14810 72nd Street • Kenosha, Wis. 53142 • (P) 262.857.8400 • (F) 262.857.6807 Just west of I-94 on Highway 50 • www.strawberrycreekclub.com
Produced by the Public Service Department of the Kenosha News, Sunday, June 7, 2009 for inclusion in the Kenosha News, Zion-Benton News, News Bargaineer and the Lake Geneva Regional News.
With nearby Chicago casting a world-class shadow in its 2016 Olympic bid as a leader of the urban green movement, the local thirst for blue-green with an emphasis on clean air was there. Chicago City Hall does feature a “green” roof praised by environmentalists, but it pales when compared with Barry Shiffman and Jay Hilgenberg’s lush rolling straits of Strawberry Creek’s native grasses that quench the blue-green thirst.
Content: Sandy Jacoby, Copy Writer Bryce M. Ulmer, Graphic Designer Kevin Poirier, Chief Photographer
The Club at Strawberry Creek
Simply put, the vision to create that same blue-green lifestyle drew not only these two developers but also families from south of the Wisconsin border and even families south of Milwaukee to Kenosha country. Shiffman and Hilgenberg’s vision has connected the historic bounty of Thompson’s Strawberry Farm to a golf-residential lifestyle that blends green with casual elegance. It sounds so natural; fate had joined Shiffman and Hilgenberg with Jeff and Marsha Thompson whose 385
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News
acres of Wisconsin strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins were inviting, just two miles from I-94. The I-94 corridor allowed easy access for parents to grow a family at Strawberry Creek and work elsewhere. Yet, Shiffman and Hilgenberg’s Strawberry Creek story could never be termed simple. After owners broke ground on the 16th hole in 2004, Jeff Thompson proudly notes he mowed that fairway in September. Then the 38,000 square-foot clubhouse opened in
Building a
dream
Golf Premium.
The Kenosha News would like to thank:
Barry Shiffman & Jay Hilgenberg, Developers Karen Nasshan, Director of Membership/Managing Broker
The Club at Strawberry Creek course plays firm with a roll effects. Splendid golf course frontage for custom home sites is available. These and other custom home sites are fully improved. Contact Managing Broker Karen Nasshan at 262.857.8400. Paul Hundley Photography
February 2009. Only a deep pride in building a bridge from the Thompson family farm to the families of the 21st century could have grown this unique community. Its home sites edge a 170acre world-class golf course designed by internationally recognized architect Rick Jacobson. The vision began with the option to purchase Thompsons’ farm back in 1997. While Hilgenberg described that the original footprint had changed to build the more family friendly club facility, the Club’s larger accommodations spread a core warmth because he noted families will not buy a home or join a club if family isn’t involved. Lake Forest or Buffalo Grove, from where Hilgenberg and Shiffman respective-
ly commute just 30 minutes, is “too expensive” and mired in the exclusive golf tradition of male only. The Club, in contrast, offers a lifestyle, community resort living, especially for family weekends. With Strawberry Creek a family doesn’t need to travel four to six hours for a resort lifestyle. “Barry and I created beautiful vistas for custom home sites,” said Hilgenberg about the golf course. “You really see Strawberry Creek offers the best place for family entertainment in Chicagoland not by merely driving by. Come into the clubhouse where we overlook the fairways to get the true picture of the family entertainment value we offer. Each of our 18 holes is different, related, yes, but each offers a memorable hole. This course is
really something. Rick Jacobson’s attention to detail is incredible, reshaping mounds and swells for ball movement. It’s more than a golf course, it’s a lifestyle.” Off ered through a variety of membership options or purchased with a home, Club membership centers around the course’s striking scenery with streams, native grasses and wildlife habitats. It further connects families to other recreation. Fitness, spa, tennis and a gigantic pool with facilities coupled with a snack bar/restaurant as well as fine dining invite full family participation. Consultants identified not only trends for the golf course but also broad act ivities for family programming. From kids and teen activities to Wii gaming systems
to computers for homework, what The Club offers as amenities focuses on family programming. Shiffman reminds the community, “This beauty isn’t purchasable in the Chicagoland area. Value and lifestyle are what Strawberry Creek offers that allows people to enter a new world. Great people work here, great people who like to have fun with a great set of members.” Instead of one Disney-style week per year to make memories, Hilgenberg and Shiffman invite families to quench their thirst year-round for a blue-green lifestyle amid sweeping prairies and natural streams. Indulge in luxury living through a membership at Strawberry Creek.
