Metamora, Illinois
Metamora Fields delivers an ambitious, modern public golf experience carved from rolling Illinois farmland. Expect tournament-grade shot values, big-shouldered par 5s, and greens that reward precise iron play. While it isn’t a bucket-list national draw, its blend of challenge, playability, and value makes it a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
Climb up to the clubhouse balcony after your round—the panoramic overlook lets you relive pressure-packed approaches to 9 and 18 with a cold drink in hand.
Metamora Fields Golf Club reimagined former central Illinois farmland as a championship-level public course, using aggressive land movement, eight man-made lakes, and a thousand planted trees to fabricate interest where flat cropland once stood. D.A. Weibring and Steve Wolfard’s design pairs broad, flowing fairways with well-bunkered landing zones, often requiring players to shape drives and precisely judge approaches into subtly contoured, protected greens. The course rewards bold carries and tactical navigation around hazards, especially on its signature run of lengthy par 5s and sturdy par 4s.
D.A. Weibring and Steve Wolfard crafted Metamora Fields to maximize visual and playing interest on an unremarkable original site, prioritizing playability for all while testing championship-caliber skill from the tips.
The opening hole greets you with a downhill drive, bunker trouble tight left, and a meandering grassy hazard run-out down the right all the way to the green. It’s an immediate test of precision and composure as you shape your opening shot into a receptive yet well-defended fairway.
Favor the right-center off the tee to avoid the left bunker, then plan your approach to the center of the green, hedging against a right miss that can find trouble.
Pull your drive left and you contend with sand; push it right and the low-lying hazard awaits — a challenging handshake to start the day.
Well-groomed fairways, consistent greens, and tidy bunkers throughout the season.
Expect steady but not speedy rounds on weekends, with weekday afternoons typically moving faster.
Welcoming yet championship-oriented, blending community event energy with serious golf.
Weekend tee times can fill two weeks in advance—aim for midday Thursday or Friday if you want breathing room.
Several par 4s and par 3s stretch to 440+ yards from the back tees—solid ballstriking wins the day.
The open feel and high points mean crosswinds are a frequent challenge, especially on the lengthy par 5s.
With man-made water, carefully shaped fairways, and variable pin positions, knowing exact yardages pays off.
Groundbreaking on former Ring family farmland
Course opens for full play
First regional collegiate and amateur events hosted
Hosts OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois Pro-Am
Site of APT Tour Children's Hospital of Illinois Championship
Metamora Fields was born from the vision of Jim and Carol Ring, who transformed their family’s farmland into one of Illinois’ most ambitious new golf projects. Their bold gamble gave the region a destination-worthy public course and ballroom for celebrations big and small.
When the APT Tour championship landed here, even seasoned pros talked about the relentless length and water-guarded targets. Strategic drives and shot placement separate contenders from pretenders on this modern layout.
Metamora’s imposing clubhouse commands a high point with panoramic views and hosts the region’s premier banquets and weddings. After a round, grab a table for sweeping sunsets over the 18th green.
Built on the Ring family's former farmland, the course is truly homegrown.
Eight lakes were sculpted to create drama and risk-reward on almost half the holes.
The massive clubhouse is one of the region’s most popular wedding venues.
The land required extensive earthmoving to transform flat fields into a dynamic golf landscape.
Metamora Fields is one of the newest public championship courses in downstate Illinois.
Take on a PGA Tour test with sweeping river vistas and strong architectural pedigree.
Classic parkland with a collegiate championship pedigree only an hour away.
A big, modern public layout offering challenge and value.
Regional favorite with creative Jack Nicklaus design features.
Peoria is your best bet for great golf access, restaurants, and quick highway hops to the region’s best.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Hardscrabble Country Club is a natural next stop after Metamora Fields Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Lancaster Country Club is a natural next stop after Metamora Fields Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Lancaster Country Club is a natural next stop after Metamora Fields Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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