My Town: Luke Donald
If you're a golfer like our tour pro, who also enjoys art and wine, the Windy City caters to all your interests

By Jim Moriarty, Golf Digest

May 10, 2010

Luke Donald crossed the pond from England to attend Northwestern, and now he is as at home in the city of big shoulders as Barack Obama. He met his wife, Diane, in college where he honed both his skills as a golfer and an artist. The couple had their first child, Elle Georgina, in February. Donald won the 1999 NCAA title as well as the Fred Haskins Award for the year's top collegian. He has won twice on the PGA Tour, twice in Europe and played on two Ryder Cup teams with a good chance of earning a spot again this year in Wales. But not before this connoisseur of fine wines takes us on a tour of his adopted home, the Windy City.

COURSES

When it comes to public golf in Chicago, Cog Hill G&CC is the obvious starting point. The Dubsdread course is good enough to hold a PGA Tour event, plus there are three other courses to try as well. That said, if I had to choose one course in the area, public or private, it would be Chicago GC*. You see the clubhouse from almost every hole. It's a traditional layout, but it's tough. It's quite exclusive, but if you can get on, it's a great one to play. Shoreacres GC* in Lake Bluff just north of Lake Forest is a short course with a ravine that runs through it. It's just a beautiful little place. A place I play and like a lot is Conway Farms*. It's in Lake Forest, too. A Tom Fazio course built in 1991, it hosted the 1997 NCAA Championship. It's just a very enjoyable place. And there's Kemper Lakes. I used to play there a little bit in college. It's a good course. One of my earlier memories watching golf actually is Payne Stewart battling with Mike Reid at the 1989 PGA Championship.

(*=private club)

DINING 

There's a lot to choose from downtown. Alinea was voted one of the country's best restaurants. It has a unique way of preparing food. I wouldn't go every Sunday, but once in a lifetime you should try it. They do a great pairing, too. One of the best I've had where the wines really compliment the food. I've always enjoyed fusion foods. For that there's a place called Japonais, near the river just on Chicago Ave. Probably one of my favorites, though, is Blackbird. Not a very big restaurant but they have interesting dishes. I think they specialize in suckling pig. Gibsons is a typical Chicago steakhouse. Big chops of meat. Great atmosphere. You might see Mike Ditka walk in or Michael Jordan already in the corner. That's at Rush and Division. There are lots of other bars there. The Hunt Club. LuxBar. Want to enjoy Chicago? That's a great area.

Where To Stay:

The Peninsula is an unbelievable hotel. And you can't go wrong with the Four Seasons, either. However, the classic Chicago hotel is The Drake, on the corner of Michigan Ave. You see it as you go down Lake Shore Drive. Very posh.

Entertainment:

Two words: Wrigley Field. It's a great time out, even if you're not a baseball fan...In the summer, go to North beach. There's a bar on the beach in the shape of a boat...I enjoy the Museum of Contemporary Art. It always has some interesting displays of up-and-coming artists. It's good to have a look. The Art Institute of Chicago is amazing, too. Pick either one of those two.

A fabulous foursome of public golf courses in Chicago

CHICAGO – When the seasons change from summer to autumn, Chicago golf goes from good to great. And while the window of opportunity closes fast – most courses close by Thanksgiving – fall is widely considered the best time of the year to enjoy some of the Second City’s second-to-none public courses. Here are four courses you'll want to play as part of your autumn golf experience in Sweet Home Chicago.

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
It’s not often you’ll find a public-access PGA Tour venue with “country club” in its title, but such is the case at Cog Hill. In fact, four courses – including the recently redesigned Dubsdread course – make Cog Hill the largest and most popular collection of public golf courses in the Chicago area.

Of the four courses at Cog Hill, the 1,000-pound gorilla is Dubsdread, which hosts this year's BMW Championship for the second time in three years (it was home to the PGA Tour's Western Open from 1991 through 2006). But with the advancement of golf technology through the years, Dubsdread has become more like a 1,000-pound teddy bear: Since 2001, the average winning score in each PGA Tour event has been 17 under par. To give it more bite, course owner Frank Jemsek hired Rees Jones, aka the U.S. Open Doctor, to redesign the course with the hope that the U.S. Golf Association will select it for a future U.S. Open. Bunkers were deepened, greens rebuilt, and tee boxes extended.

What do the changes mean for the average golfer? A golf course with a rating of 75.4 just got a lot tougher. Granted, five different tees allow amateurs to play the proper length, but the greens are severe no matter who's playing. The green at No. 3, for example, was made much smaller and more boldly contoured. Precision is a must, whether you're Tiger Woods or Joe Golfer.

The other three courses – known simply as Nos. 1, 2 and 3 – aren’t nearly as memorable, but hold their own nonetheless. No. 2 hosted qualifying for the 1997 U.S. Amateur, which was at Dubsdread that year, and is regarded as one of America’s best courses under $100. Nos. 1 and 3 you can play for $20 on a weekday after 3 p.m.

Cog Hill G&CC
Lemont, Ill.
Southwest Chicago

Getting there: 30 minutes from Midway Airport, 40 minutes from downtown Chicago

Price: Course 1 & 3 - $61, Course 2 - $73, Dubsdread - $150

Did you know: Cog Hill is the only course to host a U.S. Amateur (1997) and a U.S. Amateur Public Links (1970, 1989)

Cantigny Golf Club
Due west of downtown Chicago sits Cantigny Golf Club, a 27-hole facility that’s only been open since 1989 but has already hosted a U.S. Amateur Public Links and three Illinois State Amateurs.

The experience at Cantigny is special from the moment you pull into the parking lot and head down the tree-lined driveway that’s every bit as visually stunning as Augusta National's Magnolia Lane. As guests pull up to the bag drop they’re greeted by employees dressed in knickers.

Each nine at Cantigny is distinctly named – Woodside, Hillside, Lakeside – and while each emphasizes characteristics indicative of its namesake, the entire property features diverse numbers of indigenous oak, ash and hardwood trees. When the leaves begin to turn, Cantigny is simply one of the most breathtaking golf courses in America.

