2 0 1 9
N o r t h w e s t e r n I l l i n o i s a n d E a s t e r n I o w a
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP PROMO
Single under 35 - $250 Down Single over 35 - $300 Down Couple - $350 Down Pay $20 for 18 and $10 for 9 as you play until equivalent to a full membership. Includes cart.
FULL MEMBERSHIP WITH CART
Single - $1125 Married Couple - $1375 Family - Couple plus $25 per child Junior - $175 Deduct $100 for stockholder and $200 for under 35 years old.
SPRING & FALL RATES Weekday - $20 for 18, $10 for 9 Weekend - $25 for 18, $13 for 9
SUMMER RATES
(May 25th - August 30th) Weekday - $29 for 18, $16 for 9 Weekend - $39 for 18, $20 for 9 All rate include cart.
Kids 13 and under always play free with a paying adult or member. New kids clubs available for free use. Watch the website for Junior golf information.
577 US Highway 52, Sublette, IL (Located on Rt. 52 Between Amboy & Sublette) 2
Special Hole in One Contest Hole #9, camera witnessed $100/year entry of $5 per day of play. Pot over $1000 and growing! www.shadyoakscc.com (815) 849-5424 GOLFING
• 2019
2019 GOLFING • A
Publisher: Don T. Bricker
Inside guide the
Advertising director: Jennifer Heintzelman Editor: Kathleen Schultz Page design: Rusty Schrader On the cover: Lake Carroll Golf Course, 2911 Ironwood Blvd., Lanark, 815-493-2808
PUBLICATION
4
Timber Creek’s owners find someone to breathe new life into a golf course with more than 100 years of history in Dixon
14
A guide to area golf courses
19
Gramma is near and Deere to the heart of Silvis course’s new golf pro
29
Business is booming at a place where golfers are at the top of their game
Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081, 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 listed in any portion of this magazine.
2019
Sauk Valley Media
3
Charting a new course
BY RACHEL RODGERS rrodgers@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5529 @rj_rodgers
Timber Creek’s owners have found someone
more than 100
DIXON – The historic Timber Creek golf course could soon be reopening its doors. The more than 100-year-old course and banquet facility, formerly the Dixon Country Club, closed last year after owners Ron Keith and his son, Brett, were unable to find a buyer willing to keep the course open.
years of history
CONTINUED ON 84
to breathe new life into the Dixon golf course with
STORYBROOK OK C C.C. .C.. .C
Scenic and challenging 18 hole golf course. Water comes into play in 14 holes. Lots of wildlife abounds, ducks & geese. Driving range. Full Service snack bar.
RESERVATION INFORMATION: HANOVER, R, IL IL Expires 12/19
2 for 1 GREEN FEES
STORYBROOK C.C. HANOVER, IL
SM-ST1644139
Not valid/holiday/weekends/tournaments
Reservations suggested.
GREEN FEES MONDAY - THURSDAY 9 Holes ................................. $13.00 18 Holes ............................... $17.00 FRIDAY - SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS 9 Holes ................................. $14.00 18 Holes ............................... $18.00 RIDING CART FEES: (DAILY) 9 Holes ................................. $14.00 18 Holes ............................... $26.00 PULL CART FEES: (DAILY) ............................................... $5.00 RENTAL CLUBS .............................................. $15.00
2124 W. StoryBrook Rd., Hanover 815-591-2210 • www.storybrook.com • mdascher@storybrook.com
4
GOLFING
• 2019
GOLF COURSE • Public Golf Course - Everyone Welcome • Open Daily 7am to Dark • Challenging 18 hole course • Mature trees, lush fairways & manicured greens • Practice bunkered chipping-putting green
CELEBRATING OUR 90TH ANNIVERSARY! CART FEES - 2019 WEEKDAY DAILY FEE (per rider) 18 Holes.............................. $10.00 9 Holes (Front) ................... $7.00 WEEKEND DAILY FEE (per rider) 18 Holes.............................. $12.00 9 Holes (Front) ................... $7.00 YEARLY FEE Single.................................. $480.00 Spouse* ............................... $250.00 FOR BEST AVAILABLE RATES
Book Online www.fairwaysgolfcourse.com WEEKEND GOLF SPECIAL * Weekends after 2:00 p.m. to closing. (Weekday fees apply).
BOOK YOUR GOLF OUTING
Call Pete at the Pro Shop 815.562.6666
SALT 251 RESTAURANT & BAR ON SITE
DAILY FEES - 2019 WEEKDAY 18 Holes.............................. $15.00 9 Holes (Front) ................... $13.00 9 Holes (Back)..................... $10.00 WEEKEND & HOLIDAYS 18 Holes.............................. $17.00 9 Holes (Front) ................... $15.00 9 Holes (Back)..................... $12.00 Children under 10 yrs. old golfing with paid adult ...................................... FREE Jr. Clubs available at no cost
SEASON PASS - 2019 Single.................................. $595.00 Spouse* ............................... $395.00 Middle School* .................... $50.00 High School* ....................... $100.00 College Pass* ...................... $295.00 *
Children/students under 18 or under 21 if still in school. Spouse pricing must include a single membership fee. * College pass must have proof of credit hours.
