting throughout each hole. The Marshal drives up towards on the 8th hole and asks us to hurry up with which I told him hey if you look ahead of us, there is a backup and we’re playing at the pace the course is allowing us. After proceeding to make my second birdie in a row, he comes and watches my group tee off on the 9th hole and aggressively tells us to speed up and hit into the group in front of us because we’re not good enough to be playing from the tips as if we’re holding up the course. I just went birdie birdie on 7 and 8 and shot 78 on the day while also losing a couple balls from the tips. If for some reason I am not allowed to play the tips and shoot 78 while waiting on every hole while paying $100 for the round, I will respectfully apologize and leave the course. My assumption is the Marshal got a call from the group behind us because they rudely clapped us off the 12th green on the back only for us to wait again on the 13th tee box.
We also got scolded by the group in front of us because they said we almost hit them. We told them the Marshal was telling us to hit so there wasn’t much we could do. I was baffled by the complete disrespect the Marshal had for the paying customers on his course as he was judging our skill level and disregarding the health of the golfers on the course. I am a young person recently out of college so I can understand the stereotypical thoughts of seeing someone like me playing the tips, but to be told I’m not good enough to play them without knowing me and thinking that’s the reason for multiple groups backed up in front of us is crazy.
I have attached a picture of what the tee boxes looked like every hole and you can see there are two groups on each box and a group or two in the fairway depending on par 4s and 5s. Again, if I am at fault for what is shown, I will apologize and leave, but I would think others would stand on my side.
The course doesn’t care, but needless to say I will not be returning to Thunderhawk."
Gregory Tow
"Rough around the edges but a nice golf course. The cart paths are so ripped up that they could hurt your back or pop a tire when you hit them! The greens are slow too and the landscaping is “advanced prarie.” That said, it’s a beautifully shaped track and it’s priced well for the challenge. I like their partnership with the First Tee. Really big brats at the turn! I’ll be back but I hope they fix the god-awful cart paths! 😜"
Daniel O'Brien
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
ThunderHawk Golf Club is located in Beach Park, Illinois. It's accessible by car, and GPS navigation will guide you directly to the entrance. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, ThunderHawk is considered part of the Chicagoland area and is a popular destination for golfers coming from the city. Allow for typical city traffic when planning your travel time.
Public transportation options to ThunderHawk Golf Club are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the course.
For groups, carpooling or arranging a shuttle service is recommended for ease of access and parking.
The drive from downtown Chicago to ThunderHawk Golf Club typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tee times can be booked online through the official ThunderHawk Golf Club website or by calling the pro shop directly. Booking in advance is highly recommended. +1
Rates vary depending on the day of the week, time of day, and season. Twilight rates are often available and offer great value. Check their website for current pricing.
Keep an eye on their website and social media for potential discounts, package deals, or loyalty programs. Twilight rates are a common way to save.
ThunderHawk generally requires collared shirts and appropriate golf attire. Denim is typically not allowed. It's always best to check their specific dress code policy on their website.
Yes, walking is permitted at ThunderHawk Golf Club. However, electric carts are available for rent if you prefer to ride.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
ThunderHawk is known for being a challenging course, even for experienced golfers. It features a demanding layout with strategic hazards and well-protected greens.
Many golfers praise the challenging and scenic par 3s. The overall layout provides a memorable experience with strategic shot-making opportunities throughout.
Course conditions are generally well-maintained, with manicured fairways and greens. However, some reviews mention that cart paths can be rough and conditions may vary towards the end of the season.
While challenging, beginners can still enjoy ThunderHawk, especially if playing from the appropriate tees and focusing on learning. The beautiful scenery and well-kept course make it a pleasant experience.
The club offers a pro shop, practice facilities (driving range and putting green), electric carts, and a bar/restaurant area with a nice patio.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, ThunderHawk has a bar and dining area, often praised for its good breakfast burritos and brats at the turn. There's also a nice patio area to enjoy your meal.
You can expect typical golf course fare, including breakfast items, sandwiches, and snacks. The brats at the turn are a popular recommendation.
Yes, beverages are available at the turn, allowing you to refresh during your round.
The clubhouse offers dining options for post-game meals, and the patio provides a pleasant atmosphere to relax.
For casual dining at the turn or on the patio, reservations are usually not required. However, for larger groups or specific events, it's advisable to inquire.
📸 📸 Photography
The course offers scenic views, especially during twilight hours. Capture the sunset over the fairways and greens for stunning golf photography.
Absolutely! The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design provides a beautiful backdrop, and the well-maintained course is very photogenic.
Twilight hours offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the course.
The natural setting of the golf course may offer opportunities to photograph local wildlife, adding to the visual appeal of your photos.
While not specific landmarks, the challenging holes, manicured greens, and expansive fairways provide excellent subjects for memorable golf photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the course is challenging, focusing on fun and learning is key. The practice facilities are also a good place for kids to hone their skills. The clubhouse offers food options that are generally kid-friendly, making it a convenient spot for a family outing.
💰 Budget-Conscious Golfers
While the green fees might be higher than some municipal courses, the quality of the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design and the overall experience often justify the cost. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help manage expenses during your round.
couples
Opting for a twilight round is highly recommended for couples. The stunning sunsets create a magical ambiance, perfect for a special occasion or a relaxing date. Enjoying a meal on the patio afterward can cap off a perfect day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Robert Trent Jones Jr. Design
At ThunderHawk, this translates to fairways that demand accuracy and greens that are often well-guarded, testing a golfer's ability to approach and putt effectively. The course layout is designed to provide a fair challenge, rewarding good shots while penalizing errant ones. This thoughtful design is a key reason why the course is highly regarded among public golf options in the Chicagoland area.
Golfers often comment on the course's ability to challenge even scratch players, highlighting the strategic elements and length of the holes. The design ensures that each hole presents a unique puzzle, making for a dynamic and engaging round of golf from start to finish.
Experiencing Twilight Golf
Playing during twilight allows golfers to finish their rounds with the stunning backdrop of a Chicagoland sunset. This creates a memorable and often romantic experience, making it a popular choice for couples or those looking for a more relaxed end to their day. The cooler temperatures and softer light contribute to a serene golfing environment.
While twilight rounds can be popular, they often offer a more relaxed pace and potentially better value. It's an opportunity to soak in the beauty of the course and enjoy the game in a truly picturesque setting, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Course Conditions and Maintenance
However, some feedback indicates that conditions can fluctuate, particularly towards the end of the season. Cart paths have been noted as needing improvement, with some describing them as rough and potentially uncomfortable. Despite these minor points, the overall consensus points to a commitment to maintaining a challenging and visually appealing golf experience.
The course's natural setting, often described as 'advanced prairie,' adds to its unique character. While the landscaping might be more naturalistic, it complements the challenging design and provides a beautiful backdrop for golfers.
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