REVIEW: An Afternoon at Cog Hill Dubsdread
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club is located in Lemont, Illinois about 30 minutes outside of Chicago. Routinely rated one of the top public courses in the country, course No. 4 -- deemed Dubsdread -- is the pinnacle of Midwest golf in terms of both difficulty and playing conditions.
The Golf Unfiltered team experienced all Dubsdread had to offer on a Saturday afternoon rich in strong play, perfect weather and an excellent golf experience.
Dubsdread Notable Holes
Cog Hill No. 4 features a number of holes that will test players of any playing ability. Home to multiple professional championships -- including the Western Open from 1991 - 2006 and the BMW Championship four times -- Dubsdread requires every ounce of talent you can muster in your game.
While every hole is memorable, these are four of my favorites.
Hole 3 - Par 4 - 407 yards (Blue)
The third hole is a daunting challenge from any tee, thanks to a well-guarded fairway and green complex surrounded by sand. Tee shots anywhere to the right of the fairway run the risk of finding a hidden creek you cannot see from the tee. Even if you find the fairway on your drive, the approach is to an elevated green that rests amid some of the deepest bunkers on the property.
Hole 5 - Par 5 - 480 yards
A personal favorite, the first par-5 on Dubsdread is a welcome sight for longer hitters looking to score. A well-placed drive short of the bunkers along the left side of the fairway leaves a hybrid or long iron approach to an elevated green. Getting home in two is very possible for those brave enough to try, with the preferred line being on the right side of the green.
Hole 12 - Par 3 - 194 yards
Easily my favorite hole on the course -- and perhaps the state -- Dubsdread's no.12 is a difficult par-3 nestled atop the property's highest point. A massive green appears receptive to long iron tee shots, however its undulations and hidden bunkers are potential round-killers. Par is a great score on this hole leading into a short, yet insanely difficult par-4.
Hole 18 - Par 4 - 431 yards
Quite possibly the toughest finishing hole near Chicago, fans of the PGA TOUR will remember the incredibly difficult Sunday pins tucked to the back-left of this green. Assuming you avoid the large bunkers on either side of the fairway, your approach must carry a large lake just to the left of the green. Not for the faint-of-heart, your game is tested to its limit one final time on Dubsdread's final act.