2019 Specials Monday Special $9 - 18 Holes plus $9 cart for 18 Holes After 4pm $20 unlimited golf, includes cart
533 S. 7th Street, Rochelle | 815.562.6666 SM-ST1647723
Come “Play” what you’ve been missing!
Sauk Valley Media
5
LAKE CARROLL 18WEEKDAYS Holes with Cart GOLF COURSE Monday-Friday Expires: 9-14-19 Must Present Coupon • No Holidays
7AM - 8AM $25 After 1pm $20 After 4pm: $18
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! GOLF CO 18 Hole, P
URSE
ar 72
PGA LESS ONS FULL SERV ICE RESTA URANT OUTINGS OF ALL SIZ ES FULLY STO CKED GO LF SHOP
Tee Times Required Twilight Rates O ered Seasonal Golf Passes Call For Info
6
29-11 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll, IL 493-2808 493-2810 (Restaurant) GOLFING
• 2019
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS!
URSE GOLF C,O Par 72 18 Hole
ONS PGA LESS AURANT T S E R E IC FULL SERV LL SIZES A F O S G OUTIN LF SHOP O G D E K FULL STOC
29-11 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll, IL 493-2808 493-2810 (Restaurant)
Tee Times Required • Twilight Rates Offered • Seasonal Golf Passes, Call For Info
LAKE CARROLL GOLF COURSE Expires 09-14-19 • Must Present Coupon • No Holidays
WEEKENDS
18 Holes with Cart Saturday & Sunday
After 1PM: $35 After 4PM: $20
SM-ST1644155
Sauk Valley Media
7
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 The Keiths recently signed a lease with Brenda and Rick Humphrey, owners of Humphrey Show Cattle in Dixon, for the 136-acre property, which includes the 18-hole course, a banquet center, Bogey’s Bar and Grill, an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. The multiyear lease gives the Humphreys the option to buy the course at 729 Timber Creek Road any time. “I don’t even play golf, but it’s something we thought was necessary to preserve for the community,” Ron Keith said Wednesday. “We put our heart and soul and many dollars into it for the last 13 years, and I’m excited to see the revival and see it be what it needs to be.”
The hope is to open the course as early as late spring, but it depends on the weather and work to ready the green, Keith said. A maintenance crew of about a dozen people, including several club volunteers, are working inside and outside. Bogey’s and the pro shop likely will open with the course, and maybe the tennis courts, too, but Keith said he wasn’t sure about the pool or banquet center. “There are lots and lots of moving parts out there,” he said. “They’re working diligently to get things going as quickly as possible, but it has a long 103- or 104-year history in the community, and they don’t want to open if it’s not ready.” CONTINUED ON 104
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Work is underway at Timber Creek Golf Course in Dixon. The more than 100-year-old course and banquet facility, formerly the Dixon Country Club, closed last year after owners Ron Keith and his son, Brett, were unable to find a buyer willing to keep the course open. Now, the Keiths have signed a lease with Brenda and Rock Humphrey for the 136-acre property, which includes the 18-hole course and a banquet center, to reopen it. 8
GOLFING
• 2019
River Heights Golf Course 1020 Sharon Dr. | DeKalb | (815)758-1550
18 scenic holes along the Kishwaukee River! Two great courses foR golfers of all skill levels!
BOOK TEE TIMES AT
GOLFDEKALB.COM Buena Vista Golf Course 131 Buena Vista Dr. | DeKalb | (815)758-4812
9-hole Sauk Valley Media
(par 32)
Driving Range/Practice Areas 9
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 The Keiths have operated the course at a financial loss for years and competed with the area’s municipal-run courses that can be subsidized by taxpayer dollars. Ron, 75, previously owned pharmacies in the area, and Brett is a successful businessman in New York. The former Dixon Country Club was going out of business when they
bought it on Feb. 1, 2007, for $1.1 million. At the time, membership had dwindled to less than 100. They renamed it and changed it from a private to a semi-private club, opening it to the public for the first time since its inception in 1915. The added full and partial golf memberships, as well as pool, tennis and social memberships. It was also the home course for Dixon High School’s girls and boys golf teams. n
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Crews are working to prepare Timber Creek Golf Course for opening day. “They’re working diligently to get things going as quickly as possible, but it has a long 103- or 104-year history in the community, and they don’t want to open if it’s not ready,” co-owner Ron Keith said.
