A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Lake & Hill Country, The Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort offers a premier destination for golfers and families alike. Just an hour from Austin and San Antonio, the club boasts four championship golf courses, including the renowned Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Summit Rock, all set against the backdrop of constant-level Lake LBJ and the scenic hill country.
GOLF | RACQUETS | SOCIAL | MARINA
With luxury amenities, family-friendly programming, and over $350 million in recent capital improvements, The Club is redefining resort-style living—where golf meets lakeside relaxation all year long.
YOUR
Publisher: Dave Weretka
Editor:
Art
Senior
Opening ShOt
Dave Silbar
Do me a favor and keep your eyes out this season for a veteran. When you meet him or her, please thank them for their service. They are the real heroes. If you are a veteran, the upcoming summer golf season is a perfect opportunity to get outdoors, engage in a healing and social environment, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of golf. With warmer weather and longer days, summer provides ideal conditions for PGA HOPE’s free, professionally-led clinics, making it the perfect time to invite veterans to try the game—whether for the first time or as a return to a beloved activity.
In this issue we’ll introduce you to a pair of very special Army veterans who serve as PGA HOPE Ambassadors. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a transformative program that uses the game of golf to support the well-being of military veterans and active-duty service members. Offered this summer at several Chicagoland courses, including Pine Meadow in Mundelein and Bolingbrook Golf Clubs, the PGA HOPE program features a six-to-eight-week curriculum led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency, ensuring that all veterans, regardless of ability or experience, can participate at no cost.
We’ll travel down Interstate 65 where senior writer Neal Kotlarek takes us to the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Offering two premier 18-hole championship golf courses, the KampenCosler Course and the Ackerman-Allen Course. Both courses were designed by renowned architect Pete Dye and have received national acclaim. The KampenCosler Course, a links-style layout, is known for its challenging features, including vast sand bunkers, native grasslands, ponds, and a natural celery bog. It has hosted prestigious events such as the 2000 Men’s Big Ten Championship, the 2003 Women’s NCAA Championship, and the 2008 Men’s NCAA Championship.
The Ackerman-Allen Course, a parkland-style layout, offers a different challenge with rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and white sand bunkers. Both courses have been recognized among the top 25 college golf courses in the United States by Golf Digest.
In our instruction department, Beverly Country Club’s PGA Professional Billy Fitzgerald helps us understand how using your dominant eye can significantly improve your putting accuracy and ability to read the line and aim precisely.
Our Sweet Home Chicago is chock full of news you can use from across Chicago. Congrats to the Vernon Hills Golf Course and the long-awaited opening of The Back 9 at The Muni. This one is near and dear to yours truly as The Muni is located at the front of a subdivision that I have called home and raised my family in for the past 24 years.
Mark your calendar for pro golf this summer, beginning with the 80th United States Women’s Open at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin, May 28-June 1; PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, July 3-6; and Korn Ferry Tour’s NV5 Invitational at The Glen Club in Glenview July 24-27. Best of all, all three courses are open for public play.
We’ll also give you a jump on the latest gear and gift ideas for your golfing dad in our Dad’s Day Gift Guide, including the Titleist GT line of drivers, CobraTec irons, TaylorMade Spider X putter, and plenty of other offerings, none more unique than The VollēGolf Coffee Tee, a biodegradable golf tee made of up-cycled coffee grounds and biomaterial.
The weather’s warming up so get out there, thank a veteran, play some golf, and go out and take advantage of the various opportunities this summer to see professional golf up close and in person.
Give your Stick A Rest
Nothing worse than laying your precious rope on a top-dressed green. Horst Cigar Gear collection offers a wide array of products to protect your smoke. Add in some Chicago flair with this hand-forged and painted cigar rest. Style, convenience, and functionality at their best.
MSRP $20 www.horstcigargear.com
Jones A2 Backpack
The A2 Backpack is the latest A-series for traveling professionals. With ample space and separation, this pack will keep you organized for life on the go. The padded shoulder straps and cushioned back support ensures a comfortable carry when loaded with your daily necessities. The A2 is the first Jones product to offer a hidden embroidery location under the front buckled flap, allowing for a sleek look while still carrying the meaning of your design.
MSRP $155 www.jonessports.co
Seamus Headcovers
Let dad set himself apart showing off some personal style. Seamus Golf offers various golf accessories including head covers, bags, and drawstring pouches. Made of the highest quality, it’s so reassuring to have a trusted brand with an incredible track record. Whether he’s a tartan, tweed or leather guy, assist him to create new memories with a pop of flair in the bag.
