SVM_Golf Guide 2024

2024 GOLFING GOLFING

Northwestern Illinois and Eastern Iowa

“Golfing” is a Sauk Valley Media publication. Articles and ads are the property of Sauk Valley Media, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021, 815-625-3600. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers in this magazine.

Wolf Hollow Golf Course

One of the slogans that Lost Nation Golf Course has used on its scorecards to attract golfers over the years was to invite them to “get lost in the game.”

But as it faced an uncertain future at the end of last year, something else could have been lost: the course itself, and fans of Lost Nation didn’t want to see that happen.

Dan Whalen was one of those people, and that’s why he decided to do something about it. He bought the course.

Whalen didn’t want to see Lost Nation become another fallen domino in the golf course industry, so after its longtime owners decided to sell last year, Whalen stepped up to keep the course along Ogle County’s southern edge and near the Rock River open. He assumed ownership Feb. 2 and he’s set his sights on making the course even better than before.

LOST NATION cont’d to page 10

Lost Nation Golf Course’s new owner is no stranger to the longtime local golf course. Dan Whalen took over at the course on Feb. 2, but before that he’d been a regular there. Once he started golfing there, it didn’t take long to get hooked: “I fell in love with the course,” he said.

One of the first changes that he’s made: being a hands-on owner. Whalen tries to make it to the course every day to help out where needed, whether it’s in the pro shop, clubhouse or in the maintenance yard — and if there’s an issue, golfers won’t have to wait for someone from out of town to show up: He lives just a few drive shots away.

Whalen, who grew up in Oregon, has golfed regularly at Lost Nation for a few years, and has come to love its layout, beauty and camaraderie among fellow golfers.

“I love coming over, and I fell in love with the course,” Whalen said. “I like the layout. I like that it’s challenging, but still on the easier side and you won’t lose a ton of golf balls. The people out here have been awesome, and I’ve made a lot of new friends over the past four years. That was one of the rea sons why I decided to move forward with pursuing the purchase.”

The 18hole, par 71 course (par 72 for the shorter tees) is tucked away from busy highways and has several natural features not seen at other courses, due to its loca tion near woodlands and the river. The nearly-170-acre course drains well after rain and snow as it sits on sand-based soil, similar to the nearby Nachusa Grasslands. Unlike courses on regular soil, the quick drainage allows the course to be ready for play earlier in the year, and it takes less time to rebound from the rain.

CODYCUTTER/CCUTTER@SHAWM

He’s in the driver’s seat now ... Robert Peacock Jr. (left) handed over the keys to Lost Nation Golf Course to new owner Dan Whalen in early February. The Peacock family had owned the course for 42 years.

As a result of its favorable terrain, Lost Nation welcomed its first golfers on Feb. 18, in 50-degree weather, and improvements to the course and facilities are being made as the season progresses. The removal of dead trees and pesky crabgrass has been a top priority for early spring, and that will follow with the planting of wildflowers and installation of birdhouses.

LOST NATION cont’d to page 14

Alex Frey lines up a putt on No. 8 at Lost Nation Golf Course during a round with friends in mid-March.

New owner Dan Whalen has no shortage of ideas when it comes to sprucing things up around Lost Nation Golf Course — and he’s already put some of those plans in place, like a fleet of new golf carts. He’ll also break out the brushes for a fresh coat of color, replacing the peeling paint on the course’s clubhouse and pro shop. And they’ll be some new signage, to reflect the slight name change, from Lost Nation Golf Club to Lost Nation Golf Course. “There wasn’t much invested over the years, so bringing everything back up to where it should be is a high priority,” he said. With all the work he’s got planned, he hopes it’ll help get more people to come back to the fairways.

LOST NATION cont’d from page 9

“There wasn’t much invested over the years, so bringing everything back up to where it should be is a high priority,” Whalen said. “Its enhancing the beauty that you see when you’re here, with the hills and the nature, and with the deer that come over from Lost Lake, as well as turkeys, turkey vultures and bald eagles.”

