Bow Lake Golf Course
Course at a glance
Bow Lake Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course in Barry, Illinois (62312). Its published scorecard supports a complete 18-hole round by playing the nine-hole layout twice. The course was designed by Bill Bainter and opened in 1993. From the Blue tees, Bow Lake Golf Course plays to 5,640 yards at par 68. The course offers 6 sets of tees ranging from 4,536 to 5,640 yards, giving players of every ability a comfortable length. It carries a slope rating of 117 and a course rating of 67.2, near the 113 World Handicap System baseline and a balanced test for the average golfer. That ranks it harder than roughly 10% of rated golf courses in Illinois. It is a public course open to daily-fee play. Walking is permitted. A pro shop is on site. The course is conditioned with bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways. Hazards include 21-30 bunkers and water hazards in play. Set a tee-time alert on Stymie and we will notify you when bookable times open at Bow Lake Golf Course.
About Bow Lake Golf Course
Bow Lake Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course located in Barry, Illinois (62312). The course was designed by Bill Bainter and established in 1993. From the Blue tees, the course plays to 5,640 yards with a par of 68. The Blue tees carry a slope rating of 117 and a course rating of 67.2.
Walking is permitted.
Bow Lake Golf Course has a nine-hole physical layout with a published 18-hole round scorecard. Golfers complete the full round by playing the layout as two nines.
With a slope rating of 117, Bow Lake Golf Course is more accessible than most courses in Illinois. It is a good choice for mid-handicappers and golfers looking for a round that does not punish every missed shot.
The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,536 to 5,640 yards, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right tees for your handicap is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy your round.
Golf in Illinois typically runs from May through October. Spring and fall offer the best conditions with lower humidity and fewer crowds. Book early for prime weekend morning tee times during peak summer months.
Par
68
Length
5,640
Slope
117
Rating
67.2
Replay Rate
Would you play here again?
One tap. Stymie totals these into a Replay Rate for Bow Lake Golf Course.
Course Difficulty Analysis
117
This Course
130
IL Average
113
US Average
Based on 434 rated courses in Illinois
Scorecard
| Hole | Slp | CR | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue | 117 | 67.2 | 279 | 373 | 142 | 425 | 148 | 394 | 565 | 354 | 140 | 2820 | 279 | 373 | 142 | 425 | 148 | 394 | 565 | 354 | 140 | 2820 | 5,640 |
Red/Blue | 113 | 65.7 | 270 | 354 | 125 | 402 | 130 | 307 | 468 | 326 | 124 | 2506 | 279 | 373 | 142 | 425 | 148 | 394 | 565 | 354 | 140 | 2820 | 5,326 |
Red | 117 | 69.0 | 270 | 354 | 125 | 402 | 130 | 307 | 468 | 326 | 124 | 2506 | 270 | 354 | 125 | 402 | 130 | 307 | 468 | 326 | 124 | 2506 | 5,012 |
Red | 109 | 64.2 | 270 | 354 | 125 | 402 | 130 | 307 | 468 | 326 | 124 | 2506 | 270 | 354 | 125 | 402 | 130 | 307 | 468 | 326 | 124 | 2506 | 5,012 |
YellowWomen's | 114 | 65.8 | 240 | 342 | 124 | 321 | 116 | 283 | 447 | 287 | 108 | 2268 | 240 | 342 | 124 | 321 | 116 | 283 | 447 | 287 | 108 | 2268 | 4,536 |
YellowMen's | 99 | 62.8 | 240 | 342 | 124 | 321 | 116 | 283 | 447 | 287 | 108 | 2268 | 240 | 342 | 124 | 321 | 116 | 283 | 447 | 287 | 108 | 2268 | 4,536 |
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 34 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 34 | 68 | ||
| HCP | 18 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 4 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 17 | 1 | 9 | 15 | 3 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 13 |
Which Tees Should I Play?
Bow Lake Golf Course offers 6 tee sets. Choose the tees that match your handicap for the most enjoyable round. Not sure? Use the tee recommendation calculator with your driver distance.
| Tee | Yards | Slope | Rating | Hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue | 5,640 | 117 | 67.2 | 20-30 |
Red/Blue | 5,326 | 113 | 65.7 | 20-30 |
Red | 5,012 | 117 | 69.0 | 20-30 |
Red | 5,012 | 109 | 64.2 | 20-30 |
Yellow | 4,536 | 114 | 65.8 | 25+ |
Yellow | 4,536 | 99 | 62.8 | 25+ |
Amenities at Bow Lake Golf Course
Bow Lake Golf Course features a pro shop.
Find driving ranges near Bow Lake Golf Course →
How to Book a Tee Time
Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory for Bow Lake Golf Course. Use the official course website or phone number below to confirm availability and book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bow Lake Golf Course a public or private golf course?expand_more
Bow Lake Golf Course is a public golf course located in Barry, IL. The course is open to the public for daily fee play.
How many holes does Bow Lake Golf Course have?expand_more
Bow Lake Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course. It was established in 1993. The course was designed by Bill Bainter.
What is the yardage at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
From the Blue tees, Bow Lake Golf Course plays to 5,640 yards (par 68). The course offers 6 tee sets ranging from 4,536 to 5,640 yards.
What is the slope rating at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
The Blue tees at Bow Lake Golf Course have a slope rating of 117 and a course rating of 67.2. A slope of 113 is average difficulty; this course is above average difficulty.
Can you walk Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
Yes, walking is allowed at Bow Lake Golf Course. Golf carts are also available.
How do I book a tee time at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
Contact the course directly or call 217-335-7043 to confirm current availability and book. Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory; alerts are in development.
What amenities does Bow Lake Golf Course offer?expand_more
Bow Lake Golf Course offers a pro shop.
Where is Bow Lake Golf Course located?expand_more
Bow Lake Golf Course is located at William R Croxsville Dr in Barry, IL 62312. You can reach them at 217-335-7043.
Is Bow Lake Golf Course a 9-hole or 18-hole course?expand_more
Bow Lake Golf Course has a nine-hole physical layout. Its published scorecard supports a complete 18-hole round by playing the layout as two nines, so Stymie shows the physical course as 9 holes and preserves the published 18-hole scorecard totals.
What is the difficulty level at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
Bow Lake Golf Course is classified as moderate difficulty with a maximum slope rating of 117. It plays harder than 10% of golf courses in Illinois. The average slope rating in Illinois is 130. A slope rating of 113 represents average difficulty nationally.
Which tees should I play at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
Bow Lake Golf Course offers 6 tee sets. Blue tees (5,640 yards, slope 117) are recommended for higher-handicap golfers and seniors. Yellow tees (4,536 yards, slope 99) are recommended for beginners and casual golfers. Choose the tee set where the slope rating is closest to your handicap comfort level.
What is the best tee for beginners at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
Beginners at Bow Lake Golf Course should play the Yellow tees, which play 4,536 yards with a slope of 99. This is the most forgiving tee option and provides an enjoyable round for newer golfers.
What would a 15-handicap shoot at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
A 15-handicap golfer playing the Red tees (slope 109, rating 64.2) at Bow Lake Golf Course would have a course handicap of 9 and an expected score of approximately 79. This uses the World Handicap System formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Sign in on Stymie with your handicap to see a personalized prediction for every tee.
How long does a round take at Bow Lake Golf Course?expand_more
A typical round at Bow Lake Golf Course takes approximately 4 hours. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace of play, group size, and course conditions. Weekday rounds tend to be faster than weekend morning tee times.