Butler National - Illinois - USA

It was a shame when Butler National abdicated its host role for the Western Open (1974-1990) because the club was adamant in not opening its doors to women for membership. Given that outcome the PGA TOUR, in concert with the WGA, opted for other host sites. I always enjoyed seeing the world's best players tested when they came to Butler. The decision was clearly an internal club matter, but one, I still view as blatantly shortsighted.

The Chicago metro area is home to many quality layouts and Butler National was created to seriously challenge top level players. It's success in this regard is without question. However, the measure of any consummate great golf course is its wherewithal to appropriately challenge the broadest range of golfers.

In my mind, Butler walks a fine line -- between being extremely rigorous and an outright maddening slog.

The joint design effort by George and Tom Fazio provides no easy roadmap without the highest level of execution. The bar set by the Fazios was meant to be a layout that could be ready on day one for the best of players. Double digit handicaps had best play from the most forward of tees because Butler provides no quarter.

I often wonder whether the creation of Butler caused Tom Fazio to realize when setting up his own practice to create layouts less centered on overall difficulty but more in alignment with picturesque elements that will carry far longer positive memories for those playing such courses.

Others have already weighed in on a number of stellar holes but I have to reiterate what has been said about the 18th hole. The climax at Butler National is rightly cited for the ultra-high requirements it presents.

The architecture created by the Fazios still holds the line in doing what was originally intended.

M. James Ward

Strong course with abundant challenges for any level of player. Difficulty of the course lies in how aggressive you think you can play the hole. Make the shots and a low number is achievable, miss the shot and you better leave it in the right spot or big numbers await. Very nice greens and offer a challenge to two putt if on the wrong part of the green in relation to the whole. Great staff. Got to use a caddy on this one and he was awesome in setting the right target lines.

It's unfortunate that Butler can't host events, since it's a great tournament course. There's so much variety, testing every club in the bag. The par 3's are unique- 6 is a cool long par 3 to an undulating peninsula green. 8 is another peninsula green nestled into Salt Creek. 11 is a demanding short hole to a skinny green with water long and bunkers short. The most interesting thing about Butler is the number of different shots it demands. Three is a tough par 4 which requires a high cut over the strategically placed trees. Nine is a claustrophobic par 4 to a perched up green. 18 is quite possibly the most difficult hole in golf.

Butler National is one of the best courses I've played in Chicago. The facilities and clubhouse are out of this world, and the guys in the shop treat everyone like family. Of the 222 courses I've played, this one certainly scores in the Top 5 for conditioning. Chicago is a great climate for bentgrass, as the evenings are cool enough to keep them dry and firm all summer. While the par-3 5th gets all the recognition, my favorite hole is the par-4 14th. This hole wraps around a lake all down the left side, and the same hazard even fronts the green. You must make a big decision off the tee, as a long-iron finds the fairway usually, but driver offers the player a chance to have only a wedge to the putting surface.

Everything you would expect from a modern tournament course. Extraordinarily difficult and long from all tees. I drove the ball really well and it seemed like I still had to 215-225 into every par four. And no, I was not playing anywhere near the back tees. Probably the best course in the Chicago area that should be holding a U.S. Open.

When it comes to the epitome of a men’s golf club, one doesn’t have to look much further than the club that rests behind the large white-pillared entrance in Oak Brook, IL. The membership represents the nation’s elite and the golf course represents hell on grass.

Butler has a reputation for being amongst the most difficult and penal layouts in America which examines every aspect of your game. The demographic of the golfers who play Butler is pretty one-dimensional as this place isn’t for average golfers. You’ll use every club in your bag and you’ll find yourself in awe of the property the whole way around. Click the link to read Fergal’s full report on Butler National.

A bit stuffy and serious for a men's club. I prefer the atmosphere at Bob-o-link or Black Sheep for that matter. Very expensive and Very difficult. Great conditioning and practice facility. But If you are not a big hitting low handicapper, you'll have more fun elsewhere.

This is the toughest 18 in the Chicago area. Guests can walk. They have a VERY professional pro shop, and the caddies are among the best of any club. It is Men's only, but I think that is great. Women would not be able to play this course because of the length. The facilities are designed to be men only, and personally, I think that is great. Each hole is very tough, there are few birdie holes on the course. The finishing holes, 15, 16, 17, and 18 will bring you to your knees. You must be an accurate driver, and excellent putter to score here. The mid part of the course, 8, 9, 10 kick your butt mentally. Each hole requires a different facet of your game to be successful. It is an extreme pleasure to play here. It is what American golf is all about.

This is a very private club with superb facilities including an excellent pro's shop. The course is really tough. The holes demand accuracy and power from start to finish. Water plays a big part with clever use in holes along and over the river that flows through the course. In particular the long par 5 7th dog legs right with the river lapping the fairway the whole way. The par 3 8th is a wonderful hole with the river just behind the green, followed by the par 4 9th which is one of the narrowest holes that I have ever played. The back nine continues to be as difficult as the first nine and when you are really on your knees the 18th bites your head off. Great course, great challenge, great fun. I walked the course playing with Bruce Patterson, head pro, and two of his assistants. A real treat.