in the south suburbs...

i try to get around to as many chicagoland golf courses as i can, and i'd like to think i've heard almost every place (public or private)....

which leads me to today...when I accompanied some friends out to Evergreen Golf Club on 91st and Western Ave. in Evergreen Park.

I've heard of the place, but today was the first time i teed it up there. Talk about a gem!

Unfortunately it's not as kept up as it should be, it's a treat to play. You can tell it was built in 1921, as the teeboxes are uncomfortably close to greens, but it's a great, alternately tough/forgiving layout.

the clubhouse is run down, but you don't see places like that any more - it's cash only and the wood register has those heavy metal keys. the sit-down area is unreal - it's like a 50's diner + neighborhood bar.

Because there is no rough the course isnt as difficult as its designed to be, but it's a treat and a challenge nonetheless. Make sure to bring your putting stroke, because the greens are what's going to get you.

Even the scorecards are old school, with separate boxes for match play scoring and reminders that "buying or selling golf balls on the course is positively forbidden."