10
GOLFING
• 2019
Wolf Hollow Golf Course For tee times call Wolf Hollow
815-369-5513
Rt. 20 to IL 73 North to the North edge of Lena, look for the Wolf Hollow sign.
www.wolfhollowgolf.net w ww.wo olfhollowgolf.net Outings • Lesso Lessons oons ns • PPractice racttice Range • Bar & Banquet Facility Wolf Hollow’s 18 Hole Championship Course named from the folklore of the Blackhawk Indian War in the surrounding hills & valleys. DORAL REINING PGA Professional
~ WHERE GOLF IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR ~
4 Golfers, 18 Holes & Cart
SM-ST1644147
Weekends Noon or after Monday-Friday Any Time
SA
100
$
2019 Season Only!
V E!
68
$
Wolf Hollow Golf Course
Sauk Valley Media
11
Exceptional Golf. Unbelievable Price! “VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 50 COURSES IN THE COUNTRY WITH GREENS FEES UNDER $50” – Golf Magazine
“VOTED BEST PUBLIC COURSE IN ILLINOIS!” – Golf Advisor & Golf Digest
Featuring
Convenient Tee Times • Steady Pace of Play GPS in Golf Carts Beverage Service on the Course 26-acre Practice Centre • Golf Shop Restaurant • Bar • Banquet Facility
Book tee times at
aldeengolfclub.com or call 815-282-GOLF
Conveniently located off I-90/I-39 in Rockford, IL ALDEEN GOLF CLUB IS A FACILITY OF THE
CONNECT WITH US!
We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. Call 815-987-8800 for info.
12
GOLFING
• 2019
81 HOLES • 5 COURSES
GOLF ROCKFORD 18 Holes | 7,131 Yards | Par 72 Established in 1991
18 Holes | 6,732 Yards | Par 72 Established in 1968
18 Holes | 6,228 Yards | Par 71 Established in 1922
18 Holes | 6,107 Yards | Par 71 Established in 1929
9 Holes | 3,230 Yards | Par 37 Established in 1912
Book your tee time at golfrockford.org CONNECT WITH US! We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. For assistance and more information on accessibility, please call or text Customer Service at 815-987-8800.
Sauk Valley Media
CALL OR TEXT
815-987-8800 13
Golf
gu de
Courses in and around the Sauk Valley
Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
BOONE COUNTY Beaver Creek Golf Course 19619 LeRoy Center Road, Capron 815-569-2427, beavercreekgolfil.com
9 35
Newburg Village Golf Club 253 Clubhouse Drive, Cherry Valley 815-332-9002, newburgvillage.net
9 36
Swanhills Golf Course 2600 Gustafson Road, Belvidere 815-547-3232, swanhillsgolfcourse.com
18 71
Timber Pointe Golf Club 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove 815-544-1935, golfthepointe.com
18 72
BUREAU COUNTY Green River Country Club 15212 state Route 92, Walnut 815-379-2227, greenrivergolfcourse.com
9 34
Chapel Hill Golf Course 12927 state Route 26, Princeton 815-879-6531, chapelhillprinceton.com
18 72
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
14
GOLFING
• 2019
Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
BUREAU COUNTY (cont’d) Hidden Lake Golf Club 12985 645 East St., Sheffield 815-454-2660
18 70
Indian Hills Golf Club 9468 1725 East St., Tiskilwa 815-646-4856
9 35
Mendota Golf Club 35666 U.S. Route 34 W., Mendota 815-538-7241, mendotagolfclub.com
18 70
Spring Creek Golf Course 286 Spring Creek Drive, Spring Valley 815-894-2137, springcreek-golfcourse.com
18 72
Wyaton Hills Golf Course 17879 1500 North Ave., Princeton 815-872-2641
9 35
CARROLL COUNTY Lake Carroll Golf Course 2911 Ironwood Blvd., Lanark 815-493-2808, golflakecarroll.com
18 72
Palisades Golf Course 18280 state Route 84, Savanna 815-273-2141, palisadesgolfcourse.com
9 33
Sandburr Run 5020 state Route 84, Thomson 815-902-6063, thesandburr.com
9 36
DEKALB COUNTY Buena Vista Golf Course 131 Buena Vista Drive, DeKalb 815-758-4812, golfdekalb.com
9
32
Edgebrook Golf Club 2100 Suydam Road, Sandwich 815-786-3058, edgebrookgolf.com
18 72
Indian Oaks Country Club 603 Preserve Road, Shabbona 815-824-2282, indianoaks.net
9 37
Kishwaukee Country Club 1901 Sycamore Road, DeKalb 815-758-6848, kishwaukeecc.org
18 70
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
Sauk Valley Media
15
EMERALD HILL GOLF COURSE E
merald Hill Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole course. The course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. The course will test your accuracy with its fairways, water hazards and sand traps; all the while providing a relaxing atmosphere that you will want to come back to play time after time. The Pro Shop is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Mulligan’s Bar & Grill is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our open air pavilion is perfect for hosting receptions, outings and private parties. Our goal at Emerald Hill Golf Course is to provide you with a quality experience and exceptional customer service.