Lake Geneva Regional News • News Bargaineer • Zion-Benton News • Kenosha News—Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Club at Strawberry Creek
3
Paired in Blue Before heading to the Board Room for brunch, Mary Poletti and daughter Laura scan the golf schedule.
Savor the Flavor. Taste the finest in food and beverage as membership is not required to host events, weddings and outings in the elegant settings of The Club at Strawberry Creek. Contact Banquets & Events Manager Nicole McDonald at 262.857.8400 for information.
Hand in Hand Members gather at the new 38,000 square-foot centerpiece of The Club. BCI Group led by Eric Luichinger built the spacious clubhouse to respond to members’ desires for full-service luxury. On Par Libby and Matt Troha pose after their May 9 wedding in the Great Hall. Events Manager Nicole McDonald met with the couple in March for wine tasting and to select Chilean Sea Bass and New York Strip Steak dinners for 190 guests. Fancy Fare Filled with diners, the Grand Ballroom exudes luxury, from the place settings to imported English carpet.
‘Top-notch Hospitality’ and service highlight the distinct and luxurious ‘difference between a restaurant and The Club at Strawberry Creek’ as families and guests spend time together while savoring culinary delights. Browsing in the pro shop, Jim, Anna and sons Chis and Corey Oberto invited Jim’s mother Lois for Mother’s Day brunch in the Grand Ballroom. “Quality time with our family draws us to Strawberry Creek. Our boys can come out of their shells while learning the etiquette of golf,” Anna said. From Wadsworth, Ill., they learned about The Club through a neighbor who brought them for golf, and soon because of its “top-notch hospitality,” The Club had become a “second home.” Son Corey suffers food allergies requiring a glutenfree diet. At Membership Director Karen Nasshan’s suggestion, they met with the chef to adapt a menu for their son. Ober-
4
The Club at Strawberry Creek
tos captured the enthusiasm from Executive Chef Robert Oliver. “For example, we’ll just keep ‘Coreyfries’ in the freezer. That’s the difference between a restaurant and The Club for dining,” Oliver said. As Director of Food and Beverage, Oliver oversees the creation of delectables like Breast of Chicken Plum Wine Strawberry, Wild Mushroom Farfalle, Atlantic Salmon with Citrus Parmesan Crust or Filet Mignon au Poivre. Service, though, is a Strawberry Creek signature. “Ours is a great team,” Oliver said. “I coach my people to work laterally, beyond their job descriptions. That is the key to great service. Combine that with
an attitude that says, ‘have fun while giving exceptional service.’” The 38,000 square-foot clubhouse hosts events and seminars, indoor and outdoor, both exceptional settings. The Grand Ballroom, which can divide into thirds for several smaller events, and the Boardroom permit flexibility, seating from 300 theatre-style to 14 persons respectively. Weddings especially appreciate The Club’s venue of rich golden oak complemented by a panoramic view of the 18th fairway and green. With Oliver leading service that pampers dining members, his “joke du jour” and Chocolate Chambord Torte polish off an occasion with culinary pleasure.
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News
Fresh from the Oven In the gourmet kitchen, Sous Chef Rich Kavis prepares a sunny dish for the Mother’s Day Brunch May 10.
With a Family-First Approach and a clear focus on amenities like private dining and golf, The Club at Strawberry Creek ‘hits the family target market with the sweet spot.’ The Poletti family of Phil, Mary, Michael and Laura moved to Strawberry Creek from Virginia to return Mary and children to her hometown Kenosha. Since Phil, who works from home for chemical sales, travels a great deal, close access to major airport Chicago O’Hare made a home and membership at The Club a perfect fit for the Poletti family. “The owners Barry and Jay hit the family target market with the sweet spot. Even with the economy going south, Strawberry Creek with its priority on amenities represents a good value,” Poletti said. Mary, an attorney, praised the spare-
Family Ties With a chipping wedge in hand, Phil Poletti pauses in the full-service Pro Shop as son Michael, 17, reaches out for another wedge before Mother’s Day Brunch May 10.