The newly-constructed practice facility at Cantigny features a covered and heated hitting area that’s designed to allow Chicago golfers the opportunity to practice all year round (No small feat, considering wintertime temperatures rarely get above freezing.). Private indoor instruction areas also enhance Cantigny’s instructional offering, and an adjacent short game area is frequented by PGA Tour up-and-comer Kevin Streelman, who grew up in the area.

Cantigny Golf Club
Wheaton, Ill.
West Chicago

Getting there: 40 minutes from O'Hare Airport, 45 minutes from downtown Chicago

Price: $90 (cart extra)

Did you know: One nine is reserved for nine-hole play, where the rate is an affordable $30.

The Glen Club
On the north side of town is The Glen Club, Chicago’s most impressive golf resort. Situated near a flourishing new residential and shopping district, this Fazio-designed track maintains an isolated, private feeling with holes that offer views of nothing but native rolling terrain. The $10 million clubhouse is replete with all the amenities of a private club, and also has luxurious guest rooms named after various Chicago golf landmarks.

Opened in 2001, The Glen Club has championship pedigree at a young age – it hosted the Nationwide Tour's LaSalle Bank Open from 2002-2008. Several golf publications have it tabbed as one of the top-5 public courses in Illinois, and it was regarded as one of America's best new public courses when it opened.

As you stroll the perfectly manicured fairways you’ll notice elevation changes that are vintage Fazio, including the downhill fourth, the signature hole at The Glen Club. Wind can make club selection at this short par 3 difficult, but for players who study the wind and commit to club selection, this can be a birdie opportunity on a nine that’s otherwise very difficult.

The back nine at The Glen Club plays at least two shots easier than the front, with two reachable par 5s and a two short par 4s. The 18th is a demanding risk-reward par 5, which has made for plenty of exciting finishes on the Nationwide Tour.

The Glen Club
Glenview, Ill.
North Chicago

Getting there: 20 minutes from O'Hare Airport, 35-40 minutes from downtown Chicago

Price: $177 (cart extra)

Did you know: Stay-and-play packages start at $250. Check their website for details.

Bolingbrook Golf Club
Shining like a beacon atop the corn fields of the southwest Chicago suburbs is Bolingbrook Golf Club and its 76,000-square-foot clubhouse. And while the clubhouse is indeed a sight to behold – it’s the second-largest clubhouse in America next to TPC Sawgrass – the golf course is just as splendid.

The vision of Bolingbrook mayor, Roger Claar, this Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest design is links golf in its truest form. You won’t find many trees on this exposed layout, but you better bring your knockdown shot, as several holes play into a steady 20-25 mph breeze.

Two holes will bring you to your knees, but for different reasons. First, the par-5 fifth is a 600-yard juggernaut that plays into the prevailing wind. If you can imagine hitting driver, 3-wood, 3-wood and still ending up short, that’s what you might find at No. 5.

The signature hole at Bolingbrook is No. 15, a devilish little par 3 that plays to an island green. Think No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass but a little longer and with a little more wind. Good luck!

Whether you’re visiting the north, south or west side of Chicago, there’s great public golf within a short distance. But get there while the weather boasts its best temperatures and the foliage flaunts its most vivid colors. Autumn is truly the season to experience golf in the Midwest.

Bolingbrook Golf Club
Bolinngbrook, Ill.
Southwest Chicago

Getting there: 40 minutes from Midway Airport, 50 minutes from downtown Chicago

Price: $90

Did you know: Plans for a second course, designed by John Daly, are in the works.

Local comment from 'Sand Save':  “We can show you 5 or 6 other courses in the area, at half the price and all walkable, plus offering senior rates. Oak Grove GC, Plum Tree National, Harvard Illinois. Shepherds Crook in Zion; Mistwood GC, in Romeoville, Prairie Landing, West Chicago; Village Links, Glen Ellen . Maybe Pine Meadow in Mundelein, but at $90.00, too expensive. Just to name a few. Not a lot of local golfers will be playing Dubsdread at $150.00 a round. Michelson is right when he stated that Dubs is not really playable for the average golfer."

Chicago's Must-Play Golf Courses
By Joe Passov, Golf Magazine Senior Editor (Courses/Rankings) Published: July 05, 2006

One of my favorite memories of the 1992 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach was standing at the practice putting green when a mother and her young son approached two golf industry veterans, Joe Jemsek and Karsten Solheim. Mother hesitated, then said, "Excuse me, Mr. Ping, could I get your autograph?" Jemsek stepped forward and said politely, "M'am, his name isn't Mr. Ping." Mother quickly responded, "Oh, I'm sorry. Dr. Ping — could I have your autograph?" It's easy to understand why Joe or Jane Average might have called Solheim by the Ping name.

Likewise, it would have made sense to call Jemsek, "Mr. Cog Hill." Actually, there was a real Cog Hill, Bert Coghill, who with his two brothers developed the property and who built its first two courses in the 1920s. It was Jemsek, however, who grew up caddieing at Cog Hill Golf Club, who brought the facility into national prominence. Jemsek filled every conceivable position at Cog Hill, from caddie master to cook and bottle washer. When he bought the place in 1951, he knew it inside and out. He added a third course in 1963 and then in 1964, commissioned Dick Wilson and Joe Lee to build him what became his pride and joy, the No. 4 course at Cog Hill. In its early days, No. 4 was a supreme challenge. Back when 7,000 yards at sea level was considered a brute, Cog Hill No. 4 could be stretched to 7,300 yards. Toss in 100 good-size bunkers, half of them flanking the fairway landing areas, and you had one formidable test, one that quickly acquired the nickname, "Dubsdread."

In 1991, Jemsek's long-held dream of hosting the game's best over his beloved No. 4 came to fruition when the PGA Tour's Western Open made the switch from Butler National, whose men-only policy fell afoul of new Tour regulations. The course was an instant hit. Mark Calcavecchia said the course "could host a U.S. Open tomorrow." Tiger Woods gushed, "There aren't too many golf courses that you come to that you absolutely love the layout. I love this golf course. The holes look and fit my eye." Unfortunately, Jemsek's ultimate goal for Dubsdread — to host a U.S. Open — went unrealized. Even though its list of champions is impressive, with Jim Furyk winning last year, Woods reigning in 1997, 1999 and 2003 and Nick Price winning in 1993 and 1994, the layout lost luster in the eyes of the USGA by yielding low scores to the pros and by serving up soft, inconsistent greens during the 1997 U.S. Amateur, won by Matt Kuchar.