MSRP $95 www.seamusgolf.com
Titleist GT Driver
If you thought the TSR line was great, wait until you hit the new Titleist GT driver line. Representing a significant advancement in golf club technology, offering golfers enhanced performance through innovative design and materials, the GT series includes three models—GT2, GT3, and GT4—each tailored to meet specific player needs. The GT2 model is engineered for speed and forgiveness, featuring a higher moment of inertia (MOI) to provide stability on off-center hits. Its design incorporates a Seamless Thermoform Crown made from a Proprietary Matrix Polymer, allowing for optimal weight distribution and a clean aesthetic. Starting at $649.99 www.titleist.com
Ben Sherman Golf Brand ambassador and PGA Tour player Denny McCarthy sports
Ben Sherman apparel out on the links.
Offering creative patterns and fashionable pieces for on or off the course, it might be time to update the wardrobe. Made of breathable, active stretch fabric that moves with you.
MSRP $79 www.macys.com
Birdie Bottle
Turn ordinary rounds into extraordinary memories. The 12 oz. “juice” flask comes with four shot glasses held by a snap-on leather strap. If you’re going low, two or more flasks might be in order. With multiple colors to choose from and two flask sizes this is a perfect gift for your foursome.
MSRP $32.95 www.birdiebottle.com
Roostas
Playmaker+ GPS Golf Watch
Unlike most golf watches, PlayMaker+ is a smart, ovalshaped design that is essentially a golf cart GPS screen that fits comfortably on your wrist. With a low-profile action button, customizable menus, and an intuitive oval-shaped AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) touchscreen, it is preloaded with 42,000+ courses. Instantly access front/middle/back distances, hazard views, and interactive course maps. No doubt that it is a user-friendly device that will give peace of mind when navigating the course. Plus, it’s lightweight and weatherproof!
$299 www.bluetees.com
Roostas is a golf and leisure brand that features creatively-designed woven, stretch belts for men and kids. Crafted for comfort and versatility both on and off the course, Roostas belts make a statement by combining fun and functionality in every piece.
MSRP $54 www. shoproostas.com
The Reintroduction of
TaylorMade’s Spi
der Tour X Putter
Combining forgiveness, stability, and a consistent roll—qualities that appeal to both professionals and amateurs—the Tour X features a slightly more compact frame than the original Spider Tour, but still delivers high MOI (Moment of Inertia), which minimizes twisting on off-center hits and helps keep putts on line. The Spider Tour X is popular on Tour, with pros like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler using versions of it.
$349.99 www.taylormadegolf.com.
Gift Guide
Green Java Grinds
Ah!!!! The smell of a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning... Wait a minute—that’s my tee I’m smelling. Volle golf makes golf tees, pitchforks, and pencils from up-cycled coffee grounds and bio material. Named Best New Product of the 2025 PGA show earlier this year, it’s nice to see the sustainability efforts they are taking.
MSRP from $6.99 www.volle.golf
inStructiOn
The quickest way to lower your scores is to make more putts. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a simple way to do just that? Well, there is. Last December, I sought advice from a fellow certified Malaska Golf Coach, Brian Gott. He shared some valuable insights with me that not only improved my game, but also helped me understand why golfers often struggle to see the correct line over the ball.
Imagine lining up a ball to a target and then moving over it to putt. The line may appear incorrect. This is because either your eyes are not aligned correctly with the ball or the ball is not aligned with your dominant eye.
Let’s embark on a short journey to discover how your dominant eye can help you become a better putter immediately!
Step 1: Identify Your Dominant Eye
The first step is to determine which eye is dominant. Stand upright with your hands straight out in front of you, form -
Utilizing Your Dominant Eye to Improve Your Putting
ing a small circle. Focus on an object. Now, close one eye at a time. One of the eyes will remain focused on the object, while the other will be blocked by your hand. The eye that maintains focus on the object while the other is closed is your dominant eye.
Step 2: Head Position
Based on your dominant eye and its alignment with the ball, the ball’s position in your stance may vary. For example, right-handed players with a left-eye dominant stance tend to have the ball positioned more forward in their stance, while right-handed players with a righteye dominant stance tend to have the ball positioned closer to the middle of their stance.
Not only does having the ball correctly positioned based on your dominant eye enhance your visual perception of the target, but it also often positively impacts the mechanics of your putting stroke because you’re seeing the target correctly.
Step 4: Aligning Your Ball
When aligning your ball, it’s always best to use the hand that corresponds to your dominant eye for a more precise placement. If your left eye is dominant, use your left hand to align the ball with the hole. Conversely, if your right eye is dominant, use your right hand. This may take some time to get used to, but it’s well worth the effort.
