Whether you call it “playing a round” or simply golf the round, the idea is the same: playing a complete game of golf, usually 18 holes, with options at Renwood Golf Course in Round Lake Beach, Illinois to play outdoors on the main course or on the PGA Par 33 compact course. For beginners, juniors, regular players, and anyone looking for practice or a full round nearby, Renwood offers more than the course itself, including a driving range, putting areas, indoor golf simulators for year-round play, green fees, equipment rentals, and community events. That range of options makes it easier to fit golf into different skill levels, schedules, and seasons while giving players a practical place to play, practice, and improve.
Quick Overview: Golf The Round at Renwood Golf Course
Renwood Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course operated by the Round Lake Area Park District. Located in Round Lake Beach, the course is known for its lush watered greens, welcoming atmosphere, and helpful amenities that support a relaxed golf experience for all ages and skill levels. There is no widespread traditional golf slang phrased as “golf the round,” but golfers often say “playing a round” to describe one complete session of golf – and Renwood is the perfect place to do exactly that.
What you get under the Renwood Golf umbrella:
- A traditional outdoor round on a full-length course
- A dedicated driving range with a facility built in 2023
- Indoor golf simulator options open through the winter months
The layout is walkable, family-friendly, and requires no private membership. It’s a great spot for a comfortable, affordable outing after work or on a weekend day with friends.
Play a Full Round at Renwood Golf Course
A round refers to a complete game of golf consisting of 18 holes, and Renwood delivers the full experience on a tree-lined, walkable par-72 course. The goal of golf is to put the ball in each hole using as few shots as possible – par is the number of strokes an expert player needs for a hole, and the total par for 18 holes is usually 72. Scoring the round refers to tallying the total number of strokes taken during the game, and your score for the round is the total number of strokes taken over all the holes. A standard round of golf has 18 holes, but 9-hole rounds are also common for golfers short on time.
What makes Renwood unique is the variety packed into the layout. Beyond the regulation 18, the facility also includes Golf the Round, a PGA Par 33 golf course that measures 2,275 yards from the back tees. Golf the Round features four par 3’s, four par 4’s, and one par 5 – a compact format that tests accuracy and short game without the time commitment of a full round. This setup is ideal for junior golfers, beginners, or anyone looking to sharpen their game based on precision rather than raw distance.
On the main course, conditions peak during July and August when the bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways are in prime shape for morning and twilight rounds. Strong course management can lower golf scores without changing swing techniques, so studying the layout before your round pays off regardless of your handicap.
Here’s a quick look at green fees:
| Option | Weekday (18 holes) | Weekend (18 holes) |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | $26 | $34 |
| Riding | $46 | $54 |
| Junior (17 & under, with adult) | ~$6 | ~$6 (after 10 AM) |
You can book a tee time without a membership. The pro shop is equipped with name-brand gear and club rentals (~$15), and you can rent a pull cart for about $4. Staff – led by PGA professional Brad Rouse – take pride in keeping the golf experience smooth and enjoyable, a fact reflected in positive online reviews. The course also hosts park district tournaments, leagues, and special events throughout the season, so there are plenty of ways to join the local golf community.
Practice Facilities & Golf Simulator: Year-Round Golf The Round
Golf the round at Renwood doesn’t stop at the first tee. Players can work on every part of their game at the driving range and in the indoor golf simulator – a combination that makes Renwood a true all-season destination.
Outdoor Practice
The outdoor driving range is open daily from around 6:30 AM until sunset (Thursdays from 9 AM due to mowing). Multiple hitting stations let you dial in everything from wedge distances to driver carry. Range ball pricing starts at about $6 for a warm-up bucket of 30 balls, with bulk micro-key purchases available for regulars.
Around the clubhouse, putting and chipping areas give you the chance to sharpen your short game before heading out. Many strokes are gained around the green in golf, and limiting penalty strokes and three-putts is a fast way to improve scoring – so time spent on the practice green is never wasted.
Indoor Golf Simulator
When the outdoor course closes for the season, Renwood Golf Course offers indoor golf simulators for rent using the Uneekor system. The cost to use a golf simulator is $40 per hour, and up to 6 people can use a golf simulator at once – making it a fun, affordable option for a group practice night or a casual competition with friends. Reservations can be made by calling the Renwood Golf pro shop.
The simulator lets you play virtual championship courses, work on swing mechanics, and stay comfortable indoors while snow covers the grass outside. Whether you’re located south of salt lake roads in Round Lake or anywhere in Lake County, it’s a convenient way to keep your game sharp year-round.
Renwood positions itself as a place where you can enjoy a full 18-hole round in the warmer months, then move seamlessly to simulator and range-focused sessions when the weather turns. That year-round continuity is what makes Renwood a standout among Chicagoland’s public golf courses.
Ready to play? Call the Renwood Golf pro shop to book your next tee time or make reservations for a simulator session. Whether you’re chasing a personal best on 18 holes or just looking for a relaxed day on the course, Renwood Golf Course has everything you need in one place.
