UNIVERSITY PARK GOLF CLUB

The suburban Chicago layout demands precision from elevated tees that showcase the area's rolling prairie terrain, with water hazards threading through seven holes that can turn a promising round sideways in a hurry. The front nine opens up for scoring, but the back nine tightens considerably around a series of well-protected greens that reward local knowledge and punish wayward approaches. University golfers and weekend warriors alike discover that this track's strategic bunkering and mature tree lines create legitimate shot-making challenges without resorting to gimmicky design tricks.