Joe Jemsek passed away in 2002 at the age of 89. However, his legacy lives on through his son Frank, who has committed to going to the wall to bring a U.S. Open to the course that meant so much to his dad. Following this year's Cialis Western Open, Rees Jones, the "Open Doctor," will overhaul the course. Obviously, there are no guarantees. Yet, the much-beloved Jemsek was a Class A PGA professional from the early 1940s until his death. He was named PGA Professional Golfer of the Year in 1991. He was the first individual to represent public golf when he served on the USGA's Executive Committee from 1988-89. With Rees Jones working his prepping-for-an-Open magic, and lots of sentiment directed the Jemseks way, don't be surprised to see the national championship head back to the Windy City's public golf mecca someday.

While Cog Hill No. 4 is the top public-access trophy course in the Chicago area, there are a others that come awfully close.

Kemper Lakes Golf Club, Hawthorn Woods.  This long-time Senior Tour host also was the site of Payne Stewart's first major championship win, the 1989 PGA. The rugged, watery closing stretch gets all the ink, but the best holes come earlier, such as the dogleg-right, par-5 11th that offers a tree-lined tee shot, followed by a superb risk/reward second over water from a slight downhill lie. Play this one soon as it keeps threatening to go fully private.

Pine Meadow Golf Club, Mundelein.  The Dubsdread of the North Side is a gorgeous, Jemsek-owned parkland layout designed by Cog Hill #4 contributor Joe Lee. It was built on the grounds of an old seminary and is edged with forest preserves and dotted with lakes.

Orchard Valley, Aurora.  Illinois native Ken Kavanaugh returned "home" from Arizona to craft a course that blends classic Midwestern sensibilities with modern desert design. He infused the gently rolling layout with vast, sandy waste areas, greenside mounds and undulating putting surfaces. Mark Hensby once captured the Illinois Open here.

Cantigny Golf Course, Wheaton.  Robert R. McCormick, former publisher of the Chicago Tribune, decreed in his will that his estate should serve as a recreational spot for the people of Illinois, and these 27 holes occupy a substantial portion of that estate. The Woodside, Hillside and Lakeside nines are equally worthy, but the Lakeside boasts the signature hole, the watery par-4 ninth, with an enormous bunker in the shape of Dick Tracy.

Where To Booze & Grub:

Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy Guide To Chicago (2010):

With almost 3 million residents, Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, the 3rd most populous city in the U.S and during its first 100 years it grew at an exponential rate, ranking among the fasted growing cities in the world. Founded in 1833, Chi-town or “The Windy City” as its often called, sits on the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. Home to more than 200 theaters, 200+ art galleries, 36 annual parades and the Taste of Chicago, an annual food festival that draws almost 6 million people every year, there will be never a shortage of things to do around town. With over 7,300 restaurants, they say that you could eat at a different Chicago restaurant every day for 20 years and never eat at the same one twice. So whether you eat or drink your way through Chicago, one thing you’ll find for certain: with the abundance of nightlife, drinking has never been made easier. Chicago. “It’s my kind of town.”

PREVIOUSLY PROHIBITIVE

Chicago was a hub of activity during Prohibition, in part due to one of its most notorious gangsters, Al Capone. While speakeasies were not uncommon during Prohibition in most other major US cities, Chicago was certainly no exception and today, many of those buildings still stand and are still operating (legally) today.

The Green Door Tavern is housed in one of the first buildings to be constructed after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Built in 1872 and constructed from a wood frame, the 130-year old building has shifted over the years and now has about a two-foot lean. Initially a grocery store, in 1921 it opened as an Italian restaurant called Huron-Orleans (named after the streets where it resides) and made it through Prohibition as a speakeasy, attracting clientele partially comprised of Chicago gangsters. The nickname “Green Door” came into use during the 1930s, as there was a physical green door at the entrance, but the term is also said to have been a euphemism for “speakeasy.” The name stuck and the establishment ultimately adopted its current name. Today The Green Door Tavern’s history is evident in its décor, but the combination of new and old, like their full bar with a menu that features some unique, prohibition-style cocktails, make this one of Chicago’s best watering holes.

French 75
2 oz Gin
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Lemon Juice
Shake and Pour into a glass
Top with Champagne

The Green Door Tavern | 678 N Orleans St 
River North, Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 664-5496

Another former gangster haunt with a rich history is the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. Established in 1907 as Pop Morse’s Roadhouse, it was purchased again in 1910 and re-named Green Mill Gardens, said to be inspired after the Moulin Rouge (or “red mill”) in Paris. During Prohibition, the owners leased the building to the mob, including Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn who worked for Al Capone, and was a part owner. Capone frequented the Green Mill, as it was a favorite place of his to catch live music from jazz musicians like Joe E. Lewis, Billie Holiday, Tommy Dorsey, Al Jolson and Benny Goodman. Today the place still has some of its speakeasy legacy. You can find a trapdoor behind the bar, where a hydraulic elevator once brought up illicit liquor, and it’s still a premier music venue, with a 1940s vibe featuring jazz and swing bands and a weekly Poetry Slam. Patrons sip on martini’s, Schlitz and Chicago originals like Jeppson’s Malört. A distilled beverage, Malört is the name of a Swedish style of schnapps flavored with wormwood. Carl Jeppson Company of Chicago is the only distributor of Malört in the US and outside of Chicago, it’s not a very well known beverage. (Read more about it here.) With a strong, sharp taste, it’s said that about 1 out of 50 people who try it once, will never drink it again. For a true Chicago experience, ask for the Green Mill house specialty, a shot of Jeppson’s Malört with a chaser of Schlitz beer.

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge | 4802 North Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640 | (773) 878-5552

John Barleycorn’s is another classic Chicago bar, gangster hangout and former speakeasy. Housed in a building in Lincoln Park since 1890, during Prohibition it was boarded up on the exterior to appear vacant to authorities. What is now the back room, used to front a Chinese laundry where bootleggers would hide booze under stacks of dirty clothes and roll them in using laundry carts. Gangster and notorious bank-robber John Dillinger was a frequent patron and was killed just a few blocks away at the Biograph Theater.

