West Dundee, IL

Randall Oaks

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2.975(based on 33 reviews)
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9 0
EspressoPatronum
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 18.6 years 232 played 223 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Gem Among Short Courses 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 15, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

- quality Innova DISCatcher baskets
- extremely picturesque and well maintained with large oaks
- course loops around nicely to end right back at parking lot
- brick paver tees are decent
- some garbage cans throughout course; generally clean
- fairly dedicated disc golf area; nearby park, zoo, etc. have their own space
- big rolling holes are impressive for Chicago suburbs
- good variety of lengths
- some flat holes, some uphill, some downhill

Cons:

- some bricks, particularly on edges of tees, are settling
- limited navigation aids
- slight risk of throwing disc into golf course on hole 3
- tee signs are very rudimentary, and are missing on holes 3 and 5
- holes 7 and 10 throw over low traffic roads/walking paths, minor hazard
- hole 7 and 8 are wide open and don't add anything

Other Thoughts:

Randall Oaks is a lovely little course nestled among a (pay entry) zoo, golf course, public park, and picnic area. While there is a lot in this area, the course generally has its own space except for a few minor path/road hazards.

This course is relatively short overall, but the holes are all respectable lengths and have some intermediate level challenge. Plenty of tree obstacles and excellent elevation change for the Chicago are make this course worth playing. It is especially beautiful in the fall with all of the leaves falling from the oak trees.

The baskets and tees here are decent, although some new, larger tee signs would be a great improvement (especially since a few of them are already missing). I really enjoyed this course as much as any shorter (< 18 holes) course I've played. I was on the fence between 2.5 and 3 for this one; I decided to round up since the course is fun, has some challenge, and is in great shape.

Navigation aids would be helpful here. In particular, a next tee sign between 2 and 3 would be very helpful. There is a sign directing you to holes 5 and 10 in the middle of the course. I'm also not convinced this course actually needs 10 holes; 7 and 8 were pretty blah in the middle of the course, just wide open throws, and I think 9 holes would have been fine.

Note if you are visiting that you want to turn in at Randall Oaks Zoo which might not seem right; You go to the back right of the front parking lot and follow the signs for additional parking which take you down a one way road. Signs will direct you to the disc golf course.

One other risk here is on hole 3 the ball golf course is directly to your left. It is surrounded by a barbed wire fence and my tee shot was about a foot from sailing over into the golf course. Take care since this won't be an easy one to retrieve.

This course seems like it could be prone to some standing water, particularly on holes 1, 2, and 10, but it was dry when I was there. Overall, I had a fun time here and would definitely seek this one out if you don't mind a shorter course. This course is acceptable for beginners but does force some level of shot shaping while still keeping things pretty casual.
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8 0
SneakyJedi
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.8 years 143 played 83 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great Rec Level Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 19, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Well maintained park with many additional amenities

- Fun course is entertaining for multiple skill levels with a variety of challenges and types of fairways

- Good baskets, tee pads, and signs

Cons:

- A few layout issues resulting in mild conflicts between fairways and roads/parking lots and baskets and tee pads

- Skews slightly short and open limiting challenge for more advanced players

- Could be confusing to get to your first time out

Other Thoughts:

Randal Oaks is a great recreational level course that makes good use of the space allotted. I admire courses that don't try and force in or leave out fairways to conform to the standard 9, 18, or 27 hole layout. The 10 holes here provide a good amount of variety while being fun to play for multiple skill levels. During my round I was also informed by members of the local Lucky Shots disc golf club that there is an additional 18 hole layout developed by the club that is available on UDisc if you have the time and the course is empty enough to allow some safari type golf.

There is a nice spread of fairway distances ranging from just under 200' to over 400'. There are a handful of moderately wooded fairways (though the course is mostly open) that require some mild shot shaping, but the stand out feature is the elevation used on half of the holes. There are some fairly significant hills (at least for Illinois) that you will be throwing up, down, and across, with a few baskets placed on greens with considerable rollaway potential. This course has enough challenge and variety to entertain more experienced players hunting for birdies, while being approachable enough not to turn away newer players. Holes 3, 4, and 9 were the standouts to me, making good use of both elevation and trees to force some shot shaping.

There are a few layout issues at this course. There are a couple places where pads and baskets are a little too close to each other, but generally the course is well spaced. Hole 3 is a great shot, but there is a very real chance of your shot going over the fence into the ball golf course on the left, or finding the parking lot on the right. The drive on Hole 5 crosses a road and walking path, while playing parallel to another road.

