NewsTribune_Golf Guide_032724

Earlville Country Club

The 9-hole Earlville Country Club is a public golf course that opened in 1928. Designed by Joe Meister, Earlville Country Club measures 2442 yards from the longest tees. The course features 2 sets of tees for different skill levels.

Not far from Earlville, Earlville Country Club offers terrific views and

challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep Earlville Country Club difficult yet friendly, and the staff can offer tips and tricks for playing your best round. Earlville Country Club is a terrific choice for your regular rounds of golf or a new destination for you and friends when visiting Earlville.

Deer Park Golf Club

Deer Park Golf Club has served the golf and social needs of the Starved Rock Region since it’s founding in 1904. Deer Park is widely accepted as the premier golf course in LaSalle County. While the club maintains a strong membership, it does welcome the public to enjoy everything it has to offer.

The course is 18 holes and has a total yardage of 6,603 from the Cavanaugh Tees. The course rating is 71.4 with a slope of 126. The Clubhouse bar and dining room’s ambiance and setting overlooking the beautiful golf course and outside patio make this the ideal spot to socialize. Included in the clubhouse is a fully stocked Pro Shop with top the line equipment and

apparel including Callaway, Titleist, Nike, Footjoy and Travis Mathew.

The goal at Deer Park is to create an atmosphere that goes beyond your typical Country Club. “This ain’t your granddaddy’s club” will be a fitting quote. Gone are the days of pleated slacks, cotton shirts and no cell phone policy. Live music, drones, social media, GPS, pet friendly and customer interaction is just the tip of the iceberg at the Deer Park.

Deer Park would love to host your event of any kind from golf outings, class reunions, business conferences to birthday parties, life celebrations of up to 300.

The club’s environment fosters friendship and member interaction.

Mendota Golf Club

Since 1928, Mendota Golf Club (MGC) has provided a relaxing atmosphere on an enjoyable 18hole, par-70 golf course. After starting as a 9-hole course, MGC expanded to its present 18-hole course in 1994. The course is open from mid-March thru mid-November.

Mendota Golf Club, located on U.S. Route 34 west of Mendota, provides an excellent golfing experience. Known for its difficult par 3 holes, the gently rolling terrain can be played anywhere from 4,863 yards from the front tees to 6,186 yards from the championship tees. With five sets of tees, MGC is sure to have a set of tees that is best suited to your abilities. A large practice putting green and a chipping green are located by the clubhouse.

The clubhouse has a bar that is open to the public and, during the summer, the grill is often going on the weekends for lunch. MGC also has a nice dining area capable of hosting a birthday party, anniversary party, wedding rehearsal dinner, or other similar events.

The pro shop is stocked with several types of golf balls, golf gloves and equipment and can place custom orders with all the big-name brands at a great price. Don’t hesitate to get a

price quote before buying elsewhere.

MGC has weekly evening 9-hole golf leagues for both men and women that run Mondays thru Thursdays.

MGC is running a New Member Special in 2024 to give golfers a chance to join for a reduced rate and see all of the great things, and great fun, that come with being a member at MGC. Individual memberships can be purchased for $500, married couple memberships are only $550, and family memberships f or new members are $600.

If interested in receiving an introductory letter and a membership packet sent to you, email us at mendotagolfclub@gmail.com or call 815538-7241. Also, to schedule a tee time and see the most up-to-date MGC info, visit mendotagolfclub.com. We will see you on the links!

Spring Creek Golf Course

Spring Creek celebrates 60 years of providing quality golf with affordable fees.

The 18-hole layout is comprised of thick, woodsy tree-lined fairways, tough in all the right places to push the best golfer, yet friendly enough to give the beginner a chance to make birdies when it’s played from the proper teeing ground. Four choices of tees provide a fair test for all golfers. Large, smooth and true greens are appreciated by all golfers. Spring Creek utilizes the land’s natural rolling contours and an inspired routing around a central lake to create a fun and fair layout.

