By 
Verdict: Recommended
Best For: North Shore golfers who want history, walkability, and transparent public pricing
Avoid If: You expect private-club exclusivity or resort amenities
Last Reviewed: 2026-07-10
The charm at Glencoe is not loud. This Glencoe Golf Club review comes down to whether you appreciate an old public North Shore course that still knows what it is. I do. It gives you honest golf, transparent rates, and more history than most municipal courses bother to explain.
Glencoe was built as an alternative to private country club membership, and that mission still matters in 2026. You get public access, permanent tee-time options, senior programs, a practice facility, and a course tied to Village and Forest Preserves stewardship. Do not expect luxury theater. Expect usable golf.
Glencoe works because it feels like civic golf with a memory, not a budget course pretending to be private.
Club Overview
Glencoe Golf Club is a public 18-hole course at 621 Westley Road in Glencoe. The club traces its origin to 1921 planning and 1922 play, with George ONeil tied to the original layout. The course is administered by the Village of Glencoe in partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
| Club Type | Golf Club |
|---|---|
| Location | Glencoe, Illinois |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Membership Type | Public municipal-style course with memberships and permanent tee-time options |
| Initiation Fee | None for standard public play |
| Monthly Dues | Not a dues-based private club |
| Green Fee | 2026 prime 18 holes: $54 weekday walking, $64 weekend walking; riding rates higher |
| Best Time to Visit | May-June and September-October |
| Dress Code | Standard golf attire |
| Reservations Required | Yes |
| Official Website | glencoegolfclub.com |
| Phone | 847-835-0250 |
What I Liked
Image: Glencoe Golf Club
The biggest win is clarity. The club publishes 2026 rates, cart costs, range pricing, permanent tee-time fees, and historical context in one place.
- Transparent 2026 rate table makes budgeting easier than at many public courses
- Historic public-course identity gives the round more character than a generic muni
- Permanent tee-time program is useful for groups that play every weekend
- Audubon and Monarch Sanctuary context adds real stewardship value
- North Shore location gives strong access without private-club barriers
What I Didn’t Like
The tradeoff is that Glencoe is still a busy public course. You get access, but you share it.
- Dynamic pricing note means actual tee-sheet rates may move above posted minimums
- Weekend prime riding rate is not cheap for a municipal-style round
- Public demand can make preferred tee times competitive
- Amenities are practical rather than plush
Membership & Fees
Glencoe is one of the clearest Day 20 clubs on pricing. The official 2026 rates page lists minimum fees and notes they may fluctuate with dynamic pricing. The permanent tee-time membership is a prepaid weekend access product, not a traditional private membership.
| Item | Current published detail |
|---|---|
| Weekday prime 18 walking | $54 minimum |
| Weekday prime 18 riding | $77 minimum |
| Weekend prime 18 walking | $64 minimum |
| Weekend prime 18 riding | $87 minimum |
| Permanent tee-time membership | $1,430 cash/check or $1,470 credit card per member for 19 walking rounds |
Compared with nearby private clubs, Glencoe is dramatically more accessible. Compared with cheaper municipal rounds, it asks a premium for North Shore location, history, and a steadier experience.
Facilities & Amenities
Image: Glencoe Golf Club
The facility is broader than one first-time visitor might guess from the road.
- 18-hole public golf course with scorecard and ratings published online
- Practice range with listed basket prices
- Permanent tee-time membership program for weekend groups
- Senior membership and league programming
- Golf academy, private instruction, junior camps, and community stewardship programs
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Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, and October are the sweet spots. Spring gives you firming turf and cooler walks. Fall gives you the best blend of temperature and North Shore color. July and August are playable, but heat and demand can make cart timing matter.
Dress Code & Etiquette
Use normal golf clothing: collared shirt or neat golf top, golf shorts or pants, and proper shoes. Glencoe is public, but it is not sloppy. First-timers should also respect pace, because permanent groups and regulars know the course rhythm.
Who Is This Club For?
Image: Glencoe Golf Club
This club is a good fit if you want a public North Shore course with roots. It is especially good if private-club cost is the barrier.
This club is a good fit if you walk often. The walking rates make the most sense when you can skip the cart.
Skip this one if you need resort service, a pool, or a private locker-room culture. That is not Glencoe.
Skip this one if dynamic public pricing annoys you. The posted fees are minimums, not a guarantee for every slot.
People Also Ask: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glencoe Golf Club public?
Yes. Glencoe Golf Club is a public-access golf facility in Glencoe, Illinois. It also offers memberships, senior programs, leagues, and permanent tee-time options, but you do not need a private club membership to book a round.
How much does Glencoe Golf Club cost in 2026?
For 2026, Glencoe lists prime 18-hole minimums at $54 weekday walking, $77 weekday riding, $64 weekend walking, and $87 weekend riding. The club notes that rates may fluctuate under dynamic pricing.
When did Glencoe Golf Club open?
Glencoe Golf Club began from a 1921 public-course effort and opened for play in 1922. The full 18-hole course was in place by 1931, giving it one of the stronger public-golf histories on the North Shore.
Does Glencoe Golf Club have memberships?
Yes. Glencoe offers programs such as senior membership and a 2026 permanent tee-time membership. The permanent tee-time option includes 19 walking rounds and costs $1,430 per member with the cash/check discount or $1,470 by credit card.
Is Glencoe Golf Club worth playing?
Glencoe is worth playing if you want a public North Shore course with history, transparent pricing, and solid walkability. It is less compelling if you want private-club amenities or a quiet resort-style atmosphere.
What is the best time to play Glencoe Golf Club?
May through June and September through October are the best months. The course is more comfortable to walk, demand is easier to manage outside peak summer heat, and the mature property shows better in spring and fall.
Verdict & Score
I rate Glencoe Golf Club 4.2 out of 5. The score reflects access, value, course character, pricing clarity, and how well the club fits the golfer it is trying to serve. My recommendation is direct: choose it if north shore golfers who want history, walkability, and transparent public pricing; look elsewhere if you expect private-club exclusivity or resort amenities.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-10. For scoring context, see our GreatClubReview review methodology.
Author Note
I write these reviews from the lens of someone who has spent years comparing public, semi-private, and private golf clubs. I care about routing, access, value, and the little rules that shape your day more than glossy brochure language.