The DISCatcher baskets are aging but still catch well, the paver tee pads are very nice, and the tee signs are simple but effective. The sign for Hole 3 was missing during my visit, making finding the pad the only real navigational difficulty of the round for me. It is slightly confusing getting to the course in the first place as you have to drive through the parking lot for the zoo, and go down what sort of feels like a private access road to the right (north) that then takes you south around the zoo and along the ball golf course, past a playground, past another parking lot, until you finally get to a final parking lot near Hole 1 and the course map.

This is a nice, well maintained course that I wish I lived closer to. There are additional amenities that I have already mentioned like a petting zoo with games and a playground that could really make this a great destination for an inexpensive family day out. The course itself is well worth bagging if you are in the area, if not something to go out of your way to travel a great distance for. I stopped by after a trip to More Brewing Company just down the road in Huntley, and definitely hope to make it back to both locations in the near future.
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1 0
DiscGolfer80
Experience: 4.7 years 57 played 56 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 24, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Well laid out and easy course to play. Not to challenging for a 10 hole course.

Cons:

If unfamiliar with course and layout, tricky to find parking lot to play the course due to poor signage.

Holes #3 & #5 have no sign.

Other Thoughts:

Could've added a few more holes considering the layout of the course.
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2 0
thepriebe
Experience: 4.7 years 6 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A fun course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 7, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course is part of a larger park that is well maintained. The fairways are all soft grass and makes playing in flip flops very nice. The holes vary in length, and skill. Some nice easy shots, and some more challenging ones, and some with really good distance throws. Some sun, some shade.

Cons:

One of the baskets is close to another starting point. This is hole 5 and 8. There isn't a clearly designated tee for hole 3. The other holes have posts with markers, but 3 just has the tee.

Other Thoughts:

I will definitely go to this course more often.
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5 0
MidwestZest
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 23.8 years 103 played 72 reviews
3.00 star(s)

FUN! As a smaller course should be. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 11, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

- FUN! My biggest pro for this course is the ever-elusive and indescribable fun factor a course can have.
- Sprawling park setting, with lots of shelters and equipment and things to do.
- Great elevation usage! Not many shorter courses have (or use) this luxury.
- Very intentional course design, with a handful of different types of holes. L-R and R-L holes both, along with a handful of open.
- Good layout and navigation on this course. Signage is great, simple but as much as necessary.
- Kiosk at the parking lot with a map posted makes it easy to map out the whole course while standing in a central location.
- Solid paver teepads, a nice touch for a course of this size. Baskets all installed really well, with a largish concrete mounting pad. These won't be getting knocked over or start leaning anytime soon.
- #3 - The elevation of the course first comes into play here. Great looking downhill L-to-R hole that drives over a little valley of sorts.
- #4 - Great uphill hole. A few trees to force a line - 255' that plays like 300.
- #9 - This hole plays alongside and up a hill. You just don't see hole designs like this very often. Long-ish, uphill, and a difficult fairway to land and stay on if you don't match your disc flight right. Very appreciative of this hole.
- #10 - A good finishing hole for a course like this. Scenic, downhill & shorter, and most of all: fun.

Cons:

- Some holes are close to one another, and may have a little overlap. #9 basket and #8 tee are close to each other.
- Roads do come into play, but low amounts of traffic make it moot. Just watch out.
- #5 - this is the open hole that I could probably do without. Purposeful putting location though, with roll-away potential.

Other Thoughts:

- #7 - Really neither a pro or con, but this is the air it out hole. 420' that plays 440', gradually uphill.
- Probably one too many wide open holes, but considering the space available, I thought it was well done. And who doesn't like to let 'er rip once in a while?
- As stated before, fun factor pushes this course up another .5 for me.
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3 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.8 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Rad Chicago 9'er! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

I get to call Randall Oaks at Chicago 9'er even though it's technically a Chicago 10'er. I think most Chicagoland players will be OK with the label.

This lovely park is a bustling, popular beehive of activity with just a little bit of everything, even including a small zoo. Even with the park's popularity, the day I played, I mostly had the course to myself.