In essence, your dominant eye plays a crucial role in successful putting. Putting essentially boils down to seeing the line and rolling it. If you can’t see the line, none of your well-executed putts will go in; only those you mis-hit. Your eyes create the visual representation, your mind processes the information, and your putting stroke reacts to the mental picture. Therefore, it’s essential to have a clear and accurate view of the line.
Billy Fitzgerald, PGA Director of Instruction, Beverly Country Club BillyFitzgeraldGolf.com
Billy Fitzgerald, PGA
Step 1: Indentify Your Dominant Eye
Step 2: Head Position
Step 3: Ball Position
Step 4: Aligning Your Ball
Step 3: Ball Position
Raising a junior golfer is a serious commitment. It takes time, money, energy, and patience—and as a parent, you want your child to succeed. But too often, good intentions turn into interference. The reality is this: when parents overstep, especially with coaching, they can do more harm than good. Success in junior golf doesn’t come from sideline coaching or micromanaging. It comes from clear roles, trust, and a healthy support system. If you truly want to help your child succeed, you need to know when to step in—and more importantly, when to step back.
You hired a coach for a reason. Let them do their job. Coaches are trained professionals who understand skill development, learning styles, and progression. When parents jump in with suggestions, critique techniques, or try to coach from the sidelines, it confuses the athlete and undermines the coach’s authority. If you have concerns, bring them up privately—never in front of your child. Publicly questioning the coach plants seeds of doubt, and trust starts to break down. For the coaching relationship to work, you have to back off and let the coach take the lead.
Your child doesn’t need another coach—they need a parent. After a tough round, your job isn’t to analyze every shot or criticize their decisions. Leave that to the professional. What your child needs from you is emotional support, consistency, and encouragement. Ask how they felt out
How to Support Your Junior Golfer
there. Recognize their effort and mindset, not just their score. Be the one person who isn’t judging their performance. That kind of support builds confidence and keeps your child mentally strong through the ups and downs of competition.
Independence is another crucial piece. When parents micromanage—packing bags, talking to the coach on behalf of the player, offering in-round advice—it stifles growth. Let your child handle responsibilities and learn through experience. Let them take ownership of their preparation, their communication, and their mistakes. Independence isn’t always neat, but it’s how young athletes develop the decision-making skills they need to succeed—not just in golf, but in life.
And let’s be clear: your behavior matters. Whether you realize it or not, your child is watching and absorbing your attitude. If you complain about the coach, bad-mouth other players, or show visible frustration over scores, they will follow your lead. Respect the game. Respect the process. And respect the people involved. Handle concerns behind closed doors and model the kind of sportsmanship and composure you want your child to develop.
Also, don’t lose sight of balance. Pushing your child to train constantly, skip other interests, or focus only on golf is a fast track to burnout. Golf should be part of a well-rounded life, especially for young athletes. Encourage other activities, support their
need for downtime, and make sure they’re enjoying the process. If the game turns into a chore, progress will stall, and their passion will fade. The key to longevity in golf is keeping it fun, even when it’s challenging.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t communicate—but do it with clarity and boundaries. If you have a question for the coach, ask it respectfully, at the right time, and with the right tone. Don’t confront them mid-lesson or correct them in front of your child. And when you talk to your child, listen more than you speak. Ask what they want from the game, what they’re working on, and how they feel. Let them drive the conversation. Your role is to support—not steer.
Finally, keep your focus on long-term development. Don’t let wins and losses define your child’s journey. Golf is a marathon. One tournament, one round, even one season doesn’t make or break a player. Prioritize growth, learning, resilience, and character. Those are the things that lead to real success—not just in junior golf, but in everything that follows. Teach your child to play the long game. It’s the only one that matters.
If you really want to help your junior golfer thrive, know your role and own it.
• Trust the coach.
• Provide steady emotional support.
• Model positive behavior.
• Encourage independence.
• Maintain balance.
• Communicate effectively.
And above all, focus on the bigger picture. Remember, Your child doesn’t need a manager, they need a parent. Let the coach coach. Let your child grow. And be the support system that lifts them up—not the pressure that weighs them down.
Kevin Weeks is a distinguished PGA Professional and the Director of Instruction at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in golf instruction, he has become one of the most acclaimed teachers in the United States. Since 1997, Weeks has been recognized annually as one of Golf Digest’s “50 Best Teachers in America” and has been featured on Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Teachers” list. He has held the title of Illinois’ No. 1 teacher since 2017.
