The Resort Course at Pheasant Run

There's no better opportunity to experience one of the Midwest's finest resort courses than with today's feature: $25 for 18 Holes with Cart and Range Balls at The Resort Course at Pheasant Run in St. Charles ($64 Value. Expires July 1, 2015.)

The Resort Course at Pheasant Run is a nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind golf experience with a reputation for providing excellent course conditions throughout its championship layout. The William Maddox design was opened in 1962 — before the resort was even opened — and prominently features the landscape's most visible asset: Water, which comes into play at least once on 14 holes.

Standing on the tee box at No. 1, you'll instantly get a sense of the championship-caliber round about to unfold. The signature opening hole is a 543-yard par-5 behemoth that also happens to be the #1 handicap. The landing zone on this hole splits two ponds, and more water awaits those who challenge the green in two. Though on the other end of the spectrum as far as difficulty is concerned, No. 6 is another noteworthy hole. The 168-yard par-3 features a long — albeit picturesque — forced-carry over water to a green protected by two bunkers.

Taken together, these 18 Maddox-designed holes represent a stern-but-fair test of golf. Even from the back tees, the 6,428-yard length is manageable by many players, with a 70.4/123 course/slope rating. For those looking for a little less, three other sets of tees are available and measure as little as 5,010 yards.

One thing to keep in mind: While the course proper is the crown jewel of this resort, Pheasant Run offers additional amenities that underscore its status as a world-class facility. The practice center has all the components you'll need to properly prepare for the task at hand, including 50 natural-grass hitting bays, a pitching/chipping green and a separate putting surface. There are even designated instructional tees where you can supplement your game with help from one of Pheasant Run's knowledgeable staff.