Beware of Tamarack No. 11
Water, water, everywhere.
It's common for golfers to keep a few junk balls in their bags for those times when you're just not feeling very confident.
If you're visiting Tamarack Golf Club in Naperville, you might want to carry a dozen or so.
With water in play on all 18 holes, this course will force you to keep your shots straight and to play for the lush fairways.
Since opening in 1989, Tamarack has been known for its excellent track and convenient amenities. It is a great spot for everything from a company outing to an afternoon with your son or daughter. With a $49 weekday rate, it is also a great bargain.
The longest par 3 on the course is No. 11, which plays 204 yards from the tips, 189 yards from the back tees, 165 from the middle and 140 from the forward tees.
With a lot of hidden obstacles invisible from the tee box, it's real easy to post a big number.
Let's start with what is visible. The water on the right is a good distance off the green but still comes into play for any shot that leaks that way. Check the wind before you tee up. If the "Golf Gods" are taking you that way, make sure you aim farther left.
Two large bunkers on the right and will make a run at par difficult if you land in one.
"Coming off of No. 10 can give you a lot of confidence because it is an easier par 5," club manager Eric Johnson said. "Keep your wits about you on this hole because it requires a lot of focus. You can't fall asleep."
So what can't you see from the tee box? The water on the right actually bends around the back of the green, making anything long trouble. On the left side of the green there are two more bunkers near a large willow tree that will leave you with a difficult blast out.
There is no shame in taking aim short and left of the green. In fact, it might be the smart play because you can leave yourself with a short pitch while eliminating all of the trouble at the same time.
"There is no need to challenge the pin," Johnson said. "The front left will be just fine."
The green is narrow and fairly deep. The ideal pin position is front and left, which would make that pitch shot a lot more inviting.
If the pin is in the back, a ridge located in the middle of the green adds a lot of break to your putt.
Bogey on No. 11 is a fine score. Par or better could give you the boost you need to finish strongly.
If you go
What: Tamarack Golf Club, 24032 Royal Worlington Drive, Naperville
The course: 18-hole public course; 6,901 yards from the tips; four 4 sets of tees; well-manicured fairways, tees and greens; a lot of sand; water on every hole.
Club manager: Eric Johnson
Greens fees (with cart): Monday-Friday: $49; $39 Early-Bird; $35 Twilight; $25 Super Twilight. Saturday-Sunday: $64; $37 Twilight; $27 Super Twilight. Junior and Senior rates also available
Directions: 8 miles south of I-88 on Route 59
Contact: (630) 904-4000 or visit Tamarackgc.com
Our golf tour
Editor's note: This golf season, the Daily Herald is taking you on an 18-hole tour of some of our favorite holes in the Chicago area. Today is the 17th installment. We're limiting our list to public courses. Please e-mail your thoughts on other great holes to sportstalk@dailyherald.com and include your name, hometown and phone number.
May 9: Makray Memorial No. 11
May 16: Prairie Landing No. 12
May 23: Schaumburg Players No. 6
May 30: Chalet Hills No. 17
June 6: Stonewall Orchard No. 8
June 13: Cantigny Lakeside No. 9
June 20: White Deer Run No. 9
June 27: Golf Club of Illinois No. 11
July 4: Indian Lakes Blackhawk Trace No. 9
July 11: Mill Creek No. 18
July 18: Hilldale No. 13
July 25: Pine Meadow No. 15
Aug. 1: Klein Creek No. 9
Aug. 8: Whisper Creek No. 8
Aug. 15: Willow Crest No. 5
Aug. 22: Foxford Hills No. 15