One of the ways Whalen is trying to attract more golfers is by making a slight change to Lost Nation’s name.

When it opened in 1964, it was called Lost Nation Country Club, and later became Lost Nation Golf Club. Today, Whalen has decided that the only clubs he wants people to find are on the course, not its signs, which is why he swapped the “Club” in its name for “Course.”

The course has been open to the public since 1971, but Whalen hopes the name change will get more golfers on the greens. “Club’ kind of made some people feel like they weren’t welcome or invited,” said Whalen, who bought Lost Nation from the Peacocks, a Chicago-are family who had owned it since 1982. “Now that it’s ‘Course,’ I’m hoping that everyone feels more invited.”

Whalen has already gotten to work making the course feel more inviting. Outside, Lost Nation’s clubhouse and pro shop both will get an upgrade, with new windows, new siding, and some fresh paint; a change from current maroon. Inside, the clubhouse will get new carpeting and TVs, but Whalen wants to keep the hardwood walls in place.

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22nd Annual

Friday, June 21, 2024

Deer Valley Golf Club

Deer Grove, IL

All of the changes have a common goal: Make people feel welcome.

“It’s not just important in golf, it’s important in any business or industry that you’re in,” Whalen said. “When you drive up to a facility that’s not well-maintained, it’s like: ‘Do they care about what they’re doing? Do they care about the facility and the community around them?’ If you can improve how it looks so that when people walk up, they feel that it’s more inviting and it’s a place that they want to hang out, that makes a big difference.”

The clubhouse also has a restaurant and bar, and Whalen and his staff of about 10 full-time and seasonal workers are working to breathe new life into them. The restaurant hasn’t been open on a consistent basis since the coronavirus pandemic’s height nearly four years ago, but Whalen has wants to have it open year-round, hoping to reach that goal by this coming winter. Former favorite at the restaurant included Friday and Saturday dinner specials, and weekend breakfast and brunch specials, and Whalen wants to make those part of the restaurant’s resurrection.

Other visions Whalen has in mind include horseshoes pits, special event “play days” during holidays, partnering with the nearby East of Yellowstone resort for lodging package deals, involvement with charitable organizations, and fielding a women’s team for the prestigious Lincoln Highway tournament.

Whalen plans to hire more people as things pick up at the clubhouse.

LOST NATION cont’d to page 17

“We’re trying to make the improvements that make sense right now, and kind of build upon that as we go,” Whalen said. “Then we hope that more people can show up and realize that it can be an awesome place like so many others already realize, and increase memberships and the number of people coming out here to eat.”

Single and family memberships are available, with senior citizen discounts, both with or without usage of a cart — which is another improvement at the course: there’s a new fleet of them this year. As far as league play goes, there is a men’s foursome circuit on Monday, and two-person leagues for women on Tuesday and men on Wednesday.

With shorter-than-usual par 5s and longer-than-typical par 3s, there’s not a whole lot of yardage differences between holes.

“It’s good for all skill levels,” Whalen said. “If you’re not that good, you can still come out here and have a good time and won’t lose a ton of golf balls. If you think you’re a really good golfer, it’s still pretty challenging; sometimes you may get frustrated because you think you should have scored better.”

More info

Lost Nation Golf Course

6931 S. Lost Nation Road in rural Dixon (1/2-mile north of the Ogle-Lee county line). Phone: 815-652-4212

Online: Find Lost Nation Golf Course on Facebook for information on the course, membership or hosting events. Its website, lostnationgolf.com, will be updated over the course of the year.

Whalen also struck a deal with Timber Creek Golf Course in Dixon on a greens fee discount plan: Lost Nation members can play at Timber Creek for 50 percent off its daily rates, and those from Timber Creek can enjoy the same discount at Lost Nation.

