Congo River Golf & Exploration – Hoffman Estates, IL

Visited July 11, 2021, and played on August 28, 2021

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

I took a trip to the Chicagoland area to play and document the full Elmhurst Art Museum course we built a hole for and used that same trip as an opportunity to play as many courses as possible. I knew that there were a number of courses in the northern suburbs that fellow Holey Moley alum Mick Cullen had as part of his annual all-day M.C. Mini Masters. I initially wasn’t going to be able to make the 24th anniversary in August 2021 so I played a number of those courses to see what I was missing.

I knew Congo River in Hoffman Estates had been featured in the tournament a number of years so while I was short on time, I thought I’d at least drive by to check it out since it was near the interstate I would be taking back to Minneapolis. After snapping a few photos of the course closed, I was eager to check it out in the future. Fortunately for me, I could make it back to Chicago for Mick’s annual tournament and was joined by Aaron Kaminski of O-Street Mini Golf. I not only got to document the course further but I had the opportunity to play both 18-hole courses in the most fun tournament I’ve participated in to date.

Rating

This is a multi-tiered miniature golf complex that has two 18-hole courses with a jungle-theme. We’ve played a number of courses like this across the US and even not too far away in the southern suburbs of Chicago. What makes this joint stand out is the strong variety and challenge of the 36 holes. You play up and down steep inclines, head past waterfalls over rope bridges, and through and around water hazards to reach the cups. It’s no wonder that Mick has gone back to Congo River numerous times as part of his 6-course, day-long marathon tournament. Our group of fun-loving putters in August 2021 played in 95F temperatures and ridiculous humidity but despite the non-ideal conditions for competition, this course provided equal parts challenge and a fun journey along with the ball. Hoping to get back here again on a future Chicago area trip.

First visit attempt to play in July ’21. Closed!

Funny little frog with a putter and ball

Even though the course was closed, got a good look at this quality complex

Traditional over/under hole with those tricky rock walls

Back a month later in August 2021 with much much hotter temperatures and a fun group of putters

M.C. Masters vets ready to get to putting

Aaron from O-Street made the trip from New Jersey to give this tourney a shot with me

Tournament founder Mick and his son Xavier looking and playing great

And Mick’s rules required everyone to play the first hole the Congo Rapids course with a broomball implement instead of a putter

Aaron and I were joined by Greg and Pam from the Chicago area for both rounds at Congo River. Here is Greg on Hole 2.

The holes are large and have lots of levels to them here

Aaron fighting out of the rough and up to the cup

Keep the ball down the middle and avoid the water

No, I’m not channeling Happy Gilmore but instead, I’m using a hockey stick per the rules set by Mick for everyone on this hole for the Congo Falls course in the 2nd round.

A narrow channel to the cup that requires a good aim

Congo River Website

M.C. Mini Masters Website

Pros

A wide variety of play and game design across all 36 holes
Waterfalls, rope bridge, jeep and rocks matched tied the theme together
Good putting challenge

Cons

The putting area doesn’t include much from the adventure/jungle theme
Very little was ADA accessible

Nerdy Notes

Two 18-hole courses. Congo Rapids Par 41, Congo Falls Par 40
Ages 13 to 64 – 18 Holes – $11.00, All 36 Holes – $16.00. Weekday, spectator, senior, and other prices are available.
Coupon available on their website
Less than 10 minutes south off Interstate 90 & Barrington Rd. Northeast of Chicago.
Home to many iterations of the M.C. Mini Masters