Located about an hour outside Chicago, Plainfield is a large community with wide-open lands and several natural preserves. Plainfield is located off Interstate 55 and near routes 59 and 30, making it easily accessible to nearby communities like Romeoville, Naperville, and Joliet. While the town is known for its quiet location, it’s also got a reputation as a hub for golfers. There are a number of spots for both novice golfers and serious players with some of the best-rated courses in the nation.

The Links at Carillon - Plainfield

Photo courtesy of  The Links at Carillon

Located right off Interstate 55 and Weber Road in Plainfield, the Links and Carillon is a 27-hole public golf course that was rated by Golf Digest as one of “The Best Places to Play.” There are three nine-hole courses at The Links: blue, red, and white. The Blue course has the lowest rating at 34.6 with a slope rating of 60, and it’s also the smallest. The 3,153-yard course opened in 1990 along with the White Course. Rates for the club start at $20 for nine holes on a weekday. There’s also a pro shop and The Links Bar and Grille located on site. 

Naperbrook Golf Course - Unincorporated Plainfield 

Photo courtesy of Naperbrook Golf Course

Located in unincorporated Plainfield, the links-style course at Naperbrook is 6,755 yards and also features a 10-acre driving range and 10,000- and 3,000-square-foot practice putting greens. The par 72 challenge course has rolling hills, large greens, 10 ponds, four sets of trees, hidden bunkers, and wide fairways. The course was designed by architect Larry Packard, opening its doors in April 1991. Fares start at $34 for 18 holes on weekdays for those willing to walk to the course. Naperbrook has a Wednesday morning pro-am open to all players 18 and older. Check the website regularly for current and upcoming specials for golfers.

Wedgewood Golf Course - Juliet

Photo courtesy of Wedgewood Golf Course

Located in nearby Joliet, the Wedgewood Golf Course is one of three courses managed by the Joliet Park District. In addition to the Inwood Golf Course and Woodruff Golf Course, the Joliet courses offer regular specials for weekday golfers, seniors, early risers, and family nights. Wedgewood is the closest of the three to Plainfield, and it’s located right off Route 59. The course measures 6,923 yards with a par 72. There are 10 holes with water features and four different sets of tee boxes for golfers. Wedgewood rates start at $35 during the week and tee times can be booked online. This golf course also hosts the Joliet Amateur Golf Championship in its 53rd running this June.

Bogies Indoor Golf Club - Oswego

Photo courtesy of Bogies Indoor Golf Club

On rainy days and throughout the winter, Bogies Indoor Golf Club is a great spot for golfers to stay on the greens without being outside. The indoor facility is located in Oswego, and it opened in 2004 with four golf simulators. The facility makes it easy for experienced golfers to brush up on their skills, while newbies can learn the ins and outs of the game. Bogies uses Foresight simulators, which are used by many PGA Tour players. Players can hit 18 holes in about one hour at the facility. There are regular weekly specials here, and rates start at $20 for nine holes on a weekday.

Tamarack Golf Club - Naperville

Photo courtesy of  Tamarack Golf Club

Named the “Best New Public Golf Course of the Year” by Golf Digest in 1989 when it opened, Tamarack is still well-loved for golfers in the area. Located in neighboring Naperville, Tamarack Golf Club is a David Gill-designed championship course rated among the best in the area. The club is also home to a putting green, plantation-style clubhouse, full-service bar and lounge, golf pro shop, and more. It’s a par 70 course that stretches over 6,901 yards, and each hold has multiple tees for golfers of varying abilities and ages. 

Mistwood Golf Club - Romeoville

Photo courtesy of Mistwood Golf Club

Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville has received praise over the years as the “Best New Course” by Golf Digest, “Top 3 International Renovation of the Year” by Golf Inc. Magazine, and “Top 50 Public Facility” by Golf Range Magazine. Mistwood sits on more than 7,000 yards with five tee placements per hole. The Scottish-inspired club features 20 St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers, a new 5,000-square-foot performance center, driving range, and 26,000-square-foot clubhouse. Fees start at $45 for weekday nine-hole rounds.