value
to gel socially at events like card night. Phil promotes a family-first approach from course to fitness facility. He rises daily to join his teen children Michael, Doug Myslinski 17, and Laura, 15, at 5:30 a.m. to work out. Being with his teens at that early hour motivates him. He also praises the flexibility fitness routine designed for him to no-expense approach to building and improve his golf game by Fitness/Welldecorating a top-notch clubhouse. She ness Coordinator Kris Leslie. Beyond the fitness center with her dad, moved on to free ladies golf clinics on Wednesdays in May and Friday couples Laura hangs out at the activity room nights and group dinner. Member- with friends from Christian Life school, ship Director Karen Nasshan drew high and parents note the safe environment. marks from Mary for gathering people Mary laughs about being known as Lau-
ra’s mom because of Laura’s baby-sitting and dog-walking jobs. Michael, who plays on the Westosha Central golf team, loves that a player can not hit The Club’s trees although the course is challenging. The 18-hole course plays fast and firm, especially the first four holes on the front nine. He also knows the course from the other side where he works in the cart barn and even shines member golf shoes. The Poletti family of Phil, Mary, Michael and Laura moved to Strawberry Creek to relish resort-style living just a walk across the fairway from their front door.
Building your vision BCI Group was honored to serve as the general contractor for this landmark project. The Clubhouse completion was the culmination of a true team effort. Countless hours of planning, analysis and careful execution helped shape this timeless facility. We are proud to have been part of the team. “I have never worked with a company that has such depth... from the executive team to the tradesmen. Excellence best describes the BCI Group and their projects.”—Barry Shiffman, Development Partner.
Excellence • Innovation • Dedication • Accountability • Personal A ention
Phone: 262-637-9791 • Fax: 262-637-1493 • Web: www.bcigrp.com
Lake Geneva Regional News • News Bargaineer • Zion-Benton News • Kenosha News—Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Club at Strawberry Creek
5
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance and a
and 20 percent women. As head pro, works to grow ladies’ love of love of golf inspired the Head Golf Pro to set the tempo Hilgenberg the game. Mix events create camaraderie and bring people back to utilize the full at a strikingly beautiful and challenging course. club facility as they revel in the after-glow Pro Shop Head Golf Pro Dave Hilgenberg knows of a friendly round. Couples then hang Head Golf Pro Dave Hilgenthe score. He says people join a particular out at The Club and foster friendships, berg directs golf club for other people that “I want to generating more membership value. outings for groups like play with.” He says people who emphaFew pros get Hilgenberg’s once-in-athe Kenosha Achievesize family choose The Club at Strawberry lifetime chance to set up all golf details. ment Center. Creek. Golf demographics reveal adults Hilgenberg brought his considerable age 35 to 50 with young children. Famiexpertise as a pro from private clubs in lies from Illinois and Wisconsin joined Nebraska, Iowa and Tennessee where and some moved into the community for our members desire,” Hilgenberg said. owners included Green Bay Packer Hall The Club’s activities centered around the Making friends and forming groups of Fame Reggie White and Chicago Bear Rick Jacobson designed course. drives a flexible approach to member All-Pro Jay Hilgenberg. To achieve an “Imagination and wind dictate how to needs. Hilgenberg and his staff cultivate ideal set up, he worked with architects play this course instead of guiding around a social lifestyle. The Club also schedules to lay out a vision of the golf course he trees. Our links style looks more natural. men’s events, such as shotgun stag or best described as “unique, unparalleled.” Fescue definitely requires less mainte- ball, for Saturday mornings. At present From the Pro Shop the view spans five nance for the well-manicured grounds the course hosts 80 percent mens play holes and the state-of-the-art practice
complex. Staff can control traffic flow, know when groups make the turn, even ease the flow to the locker room for a pleasured golfer experience. Beginner players, single-digit handicap players, Wisconsin State Golf Association amateurs to PGA pros fill events and outings on Strawberry Creek’s links-style course and full-service facility. As testimony to its strategic challenge, WSGA has scheduled two events. From a field of 83 hoping to qualify for the U.S. Open, only five advanced May 12. Later in September, Strawberry Creek will host the WSGA Director’s Cup in a two-day tournament. “As pro players move to black tees, angles change, and the course becomes more challenging,” Hilgenberg said. Strawberry Creek’s detailed design of short par fours and long par threes sharpens the score for golfers of all levels.
We are very proud to have been selected to do the Painting and Vinyl Wall Covering at…
THE CLUB AT STRAWBERRY CREEK We extend our Congratulations from
THE RUFFALO FAMILY A Family Business Since 1927
1111 120th Avenue | Kenosha, WI 53144 | Phone 262-859-2266 | Fax 262-859-2761 737112
6
The Club at Strawberry Creek
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News
737931
Planning Ahead Junior golf clinic graduate Joey Lake, 11, and father Tom putt at the practice complex. Joey sums up his shots on the first and the ninth holes. He pulls out his three-wood, follows with a fiveiron and a chip to the elevated green.
