The Prairies of Cahokia
One of southern Illinois' hidden treasures is The Prairies of Cahokia. The 18-hole link-style golf course is one of the few municipal golf courses in the Metro area. But what sets it apart from other golf courses is its ability to allow guests to escape into a quite setting and just concentrate on golf.
The course, behind the city's park, is just a few hundred yards from a largely commercial area. Amazingly, once you drive through the park and hit the course you feel as though you are on vacation - it is quite and you are surrounded by beautiful scenery.
On the front nine, the St. Louis Arch is even visible in the distance.The course has been designed around woodlands and natural wetlands - not a subdivision of homes - and it includes bermuda fairways and bent grass greens. All aspects of the course are very well maintained.Though the course is quite and beautiful - trust me - it will not bore you. It offers golfers of all levels a good challenge.
Golfers have four sets of tees to choose from. The par-71 course includes 6,600 yards for the championship tees, 6,300 yards for the regular tees, 5,900 yards for the senior tees and 5,400 yards for the women's tees.
It is not your typical straight and flat Midwestern course. There are long and short holes, doglegs, hills, as well as tons of sand and water hazards. Trees line the course to keep you guessing your club choice and strategy on every hole. Right off the bat, Hole No. 1 is a good example. The green is 346 yards from the white tee and 277 yards from the women's tee and the water hazard sits about 60 yards in front of the green. A good drive by any average golfer could easily land you right in the water (I know from experience).
And that is exactly how the entire course is - it keeps you on your toes deliberating every shot to avoid a hazard. It is just that uncertainty along with the course's scenery that makes it a great course to visit. Plus, the price is reasonable too and there are several ways to save on the fees.
Eighteen holes with a cart at the Prairies starts at $30 during the weekdays and $37 on the weekends. But the course has discount rates on 18 holes with a cart for age and specific times and days: seniors (50-plus) can play for $22 anytime Monday through Friday; play all day on Mondays for $25; a twilight discount after 1 p.m. for $25 and winter rates: Monday through Friday play all day for $20 and Saturday and Sunday play all day for $25.
The Prairies is open year-round (when temperatures are above freezing). The course also has a driving range, putting greens and a clubhouse with a restaurant, bar and pro shop.
The Prairies is located at 300 Tricentennial Drive in Cahokia or just off of Interstate 255. To learn more about the Prairies, call the course at 332-6944 or visit the village of Cahokia's Web site at www.norcom2000.com/users/cahokia.