“It’s been great seeing all of the golfers who have been coming out,” Whalen said. “There’s a lot of energy and people are so excited that it’s getting the love that they felt it deserved over the years. It makes me feel good that we decided to take on this venture. It’s going to be challenging, and we’re just in the beginning stages, but with the energy that we felt and with the number of people that are just so excited that we’re staying open, it’s been great.”

It’s been 60 years since the first swings from the tees were made at Lost Nation, and many changes have happened during that time. Whalen’s ownership starts a new chapter in the course’s history, and he’s committed to keeping it a unique part of the northern Illinois golfing community.

“The number of stories I’ve heard, there’s a lot of history here, and I’m really happy and proud to keep it going,” Whalen said. “I couldn’t let it go away. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. With all of the great relationships that have been formed over the years, since the 1960s, this has meant a lot to everyone.” n

Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@shawmedia.com.

A FACILITY OF THE STERLING PARK DISTRICT

To sharpen your skill even further or to learn the game of golf, Emerald Hill is one of the few golf courses in the area that offers golf lessons with Golf Pro Chip Staebell. Group and private lessons are available throughout the summer.

The 101-year-old golf course was purchased by the Sterling Park District in 1994. Since that time; the course, clubhouse, driving range have all had significant

renovations. Hundreds of trees have been added, cart paths asphalted, drainage improvements, pond improvements, sand trap improvements, etc. All this while keeping memberships and daily green fees reasonable.

You may book your tee time online: emeraldhillgolf.com or call 815-622-6204 to let Emerald Hill’s friendly Pro Shop staff assist you. There is also an excellent selection of golf balls, hats and accessories in the pro shop along with drinks and snacks.

A chip shot off the old block Golf

can be a great way for parents to spend time with their kids

Metro News Service

Kids these days face no shortage of things to do, and many are involved in competitive sports. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the proportion of boys and girls playing on sports teams increased between 1998 and 2020. The lasting appeal of athletics and recreation is undeniable, and kids as young as preschool age can participate in a wide range of sports — and that includes golf. Though it might require a little more patience on the part of players and parents, time at the tee is great sport to introduce to children. Below are some strategies parents can use to get their young ones more interested in the game.

START WITH MINIATURE GOLF. Though mini golf and the real thing are two different activities, many an avid golfer first picked up a club on a miniature golf course. Mini golf is all about having fun, and the joy kids have on a miniature golf course might spark an interest in playing traditional golf.

PLAY WITH KIDS. Kids typically are excited to engage in any activity if it involves playing alongside their parents. Parents can first taking them to the range and practice green so they can teach them some of the fundamentals of the game. As kids’ skills develop, parents can play nine holes with their youngsters. The time spent bonding on the course will be unforgettable for parents and children. Older children might want

to bring a friend along when playing with parents, and this, too, can be a great way to foster a love of the game in kids.

MAKE IT ABOUT FUN, NOT THE FINAL SCORE. It’s up to parents whether they even want to keep score, but the primary focus when golfing with children should be fun. Try to take lessons on the range or putting green out to the course, but don’t overemphasize technique or score. If kids are having a frustrating round, note that every golfer has such rounds and divert their attention by pointing out the surrounding beauty — and it never hurts to leave time for some post-round ice cream.

SET A POSITIVE EXAMPLE. Golf can be a frustrating game for novices and veterans alike. Parents can set a good example by remaining positive even if their own score is nothing to write home about. Resist any inclination to lash out after a shank or slice, and stay patient even when struggling with your short game. Kids are always watching their parents for cues, so it’s best to ensure any frustration does not manifest itself outwardly.

AVOID FORCING THE ISSUE. Parents who are avid golfers understandably want to share their passion for the game with their children. But forcing the issue when kids are young might compel them to avoid the game at all costs. Let kids’ love of the game develop organically, even if that means putting their clubs away until they’re ready to try again.