CHI-TOWN COCKTAILS

Much of the nightlife in Chicago revolves around cocktails and spirits. One such place, on the more upscale end, is the Tavern at the Park, which is known for its $200 Cloud Gate Martini. Made with real flakes of silver and a mix of expensive booze, the real treat is in the gift you receive with your drink: a sterling-silver Bean pendant necklace (the only piece of jewelry that is allowed to represent the Cloud Gate sculpture [affectionately known as “The Bean”]) designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany’s. Offering an extensive selection of beverages and an array of classic and signature cocktails, Tavern at the Park offers a unique view of Millenium Park and the infamous Cloud Gate sculpture. During the warmer weather months, guests can also enjoy a remarkable view from their recently opened rooftop terrace.

Cloud Gate Martini
Combine simple syrup and flakes of real silver on a small plate
Rim a martini glass with it
Combine ice, 3 ½ oz of Grey Goose La Poire and Triple Sec
Shake, strain and pour into martini glass
Top with champagne

Tavern at the Park | 130 E. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 552-0070

Another local cocktail haven, also known as “Chicago’s Most Intimate Bar,” is The Matchbox. Living up to its namesake, the rectangular-shaped building which has resided on the corner of Ogden and Milwuakee for 75 years, is only 460 square feet and seats just 12 people at the bar. Boasting a nice selection of beer and wine, they also have an impressive cocktail list. Their handmade cocktails feature house-infused spirits and incorporate fresh ingredients and mixers made from scratch. Margaritas are the signature cocktails at this classic neighborhood joint, which are made with Cointreau, fresh lime juice and powdered sugar. They’re also renowned for vodka gimlets, brandy manhattans and a selection of intriguing liqueurs. Since you may not find these on a cocktail menu, just ask the bartender for a recommendation.

Apricot Margarita
Rim glass with Lime wedge and Powdered Sugar
Garnish with Lemon Twist & lime wedge
Add Ice, 4 oz Apricot Infused Tequila and Cointreau
Add an egg white and a spoonful of powdered sugar
Add 1 oz fresh lemon juice & 1 oz fresh lime juice
Shake, strain and pour into a martini glass

The Matchbox | 770 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 | (312) 666-9292

DEEP DISH DESTINATIONS

While Chicago is certainly a great place to drink, it’s also a food lover’s paradise. With 23 Michelin-rated restaurants and annual foodie event, the Taste of Chicago, its no wonder that it is home to the Chicago-style hot dog, the Italian Beef sandwich and is the birthplace of the deep-dish pizza. Sometimes called the “Pizza Capital of the World,” Chicago-style pizza was developed in 1943 by Ike Sewell at Pizzeria Uno located at the corner of Ohio Street and Wabash Avenue. Today there are over 160 Uno Chicago Grill restaurants found all over the US and the world.

Another notable Chicago pizza joint is Giordano’s World Famous Stuffed Pizza. Opened in 1974, Giordano’s is renowned for serving up award-winning deep dish and stuffed pizzas. Owners Efren and Joseph Boglio use recipes that are based on their mother’s recipes from Italy. Today Giordano’s boasts 13 restaurants in Chicago, another 30 locations in the Chicago metro area, and several in Florida.

Giordano’s | 730 North Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 951-0747

GAMES AND GROG

Chicago is a major U.S. sports city. As the home to the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field, which opened in 1916 and is the 2nd oldest operating ballpark in the US, Chicago is also home to the Bulls (NBA), the White Sox (MLB), the Bears (NFL) and the Blackhawks (NHL).

A must-do while visiting Chicago is to check out a Cubs baseball game at the historic Wrigley Field. Those lucky enough to score tickets can enjoy classic ballpark cuisine and an Old Style brew. The area surrounding Wrigley, known as Wrigleyville, is packed with bars, restaurants and fans not lucky enough to make it into the ballpark for the game. But for baseball fans who have been to Wrigley and are looking for a different viewing experience, there are 16 rooftop terraces that surround the ballpark and give its guests a birds-eye view into the stadium. TheSkybox on Sheffield is one such venue. One of the original “Wrigley rooftops” it is located just inside the right field foul pole. Opened in 1993, today this is the only luxury rooftop that serves a three-course menu and extensive selection of brews from local microbrewery Goose Island Beer Co. Recently renovated it offers four levels, over 20-plasma screen TV’s and can seat up to 200 people.

Skybox on Sheffield | 3627 North Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 | (773) 303-9999

For a different, more hands-on type of sporting experience, Chicago Indoor Racing is a nice alternative. An indoor kart racing track that also features a restaurant, bar and lounge it has two locations just outside of Chicago in Buffalo Grove and Addison. Thrill- seekers will ride different tracks on karts that reach 30 mph. But a strict drinking and driving policy prevents drivers from racing under the influence. So if you plan to have a drink or two, be sure to get your races in first.

Chicago Indoor Racing | 301 Hastings Drive | Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 | (847) 941-9400

SECOND CITY SUDS

The Midwest is a mecca for American beer and Chicago is no exception. From original American lagers like Old Style, Schlitz and Pabst to a new generation of microbrews like Goose Island and Half Acre, beer in Chicago is a consistently growing business.

While Schlitz is actually produced in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it has a notable presence in Chicago. Founded by August Krug in 1849 but acquired by Joseph Schlitz in 1858, the success of the company is partly attributed to the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871 when Schlitz donated thousands of beer to the city. Building on its popularity, he subsequently built dozens of tied houses, or bars that are “tied” to a certain brand of beer, in Chicago. Today there are many remnants of this association as the Schlitz logo can be seen in the brickwork on many local buildings.

Another beer that can be found in abundance in Chicago is Old Style. Also brewed originally in Wisconsin by the H. Heileman Brewing Company that operated from 1858 – 1996, today, as with Schlitz, it is contract brewed by Pabst Brewing Company.

Headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Pabst is probably the most well known for producing their own American-style lager, Pabst Blue Ribbon (or PBR), which has made a comeback in the past several years.