Men’s weekly golf league tees off Mondays beginning at 4 p.m. Ladies weekly golf league has a choice of a Wednesday morning or evening tee time. Leagues run May through September.

Spring Creek’s Junior Golf Camp is scheduled for June 3-June 7, focusing on proper golf instruction while making golf fun for junior golfers. Following Golf Camp, the Junior Golf League will be held on Mondays and Fridays in June and is open to any Illinois Valley junior golfer that has had formal golf instruction.

Voted Illinois Valley’s First Choice in Golf Courses for over 25 years, Spring Creek continues to provide a fun-filled atmosphere for your outdoor enjoyment, whether it’s an afternoon round with friends or a fully customizable fundraiser outing.

Call 815-894-2137 for more information or to schedule a tee time.

Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club

Oak Ridge Golf Club, east of LaSalle on U.S. 6 has a great championship golf course. Established in 1994, the course has bent grass tees, greens and fairways, which are an area favorite. From the back tees, the golf course measures just over 6,800 yards. Four sets of tees are offered to accommodate any skill level.

Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club sprawls across gently rolling terrain that was used to guide the design. The resulting layout blends in almost seamlessly with the natural landscape. The golf course is routed through forests of mature oak trees and around five sparkling lakes. The back nine plays along a meandering creek. Water hazards come into play on a total of 13 holes and there are nearly 50 bunkers strategically placed throughout.

The golf course demands a fair amount of accuracy but it’s not overly punishing if you’re errant. The final hole plays from an elevated tee, requiring a carry over the creek in order to reach the green. Every golfer knows practice makes perfection. We offer the facilities you need to keep your game in top shape. Come hit a bucket of balls at our driving range and work on that slice or break those old habits. Find yourself needed sunscreen because you frequent the beach while on the links. Learn how to dig yourself out using our practice bunker on one of our two practice greens. Our practice greens are perfect for working on all of your short game needs.

Oak Ridge Golf Club is owned by the Senica family. Their father, the late Ron Senica was instrumental in the creation and growth of the club. In May 2006, the Senica family decided to expand from their original building into a 17,000 square foot clubhouse. Inside the facility is a fully stocked pro shop with a wide variety of golf balls, shirts, hats, clubs, gloves, towels and more. Also in the clubhouse is a dining area unlike any other in the area. Besides a great menu, a 30 foot tall stone fireplace and a scenic view of a picturesque lake enhance the ambiance. The menu features everything from sandwiches to prime cut steaks. The last part of the clubhouse is a 10,000 square foot banquet center that can host parties, weddings or company functions up to 300 guests. For information please contact the Event Coordinator at 815-223-7273 or oakridgeevent@gmail.com. The golf course is open seven days of the week. Lunch is available Tuesday thru Saturday and also Wednesday evenings.

For information about memberships, lessons, or tee times, call Director of Golf, Culie Hawthorne at 815-223-7273.

6ways to improve your putting skills

Golf requires mastery of a wide array of skills. Many novice players focus on improving skills related to their swings. Yet they shouldn’t overlook the importance of improving their short games as well. In golf, short game refers to the golf shots golfers must make when they’re near or on the green. According to Golf Distillery, a golf play information and tips site, shots like bunker shots, chips and putts are part of the short game. Improving these skills can go a long way toward bettering one’s game.

1 Learn “green-reading” techniques. According to a Golf Magazine-sponsored study through Pinehurst Golf Academy, 65 percent of golfers under-read the break on a typical putt. Incorrect reads can add to many lost strokes. Reading the green involves determining the correct slope and distance. Golfers who take depth-perception tests and continually practice their skills at reading both the distance and the slope can improve their putts.

2 Change perspective. Different putts require different perspectives in order to assess both distance and slope, according to Todd Sones Impact Golf Schools. If the putt is downhill, Sones suggests reading it from behind the hole. If the putt is uphill, read it from behind the ball.