The course is very well marked with directional signs, brand new tee pads and simple tee posts which give just the hole #, par and distance. The baskets are Discatchers with the yellow band. The course plays as an easy recreational level, beginners will enjoy their round here, as well. It's way too tame for intermediate players looking for any challenge. I think the main attraction of this course is it's just such a beautiful little well kept park and has a few really pretty simple little holes. Combine this with low stress and little chance of losing a disc and it's just a fun little throw.
# 1 is a very pretty short, 245', slightly downhill hyser throw through the trees. # 3 is a very pretty 280' slight downhill with a fairly narrow window.

But # 6 and # 10 were my favorite holes. I'd call them both the signature holes on this course. # 6 is a 303' anhyser throw to a basket with rusting chains and # 10 is just an easy little 210' ACE run (Please don't sign the basket when you ACE this hole-We're not that impressed).

Cons:

Totally recreational distance and challenge.
I can understand the problem of having to share this park with the public.

Other Thoughts:

I think we're missing a unique opportunity on # 5. Instead of having a boring run of the mill basket there, the target should be Disc Golf's largest target anywhere, the giant water tower. It would be this course's legacy. And hitting the water tower would also make a lovely, musical sound that would resonate through the park.
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2 9
murflax
Experience: 8 played 3 reviews
0.50 star(s)

Go somewhere else 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 22, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Open shots on some holes that would be good for beginners.

Cons:

Fairway along a barbed wire fence.

Cramped holes.

Hole on hill with fenced in water tower behind it by about 20-40ft.

Other Thoughts:

Why on earth is it 10 holes? I had to look it up here after we finished 10 just to make sure that there weren't anymore holes since having 10 holes is just ridiculous. They could have easily made it an 18 hole course since it was clear they already showed no restraint for mushing some of the holes together.
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8 1
Jashwa
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.8 years 173 played 86 reviews
3.00 star(s)

3.2 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 30, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Randall Oaks is a solid course and was very fun to play. The course features some nice elevation as well as a mix of wooded/open holes. Hole 3 was a great signature hole featuring a downhill finesse shot through the trees. I love shots like that. I also liked one of the later holes (maybe hole 5?) whose pin was perched right on top of a steep mound thing. The mound made the green play very fast and "parking" it next to the hole was tricky. The last hole was also a very fun one... another downhill wooded shot.

The park around Randall Oaks seemed to have a million things to do. There was a small zoo, picnic shelters, a pool (?), and maybe even tennis (?) I don't remember exactly, but this really seemed like the place to be, especially if travelling with family.

The course itself seemed pretty well kept, with very helpful signs directing the way (otherwise navigation would have been impossible).

Cons:

The most obvious "con" to this course was that it was not at all isolated from the rest of the park. As mentioned, it was an awesome park with lots to do, so naturally it attracts a lot of people. Unfortunately, the course brought other park users into play pretty regularly, which is not fun/safe for anyone. Additionally, a lot of the course was quite cramped leading to several of the hole being right next to one another.

In addition to the safety/isolation issues, I also found some of the holes to be a bit bland. Hole two was a little putter shot that was very easy and one of the later holes was a weird dogleg that was completely blind with a busy road right behind the pin... not a fan.

Other Thoughts:

While not very challenging, there was plenty of interesting disc golf here, so Randall Oaks is a great place to bring a newer or less serious player.
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2 3
TheFlex
Experience: 11.1 years 9 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Open and Awesome 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 19, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Brick tees make for great drives
-Elevation changes
-Wide open shots
-Nice for practicing shots/techniques
-Well balanced
-Next hole markers
-Great scenery

Cons:

-Not too many technically challenging holes

Other Thoughts:

This course is great for beginners and intermediates looking to have a fun time on the course and learn without losing a disc or getting punished by thorns and prickers. Love this place!
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1 4
Stankyjahnke
Experience: 19 years 16 played 7 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 2, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Great use of what land they have
-lots of elevation changes
-holes for lefty n righty forehand and backhand
-the hole 10 is a glory hole and a nice tiebreaker hole or closet to the pin
-nice dis catcher baskets
-hole 6 is a nice hole to learn big annhzyers

Cons:

Couple holes are really short but that's about it

Other Thoughts:

Fun little course if you live close by and wanna get a quick game in
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1 3
DaveW
Experience: 12 years 5 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice Variety 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

-This course has a lot of variety on the holes.
-Nice paver brick tees.
-A couple large uphill shoots protected by trees.
-Good for beginners, presents some good control challenges.
-A few wide open holes so that you can really rip it.