16802 PRAIRIEVILLE ROAD | 815.622.6204 EMERALDHILLGOLF.COM 16
GOLFING
• 2019
A FACILITY OF THE STERLING PARK DISTRICT
2019 DAILY RATES
18 CART 9 CART
18 WALK 9 WALK
9/18 WALK JR *
SHOULDER SEASON*
SUMMER WEEKDAY
SUMMER WEEKEND
$20
$22
$25
$20
$17
$20
$17
$17
$22
$17
$12
$17
$12
$12
$12
Shoulder season pricing valid from opening day through May 26 Shoulder season pricing begins again on September 2
2019 SEASON PASS RATES JUNIOR (6-12)*
INTERMEDIATE (13-18)*
COLLEGE** (19-25)*
ADULT W/CART
COUPLE W/CART
$150
$200
$400
$1,100
$1,500
**
Sauk Valley Media
* No cart option Must provide current college ID
17
Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
DEKALB COUNTY (cont’d) Prairie Pines Golf Course 6236 state Route 38, DeKalb 815-758-5249, prairiepinesgolf.com
9 34
River Heights Golf Course 1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb, 815-758-1550 riverheightsgc.com
18 72
Sycamore Golf Club 940 E. State St., Sycamore 815-895-3884, sycamoreparkgolf.com
18 71
HENRY COUNTY Baker Park Golf Course 1095 Cambridge Road, Kewanee 309-852-2872, kewaneeparkdistrict.org/golf
18
71
Country View Golf Course 8284 N. 2300 Ave., Geneseo 309-441-5272, countryviewgolfcourse.net
9 36
Geneseo Country Club 22393 Grange Road, Geneseo 309-944-3666, geneseocountryclub.com
9 35
Hillcrest Event Center 16260 E. 350th St., Orion 309-755-6550, hillcresteventcenter.com
9 30
Kewanee Dunes Golf Club 3536 Midland Road, Kewanee 309-852-4508, kewaneedunes.com
18 72
Sugar Maple Golf Club 19283 E. 1600 St., Geneseo 309-944-5418, sugarmaplegolfclub.com
18 72
JO DAVIESS COUNTY Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course 14A200 E. Apple Canyon Road, Apple River 815-492-2477, applecanyonlake.org
9 36
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa 3 w/18 444 E. Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena 1 w/9 72+ 815-777-5000, 800-892-2269, eagleridge.com
Galena Golf Club 11557 U.S. West Highway 20, Galena 815-777-3599, galenagolf.webs.com
18 72
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
18
GOLFING
• 2019
A branch on the family tee Gramma is near and Deere to the heart of Silvis course’s new golf pro TOM JOHNSTON Tribune News Service
sional position that he was hired at Deere Run late last year, taking over SILVIS – How a golfer gets his intro- after former pro Ron Scheyd headed duction to the game can be as varied back to the East Coast for TPC River as how differently golfers can play the Highlands. Dean had served as assistant pro same course. Some follow their dads to the course. at TPC Potomac at Avenal Farm, just Some pick it up when friends play the outside the D.C. area, since 2014. The 31-year-old Dean recalls a game. Some even scoff at the sport in moment when “Gam” did her their younger years only to best to take care of her grandbecome deeply invested in son. As Dean tells the story, the game later in life. after the 2017 Quicken Loans For new TPC Deere Run National that his entire famhead professional Kevin ily attended, they had gathDean, his introduction to ered on the 18th green after golf was provided by a famplay had concluded and were ily member, but it wasn’t his getting pictures with Kyle father. Stanley, who won that year’s “My grandmother got me tournament. started in golf at a very young Kevin “My general manager was age, about 8 years old,” said Dean standing there and ‘Gam’ was Dean. “She signed me up for pretty vocal about me getting my first ever lesson.” Dean, who grew up in Scaggsville, to the next level and getting a head Maryland, (a near mid-point between professional job. She went up to him Baltimore and Washington, D.C.), and said, ‘When is my grandson going admitted that he is the only person to get his chance?’ And Sully (Michael in his immediate family of five to take Sullivan, GM at TPC Potomac) said ‘very soon; he’s going to make a great up the game. And, not surprisingly, it was also his professional in our Network’ and grandmother’s push that might have kind of promised her that. CONTINUED ON 204 helped him to his first head profesSauk Valley Media
19