Junior
golf
Chipping In Onto the green of the second hole, Scot Yehle chips during the final round of the Men’s County Open at Strawberry Creek Golf Course on July 27, 2008.
U.S. Open Qualifier The Club at Strawberry Creek Assistant Pro Rick Leslie, caddy Mike Guske and Nick Luebke walk the fairway on the 18th hole on way to Leslie’s 76.
Practice Perfect. Putting greens, driving range and greenside practice bunkers duplicate course experience for junior golfers.
A strong junior program pumps up the next generation of golfers. Pro Dave Hilgenberg and Assistant Pro Rick Leslie have offered two-week sessions with eight lessons and a tournament to nearly 50 junior players each season over the past three years. Juniors learn the rules of golf, course behavior and etiquette. That experience allows access to course approval
for further play. The golf pros coordinate with the tennis program and even plan a summer camp with one day of each, golf, tennis and swimming. After sand bunker, chip, putt and range lessons at the practice complex, junior programming sends kids out to play a hole with the pros. A final tournament with trophies wraps up with a picnic.
Sweet
To Milwaukee
94
K
location Just Lovely In full swing, Club member Rena Weyrauch plays on one of three tennis courts. Court-side basketball nets add to outdoor play.
Kenosha
50 Just West of I-
En Route to Lake Geneva Minutes From Six Flags
C
Minutes From Milwaukee To Chicago
An Hour From Chicago
738650
Lake Geneva Regional News • News Bargaineer • Zion-Benton News • Kenosha News—Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Club at Strawberry Creek
7
Classic. Fairway Chipping Areas Lie Adjacent to Greens. Links flavor adds to oaks on the horizon for natural aesthetics. Bunkers roll out nooks and crannies for maximum ball movement. Native grasses frame holes and replay the southern Wisconsin landscape. Is this the signature of a renowned
green
offers in nature and what the market dictates. My fundamental principles focus on tees, landings, hazards that protect approaches and greens with hazards that also protect.” Jacobson further notes diversity of holes, playability for golfers of all levels and strategic challenge achieved with short par fours and long par threes,
Hole 4
Hole 6
Hole 7
Hole 14
Hole 15
Hole 18
The fourth hole is the shortest par three on the course but not a guaranteed birdie. Its contoured green complex is surrounded by deep bunkers on the right. Water edging tee boxes intimidates. Fescue lines the hole, adding beauty and challenge.
The shortest par four at 299 yards presents many options. Go for the green with a tee shot to avoid the seven to eight foot deep bunkers on front left. The ideal lay-up is on the fairway top shelf tucked behind two intimidating bunkers on the right.
At 546 yards into the prevailing wind, the par five seventh hole plays as a three shot hole. An aggressive approach to reach in two requires a precise wood or long iron into the 5,600 square-foot green guarded by a nine foot deep hollow on the left of the green.
Take advantage of the prevailing wind to maximize distance off the tee. A split fairway provides options, but the second shot plays easier from the lower right. The green is flanked by bunkers and may be best approached with a full wedge shot.
This 229 yard par three combined with the creek on the front and the left results in one of the most intimidating holes. Two bunkers flank the green on the left. The right fairway permits a bailout for the less aggressive. Its green is one of the largest.
This strong 460 yard finishing par four brings players to the gorgeous 38,000 square-foot clubhouse. Challenge the creek for an open and shorter shot. An ancient oak frames the large undulating green. A large waste bunker guards the green right.
