Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course

About Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course

Marovitz sits between Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan in Lincoln Park, and the whole course runs parallel to the lake, so you get water, the harbors and the downtown skyline on nearly every shot. The Park District calls it one of its most demanding courses: tight greens, a lot of bunkers and real length for a nine, 3,265 yards at par 36. The map survey counts about 50 bunkers across the nine holes and trees along eight of them. Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data.

The ground itself is made. The city started building a lakefront course in 1929 on land reclaimed from Lake Michigan; costs climbed, the money didn't, and only half the planned holes got built. It opened in 1932 as Waveland Golf Course and was renamed for Sydney R. Marovitz in 1991.

It's Audubon International certified as a Cooperative Sanctuary, stays open year-round when the weather allows, and has a snack bar with the Clock Tower Restaurant next door.

It's one of 188 courses Yoink watches in the Chicago area, and the closest alternative is Robert A. Black Golf Course, about 4 miles away — handy when your first choice is booked solid.

What it's like to play Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course

There are about 52 bunkers out there, well above average, so a good bunker game pays. 6 of the 9 holes bend, most of them to the left, which favors a draw, so position off the tee matters more than length.

Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data (ODbL).

Booking a tee time at Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course

Book on the course's own site, where there's no booking fee, or call 773.661.0140. Kids 17 and under play free with a paying adult, one per adult, any day. Teens 13 to 17 without an adult can walk on for free Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekends after 4 p.m. (no advance times, holidays excluded).

How to get a tee time at Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course