3 Practice consistent putter travel distance. While the total length of a putt stroke depends on the length of the putt, many golf instructors recommend consistency with the distance the putter head travels. Keep the same distance on the back stroke as on the forward stroke. This will help create a nice, even roll. Most beginners tend to short their back strokes and increase their forward strokes, resulting in less ball control.

4 Focus on an imaginary channel. When putting, imagine a three- or four-inch channel from the ball to the hole. Rather than staring at the ball, golfers can track their eyes down that imaginary line, suggests the experts at Golf Digest. Keeping a simpler focus rather than overthinking things can improve putting.

5 Keep a steady head. Instead of following the ball with one’s eyes, a golfer should hold the focus on the start of the putt to foster a more steady head.

6 Change ball placement. Try moving to position the ball just forward of the center of the stance. This helps the putter make contact at the right moment to achieve the slight lift needed for a successful putt.

Practicing at home or with a golf instructor is a good way to improve putting skills. A strong short game can be the key to improving your overall game. TF227135

Deer Valley Golf Club

Opened in 2001, Deer Valley Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole championship golf course measuring 6,415 yards with four sets of tees and a 9 hole executive course. Located just 12 miles south of Rock Falls along Route 40, our 18 hole course is fun and challenging as well and has a good mix of short and long holes,

for golfers of all abilities. Deer Valley Golf Club features irrigated blue grass fairways with bent grass tees and some of the very best greens in northern Illinois. Deer Valley Golf Course also offers a fully stocked golf shop with bar and grill.

We offer a variety of memberships to fit you or your families preference.

Edgewood Park Golf Club

Edgewood Park Golf Club was started in 1968 as a 9 hole course and in 1994, with the help of designer Jim Spears, was transformed into an 18 hole regulation golf course challenging for the intermediate and semi-pro alike. It is meticulously maintained by Course Superintendent Zane Hartley. It has 6,600 yards of golf from the blue tees for a par of 72. Course rating is 71.7 with a slope rating of 125. Signature hole is #14, a 513 yard par 5. The 19th Hole Bar & Grill is located

inside the Club House and offers a large selection of sandwiches at a reasonable rate. We also have a fully stocked Bar offering our Golfers a cold refreshment either before, during and after their round of golf. We do offer a selection of specials every day of the week.

The 19th Hole Bar & Grill is also equipped to serve food and/or beverages to any Golf outing if so desired. You can schedule your outings with us and include the food as part of your package.

Fairways Golf Course

Built in 1929 as the Rochelle Country Club and now maintained by the City of Rochelle and the Rochelle Park District Located on the south side of Rochelle, the course is an 18-hole par-66 and is open to the public. It’s open from 7 a.m. to dusk

during the golf season. Mature-tree lined fairways offer a challenge for all levels of golfer. Memberships are available for 2021. The course also has a restaurant, which is a full-service menu with a full-service bar and a banquet facility.

Wand much more. If you’re looking for a golf course in the Princeton area, stop by Wyaton Hills Golf Course today.

We at Wyaton Hills Golf Course believe that playing sports, staying fit, and working out is vital to a healthy lifestyle. We also believe that the

single activity of getting outdoors and having fun playing golf is the very best way to spend a few hours.

Since 1961, our Wyaton Hills Golf Course has functioned as a haven for the community members of Princeton, Wyanet, and Bureau County, no matter their age, gender, or fitness background. Join us today to become a part of our ever-growing family. For more information call Max or Linda at 815.872.2641or check out their website at wyatonhillsgc.com

Choose the right golf attire

Golf is played by millions of people all over the world. Throughout warmweather seasons, courses are filled with enthusiasts driving and putting their way through 18 holes.

The right equipment is instrumental to successful game play, and golfers also need to pay attention to the clothing they wear. Etiquette and decorum are a significant part of the game of golf, and that includes the clothing golfers wear while traversing the course.

While there is no fixed dress code for golf, there are certain guidelines that golfers must follow. These rules and regulations may vary from course to course. Public and municipal courses may have very few rules, while private courses or exclusive golf clubs may have restrictive dress codes.

The following are some good rules of thumb when heading to the course.