All Hole Art By: Players’ Book Publications © 2008 • 1-800-557-4370
8
architect? Internationally acclaimed golf course architect Rick Jacobson, a protégé of Jack Nicklaus, reflects on The Club at Strawberry Creek and other award-winning courses he has designed. “My signature is no signature. Instead, with Strawberry Creek and each of my courses, I totally reflect what the site
The Club at Strawberry Creek
Background Photo: Paul Hundley Photography
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News
particularly at Strawberry Creek, as guiding design. The Club’s fairway bailout areas require a delicate touch combined with strength for length and accuracy with a variety of iron shots. Its greens can tuck pins to make more challenge. Delicate shots around the green demand finesse. Light and shadow effects early morning and late in the day on the links-style course generate the aesthetic beauty savored by every golfer. Walking on the hole engenders a camaraderie that winds its way to the family and the full service, oak-detailed clubhouse. Only
the play of Strawberry Creek and the son describes the par fives as “not long,” warmth of the casual elegance in the but the four long par fours he labels clubhouse, the actual sensual experi- “hefty.” With all holes wrapped in fescue, ence, supersede Jacobson’s description. the par three, 229-yard 15th hole crosses Another Jacobson trait features land- Center Creek, and the long par four, ing areas larger than they appear from 460-yard 18th hole has a middle bunker the tee. This allows players to score landing for tee shots. A bump-and-run on a difficult-looking hole. He wants on recovery shots add to interest of the players to enjoy the game and the great game. Links green complexes feed the outdoors. His tees permit hitting a shot ball to undulating greens. “Long irons make the greens reachfor success where the approach offers a location for a recovery shot as needed. able from the tee. Short par fours on Strawberry Creek’s two long par threes each nine at sixth and 17th holes allow and two short par fours mix the round a player who may need a birdie to go to stir the golfer’s imagination. Jacob- aggressive to achieve that birdie. Less
skilled players can iron and chip for a satisfying score on both. Golfer options on club selection and pin placement make each round play differently. The fescue is picturesque, not penal. Most golfers are unlikely to hit into fescue the way holes are shaped,” Jacobson said. The fescue blends five native grasses, including a redtop species of bentgrass with seed heads that redden with color in June. Their texture and color balance beautify the water management science that architects built into the course. The lush grasses of fescue, fairway and greens accentuate the art of golf design.
Golf Stimulus
value
1. Join today. Pay no initiation deposit for up to two years. 2. Simply pay the current monthly dues plus an additional $125 per month. For additional information contact Director of Membership Karen Nasshan at nasshan@strawberrycreekclub.com or 262.857.8400 for a tour of this amazing facility and full details on this limited opportunity.
Designing
greatness
On Top of his Game, Rick Jacboson recreates the beauty of southern Wisconsin’s rolling hills to strike a balance between nature and the game of golf. His designs have captured awards from Golf Inc. Magazine like 2006 Development of the Year Runner-Up and 2002 Development of the Year. He currently has four courses in China under construction.
Lake Geneva Regional News • News Bargaineer • Zion-Benton News • Kenosha News—Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Club at Strawberry Creek
9
Eco-Friendly Green Design
makes The Club at Strawberry Creek a community showcase for both the game of golf and the senior designer. Green as a key course goal is gaining appreciation from a better-educated public. Natural habitat functions as stabilization for runoff. Because Strawberry Creek is designed to be environmentally sensitive, water recycles to end in irrigation ponds on nearly every hole. The course and its eco-sensitive design re-circulate the water down creek. Irrigation ponds fill and control release to avoid flooding downstream. All work is geared to slow the release of nutrients for the water shed. Every drop of water that enters the property leaves cleaner than it arrived. “City and county regulation to produce a green environment was rigorous and a
tary to refined to detailed design. Course construction brought him on site several times per week for two years. Teamwork bonded Myslinski to civil engineer Mike Wagner, developers Jay Hilgenberg and Fine Design Barry Shiffman, former owner Jeff ThompFescue lines the son and Superintendent Matt Kregel. prairie-style course. Senior “People we work with enjoy people, Designer Doug Myslinshare a vision. Seeing those guys and how ski supervised excited and proud they are of what we’ve details like sodfaced bunkers created together make the project more and elevated greens. personally rewarding,” Myslinski said. Irrigation and storm drainage is buried. Supervising drainage in fairways and Hole Photo by Paul Hundley Photography pain, in some ways, but I’m glad that these greens, layout of features for earthwork shaped the course as it evolved into a more operations, subterranean detail and more green, eco-friendly and beautiful course, “ demanded Myslinski’s talents. Senior Designer Doug Myslinski of Jacob- “The character of this course required a son Golf Course Design, Inc. said. soft hand to roll with the topography as it Myslinski inherited Strawberry Creek’s evolved. This was a major earth-moving design process that evolved from rudimen- project, 1.2 million cubic yards of earth.
