6 Bloomington IL golf courses you'll love
Staying in Bloomington for a bit and looking for something to do this weekend? Go golfing! The city boasts multiple great courses, so what are you waiting for? Let’s have a look at 6 Bloomington IL golf courses you’ll love to play.
Den at Fox Creek golf course in Bloomington
Although it’s a little more expensive than the other Bloomington IL golf courses, Den at Fox Creek is considered by many players to be the best in the Bloomington-Normal twin cities.
This Scottish Links-style Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course opened in 1997 and has been a staple for golf enthusiasts in Illinois ever since. It measures 6,926 yards and is quite picturesque, with bentgrass tees and wild prairie grasses in the rough. There are no less than 131 well-placed sand traps, as well as decorative water hazards on half of the holes.
Den at Fox Creek features all the amenities: cart and club rental, a driving range and a fully equipped shop. Ideal for a full Sunday out on your own or with a group!
18 holes
Par 72
Course rating 72.9
Slope rating 128
Golf Digest 4.5 star course
2. Prairie Vista golf course in Bloomington
Perfect for players of every skill level, Prairie Vista golf course is located in Bloomington and features an American Contemporary Style design. Known for being on the challenging side without losing sight of the fun, it was designed by Roger Packard and opened in 1991.
This bentgrass course has everything you need for a great afternoon. It measures 6,745 yards and boasts water hazards on a whopping 16 of its 18 holes. There’s a practice putting green and chipping green, as well as a grass driving range. Pro staff is around to make sure you get to play the best round possible.
Other amenities at this course include card and club rental and a pro store.
18 holes
Par 72
Course rating 72.2
Slope rating 129
Golf Digest 4-star course
3. The Links at Ireland Grove golf course in Bloomington
Another course located on the Bloomington side of the twin cities, The Links at Ireland Grove is a great choice if you’re looking for a place to play with the kids or get some practice in.
Calling itself the friendliest little course in town, this one’s known for being nice and affordable, and its 9 holes make for great quick play. It has a driving range and weather-protected hitting bays.
Don’t forget to check out all the extras The Links offers, including a Couples Night, Ladies’ Night, Kids’ League and Senior League. There are also golf camps for kids, year-round instruction and training, and the opportunity to try foot golf or night golf. Club and cart rental are available.
9 holes
Par 30
4. Highland Park Golf Course in Bloomington
The first golf course to appear in Bloomington was the 5,539-yard Highland Park Golf Course, which was built and opened all the way back in the 1930s. Lined with beautiful mature trees and with narrow fairways and small fast greens, it’s considered reasonably challenging.
In our opinion, this Highland Park is a great choice if you’re looking for something scenic, with hilly terrain and a little creek. Because it’s a public course, it’s also affordable, and the maintenance level and general condition have improved a good bit in the past few years. Check it out!
Course rating 66.9
Slope rating 111
Golf digest 3-star course
5. Weibring Golf Club in Normal
Located at Illinois State University in Normal, Weibring Golf Club opened in 1964 and was originally designed by Robert Bruce Harris. It has since been renovated as part of a project led by D.A. Weibring, hence the club’s name.
This 6,915 yard course hosts a range of different tournaments and other events on a yearly basis, but despite this, it’s also a friendly and accessible place for the public to play a round. It’s well-maintained, with well-placed sand traps and water hazards making it challenging enough for experienced players.
You can book your tee-time online at Weibring Golf Club, so have a look at their website to make your reservation. Amenities include club, trolley and cart hire, snack bar, pro shop and more.
18 holes
Par 71
6. Ironwood Golf Course in Normal
Another public course in Normal, Ironwood was designed by Roger Packard and is located in a picturesque residential subdivision. It measures 6,690 yards and is reasonably priced and moderately challenging, with well-kept fescue greens and fairways shaped by trees.
Ironwood Golf Course has all the amenities you need, including club and cart rental (the latter is recommended as the distances are pretty considerate), driving range, practice putting green and a practice bunker. Instructors are always available in the Golf Academy.
PS: This course is known for being pretty windy (prairie winds and all that!), so try checking the weather forecast before you go.
18 holes
Par 72
Course rating 72.5
Slope rating 122
Conclusion
Whether you just want to play a few quick holes or spend your entire afternoon on the greens, the range of different Bloomington IL golf courses has something to offer for everyone. And once you’re done, why not try one of the many other activities in town?
PS: If you’re still looking for a place to stay, don’t forget to check out Bloomington’s House of Games. With space for up to 10 people, a room full of arcade systems, a rec room and a fully equipped backyard, this is the perfect place to spend some time with family or friends. Book your stay now!