Cons:

Did not experience any.
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1 3
geognerd
Experience: 13.5 years 11 played 11 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Long, short, up, and down 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 7, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Challenges all of a player's skills. Accuracy is tested by the wooded holes and the long wide-open holes test your power. Enough trees to keep things scenic and interesting. Holes going uphill and downhill. Brick tee pads. Chance to get an ace at #2 and #10. Course layout loops around, making it easy to go from #10 to #1 to play another round.

Cons:

#7 is in an open field. Maybe some bushes would make it more interesting or at least picturesque. Kids and adults got in the way at #9, running and rolling down the side of the hill.

Other Thoughts:

#4 runs uphill, but has overhanging tree limbs to make things a bit trickier. #7 is long and open, so you can test different grips, discs, and throwing techniques. If you miss #9, your disc may roll a long way downhill (happened to me).
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10 0
notapro
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.6 years 568 played 281 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Beginner/Intermediate 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 17, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Course is set on the grounds of a multi-use park, making use of some hills, and some lightly forested areas. Lots of park users can be found here on a nice day, and they like to roam about. Possible interference for sure.
- Holes start off amongst a lightly wooded area, with #1-#3 and #10 each having several trees to contend with off the tee. There are multiple lines to be found, but they must be shaped well to get to the basket. A few obvious RHBH hyzers, and a bunch of straighter shots. #3 offers a long RHFH route or slight RHBH flex shot, both are good routes. #6 is a sharp right turn around a forest, with no other option to get around.
- Other holes are in the open, with little to no obstacles to get in the way. #4 has a low hanging branch, #9 has a guardian tree, otherwise these are just a test of distance over anything else.
- Elevation changes are present throughout the course, which really help to spice things up. #3 shoots down into a valley, #4 is a pretty steep uphill, #10 has a slightly elevated teepad, #9 plays uphill on the side of a hill; these are all pretty noticeable and really add to the fun factor. Helps keep the wide open holes interesting, especially #5 and #7.
- Good tees, baskets, and signage. Navigation is straightforward, with a sign to help find #5 and #10. Course loops around nicely, #10 finishes right by #1's teepad.

Cons:

- While the open holes do have good character with the slope factor, they are still completely wide open and have no challenge other than distance. At least three holes fall into this category, and are kind of bland.
- Barbed wire fence to the left of #3 is definitely in play, especially if trying the FH route. Easy to reach because of the downhill, probably a pain to get the disc back for sure.

Other Thoughts:

- This course has a lot to offer, with pretty good elevation changes and a good mix of forest and open shots. Some open uphill shots need good distance for any chance at a putt, and downhill shots in the woods need good accuracy. #3 offers a fun downhill shot through some trees, and #6 is a nice blind shot around the woods. Great for beginners, good for us regulars, probably a bit bland for the more experienced.
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6 0
Weyums3
Experience: 12.6 years 8 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun and Quick 10 Hole 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 29, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Beautiful well kept course
- Signs for every hole, not hard to navigate
- Good amount of parking
- Trash cans and bathrooms on site
- Several holes that feature elevation changes, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 5
- Let it rip on #7, par 5 with no obstacles
- Can be done in a half hour, if there is minimal wait
- You shouldnt lose any discs

Cons:

- It is a very busy course that can cause some wait time
- The 10 holes could easily be 18 or even a more challenging 9 given the large space
- Fairly easy course with most of the holes being open of trees and even the wooded area is a very lightly wooded area

Other Thoughts:

- Getting to the first tee can be tricky if it is your first time at the course. Do not park in the parking lot at the entrance or you will be in for quite a walk, instead go down the long gravel road to your left, follow the road around the corner and the parking lot is straight ahead. First tee is behind the parking lot off to the right.
- This is a 10 hole course so after 9 don't forget to keep walking over the road to finish at #10
- No water
- Randall road is not that bad, I did not notice it as a distraction and it is far enough away that it should not factor into your play unless you really overthrow
- My favorite holes are 3 and 4 because of the elevation and also 5 with the water tower in the background and elevated green
- Overall its a fun course to play and close to my area so I will keep coming back
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1 4
tdizzledre
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Ok Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 20, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Good beginners course with a dog leg thrown in there. This would definitly be a good course for new players.

Cons:

There should be 9 holes not 10. It gets too wet and muddy on the first three holes if it just finished rain.