noticeable as Dean said he is pushing himself and his staff – assistant pros “That was a big moment. That was Brian Delaney and Marcus Keimig – cool. out of the pro shop to interact with “She was always the one to push members and guests. me – she pushed me through the PGA “I really want our guys, Marcus, Brian, Program. She got me started and kept myself and even Todd (Deere Run Genpushing the way grandmothers do.” eral Manager Todd Hajduk), to get out That pushing paid off. Dean has and engage the membership,” said become the fifth head pro at the host site of the PGA Tour’s John Deere Clas- Dean. “It’s easy to fall in the trap and get sic as Deere Run heads into its 20th stuck behind the desk because there is stuff that you need to do. I’m one who season. Early in his tenure, Dean says he has likes to get out and spend time with really enjoyed being in the Quad-Cit- someone and go down the rabbit hole in conversation. That’s ies. Having also grown up playing hockey, he found “I like being in the something I really enjoy. “I like being in the shop an immediate attachment and can definitely do the shop and can defito the Quad City Storm shop banter with the best hockey team, saying he nitely do the shop of them, but my favorite only missed a couple of banter with the thing in the world is gethome games since landing best of them, but ting out and interacting here in February. “I like the area, I like my favorite thing in with the golfers while they are here doing what they where I’m living and I like came here for.” the world is getting the people ... just how nice Hajduk said he heard everyone is,” said Dean, out and interacting nothing but good things who grew up working at with the golfers.” about Dean, making the golf courses since his teenability to fill the opening age years, starting in the Kevin Dean from inside the TPC Netcart barn at his commuTPC Deere Run work an easy choice. So far, nity layouts. head professional he feels as if Dean was a While Dean hopes to put great choice. his touches on the Deere “When I told people who was in conRun pro shop operation, he said that the first year will be a learning pro- sideration, they would say ‘Oh, Kevin is cess to see how the operation runs and an all-star,’” said Hajduk. “He really went out of his way to show where improvements can be made. The one thing he has already done is me that he wanted to be here. He said put his personal imprint on the prod- ‘I can’t be more excited to be here – I’ve uct – a concept he hopes to foster in learned so much about the John Deere Classic, I’ve learned so much about years to come. “I started a program that every time the Quad-Cities. I really wanted this someone joins as an annual pass opportunity.’” With that personal touch as his callmember, I write them a hand-written note and welcome them,” said Dean. “I ing card, Dean is excited to get his say ‘here’s my card, let me know what I Deere Run career started. He is pretty can do to help. Look forward to having sure one of the highlights of this first you and being at your service for the year will be having “Gam” make her first visit in May and see her grandson upcoming season.’” Another change could be just as in action as a head golf professional. n
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
20
GOLFING
• 2019
Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
JO DAVIESS COUNTY (cont’d) Lacoma Golf Club 8080 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque 815-747-3874, lacomagolf.com
18
71*
* 2 with 9 holes par 35, or 70 when combined into 18 holes. Family course is par 27
Storybrook Country Club 2124 W. Storybrook Road, Hanover 815-591-2210, storybrook.com
18 72
Woodbine Bend Golf Course 3500 E. Center Road, Stockton 815-858-3939, woodbinebend.com
18 72
LASALLE COUNTY Anderson Fields Golf Course 1901 N. Bloomington St., Streator 815-672-3702 streatorfire.org/anderson-fields.php
9
35 par, men 37 par, women
Dayton Ridge Golf Club 3076 E. 18th Road, Ottawa 815-434-0145 Earlville Country Club 400 Oak St., Earlville, 815-246-9329
9 36
9 32
Pine Hills Golf Club 1665 N. 2501st Road, Ottawa 815-434-3985, ottawapinehillsgolfclub.com
9 35
Prairie Lakes Country Club & Inn 2550 N. 32nd Road, Marseilles 815-795-5107, prairielakesgc.com
9 37
Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course Inc. 658 E. U.S. Highway 6, LaSalle 815-223-7273, senicagolf.com
18 72
Senica’s Deer Park Golf Club 100 Deer Park Lane, Oglesby 815-667-4230, senicagolf.com
18 71
LEE COUNTY Lost Nation Golf Club 6931 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon 815-652-4212, lostnationgolf.com
18 71
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
Sauk Valley Media
21
Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
LEE COUNTY (cont’d) Miller Golf Complex 1010 Washington Ave., Dixon 815-284-3306, dixonparkdistrict.com/golf-driving-range Shady Oaks Country Club 577 U.S. Highway 52, Sublette 815-849-5424, shadyoakscc.com Timber Creek Golf Course 729 Timber Creek Road, Dixon
18 71
18 71
Note: As of this publication, work is underway to reopen Timber Creek, which closed in 2018. See the story on page 4 for details.
