Three 18-hole golf courses—open to the public—sit on the border of the Shawnee National Forest.
The courses are just a chip shot away from restaurants, lodgings and natural attractions the whole family will enjoy. And, in the southern part of the state, warmer temps allow the courses to stay open year-round.
Golf Course in Marion
Golf from a new perspective
Kokopelli Golf Club
Built on a former coal strip mine, the unique landscape at Kokopelli Golf Club plays with your depth perception. From the championship tees, the 18-hole course stretches 7,003 yards. In order to hit par (72), plan on bringing all 14 clubs to play this Steve Smyers course. Rated as moderate to difficult, the par-5 Hole 12 offers minimal playing options off the tee. But the toughest on the back nine belongs Hole 15, a par 4 that plays 420 yards uphill and into the wind.
Eat
Reward your golfing success with lunch or dinner at The Turn. Hearty entrees include pork chops, salmon, steaks and pasta, as well as sandwiches and burgers, flatbreads, and apps. If your score is not up to par, schedule an individual or group lesson. There’s also The Koko Golf Simulator Suite, available for rent by the hour with full bar and food service for up to 12 people.
Stay
Two vacation rentals sit on the Kokopelli golf course. On Hole 5, the spacious Eagles Nest sleeps 5–10 people in the four-bedroom, three-bath house. The outdoor patio has a built-in fireplace and grill. Fairway Manor, on Hole 4, has three bedrooms and two baths. Ask about Stay-and-Play packages and rates. Both rentals are pet-friendly.
Play
After an afternoon of golf, score a ticket to see the Thrillville Thrillbillies baseball team. The sluggers play at Mtn Dew Park, just half a mile south of Kokopelli Golf Club.
Or explore the bargains and finds at the Warehouse Antique Mall, with 11,000 square feet of stalls in a rustic warehouse setting.
Golf Course in Carterville
Full of natural beauty
Crab Orchard Golf Club
Open since 1959, the semiprivate Crab Orchard Golf Club welcomes the public. Book a tee time, get in some swings on the driving range and practice green, or schedule a lesson with an on-staff PGA Professional. The 18-hole, par-70 course challenges players with water on nine holes, an abundance of oak trees and lush fairways. Hole 14 promises to be one of the hardest.
Eat
Fuel up before you tee off at on-site Turner’s Table restaurant, which serves breakfast all day, plus lunch and dinner. Choose from the extensive menu or buffet with plenty of protein options, a salad bar, veggies and homemade pie.
Or if you want to minimise your time off the green, the Pro Shop sells beverages and snacks.
Stay
Walker’s Bluff is your one-stop destination for entertainment, lodging, food and drinks—and it’s just a 10-minute drive from the golf course. Book a room at the Casino Resort with amenities that include an indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub, a spa and pet-friendly rooms. Get into the game and try your luck on the slots and table games. Celebrate a win at Ruthie’s Steak and Seafood, or catch up on your favorite teams at the Draft Day Sports Lounge.
Play
Connect with nature at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. From the golf course, it’s less than a 15 minute drive to the refuge’s visitors center, where staff can assist with questions, maps or planning your visit. Hike the popular 2.2-mile-loop Rocky Bluff Trail to see wildflowers (in the spring) and an intermittent waterfall. Find shorter and longer trails to explore, including 2.5 miles of the 160-mile River-to-River Trail that runs through the refuge.
Golf Course in Carbondale
A convenient course of contrasting terrain
Hickory Ridge Public Golf Course
With a 137-slope rating, the par-72 Hickory Ridge Public Golf Course was designed by William J. Spear in the early 1990s, and features a mix of hilly terrain, ponds and trees. Warm up on the driving range before playing its 18 holes. The Carbondale Park District owns, operates and maintains the golf course less than 5 miles from Southern Illinois University. After a round of play, grab a salad, burger, chicken strips or fried pickles from the on-site restaurant.
Eat
In downtown Carbondale, Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza has been making from-scratch dough for its signature pies since 1975. They also make a variety of sandwiches, like their Famous Italian Beef, plus subs, salads and pasta dishes. Two blocks away, Underground Public House specializes in farm-to-table dishes, where the seasonality of the produce determines what’s on the menu. Taste earthy mushrooms along with other farm-fresh veggies in the Frenched Bone-In Pork Chop.
Play
About 13 miles southeast of Hickory Ridge, Southern Illinois University created Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. In addition to educational programs, community events and races, the 70-year-old university-led center encourages everyone to get out and enjoy nature. For an easy trek, follow the 2.5-mile Lakeview Trail that winds past a portion of Little Grassy Lake. Mountain bikers looking for a challenge can tackle the Catalyst section of the 13-mile, multiuse trail.
Stay
Head back downtown and check into Home2 Suites by Hilton near Southern Illinois University. The pet-friendly hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast.
And importantly for your golfing business, it's just a 10-minute drive from the course. So you can get back to the green without much hassle whenever you please.
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