TAMARACK GOLF COURSE

This Illinois prairie track delivers more bite than its modest public pedigree suggests, with water hazards lurking on half the holes and mature oaks framing generous fairways that can lull you into overconfidence. The par-3 17th demands precision over a pond that's claimed more golf balls than a retail shop, while the closing stretch rewards strategic course management over brute force. At $35 for weekend play, it's the rare public gem that punches well above its weight class.