MERCER COUNTY Fyre Lake Golf Club 1057 Fairway Lane, Sherrard 309-644-4575, fyrelakegolf.com
18 70
Hawthorn Ridge Golf Course 621 state Route 94, Aledo 309-582-5641, hawthornridgegolf.com
18 72
Oak View Country Club 1607 SW. Third Ave., Aledo 309-582-7916, oakviewcountryclub.com
9 33
OGLE COUNTY Fairways Golf Course 533 S. Seventh St., Rochelle 815-562-6666, fairwaysgolfcourse.com
18 66
Prairie View Golf Club 6734 German Church Road, Byron 815-234-4653, prairieviewgolf.com
18 72
Silver Ridge Golf Course 3069 N. Hill Road, Oregon 815-734-4440, silverridgegolf.com
18 72
Sunset Golf Course 216 Sunset Hill, Mount Morris 815-734-4839, sunsetgolfmm.com
9 36
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY Arsenal Island Golf Course 1838 Gillespie St., Rock Island 309-782-4372, arsenalislandgolf.com
18 71
Note: As of this publication date, the Army has closed the course and is searching for a third-party operator to oversee it. MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
22
GOLFING
• 2019
Discover Lake Carroll We would like to invite everyone to come out and enjoy the Lake Carroll Golf Course and Restaurant. Lake Carroll is a public golf course, contrary to some beliefs, and restaurant located just north of Lanark in scenic Carroll County. The newly renovated 18-hole golf course is spread out over 220 acres, allowing for calming seclusion throughout your round. With newly renovated tees and bunkers, along with some other major changes, Lake Carroll golf course will prove to have some of the best playing conditions in Northwest Illinois. The relatively short yardage is quite deceptive, with the numerous doglegs, tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and well-manicured, undulating greens making the Lake Carroll golf course play longer than the listed 6,520 yards. The four different tees allow all golfers an enjoyable experience on the course. Regardless of skill, Lake Carroll offers 18 holes of perfectly mixed scenery, serenity, challenge and personal attention to make every play day an experience to be remembered. At Lake Carroll, our mission is to offer great customer service, every time. That is why our pro shop staff has a PGA golf professional on site throughout the day. From offering expert advice on pro shop merchandise to lessons, we can help you with all of your golfing needs. Lake Carroll also has the largest, well-stocked pro shop in Northwest Illinois. We have it stocked with major brands of golf goods and boast the largest selection of in-stock shoes, from FootJoy, Nike, Puma and Adidas. We also offer demo clubs – in brands such as TaylorMade, PING, Mizuno, Cobra, Nike, Cleveland and Callaway – for golfers to test on the range or the course. The PGA golf professional staff also are experts in club fitting, allowing golfers to get the equipment to match their unique swing. No two swings are the same; why should clubs be any different? Improving one’s enjoyment of golf is
Sauk Valley Media
the Lake Carroll professional staff’s duty, which is why it offers instruction for adults, groups, juniors and clinics tailored to make people into whatever kind of golfer they aspire to be. We offer a no-pressure setting, and the only expectation is to enhance the student’s enjoyment of golf. Lake Carroll has the pleasure of hosting many corporate and group outings throughout the year. It is the only course in the area able to offer a full-service restaurant and bar, and be able to accommodate any size outing, large or small. Many outings have taken advantage of the large outdoor patio and grills for their dining and entertainment needs. The Lake Carroll restaurant will offer the best full-service outing in the area, by assisting with food, drink, prizes, awards, scoreboards, formats and pre-set cart assignments for your convenience. One of the luxuries available at Lake Carroll is the full-service restaurant and bar, open to the public and featuring many different lunch and dinner menu items as well as a daily soup-and-salad bar. There are daily and nightly specials as well. Stop in before a round or call the clubhouse to make reservations. Lake Carroll offers all the services you will need for a great experience, and the staff looks forward to serving everyone. – This article was submitted by Head Golf Professional Jason Hill, Lake Carroll Golf Course.