We used material from all those irrigation ponds to create the rolling, natural course. Another positive is the lower intensity of maintenance required with grasses on a links-style course. Water retention and water hazards, some hidden, some bisecting the site, dot 14 holes,” Myslinski said. Strawberry Creek has become a living, breathing habitat for so many creatures, a wild and dramatic natural background for a pristine course, according to Myslinski. “Its bumps and hooks made it fun to sculpt the course,” Myslinski said. A peak at Rick Jacobson’s philosophy says what Strawberry Creek epitomizes. “Today’s golf course designer must have the sensitivity of an environmental advocate. The designer must use all available architectural tools to exploit the dynamic relationships between the native landscape and the game of golf.”
A
s the attorneys for The Club at Strawberry Creek, O’Connor DuMez Alia & McTernan is proud to be a part of the development team that envisioned and created a spectacular country club community that will undoubtedly garner national attention for its premier facilities and personnel.
733333
10
The Club at Strawberry Creek
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News
Controlled Burn Chris Kaplan of Tall Grass Restoration uses a drip torch during the spring burn-off of fescue. It removed old dead grasses, controlled noxious weeds and stimulated germination of desirable grass. “We worked to put rules in place and were issued the burn permit,” Superintendent Matt Kregel said.
green Checkered Fairways The grounds crew at The Club at Strawberry Creek mows a checkered pattern into manicured fairways. The private club boasts of its course care.
Dining Deal. Golf outing for four caps annual dining membership Enjoy all the dining venues and non-golf related social events at the 38,000 squarefoot clubhouse at The Club at Strawberry Creek by purchasing an annual dining membership. 1. Annual fee of $495. 2. This includes one golf foursome at The Club course ($500 value). For additional information contact Director of Membership Karen Nasshan at 262.857.8400 or nasshan@strawberrycreekclub.com for a tour of this amazing facility and full details on this limited opportunity.
Mounds Abound Farm fields give way to fescue and sculpted bumps that contour toward spacious greens. Earth moved from community construction shaped the course.
At A.B. Schmitz we specialize in Commercial Insurance and Employee Benefits.
Personal, Home, Auto, Health, Life | Commercial Specialists 2906-Roosevelt Rd, Kenosha • (262) 658-1335 • www.abschmitz.com 737035
Lake Geneva Regional News • News Bargaineer • Zion-Benton News • Kenosha News—Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Club at Strawberry Creek
11
Tasty Treats Joan Richmond joins her son-in-law Tom Lake and family for Mother’s Day Brunch in the Grand Ballroom May 10.
The Good Life Mother’s Day Moment From the Club’s bar, the dining room beckons Maddie, Jack and Amy Lake with its carving and omelet stations. Maddie, 17, a soccer player and cheerleader, finds that golf at The Club expands her circle of friends. “My friends, particularly guys, beg me to take them out on the course. Dad always says, ‘as long as you’re golfing,’” she adds with a laugh.
Pool Snake Opened Memorial Day weekend, the 4,000 squarefoot pool welcomed families with its anchored snake flotation raft. The zero-depth walk-in pool features a mushroom-shaped waterfall. Pure Elegance With wood-beamed ceilings and a grand fieldstone fireplace, the Great Hall exudes The Club’s trademark luxury. Interior design from Ann Pateros at the Garlands of Barrington emphasizes texture, warmth and casual elegance.
Your Local, Residential, Commercial & Industrial ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
for over 30 years! 739004
12
The Club at Strawberry Creek
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News
738241
(262) 658-0800 • 4237 Green Bay Road • Kenosha
Just Back from Myrtle Beach
playing 10 rounds in ďŹ ve days, Tom Lake loves golf yet ďŹ nds his primary focus on the quality of The Club at Strawberry Creek course.
Whether pursuing his eight handicap, averaging 82 for 18-holes, or hitting the course with his family ďŹ vesome on the weekend, Lake praises the pristine, prairie-style links of Strawberry Creek. “The undulating greens here at Strawberry Creek are the best I’ve played. It’s a fair course, but really tough when pins are placed as they were for the Senior PGA event here two years ago,â€? Lake said. Tom points out that Head Pro Dave Hilgenberg and Assistant Pro Rick Leslie often play along with members. As father Tom adds that Leslie’s lessons keep it simple to focus on one or two skills, Jack, 13, chimes in about the “playful attitudeâ€?