BOTTOMS

Men are advised to wear long pants made of cotton or polyester. Chinos typically are recommended. According to Golf Week, some clubs will permit men to wear jeans, but many

do not. Dress shorts may be allowed if they have a pleated or flat front. Similarly, women also should don long trousers. Capris or dress shorts also may be applicable. Many women opt for golf skirts, which are specially designed and cut on the front or side to enable motion in the golf swing.

SHIRTS

A collared shirt is the preferred attire when golfing. Opt for a polo shirt over a T-shirt. While there are newer mock or crew neck shirts endorsed by some pro golfers, golf courses will not necessarily permit players to wear them.

Women also are encouraged to wear polo shirts, though there is more flexibility in their shirt options, including sleeveless varieties. Modest shirts are highly encouraged, especially ones that will not expose the midriff. Men and women are encouraged to tuck in their shirts.

FOOTWEAR

Sneakers (often referred to as “trainers”) tend to be off-limits on many courses. Golf shoes are a sport standard, and should include

soft spikes rather than metal spikes, which may be banned on certain courses.

SOCKS

Socks should match one’s choice of trousers. Light-colored socks are advised when wearing shorts. Some clubs require socks be a certain length when wearing dress shorts. Above all, socks should complement the clothing.

HATS

Golfers can wear baseball-style hats or visors to offer protection from the sun. Straw hats known as “Ben Hogan caps” also may be permitted. Other types of headwear is generally not appropriate.

Players should keep in mind that attire that is acceptable on the course may not be suitable to wear inside of the club, including dining spaces or bars.

A degree of formality is evident in the game of golf, and that often is reflected in players’ attire. Players should confirm dress code with their respective clubs or golf courses before hitting the links. TF227134

Golf tips for beginners

Golf courses are serene settings that allow people to enjoy the great outdoors while simultaneously engaging in the thrill of competition. Those factors undoubtedly motivate people to hit the links and play a round of golf, which remains a wildly popular sport. In fact, a recent report from the National Golf Foundation found that roughly 119 million people followed golf on television or online, read about the game, or listened to a golf-related podcast in 2022.

Golf can certainly be a fun sport to follow, but it’s just as fun to play. Golf is a challenging sport, and it can be especially difficult for newcomers. Patience is paramount when learning to play golf, and the following are some additional strategies beginners can keep in mind as they learn to golf.

• Work with a pro. Golf pros at local courses or even private coaches typically have extensive experience teaching the game. That experience is

invaluable. Beginners can learn the basics from a seasoned pro, who can instruct students on fundamentals such as stance, grip and swing so they enjoy their first round that much more.

• Purchase a good set of clubs. The right clubs can make the game that much easier. Adults who are not sure if they want to fully commit to playing can get by with secondhand clubs, while parents can do the same as they try to teach their children the game. Once a commitment has been made, a new set of custom fitted clubs can be a worthy investment that lets golfers take their game to the next level. Using clubs that are too small or too large can affect performance, as can other factors like grip size. Custom fitted clubs can be expensive, so beginners may want to wait until they catch the golfing bug before they make such an investment.

• Golf with a friend. The buddy system makes numerous recreational activ-

ities more fun, and golf is no exception. Beginners can ask a friend who already plays to tag along, but it also can be fun to learn the sport alongside another novice. Friends with experience may be willing to offer some tips to becoming a better player, while two beginners can share a few laughs as they navigate their way through rounds that end up well over par.

• Choose the right courses. Certain courses are more challenging than others. Par-3 courses can be perfect for beginners because they include only par 3 holes, which feature shorter

distances from tee to cup and tend to be flatter and easier for novices. Par-3 courses also tend to be just nine holes, which can be ideal for beginners. When playing a traditional course, beginners can look for one with a reputation for being less challenging so they are not discouraged by their final scores.

Millions of people enjoy playing the game of golf. As beginners introduce themselves to the game, they can keep various strategies in mind to ensure their day on the links is fun and fruitful. TF238201

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