BOONE COUNTY

Beaver Creek Golf Course

19619 LeRoy Center Road, Capron

815-569-2427 | beavercreekgolfil.com

Newburg Village Golf Club

253 Clubhouse Drive, Cherry Valley

815-332-9002 | newburgvillage.net

Swanhills Golf Course 2600 Gustafson Road, Belvidere

815-547-3232 | swanhillsgolf.com

Timber Pointe Golf Club

5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove

815-544-1935 | golfthepointe.com BUREAU COUNTY

Chapel Hill Golf Course 12927 state Route 26, Princeton

815-879-6531 | chapelhill-princeton.comw

Two greaT courses for golfers of all skill levels!

Give back for a good cause!

The DeKalb Park District is excited to host the 18th Annual Golf Fore the Kids Scholarship Golf Outing! All proceeds from the outing provide opportunities for families to participate in recreation programs and use facilities that would otherwise be unable to do so because of financial burdens. Play golf, donate, or become one of our sponsors! Early Bird (EB)

Registration Deadline: May 10

Golfing is next to nature with Golf DeKalb Become a season pass holder and enjoy seasonal golf programs, coed leagues, and themed outings like the Father’s Day Birdie Brunch, Club Championship, Labor Day Weekend Best Ball Tournament, and more!

Friday, June 7 (Rain date June 28)

Location: River Heights Golf Course

Lunch provided 10:00-11:00 am, Shotgun start at 11:00 am,

Appetizers provided starting at 4:30 pm! Fee is $300 EB/$310 per foursome or $160 EB/$170 for per twosome;

Includes golf, cart, lunch, two drink tickets, swag bag, apparel item, appetizers, and a great time!

BUREAU COUNTY

(cont’d)

Hidden Lake Golf Club 12985 645 East St., Sheffield

815-454-2660

Mendota Golf Club

35666 U.S. Route 34 W., Mendota

815-538-7241, mendotagolfclub.com

Spring Creek Golf Course

286 Spring Creek Drive, Spring Valley

815-894-2137 | springcreek-golfcourse.com

Wyaton Hills Golf Course

17879 1500 North Ave., Princeton

815-872-2641 | wyatonhillsgc.com

CARROLL COUNTY

Lake Carroll Golf Course

815-493-2808 | golflakecarroll.com

Palisades Golf Course

18280 state Route 84, Savanna

815-273-2141 | palisadesgolfcourse.com

Sandburr Run Golf Course and Resort 5020 state Route 84, Thomson

815-902-6063

DEKALB COUNTY

Buena Vista Golf Course 131 Buena Vista Drive, DeKalb

815-758-4812 | golfdekalb.com

Edgebrook Golf Club 2100 Suydam Road, Sandwich

815-786-3058 | edgebrookgolfclub.com

Indian Oaks Country Club

603 E. Preserve Road, Shabbona

815-824-2282 | indianoaks.net

Kishwaukee Country Club 1901 Sycamore Road, DeKalb

815-758-6848 | kishwaukeecc.org

DEKALB COUNTY (cont’d)

River Heights Golf Course

1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb

815-758-1550 | golfdekalb.com

Sycamore Golf Club

940 E. State St., Sycamore

815-895-3884 | playgolfsycamore.com

HENRY COUNTY

Baker Park Golf Course

1095 Cambridge Road, Kewanee

309-852-2872 | kewaneeparkdistrict.org/golf

Country View Golf Course

8284 N. 2300 Ave., Colona

309-441-5272 | countryviewgolfcourse.net

Geneseo Country Club

22393 Grange Road, Geneseo

309-944-3666 | geneseocountryclub.com

Midland Golf Club

3536 Midland Road, Kewanee

309-852-4508 | midlandgolfclub.com

Sugar Maple Golf Club

19283 E. 1600 St., Geneseo

309-944-5418 | sugarmaplegolfclub.com

JO DAVIESS COUNTY

Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course

14A200 E. Apple Canyon Road, Apple River

815-492-2477 | applecanyonlake.org

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

444 E. Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena

815-777-5000 & 800-892-2269 | eagleridge.com

Galena Golf Club

11557 U.S. West Highway 20, Galena

815-777-3599 | galenagolfclub.org

JO DAVIESS COUNTY (cont’d)