Active Kids Lining up a solid, Jack Lake, 13, uses the billiard area with his father. Joey Lake, 11, joins Jack for Xbox, Wii and other games.
with which Leslie approaches lessons. In fact, Jack received chipping instruction last season and proudly announced a hole-in-one scored. Jack has been coaching mom Amy since. For Amy as a mom, golf creates quality family time. She notes the sixth hole for spectacular beauty as well as the relaxed, social atmosphere with “no rule book
in the hip pocket.� Joan Richmond, her mother, adds, “Strawberry Creek’s beautiful prairie layout is more interesting than Florida courses or even other Wisconsin tree-lined courses.� A full service club appeals to Tom, an attorney who frequently plays golf with business contacts. The clubhouse greatly expands the amenities of Strawberry
Creek. He and his family connect with “friendly, approachable people who share the same goal, to get away, relax, have fun while spending time with family.â€? The clubhouse outcome had exceeded expectations. From the variety of beer on tap to the signature Grey Goose Strawberry Martini, he noted the attention paid to detail. Recently, he had spent an entire day, moving from ďŹ tness center through lunch, then to golf and dinner. “I really don’t have to leave unless Amy calls,â€? Tom said. Home for the Lake family is Wadsworth, Ill., only 11 miles separate the Lake driveway from The Club.
8IBU DBO XF QSJOU GPS ZPV With facilities in the Wisconsin cities of Sturtevant, Oak Creek, Racine, Milwaukee and headquartered in Niles, Illinois the Garvey Group is a perfect choice for your brochures, catalogs, coupons, direct mail, point of purchase, signage, posters, and packaging needs. Garvey’s new sophisticated press configuration ranges from 10 color perfector UV through sheet sizes of 81".
THE GARVEY GROUP large format printing | commercial & packaging printing | digital printing warehouse & fulfillment /PSUI -FIJHI "WFOVF /JMFT *- r r XXX UIFHBSWFZHSPVQ DPN 737041
738203
Lake Geneva Regional News • News Bargaineer • Zion-Benton News • Kenosha News—Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Club at Strawberry Creek
13
Thompson Timeline
Thompson and Marken Apple Orchard opened on land which presently is the UW-Parkside site. William Thompson, who graduated from UW-Madison in 1909, farmed 100 acres with strawberry harvest in June, cherry harvest in July and apple harvest in September.
Charles Thompson, William’s son who graduated from UW-Madison in 1946, bought out Marken, establishing the Thompson farm.
Thompson found he could not pick ripe fruit fast enough. During AMC July downtime Thompson bought radio ads, advertising, “Come out and pick your own,” a first for the farm.
With the farm debt free, the Wisconsin government claimed the property through eminent domain for UW-Parkside. Thompsons pointed out that the state paid for the acreage as if it were bare land instead of an established orchard.
Thompsons moved to Highway 50, planting strawberries because they bear in two years as a quick, marketable crop.
Jeff, William’s grandson, graduated from high school and had no interest in farming. He took a year to travel the world. By 1973, Jeff returned to farm, desiring to be his own boss. He completed a UW-Extension farm program. In 1976, Jeff and Marcia married.
Fast and firm requires the skills of what Course Superintendent Matt Kregel calls the men of his profession, ‘highly educated doctors of the turf grass.’ “Owners Jay Hilgenberg and Barry Shiff- With Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Dahl, man allow me to do what’s best for the 15 seasonal full-time laborers and a mechanic, grounds. We surpassed their expectations. Kregel utilizes over a million-dollars worth I greatly value their trust to build harmony of equipment. Even winter calls for five between the natural habitat and immacu- full-time employees. More that 50 speciallately manicured grounds,” Kregel said. ized machines mow and groom the generStrawberry Creek’s 18-holes stretch across ous landing areas, 18 greens, 126 bunkers, 50 185 acres. Intellectual challenge for Kregel’s acres of bentgrass on rolling hills and the leadership surfaced from day one. Every detail state-of-the-art practice complex. The crew demands attention, spring, summer, fall, is out with first light at five a.m. and must whatever the weather. To maximize the golf monitor the grasses throughout the day. experience, his crew must concentrate a strong “Planning leads to ease of execution. Positive effort to cultivate greens, fairways and tees to relationships allow us to change to improve top-notch condition as quickly as possible. quality of surfaces,” Kregel said. Water and rain command their own attenHe pointed out that he lives close enough, just over the Illinois border, to play and recheck tion from Kregel, who took his Ornamental Horticulture degree with a concentration in the course to sustain integrity of design.
200 acres expanded the farm toward I-. Thompsons added raspberries to supplement 150 acres of strawberries at brother Gary’s
Pick-your-own fruit faltered as an income crop because of women working and fewer people picking for canning or making jam. Winter weather further hurt crops.