The recent resurgence of craft beer has found a home in Chicago with Goose Island Beer Company. Opened in 1988 as a single brewpub on Clybourn, the larger brewery was opened in 1995 and the second brewpub in Wrigleyville was opened in 1999. Its popularity in Chicago continues to grow and brewmaster Greg Hall continues to make cutting edge craft beer. In November 2008, they made news when their first small batch of Bourbon County Stout (at 13.5% ABV) became available for the first time in the Western US. The Russian Imperial Stout is cask-conditioned in oak barrels from 18-year old single barrel bourbon. Their other richcreations include Matilda, a 7.0% Belgian Style Pale Ale and Night Stalker, their 11.7% Imperial Stout. Their flagship brew is the 312 Urban Wheat Ale. Available in most Chicago bars, the 312 is the most popular of their brews and is easily recognizable by its phone-shaped tap handle.

Other local microbreweries include Half Acre Beer Company which began just over four years ago and makes a number of local ales and lagers and the newest addition to the Chicago craft brew scene, Metropolitan Brewing Company.

Liquor.com's Guide to Serious Chicago Cocktail Bars:

"While famously home to notorious bootlegger, speakeasy boss and career gangster Al Capone, Chicago’s drinking culture has come a long way since Prohibition.

Bringing it up to date—hot on the heels of the city’s transformation into one of the country’s culinary capitals—are cocktail pioneers like Toby Maloney and Market-Fresh Mixology author Bridget Albert.

This new generation of skilled and talented bartenders has developed a reputation for hard work and creativity. And the sheer quality, ambition and diversity of establishments makes Chi-town a must-visit for anybody who appreciates good drinks.

The Aviary and Next, 955 & 953 West Fulton Market, 312 226 0858:

Celebrity chef Grant Achatz’s eagerly anticipated restaurant and bar recently opened its doors to great acclaim. While his world-class restaurant Alinea has always treated its guests to a unique cocktail experience, The Aviary and Next bring further innovation to the field of mixology.

What to Drink: Blueberry

Bar DeVille, 701 North Damen Avenue, 312 929 2349:

Without a doubt, Bar DeVille is my favorite neighborhood bar in Chicago. It has a laid-back atmosphere, and whether you’re drinking whiskey, beer, tequila shots or a Ramos Gin Fizz, you’ll have a good time.

What to Drink: A shot of Jeppson’s Malört Liqueur and a good beer

Big Star, 1531 North Damen Avenue, 773 680 7740:

Big Star is all about whiskey, tequila, beer and tacos. (Is there a better way to spend an evening?) Housed in an old garage, it’s definitely one of Chicago’s coolest hangouts. No surprise, since it was opened by the people behind local institutions Avec and Blackbird.

What to Drink: Sarsaparilla Springs (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, AJ Stephans Root Beer)

Boka, 1729 North Halsted Street, 312 337 6070:

Boka is known for its seasonally driven contemporary cuisine. Head bartender Ben Schiller is a key part of the culinary team, and his short but inspired menu pairs well with executive chef Guiseppe Tentori’s dishes.

What to Drink: Old Money (Black Maple Hill Bourbon, Aperol, walnut liqueur, Angostura Bitters, allspice liqueur)

Double A, 108 West Kinzie Street, 312 329 2444:

Consultants the Tippling Bros., AKA Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay, have been working with the Mercadito restaurants in New York for some time. They also set up the bar underneath the group’s Windy City outpost. Double A has an extensive list of original and classic concoctions.

What to Drink: Cheeky Cheeky Boom Boom (Absolut 100 Vodka, elderflower liqueur, strawberry, lemon juice, vanilla sugar)

The Drawing Room, 937 North Rush Street, 312 266 2694:

A James Beard Award semifinalist and the winner of NBC’s On the Rocks bartender-competition series, Charles Joly has pulled together some of the town’s best mixologists. The Drawing Room (pictured above) is an industry leader, which combines modern technique with perfectly executed historic elixirs.

What to Drink: The Nooner (Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Navan, maple syrup, ginger, orange bitters)

Hubbard Inn, 110 West Hubbard Street, 312 222 1331:

Billed as a “continental tavern,” the warm and inviting Hubbard Inn delivers with authentic European dishes and an extensive drinks menu. Ben Tozer will have you sipping fine cocktails and sampling an excellent range of ales and lagers. And then there are the regal monkey portraits on the wall—pay a visit and it will all make sense.

What to Drink: Hubbard Rose (Evan Williams Hubbard Inn 2001 Vintage Bourbon, Damascan Rose Elixir, port, lime juice)

Sable Kitchen & Bar, 505 North State Street, 312 755 9704:

The bar at Sable is a Jacques Bezuidenhout production. With his training and education in place, he turned the day-to-day running of the establishment over to the very capable Mike Ryan. It boasts an elaborate spirits list that takes up 32 pages, with an additional eight pages of cocktails.

What to Drink: Dreich and Crabbit (Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Black Strap Rum, house-made ginger syrup, lime juice, soda)

Sepia, 123 North Jefferson Street, 312 441 1920:

Aussie Josh Pearson brings his bartending knowledge and passion to one of Chicago’s top eateries. Order one of his well-thought-out original concoctions made from a range of exotic and fresh ingredients.

What to Drink: South x Southwest (Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, St-Germain, rosemary, lemon juice, moscato d’Asti wine, old fashioned bitters)

The Violet Hour, 1520 North Damen Avenue, 773 252 1500:

Toby Maloney has worked with the best in the industry. He has brought all his experience and skill to The Violet Hour. You’ll enjoy flawlessly executed classics in an elegant and dimly lit space with a traditional speakeasy feel.

What to Drink: Juliet and Romeo (Beefeater Gin, mint, cucumber, rose water)."

See also: Fat Guy's review of Cog Hill

From Golf Digest Apr 05:

Near Chicago O'Hare International Airport
REALLY CLOSE BY:  White Pines G.C. (500 W. Jefferson St., Bensenville; 630-766-0304; 10 minutes, two miles; $33-$35) is a solid, 36-hole muny southwest of the airport. It's almost always packed, but singles should have no problem getting on at the spur of the moment.

BEST VALUE:  Old Orchard C.C. (700 W. Rand Road, Mount Prospect; 847-255-2025; 22 minutes, 12 miles; $30) has made improvements in conditioning to an already demanding, 6,119-yard, par-70 course. Local golfers describe Old Orchard as the toughest short course in the Chicago area.