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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY (cont’d) Byron Hills Golf Course 23316 94th Ave. N., Port Byron 309-523-2664, 800-523-9306, byronhills.com
18 71
Golfmohr Golf Club 16724 Hubbard Road, East Moline 309-496-2434, golfmohr.com
18 72
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
18 72
18 66
Indian Bluff Golf Course 6200 78th Ave., Milan 309-799-3868, indianbluffgolfcourse.com
18 70
Lake Calhoun Country Club 2628 Golf Road, LaFayette 309-995-3343, lakecalhouncountryclub.com
9 36
Oakwood Country Club 1067 U.S. Highway 6, Coal Valley 309-799-3153, oakwoodgolf.org
18 71
Pinnacle Country Club 11928 Knoxville Road, Milan 309-787-5446, pinnaclecountryclub.com
18 72
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
18 72
18 71
STEPHENSON COUNTY Brush Creek Golf Course 1707 W. St. James Road, Orangeville 815-789-4042, brushcreekgolf.com
9 36
Coach’s Golf & Grill 621 W. Lena St., Lena 815-369-2222, coachsgg.com
9 35
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
STEPHENSON COUNTY (cont’d) The Freeport Club 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport 815-232-1165, freeportclub.com
18 70
Park Hills Golf Course 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport 815-235-3611, parkhillsgolfcourse.com
36 72
Wolf Hollow Golf Club 6546 N. Shippee Road, Lena 815-369-5513, wolfhollowgolf.net
18 71
WHITESIDE COUNTY Deer Valley Golf Club 3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove 815-438-4653, ext. 15, dvforegolf.com
18 72
Emerald Hill Golf Course 16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling 815-622-6204, emeraldhillgolf.com
18 72
Fulton Country Club 20727 Cattail Road, Fulton 815-589-2440, fultonccgolf.com
9
36
Lake Erie Country Club 900 Lakeside Drive, Erie 309-659-2250, lakeeriecountryclub.com
9 36
Prophet Hills Country Club 4319 Bishop Road, Prophetstown 815-537-5226, prophethills.com
9 35
Rock River Golf and Pool 3901 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls 815-625-2322, rrgap.com
18 71
WINNEBAGO COUNTY Aldeen Golf Club 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford 815-282-4653, aldeengolfclub.com
18 72
Atwood Homestead Golf Course 8990 Old River Road, Rockford 815-623-2411, playthepreserves.com/atwood
18 72
Elliot Golf Course 888 S. Lyford Road, Rockford 815-332-5130 golfrockford.org/elliot-golf-course
18 72
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
WINNEBAGO COUNTY (cont’d) Forest Hills Country Club 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford 815-877-5733, fhcc1921.com Ingersoll Golf Course 101 Daisyfield Road, Rockford 815-987-8834 golfrockford.org/ingersoll-golf-course
18 72
18 71
Ledges Golf Course 7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe 815-389-0979, playthepreserves.com/ledges
18 72
Macktown Golf Course 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton 815-624-7410, playthepreserves.com/macktown
18 71
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 1401 N. Second Street, Rockford 815-987-8838 golfrockford.org/sinnissippi-golf-course
18 71
9 28
18 71
18 71
9 37
IOWA CLINTON COUNTY Springbrook Country Club 2122 17th Ave., DeWitt 563-659-3187, sbccgolf.club
18 70
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG
CLINTON COUNTY (cont’d) Valley Oaks 3330 Harts Mill Road, Clinton
18 72
563-242-7032, valleyoaksgc.com
9
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SCOTT COUNTY Crow Valley Golf Club 4315 E. 60th St., Davenport 563-359-1676, crowvalleygolfclub.com
18 71
Davenport Country Club 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley 563-332-4050, davenportcc.com
18 71
Duck Creek Golf Course 3000 E. Locust St., Davenport 563-326-7824
18 70
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
18
72
18 72 18
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
18 72
Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center 6364 Northwest Blvd., Davenport 563-386-0348 golfdavenport.com/red-hawk-golf
Plus 4 bonus 70 holes
9
33
Rustic Ridge Golf Course 1151 E. Iowa St., Eldridge 563-285-8119, golfrusticridge.com
9 36
Sunrise Golf Course 3947 Moencks Road, Bettendorf 563-332-6386
9 35
MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green
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Tribune News Service
Topgolf features hitting bays with high-tech driving ranges for players of all skill levels, young and old, where they aim at dartboard-like targets on an outfield and microchipped golf balls score themselves.
At the Top of their game A growing number of golfers – casual and professional – are teeing up for the hottest new trend to hit the sport in years BY EDGAR THOMPSON Tribune News Service
ORLANDO, Fla. – As Drake plays in the background and laughter fills the air on a Friday night, Vince Edwards addresses the golf ball, carefully checks his grip and alignment, and then swings. A flashing brown circle 125 yards away soon signals success. But don’t let the carnival-like atmosphere fool you, this is serious stuff for Edwards. Sauk Valley Media
The 60-year-old from Jacksonville is a newcomer to golf, but he quickly has become a fixture at Topgolf. “I’ve gotten real hooked on it, bordering on an obsession,” Edwards said. “I’m literally here 6 days a week.” Edwards is not the only non-golfer who has become an avid Topgolf-er, enjoying the competition, camaraderie and ambiance found at 48 locations nationwide. CONTINUED on 304 29