We Have
Pick
The owners of The Club at Strawberry Creek optioned Thompson’s Strawberry acreage through realtor Doug Stanich.
Your Own:
Thompson had sold 385 acres and kept eight because the home and barns sit on the original homestead. Kenosha’s three-mile zone around the airport allowed no building for overnight housing.
• Strawberries in June
• Raspberries
Strawberry Creek gained zoning approval for a 900unit, residential golf community and broke ground. Devloper Jay Hilgenberg saved all oak trees on the property. Jeff mowed the first constructed fairway and shared the construction journey with the devepoers, architect and contractor. To open the golf course, developers Jay and Barry Shiffman held a tented reception in Thompson’s yard.
in September
• Pumpkins in October
Clubhouse opened to offer dining, tennis, swimming, fitness and activity centers.
“We Felt Honored that the owners chose The Club at Strawberry Creek name. I was on the course daily during construction, and they were so open to my input. The project exceeded my expectations, and I have no regrets. My wife Marcia, my son Scott and I will go on farming in the Thompson strawberry tradition.” - Jeff Thompson -
14000-75th St. Bristol, WI 53104 Hwy 50, one mile west of I-94 Check our website at www.thompsonstrawberryfarm.com or call 262-857-2353 • 847-679-8140 for daily picking information
BRING THIS AD AND RECEIVE $ 00
1
OFF per visit
737895
14
The Club at Strawberry Creek
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News
Qualifier capped spring. Planning started when Strawberry Creek and he are hosting late summer the previous season to peak the the Midwest Association of Golf Course course for the Qualifier. Superintendents, his peers, for their cham“For fertility we needed the late season to pionship tournament. Fairway Iron Adam Kosa follows Clubhouse Oasis Center Creek “We’re close knit. We share advice; it’s through after an iron shot during meanders past the 18th green. allow time as it sits in the plant to release the U.S. Open Qualifier, the first Owner Jay Hilgenberg jokes about as mother nature chooses the release. My almost a feel of a fraternity. We have conevent of its kind in Kenosha Coun- the creek being named Center for ty, en route to an 83 (43-40). his All-Pro Chicago Bear position. style is definitely organize and plan. I’m not tinuing education and a monthly publicaa fly-by-seat-of-my-pants guy. WSGA was tion. This golf is to showcase the golf course,” turfgrass management from the University it exits. And, as for beauty, the creek, crys- blown away by the condition of the course. Kregel said about his colleagues, those of Illinois. Center Creek comes into play tal blue ponds and natural wildlife habitat Great golfers are coming, ” Kregel said. “highly educated doctors of the turf grass.” on five holes, and roughly 75 acres of fescue, frame four of last five holes. Notably, the Qualifier medalist, Michael In the end, Kregel and his crew always come native grasses, wetlands and irrigation ponds “The course has complex drainage. During Schachner of Libertyville, Ill. birdied the last back to the family value for the course. Less dictate the value of water. Filtration plants construction Senior Architect Doug Mys- two holes for a two-under 70. Tucking pins parent recreational time creates the desire in wetlands were chosen to efficiently clear linski and I synchronized our design goals away and the prairie winds took their toll on to be with family. Built around family from water that enters the course. Kregel points with the Department of Natural Resources the field of players. Assistant Pro Rick Leslie design, with its five sets of tee boxes, The out that with the careful planning every and the Corps of Engineers,” Kregel said. led local players as he tied for 17th. Club allows different levels of play from men drop of water leaves the property cleaner as Grooming for the May 12 U.S. Open The ultimate test for Kregel comes June 15 to women to kids, just for the fun of it.
Congratulations
to The Club at Strawberry Creek
on the opening of their magnificent clubhouse!
GOING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS Crescent Systems is proud to serve Strawberry Creek members with the best club technology in the industry. By delivering outstanding personalized service and high-quality technology products, we allow The Club at Strawberry Creek staff to focus on their top priority—YOU! Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to ensure your club experience is nothing short of magnificent.
1580 S. Milwaukee Ave • Suite 101 • Libertyville, IL 60048 1(888)487-9011 • www.crescentsystems.com Lake Geneva Regional News • News Bargaineer • Zion-Benton News • Kenosha News—Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Club at Strawberry Creek
736217
Serving clients in 46 states, Hawaii & Guam with distinction since 1997.
15
737032
16
The Club at Strawberry Creek
Sunday, June 7, 2009—Kenosha News • Zion-Benton News • News Bargaineer • Lake Geneva Regional News