A PIECE OF HISTORY:  Oak Meadows G.C. (900 N. Wood Dale Road, Addison; 630-595-0071; 10 minutes, eight miles; $46-$51) is the former Elmhurst C.C. Built in the 1920s, it was the site of Ben Hogan's 1942 win in the Chicago Open. The county's Forest Preserve bought the property in the 1980s and converted it to a municipal course.

ALSO WORTH CONSIDERING:  The Glen Club (2901 West Lake Ave., Glenview; 847-724-7272; 22 minutes, 15 miles; $125-$175) is a Tom Fazio course built on a former naval air base. The layout is wide open, but thick rough, undulating fairways and the occasional water hazard make the course challenging and scenic. You can even see the city skyline in the distance.

AIRPORT CONFIDENTIAL: Off-site rental-car facilities can add 15 to 20 minutes to check-in. Security also has cracked down on vehicles entering airport grounds, so taxis don't exactly zip in and out anymore.

T&L Golf Review 9/06:

Back to Chicago
The sweet home of golf, baseball and the blues

The storied Western Open may be history, but Chicago remains one of America's premier golf cities, one that the Tour will still visit (every other year, anyway) for the BMW Championship. There are scores of courses in the greater metro area, including some of the finest private (Medinah, Chicago Golf Club) and public (Cog Hill, the Glen Club) facilities in the U.S. And golf aside, the city is thriving, its rich cultural traditions finding new outlets in revitalized neighborhoods. Nobody even sings the blues over Chicago's baseball fortunes: The Cubs may be woeful, but at least until October the White Sox remain World Series champs.
—Ed Sherman

Trip Planner
PLAYING Chicago has one of the finest collections of public courses of any big city in America. Start with seventy-two-hole Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (866-264-4455) on the outskirts of town; its Dubsdread course hosts the Western Open. Harborside International Golf Center (312-782-7837) is a linksy oasis in an industrial section of the South Side. Also make a trip to Studio B (708-802-7400), a state-of-the-art putter-fitting center in suburban Tinley Park where Bob Bettinardi will build a custom blade for you.

STAYING Book a room at the tony Peninsula Chicago (866-288-8889; rooms from $440) along North Michigan Avenue. Its fitness center and spa offers panoramic views.

DINING Gibson's Steakhouse (312-266-8999, $$$$) at Bellevue and Rush streets keeps the city's slaughterhouse roots alive. Try the Chicago Cut, a bone-in rib eye.

High Notes
The second oldest ballyard in the big leagues (after Fenway Park), Wrigley Field is deservedly considered a shrine. See a day game if you can, and don't despair if there's a sellout—standing-room-only tickets are often still available. The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the world's best collections of Impressionist paintings. For a taste of the blues, hit Buddy Guy's Legends.

For more information on where to stay and eat in Chicago, visit Travel + Leisure's Chicago Destination Guide.

This Fearsome Foursome Will Keep You Coming Back to Illinois

By Dave Berner, Senior Writer, GolfIllinois.com

CHICAGO, IL -- California and Arizona have 10 each, Hawaii has eight, South Carolina six, but right in the heartland of America the state of Illinois has a very impressive four courses listed on the "Top 100 You Can Play" from Golf Magazine, and three of them are in the Chicago area. Each one of the four is distinctive and wonderfully appealing.

Cog Hill's "Dubsdread" - #14

Tucked in the rolling hills and wrapped around the heavy wooded areas of Chicago's southwest suburbs is Dubsdread - a favorite of the PGA Tour and the Saturday foursome.

"Dubs," as it is affectionately nicknamed, is a classic design with more elevation changes than most Chicagoland layouts and more bunkers than any of the other three courses at the famed Cog Hill Country Club in Lemont, Illinois. The 123 bunkers surround large, topsy-turvy greens. Plus, getting to those greens is a journey of twists and turns through massive oak and maple trees.

No wonder it's considered a solid challenge for the PGA Tour when its players come to Dubsdread each year for the Advil Western Open.

"The TV coverage certainly helps to keep Dubsdread in the public eye and the Tour players love it," says Cog Hill's head golf professional, Jeff Rimsnider.

The 7,310-yard course was designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee in 1964 and was shaped with the natural terrain of the land in mind. There is nothing that looks "forced" at Dubsdread. It's a rambling, parkland setting that creates a peaceful ambiance where the echo of a drive well struck is many times the only sound you'll hear.

The hole most golfers talk about is the finishing hole. Eighteen is a long-ish Par-4 (448 from the tips, 396 from the middle tees) that moves slightly down hill to a green protected by water on the left and a couple bunkers on the right. The green is also devilish with a lot of slope from right to left.

Dubsdread and the entire Cog Hill complex is certainly a premier place to play, but it's also distinctive in that it's a family run facility and a no-frills operation. You won't find attendants waiting to clean your clubs, or handing out divot tools. Cog Hill is simply not about bells and whistles.

"It's not unusual to see the owner, Frank Jemsek, in the pro shop helping to change a customer's spikes, " says Rimsnider.

Dubsdread at Cog Hill Country Club (630)-257-5872 12294 Archer Avenue Lemont, Illinois

Green Fee: $125 including cart.

How to Get There

From Chicago: Lake Shore Drive to I-55 south. Exit at Route 83 south to Archer Avenue. (35 minutes)

From O'Hare: Interstate 294 south to Interstate-55 south. Exit at Route 83 south to Archer Avenue. (30-minutes)

Where to Stay

Americ Inn 185 Remington Boulevard Bolingbrook, IL 630-378-3500

Twopath Inn 933 South State Street Lockport, IL 815-383-1881

Where to Eat

The Cog Hill Country Club's Trophy Room 630-257-5872

Enrico's - Homemade Italian Specialties 427 N. LaGrange Road Frankfort, IL 815-469-4187

"The General" at Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort #52

The General is named for Ulysses S. Grant, who lived in the town of Galena, Illinois before the Civil War. And to score on this rugged layout, like any good military man, you better have your weapons (your clubs) at ready and prepared to attack.

Marching in a straight line is also a good idea. The General does not react kindly to those who move down its fairways in a crooked fashion.