Other Thoughts:

They should put in 8 more holes or take away one hole. But other than that reasonable course.
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1 5
everfr3shh
Experience: 4 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Always a fun course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 17, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Some fun and short holes that test your accuracy.
-Able to find different paths you would normally take.
-There are some long chuckers but if you get the wind involved it adds more fun to it.
-I'm a regular there so I love this course, always a good time to beat your old record there.

Cons:

Not enough holes.

Other Thoughts:

For sure a fun course to play if you're in the area, also has a petting zoo, playground and alot of open space so bring the whole family!
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5 1
mikeb23
Experience: 13.9 years 16 played 6 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 24, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Lots of elevation changes
Very well maintained
Very difficult to lose a disc
Hole 3

Cons:

Only 10 Holes
A few open boring holes
Chuckers

Other Thoughts:

I think this is a great course for a beginner. There are a few short technical holes to hone your accuracy and the longer (300+) holes are very open so there is room for error. The traffic is hit or miss. Some days you can go out there and be the only peron on the course, other days it seems like every teenager in the area has gathered there for a place to smoke pot that isn't thier parents basement.
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8 0
Countchunkula
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 17.7 years 210 played 68 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 13, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Randall Oaks is a fun course if you are in the area. Half the holes feature some significant elevation change. There is also some length here with one hole over 420' and a 375' hole where the basket is ~20' above the tee. There are also some fun ace run holes, and two nice downhill drives (one fairway driver range and the other perfect for a mid or putter). The course is fairly well balanced as far as required shot shapes, with a couple righty hyzer holes, a dramatic anhyzer hole, and a few that offer multiple routes to the pin. There are a few sloped greens with dramatic rollaway potential. The park itself is very beautiful, with rolling hills and mature oaks providing shade throughout much of the course.

Cons:

The paver tees are inconsistent, some offer nice level footing while others are too short and are raised to hinder a longer runup. The holes in the open field (5, 7, 8) are kind of boring, with the only pluses being able to throw drivers on 7 & 8 and the elevated basket on 5. There is room enough here to extend some of the holes, or add additional ones. The land could have been better utilized. The exception to the natural beauty of the course is the holes in the open field near Randall road. It is a busy street with a high speed limit and traffic noise in this part of the course is high. The area containing baskets 4 and 9, 8's tee and the path from 9 to 10 is very congested and could have been laid out better.

Other Thoughts:

I enjoyed playing this course and would gladly do so again if I am in the area. I would not drive far to play this one though because for every fun hole there is a blah one. There is some type of petting zoo in the park, so this might be a good place to bring the family.
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5 1
smyith
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.5 years 211 played 68 reviews
2.50 star(s)

nice lil 10 hole 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 7, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Each hole is its own unique shot.
- Each hole is memorable
- Invent your own alt pins and get in another 10.
- Doesn't favor righty or lefty.
- Wind comes into play on the open holes.
- Half the holes are open other half through trees.
- During heavy rain or snow melt. a large "puddle" will form to the right of hole 1 (~30-40' away) and hole 2 along the first half of the fairway.. makes for an additional challenge.
- Play roads and parking lots OB for additional challenge.

Cons:

- Patio block teepads
- Chuckers
- Careful along road many people drive stupidly through the park.
- Non DG park-goers dont really know whats going on and often get in the way on holes 4 and 9

Other Thoughts:

I really feel that they could've put in another 8 holes without cluttering or getting in the way of other park features.
Favorite Hole - #3 its an down and up fairway with large mature trees defining 3 gaps to take. Plays more as a straight downhill since basket is lower than the tee. Wind almost always plays a factor in the middle of the fairway by the golf course and parking lot. If you miss the gap you can pay dearly.
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2 3
chiefcastor
Experience: 14.9 years 13 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice 10 Holes 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 7, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Randall Oaks has a lot elevation change when compared to the average chicagoland course. Hole 3 is downhill though some tall oaks and hole 4 is a long shot up a fairly steep hill.

The course is very well kept. The pins are new and the brick teepads are very nice. The signs are nice and very helpful in navigating the course.

Cons:

The layout of the course is a little wonky in one place. After hole 9 you have to walk back past hole 4 and 7's pins and hole 5 and 8's tees. This area can get a little conjested.

A few hole such as number 5 are just wide open.

Other Thoughts:

It is a fairly short course and makes good use of space in the park. The holes are far enough from other things in the park that people being in the way is rarely a concern. A few more holes could potentially be added.

There is a petting zoo in the park.
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