Lacoma Golf Club

8080 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque

815-747-3874 | lacomagolf.com

* 2 with 9 holes par 35, or 70 when combined into 18 holes. Family course is par 27

Woodbine Bend Golf Course

3500 E. Center Road, Stockton

815-858-3939 | woodbinebend.com

LASALLE COUNTY

Anderson Fields Golf Course

1901 N. Bloomington St., Streator

815-672-3702

www.ci.streator.il.us (under Your Government, City Departments links)

Dayton Ridge Golf Club

3076 E. 18th Road, Ottawa 9 36

815-434-0145

Earlville Country Club

400 Oak St., Earlville, 815-246-9329 9 32

Pine Hills Golf Club

1665 N. 2501 Road, Ottawa

815-434-3985 | ottawapinehillsgolfclub.com

Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course

9 35

658 E. U.S. Highway 6, LaSalle 18 72

815-223-7273 | senicagolf.com

Senica’s Deer Park Golf Club

100 Deer Park Lane, Oglesby 18 70

815-667-4239 | deerparkgc.com

The Eastwood

2000 Eastwood Ave., Streator 9 36

815-673-5553

The Lakes Country Club

2550 N. 32nd Road, Marseilles 9 37

815-795-5107 | thelakescc.net

LEE COUNTY

Miller Golf Complex

1010 Washington Ave., Dixon

815-284-3306 | dixonparkdistrict.com/sports/golf/

Shady Oaks Country Club

577 U.S. Highway 52, Sublette

815-849-5424 | shadyoakscc.com

Timber Creek Golf Course

729 Timber Creek Road, Dixon

815-475-5605 | timbercreek-dixon.com

MERCER COUNTY

Fyre Lake Golf Club

1057 Fairway Lane, Sherrard

309-749-9044 | fyrelakegolf.com

Oak View Country Club

1601 SW Third Ave., Aledo

309-582-7916 | oakviewcountryclub.com

OGLE COUNTY

Fairways Golf Course

533 S. Seventh St., Rochelle

815-562-6666 | fairwaysgolfcourse.com

Lost Nation Golf Course

6931 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon* *Dixon mailing address; course located in Ogle County

815-652-4212 | lostnationgolf.com

Prairie View Golf Club

6734 N. German Church Road, Byron

815-234-4653 | prairieviewgolf.com

Silver Ridge Golf Course

3069 N. Hill Road, Oregon

815-734-4440 | silverridgegolf.com

Sunset Golf Course

216 Sunset Hill, Mount Morris

815-734-4839 | sunsetgolfmm.com

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Byron Hills Golf Course

23316 94th Ave. N., Port Byron

309-523-2664 | byronhills.com

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY (cont’d)

Golfmohr Golf Club

16724 Hubbard Road, East Moline

309-496-2434 | golfmohr.com

Highland Springs Golf Course

9500 35th St. W., Rock Island

309-732-7277

rigov.org/295/Highland-Springs-Course

Saukie Golf Course

3101 38th St., Rock Island

309-732-2278

rigov.org/294/Saukie-Golf-Course

Indian Bluff Golf Course

6200 78th Ave., Milan

309-799-3868 | indianbluffgolfcourse.com

Lake Calhoun Country Club

2628 Golf Road, LaFayette

309-995-3343 | lakecalhouncountryclub.com

Oakwood Country Club

1067 U.S. Highway 6, Coal Valley

309-799-3153 | oakwoodgolf.org

Pinnacle Country Club 11928 Knoxville Road, Milan

309-787-5446 | pinnaclecountryclub.com

Short Hills Country Club 2500 11th St., East Moline 309-755-1044 & 309-755-0618 | shorthillscc.com