Tucked in the northwest corner of the state, The Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort sits in a part of Illinois where the topography is dramatic. Rock formations, cliffs and steep hills present wonderful land for very interesting golf architecture.

The team of Roger Packard and two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North knew they had some great terrain to work with, but they also had to make the course playable. So, they blasted more than 140,000 cubic yards of solid rock in order to form and mold the layout.

In some spots they left the rocks, even in the middle of the fairway.

"The 17th is a par-4 that runs straight uphill with a natural rock cropping right in the center of what looks to be the landing area," says Dale Balvin, the Director of Golf Operations at Eagle Ridge. "Seventeen is a love-hate relationship."

The General's signature hole, however, is one that is hard not to love. The tee for the 357-yard hole sits 200 feet above the fairway. From here a hang glider could easily launch a soaring flight and the cart path down to the landing area serpentines along the hillside reminding one of San Francisco's famous Lombard Street.

The General plays as long as 6820 yards and as short as 5335 yards. If you attack it from the right set of tees, it's a very enjoyable journey. But considering the course's difficulty (slope rating: 137), you need to measure up to the U.S. Army's motto:

"Be all that you can be."

The General 815-777-4525 400 Eagle Ridge Drive Galena, Illinois

Green Fee: $155 - Weekends, $130 - Weekdays. Includes cart.

How to Get There

From Downtown Chicago or O'Hare Airport: Take Interstate 90 to Illinois 20 west. (2-1/2 to 3 hours)

Where to Stay

Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort 400 Eagle Ridge Drive Galena, Illinois 1-800-892-2269

Where to Eat

Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge 815-777-5050

Spikes Bar & Grill (General Clubhouse) 815-777-4528

The Glen Club #61

The Glen Club opened in the summer of 2001 and already it has made a big impact on golfers in the Chicago area.

This Tom Fazio design is a marvel of golf course architecture. It truly was created out of almost nothing. The layout was built on the grounds of the old Glenview Naval Air Station where concrete runways and old World War II vintage buildings dotted the uninspiring tabletop flat land.

But Fazio trucked in millions of cubic feet of dirt, 4000 trees and created a couple lakes and a creek to bring the par-72 course to life.

Like magic, The Glen Club took shape and the now rolling terrain has given birth to a superb test of the game stretching out to 7255 yards and incorporating several architectural styles and design elements.

The Glen Club's par-3s get a lot of the attention. The 11th is a particularly memorable hole that plays more than 200 yards and has water all long the left side. But the 156-yard 4th is one of the most beautiful holes on the golf course. It sits in a graceful valley and is surrounded by pine trees.

The clubhouse at The Glen Club is one of the most impressive anywhere in the Midwest. It measures over 48,000 square feet, houses an elegant pro shop and a magnificent restaurant run by Chicago chef, Aaron Walters. It also boasts 21 overnight rooms for those who want to stay-and-play in a premier setting.

The Glen Club 847-724-7272 2901 West Lake Avenue Glenview, Illinois

Green Fee: $110 Monday-Thursday, $135 Friday-Sunday. Includes cart.

How to Get There

From Chicago: Take Kennedy Expressway (90/94) to Edens Expressway (94) then merge to Interstate 294 north. Exit at Willow Road east and follow to Patriot Road south. Club Entrance is on the left. (35 minutes)

From O'Hare Airport: Take Interstate 294 north to Willow Road exit. Follow east to Patriot Road and turn south. Club Entrance is on the left. (30 minutes)

Where to Stay

The Glen Club has 21 elegant overnight rooms that can be combined
as part of a play-and-stay package.

Where to Eat

The Grill The Glen Club 847-724-7272

Kemper Lakes Golf Course #92

Some who play Kemper Lakes tell the first timers to "bring along their scuba gear". Yes, there is plenty of water on this 23-year old Chicago gem, but if you know where to put your tee ball, the water can be avoided.

Still there are those who find Kemper Lakes a real monster to negotiate. But even those who struggle around its fairways are delighted at the end of the day. Saying you "played Kemper today" is a statement that tells anyone who listens that you had a superb day on a great golf course. It's not really about the score - scoring at Kemper takes some doing - instead it's about the experience.

PGA Tour players also love and respect Kemper Lakes. It was the site of the 1989 PGA Championship where we all got to watch Payne Stewart hoist the trophy. Plus, Kemper has hosted the SBC Senior Open and the 2002 LaSalle Bank Open on the BUY.Com Tour.

The stretch of holes everyone talks about is 16, 17 and 18.

Sixteen is a long par-4 rolling out to 426 yards. Seventeen is a marvelous par-3 over water and playing as long as 203 yards. The green is big, but doesn't have a lot of depth making for a challenging iron shot. And 18 is a beauty. It measures 384 yards from the men's tees and is literally squeezed between lakes. It can be nasty.

Kemper Insurance recently sold the golf course to a regular player at the club - Ed Boado. As someone who absolutely adores Kemper Lakes, Boado says the course is only "going to get better".

Kemper Lakes
Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, Illinois
847-320-3450
Director of Golf: Bryan Moran
Green Fees: $135, $100 and $75 depending on time of day

How to Get There

From O'Hare Airport: Take Interstate 294 north to Half Day Road. Travel west to Old McHenry Road. Club entrance is 1-½ miles on the left. (35 minutes)

Downtown Chicago: Take Kennedy Expressway (90/94) to Edens Expressway (94). Then merge onto Interstate 294 north to Half Day Road. Travel west to Old McHenry and course is 1-½ miles on the left. (45 minutes)

Where to Stay

Wyndham Garden Hotel 900 W. Lake Cook Road Buffalo Grove, IL 847-215-8883

Crowne Plaza - Chicago North Shore 510 E. Hwy. 83 (4 mi. No. of Long Grove) Mundelein, IL 847-949-5100

Where to Eat

Kemper Lakes Clubhouse Restaurant, 847-320-3450

Enzo & Lucia's Italian Ristorante Long Grove, IL 847-478-8825

Per Playboy After Dark, here's the best spots to get blown in while in the Windy City (had to read that twice, didn't ya?):

Best Dive Bar: Bust out your coolest hipster gear for Rainbo Club (1150 N Damen, 773-489-5999), where all the midwestern indie rockers rub tatoos. Fill up on cheap suds and stumble into the photo booth.

