Dayton Ridge Golf Club
Dayton Ridge Golf Club is an affordable 18-hole public course in Ottawa, Illinois, offering a straightforward parkland layout amid natural Midwest terrain. Its approachable design welcomes beginners and casual golfers seeking a budget-friendly round with a relaxed pace.
Course Overview
Located in Ottawa, Illinois, Dayton Ridge Golf Club offers an 18-hole public layout that speaks to golfers who prioritize affordability and casual play over pristine conditions. The course's rustic character unfolds across gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwest, presenting a straightforward, parkland-style design. While it lacks the manicured polish of top-tier championship venues, Dayton Ridge’s approachable yardage and uncomplicated routing provide a welcoming environment for beginners and recreational players.
The landscape is defined by natural grasses and scattered mature trees lining fairways that often blend into the rough. The greens, while showing signs of wear with inconsistent surfaces, still deliver a functional putting experience. Bunkers here are more rudimentary, often composed of dirt rather than traditional sand, demanding adaption in shot strategy. The overall condition suggests a course that thrives more on player spirit than on meticulous upkeep.
Navigating the course can pose challenges, especially on the first visit. Signage and tee box placements require some attention to avoid confusion, as the layout is not extensively marked. Cart use is recommended not only for convenience but also to maintain pace, although walking is permitted.
Dayton Ridge does not offer practice facilities such as putting greens or driving ranges, which might affect warmup routines. On the plus side, the club compensates with affordable rates, making it an accessible option for those looking to enjoy a full round without significant expense.
Amenities are minimal, with the clubhouse providing basic services. Cleanliness has been noted as a concern, particularly in restroom facilities, so visitors should prepare accordingly.
Though far from a championship setting, Dayton Ridge Golf Club invites players to embrace its honest, no-frills approach to the game. For golfers who appreciate a budget-friendly round within a peaceful, lightly wooded Illinois environment, this course delivers a simple, practical experience where the focus remains on play rather than presentation.
Course Highlights
Dayton Ridge highlights a modest parkland course with natural Midwest scenery including mature trees and rolling fairways. Its no-frills sand bunkers and straightforward hole layouts create an honest test for casual players. While lacking practice facilities, the course offers a budget-conscious option with a relaxed atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Mike Daciolas
Probably worst course I’ve ever played. Yes it was cheap but if I could give a negative star it would be they don’t take care of this course
Chris Murphy
Tiffany Tumblin
In terms of upkeep, that is where the rating is lower. The fairway is okay, but it's mostly crabgrass, not real turf. The greens were rough. The sandpits are literally just dirt. They do keep is mowed at least. Kind of hard to follow the course on where you are going. The inside wasn't very clean. It might have just needed redone to make it look better. Bathrooms, specifically for the guys really need cleaned. I should also mention there are no practice greens. Now price is great! We did 18 holes with a cart for $28. That seems to be their regular fee. This was our first time going. We did get scolded for bringing our cooler. They were nice about it, but we already weren't thinking of coming back.
Adan Chiu
The course is very dry and the greens are bumpy and weeds growing on them. The fairway is not noticeable it blends in with the rough. Grass is to overgrown. The sand traps sand are not good some have very dry dirt and some have beach sand.
Hayden Barichello
Only good thing to say is the staff is very friendly that is a plus. Course is not taken care of at all, greens are extremely dry, slow do not break, fairways look like the rough, sand traps are just as a big dirt pile, also very confusing where to go if it’s your first time The tee boxes are also just kinda there in the fairway. Very rough course needs some proper maintenance and updating.
Scott Conrad
Adan Chiu
Golf course was not the best the ground was really dry and the fairways needed to be cut. The greens were very bumpy and had weeds growing on them they even had spots of dirt. The sand traps were either super dry dirt or beach sand. I would prefer a different local golf course.
Mike Daciolas
Probably worst course I’ve ever played. Yes it was cheap but if I could give a negative star it would be they don’t take care of this course
Hayden Barichello
Only good thing to say is the staff is very friendly that is a plus. Course is not taken care of at all, greens are extremely dry, slow do not break, fairways look like the rough, sand traps are just as a big dirt pile, also very confusing where to go if it’s your first time The tee boxes are also just kinda there in the fairway. Very rough course needs some proper maintenance and updating.
robin bimson
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Course Details
Access & Location
3076 E 18th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Basic clubhouse offering check-in and limited concessions
Walking permitted; course terrain is mostly flat but fairways are uneven—sturdy shoes advised
Open to the public with daily fee; tee times recommended during busy periods
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