Conway Farms Golf Club - Lake Forest, Illinois

Last week the American Zack Johnson lifted the trophy at the 2013 BMW Championship, hosted by Conway Farms Golf Club. This week we take a look at the highlights of this scenic but challenging private golf club in the Midwestern United States.

Designed by celebrated golf course architect Tom Fazio, Conway Farms first opened to golfers in 1991. Twenty-two years later, the course has blossomed into a fine golfing establishment in the lush setting of Lake Forest.

Fazio's design harks back to the links courses of Scotland which provided the inspiration for the layout at Conway. The 7 206 yard course sprawls over 209 acres of land, with undulating fairways and deep bunkers that provide a challenging and visually stimulating golf experience.

Golfers who weather the sand traps will need to exercise caution on the greens, which are as slippery as any of those you might find in Scotland. Here are some highlights of the course at Conway Farms:

• The 389-yard opening hole, a par 4, welcomes golfers to the course with a dogleg to the right, revealing a green which is well protected by bunkers. Precision is vitally important at Conway, and the first hole is no exception.
• The par-5 eighth hole stretches for 600 yards from the back tees, and is flanked on its left by a large lake. The green is located left of the fairway and is guarded by a total of five pot bunkers, posing a challenge to golfers of every handicap.
• The closing hole at Conway, also a par-5, consists of three fairway segments separated by a stream which runs around the hole's perimeter. The chance of an errant shot landing in this small water hazard is high, making a precise short game essential for players who aim to keep their scores down before the nineteenth hole.

Conway Farms is a private club with a by-invitation-only membership policy, but members may bring guests along to the course for a round of golf. The course does not allow the use of buggies, and fast playing time is encouraged. For more information, golfers can visit the club's website.

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