Best Bar: The pinnacle nightspot for the well-heeled is the sleek Whiskey Sky on the 33rd floor of the W Hotel (644 N Lake Shore, 312-255-4463). Even better than the night views of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier ferris wheel are the views of the scantily clad bartenders.

Coolest Clubs: The venerable Transit (1431 W Lake, 312-491-9729) stands out as the best spot for post-pandial action. Or hit flashy late night hang Le Passage (937 N Rush, 312-255-0022) for a target-rich environment.

Funkiest Nightclub: Feel your pant legs shake at 50,000 watt, any-night-of-the-week singles-haven Rednofive (440 N Halstead, 312-421-1239). Break from grooving in comfortable nooks and a new VIP lounge.

Best People Watching: Watch all the corn-fed Midwestern country-gone-city girls stroll by while enjoying the suprisingly good food at Tavern On Rush (1031 N Rush, 312-664-9600).

Best Live Tunes: The Empty Bottle (1035 N Western, 773-276-3600) any night of the week.

Best Drinks: Weiss beer at century-old Berghoff (17 W Adams, 312-427-3170), or a martini-with-America's-best-bar-view at Signature Lounge (875 N Michigan, 96th Fl of the John Hancock Building).

Best Upscale Restaurants: For the most romantic spot in the entire Midwest, try the extraordinary food and amazing city views at Everest (440 S LaSalle, 312-663-8920). Order the poached beef tenderloin. Or hit stylish Avec (615 W Randolph, 312-377-2002) for gastronomic delights. Other great eats include Charlie Trotter's (816 W Amitage, 773-248-6228); Tru (676 N St Clair, 312-202-0001); or Topolobampo (445 N Clark, 312-661-1434).

Best Quick Eats: Not-to-be-missed Chi-town traditions include deep dish pizza at Gino's East (633 N Wells, 312-943-1124) and the Italian beef at Mr. Beef (666 N Orleans, 312-337-8500).

Best Ethnic Restaurant: Mediterranean-themed Greek Islands (200 S Halstead, Greektown, 312-782-9855) is the Zeus of the neighborhood for specialty apps like taramasalatta and grilled octopus, lamb-heavy entree's, and fish flown in daily.

Best Shopping: Hip upscale at Oak Street (25 E Oak, 312-587-1700), a more laid-back Barney's NY, fashion-forward men's clothing at Saks 5th Ave (717 N Michigan, 312-944-6500), and gifts and handbags for the grrlfriend at Cynthia Rowley (808 W Armitage, 773-528-6160).

Where To Crash: The pricey Peninsula (108 E Superior, 312-337-2888) is Chicago's most elegant hotel, with Japenese breakfasts and 2 excellent restaurants. Best value is The InterContinental (505 N Michigan, 312-944-4100), with a central locale and Roman-style pool on the 12th floor.

Playboy Picks: The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S Michigan, 312-443-3600) is one of the nation's top museums.

Best Architecture Tour: 90-minute river cruise Chicago From The Lake (435 E Illinois, 312-527-1977).

Fodor's Guide To Chicago Nightlife:
Nightlife & The Arts
Overview
Chicago's entertainment varies from loud and loose to sophisticated and sedate. You'll find the classic Chicago corner bar in most neighborhoods, along with trendier alternatives -- wine bars are hip these days. The Reader and New City (distributed midweek in bookstores, record shops, and other city establishments) are your best guides to the entertainment scene. These free weeklies have comprehensive, timely listings and reviews. The Friday editions of the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times are also good sources of information. On the Web, www.metromix.com  gives daily updates on what's happening around town. Shows usually begin at 9 PM; cover charges generally range from $3 to $20, depending on the day of the week (Friday and Saturday nights are the most expensive). Most bars stay open until 2 AM Friday night and 3 AM Saturday, except for a few after-hours spots and some larger dance bars, which are often open until 4 AM Friday night and 5 AM Saturday.

Parking in North Side neighborhoods, particularly Lincoln Park and Lake View, is increasingly scarce, even on weeknights. If you're visiting nightspots in these areas, consider taking a cab or public transportation. If you're driving, many restaurants and clubs offer valet service at the curb for $6-$7.

The list of blues and jazz clubs includes several South Side locations: visitors to Chicago should be cautious about transportation here late at night because some of these neighborhoods can be unsafe. Drive your own car or ask the bartender to call you a cab. Chicago is a splendid city for the arts. The Shubert, Auditorium, Chicago, Oriental, and Goodman theaters -- Chicago bases for Broadway-scale shows -- are complemented by more than 75 small neighborhood-based theaters where young actors polish their skills. The Lyric Opera plays to houses that are always sold out; the Chicago Opera Theatre augments the Lyric's repertoire with a spring season of smaller works. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra gives world-class performances; the Ravinia Festival and the Grant Park outdoor concerts draw huge crowds in summer. For complete music and theater listings, check two free weeklies, The Reader and New City, both published midweek; the Friday and Sunday editions of the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times; and the monthly Chicago magazine. Ticket prices vary wildly depending on whether you're seeing a high-profile group or venturing into more obscure territory. Chicago Symphony tickets range from $11 to $95, the Lyric Opera from $28 to $132 (if you can get them). Smaller choruses and orchestras charge from $10 to $25; watch the listings for free performances. Commercial theater ranges from $15 to $75; smaller experimental ensembles might charge $5, $10, or pay-what-you-can. Movie prices range from $9 for first-run houses to as low as $1.50 at some suburban second-run houses. Some commercial chains take credit cards.

Division Street
For the vestiges of the old Rush Street, continue north to trendy Division Street between Clark and State streets. The crowd here consists mostly of suburbanites and out-of-towners on the make. The bars are crowded and noisy. Among the better-known singles bars are Butch McGuire's (20 W. Division St., Near North, Chicago, IL, 60610, USA, PHONE: 312/337-9080), the Lodge (21 W. Division St., Near North, Chicago, IL, 60610, USA, PHONE: 312/642-4406), and Original Mother's (26 W. Division St., Near North, Chicago, IL, USA, PHONE: 312/642-7251), which was featured in the motion picture About Last Night.