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 People who rarely would have touched a golf club or would never have ventured out onto a golf course have found a non-traditional path to the game. Founded in 2000 London and launched in the U.S. in 2005, Topgolf combines elements of a bowling alley, an arcade, a driving range and a sports bar. It offers high-tech driving ranges for players of all skill levels, young and old, where players aim at dartboard-like targets on a 215yard outfield and microchipped golf balls score themselves, giving players instant feedback on shots’ accuracy and distance. The bays are climatecontrolled for year-round play. The venues also feature food and drink, music, TVs, golf lessons, leagues, tournaments, concerts, and corporate and social events. The golf industry – after years of struggling to stem declining participation brought on by the 2008 recession and the time and expense golf demands – has reaped some benefits. Meanwhile, Topgolf is booming, with no end in sight. Tampa Topgolf, the first location in Florida, opened in early 2014. The plan was to recoup the investment in 3 years, according to one employee. Instead, it took just 6 months. The powers-that-be at Topgolf, a privately owned company, do not discuss the specifics of the company’s financial success. The wildfirelike expansion, however, is indication enough of a robust bottom line. Topgolf plans to open around 10 locations each of the next few years, said Adrienne Chance, the director of corporate communications in the Dallas home office. Finding the right spot can be challenging. Each 65,000-square-foot, three-level Topgolf facility is Putt-Putt on ste30
roids, costing tens of millions to build and requiring 10 to 14 acres of land located near a large population base. The Topgolf locations nearest the Sauk Valley are in Naperville, Wood Dale and Schaumburg. Go to topgolf. com for more information. “We have a lot of expansion coming and we’re very strategic about it making sure we’re going to densely populated areas where people are looking for entertainment,” Chance said. “We say that Topgolf is everyone’s game,” said Chance, a Florida graduate. “If you walk down the tee line at any given moment you will literally see women barefoot or in high heels. You’ll see older people with their grandkids. You’ll see really young children, even toddlers picking up their little junior clubs. The child-like enthusiasm of Beth Borca when one of her shots illuminates a target offers a glimpse of Topgolf’s appeal to the non-golfing masses. “I know I’m looking like an idiot,” the 24-year-old from Melbourne said. “But it’s fun. I’m excited. I’d never really driven a ball before and I made contact. It went up in the air, so that was a good sign.” Some of golf’s most powerful entities also have warmed to Topgolf based on its impact and influence on the sport. Topgolf, which served 13 million guests in 2017, now has partnerships with the PGA of America and the PGA and LPGA tours. In April, Golf Channel began a show called, “Shotmakers,” a 3-week competition staged at Topgolf Las Vegas. It’s not a stretch to say Topgolf’s reach has been staggering. A National Golf Foundation survey last fall found 23 percent of new golfers, those playing 3 years or fewer, started the game following their first Topgolf experience. CONTINUED on 314 GOLFING
• 2019
Tribune News Service
Topgolf combines elements of a bowling alley, an arcade, a driving range and a sports bar. In addition to driving ranges, they also feature food and drink, music, TVs, golf lessons, leagues, tournaments, concerts, and corporate and social events. 3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 Some of the best golfers in the world are Topgolf fans, too. Greg Norman, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler have played Topgolf. Marc Leishman, the 2017 Arnold Palmer Invitational winner, practices at the one near his Virginia Beach home. “To be able to hang out, have some drinks or food and hit balls, laugh at your friends, there’s not really any expectations,” Fowler said at the Players Championship in May. “It’s a very free-loving environment in a way. I don’t think it discourages anyone from going ahead and hitting a ball, versus if you go to the driving range and you feel like you’ve got people that are good golfers next to Sauk Valley Media
you and you feel like you should be hitting it better or you should be better to show up at a driving range. “I feel like they’ve done a good job of making kind of that entry level (player) to feel like you’re accepted no matter what. Just go hit the ball, have fun, enjoy it.” Millennials have flocked in droves to Topgolf. Mary LeBlanc, the lead marketing champion at Topgolf Orlando, has taken the pulse of the 20-something clientele and come to realize why Topgolf has become such a phenomenon. “Millennials like it because it’s kind of revamping something old,” she said. “I know that might not sound good to a golfer. But it’s making golf cool again – that’s what I hear.” n 31
STERLING
PARK DISTRICT
The Sterling Park District has something to offer everyone. Regardless of the season, we have ways for you and your family to create fun memories and stay in shape! DUIS CENTER: Swimming pool, diving boards, gymnastics center, fitness center, multipurpose room. WESTWOOD: Functional training area, fitness turf, 2 NBAsize wood basketball courts, 200m indoor track, 60y indoor turf field, 6 indoor pickleball courts, 4 indoor tennis courts, 4 indoor racquetball/wallyball courts, 8 indoor basketball/ volleyball courts, 3 indoor batting cages, a pitching lane, an Indoor Golf Net, CrossFit Unicus, an aerobics room, and a fitness center encompassing over 12,000 square feet of free weights, pin and plate loaded weights, an ab zone, cardio theater with over 70 pieces of cardio equipment. WESTWOOD JUICE BAR: Our Juice Bar is open to the public, serving a variety of smoothies crafted with all natural, whole food ingredients. KIDS GYM - CHILDCARE WHILE YOU WORKOUT: Available to children 3 months to 12 years old. We provide the opportunity for kids to have a healthy yet playful option while their parents visit Westwood. This service is free for members, $4/session for non-members. Visit our website for more information.
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