TPC Deere Run 3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis

309-796-6000 | tpc.com/deererun

STEPHENSON COUNTY

The Ville Golf

2001 W. St. James Road, Orangeville

815-789-4042

Coach’s Golf & Grill 621 W. Lena St., Lena

815-369-2222

The Freeport Club 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport

815-232-1165 | freeportclub.com

STEPHENSON COUNTY (cont’d)

Park Hills Golf Course

3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport

815-235-3611 | parkhillsgolfcourse.com

Wolf Hollow Golf Club

6546 N. Shippee Road, Lena

815-369-5513 | wolfhollowgolf.net

WHITESIDE COUNTY

Deer Valley Golf Club

3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove

815-438-4653 | dvforegolf.com

Emerald Hill Golf Course 16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling

815-622-6204 | emeraldhillgolf.com

Fulton Country Club

20727 Cattail Road, Fulton

815-589-2440 | fultonccgolf.com

Lake Erie Country Club

900 Lakeside Drive, Erie

309-659-2250 | lakeeriecountryclub.com

Prophet Hills Country Club

4319 Bishop Road, Prophetstown

815-537-5226 | prophethills.com

Rock River GAP

3901 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls

815-625-2322 | rrgap.com

WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Aldeen Golf Club

1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford

815-282-4653 | aldeengolfclub.com

Atwood Homestead Golf Course 8990 Old River Road, Rockford

815-623-2411 | playthepreserves.com/atwood

Forest Hills Country Club

5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford

815-877-5733 | fhcc1921.com

WINNEBAGO COUNTY (cont’d)

Ingersoll Golf Course

101 Daisyfield Road, Rockford

815-987-8834 | golfrockford.org/ingersoll-golf-course

Ledges Golf Course

7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe

815-389-0979 | playthepreserves.com/ledges

Macktown Golf Course

2221 Freeport Road, Rockton

815-624-7410 | playthepreserves.com/macktown

The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club

5151 Guilford Road, Rockford

815-399-0711 & 815-399-0682 | mntscc.org/golf.aspx

Red Barn Golf Course

12379 Wagon Wheel Road, Rockton

815-624-8037 & 815-399-0682 | redbarngolfcourse.com

Rockford Country Club

2500 Oxford St., Rockford

815-968-9881 | rockfordcc.com

Sandy Hollow Golf Course

2670 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford

815-987-8836

golfrockford.org/sandy-hollow-golf-course

Sinnissippi Park Golf Course

2003 Arlington Ave., Rockford

815-987-8838

golfrockford.org/sinnissippi-golf-course

IOWA

CLINTON COUNTY

Springbrook Country Club

2122 17th Ave., DeWitt

563-659-3187 | sbccgolf.club

CLINTON COUNTY (cont’d)

Valley Oaks

3330 Harts Mill Road, Clinton

563-242-7032 | valleyoaksgc.com

SCOTT COUNTY

Crow Valley Golf Club

4315 E. 60th St., Davenport

563-359-1676 | crowvalleygolfclub.com

Davenport Country Club

25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley

563-332-4050 | davenportcc.com

Duck Creek Golf Course

3000 E. Locust St., Davenport

563-326-7824

golfdavenport.com/duck-creek-golf-course

Emeis Golf Course

4500 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport

563-326-7825

golfdavenport.com/emeis-golf-course

Glynns Creek Golf Course

19251 290th St., Long Grove

563-328-3284 | glynnscreek.com

Hidden Hills Golf Course

4335 Indiana Ave., Bettendorf

563-332-5616 | hiddenhills-golf.com

Palmer Hills Golf Course

2999 Middle Road, Bettendorf

563-332-8296 | palmerhillsgolf.com

Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center

6364 Northwest Blvd., Davenport 9 33

563-386-0348 | golfdavenport.com/red-hawk-golf

Rustic Ridge Golf Course

1151 E. Iowa St., Eldridge 9 36

563-285-8119 | golfrusticridge.com

Sunrise Golf Course

3947 Moencks Road, Bettendorf 9 35

563-332-6386 | sunrisegolf.net