South Shore Golf Course – Chicago, IL

**South Shore GC, Chicago, IL – Grand entrance**

And so it begins…“Grabbing my Sticks and Golfing Route 66”. The first stop on this Chicago to Albuquerque trip is South Shore Golf Course and what a stop it is. As I passed through the archway entrance to the course, I was surprised to discover the aged elegance of the area; the requirement of paid parking; and the golf attendant hidden behind bullet-proof glass. Every time I visit the Chicagoland area it’s like stepping into a time machine. In the summer of 1968, I drove through Chicago during the mayhem of the Democratic National Convention, and first stepped on the campus of Aurora College. Somewhere on campus that day was fellow freshman, Neil Hanson. Today 55 years later we will reunite and play golf at South Shore. We are joined by Mark and his son, Evan, who I met the month before on the hallowed grounds of Pinehurst #2. What an outstanding foursome to start this adventure!

Evan was awarded the ceremonial first drive and roped one down the middle at the par 4 first hole. It’s a dogleg left with plenty of large trees blocking the turn in the fairway. Any shot sliced to the right will find your ball bouncing around cars in the parking lot. As you exit Hole #1, take a right – it can be a little confusing playing here for the first time. What greets you at Hole #2 is an excellent view of downtown Chicago. This slight dogleg to the left is situated between Lake Shore Drive on the left and Lake Michigan to the right.

**Hole #2 – Par 4, 432 yards. Downtown Chicago!**

Hole #3 borders Lake Shore Drive to the right. The low fence will not offer any protection from a high, wild slice to the traffic making their way to the city. Luckily all our drives found the fairway at this 435 yard par 4. On Hole #4 you continue your journey down Lake Shore Drive. There are a number of large trees that may help protect the cars over there, but these two holes are not friendly for drives that curve from left to right. Aim to the left my friends! There are a few bunkers in front of the green that also make this an interesting hole.

Hole #5 is a par 3 with the old riding stables lining the right side of the hole. These stables were once home to Al Capone’s stable of horses. Today they house the Chicago PD mounted horse department. Large bunkers are positioned on both sides of this green. Hole #6 is a straight par 4 with Lake Michigan looming to the back of the green.

The par 3 seventh hole plays to 177 yards. Trees line both sides of the hole and a large bunker falls off to the right. Hole #8 is a tree-lined, straight-forward, par 4 with a slight bend to the left. A par 3 bunker-lined green awaits your 120 yard tee shot at Hole #9.

Rating – Ace (51 out of 60): This was a great way to kick off the Route 66 adventure. The course was in excellent shape and the pace of play was brisk. It can be a little intimidating to a golfer with a big slice, so if this is your issue, you may prefer to use an iron on a few holes to keep the ball in play. Even though the surroundings may look elegant, amenities are scarce.

The South Shore Cultural Center is rich with Chicago history. The general area was (is) home to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (Columbian Exposition); the University of Chicago; Jackson Park; the future Barack Obama Presidential Library; and the setting of the Obama’s wedding reception. Dating back to 1903, this course offers views of Lake Michigan and the historic buildings that dot the property.