RIDGEMOOR COUNTRY CLUB

The rolling terrain northwest of Chicago serves up legitimate elevation changes that most flatland courses can only dream about, with the back nine climbing and diving through mature hardwoods that frame every approach shot. Water hazards appear on seven holes, but they're strategic rather than penal—rewarding bold lines while offering bailout areas for those playing smart. The greens run true and fast, with enough subtle breaks to separate weekend hackers from single-digit players who know how to read Chicago-area putting surfaces.