Kevin Weeks
Peter Hendrick
As golfers, we understand there are many ways we can try to improve our own golf game. There are countless training aids that profess to make some aspects of the swing better. If you follow anything golf-related on social media, you’ll see them all and are encouraged to give them a try.
With the arrival of spring also comes the annual parade of new clubs designed for all of us to improve. There are new drivers, irons, wedges, and putters, all containing the latest technology that can lead you to lower scores.
Another way to improve, and overlooked by recreational players, is mental performance. This is another area where you can uncover an endless supply of information. However, a simple way many of us can use this to our advantage is by learning how to speak to ourselves differently.
We have all experienced this scenario on the golf course at some point: You are about to start a round with three good friends. This is nothing more than a fun round, but you still hope to play well. The first few holes are comfortable as you settle into the game and laugh with buddies. However, you slowly encounter that sinking feeling that your swing is off, and the round is becoming a struggle. Without letting on to anyone but yourself, frustration has settled in your mind, and it is slowly increasing. You concentrate on each shot, searching for anything that will turn things around. With each bad swing or missed putt, the negative thoughts are now racing. On the 12th, you have an approach shot just inside 100 yards and you proceed to hit it into a water hazard. Without thinking you sarcastically say, “nice shot” and give a halfhearted smile. For you, this supposedly fun round with some buddies has officially unraveled.
Everyone who has played this game of golf at any level has experienced this frustration, usually many times. Better players recognize something they can control that will help them to combat this spiral of negative thought. Studies have estimated that people talk to themselves hundreds of times per day. Unfortunately for us, negative thoughts can hold more
How Positive Self-Talk Can Change Everything
power than positive, and they can dominate our thinking. When this occurs, it feels overwhelming. There is a simple yet powerful tool that can be learned and will prevent negative thoughts from taking over. Those who understand and practice “positive self-talk” have an advantage in this stressful situation.
Think back to the thrilling and nerve-racking Masters tournament of a few weeks ago. The eventual champion, Rory McIlroy, had a number of times during the final round when he was obviously battling negative thoughts. Facing enormous pressure to complete the Grand Slam, he began with a double bogey at the first to surrender his two-shot lead. After regrouping to play solid golf, he hit an inexplicably bad shot on 13 and another on 18. Let’s go, you can
There is a simple yet powerful tool that can be learned and will prevent negative thoughts from taking over. Those who understand and practice “positive selftalk” have an advantage in this stressful situation.
still win this thing! He sank the winning putt in the playoff and promptly collapsed onto the 18th green as the champion. Pouring out the emotion, Rory showed just how high the stakes were for him all week. On Sunday, he was fighting negative thoughts as much as the course and the opponents. In his book How Champions Think , Dr Bob Rotella writes, “While the correlation between optimism and success is imperfect, there is almost a perfect correlation between negative thinking and failure.” For Rory McIlroy, the belief in himself to win and the positive self-talk that went on inside his own head that Sunday was an amazing display under the circumstances. We all want to play our best when we are on the golf course. Whether it’s
a casual round with friends or a more competitive round where the stakes are higher. Golf is a game that is very difficult and where mistakes can be amplified. Negative thoughts can start to dominate your mind. If you practice speaking to yourself in a positive manner, as if you are encouraging a friend, you don’t allow the negative thoughts any power. They become just like any of the other thousands of thoughts that enter your mind every day. Those who have practiced will speak to themselves intentionally, not waiting for whatever verbiage pops into your mind. Positive self-talk involves generating thoughts which can empower you to optimal performance. Again, golf is a difficult game and there are no guarantees of playing well even with positive thoughts in your head. However, we can all agree that negative thinking will undoubtedly contribute to a poor performance.
The impact of positive self-talk can extend beyond the golf course. Just as negative thinking can raise anxiety and decrease overall performance, positive self-talk can create a mental environment that is conducive to success. Our brains are wired to assess threats. Positive thoughts and self-talk can override negative thoughts and help create a mental state that can lead to success.
As mentioned, there are countless books on mental performance where people can learn how to improve their thinking. An easy way to start, however, can be as simple as speaking to yourself as you would a friend. You’d never seriously tell a friend they stink after they hit a poor shot, for example, so don’t talk to yourself that way either. Change the way you think about the belief you have in your abilities and speak more positively in your own mind. You might like the results.
Peter Hendrick is the head coach of girls golf at The Latin School-Chicago. He also works as an advisor with Under Par Consulting (www.underparconsulting.com), a group that helps junior golfers with the college recruiting process, mental performance and course management.He can be reached at
Dave Silbar
The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is an armored vehicle used by the U.S. Army, providing transportation, firepower, and protection for troops on the battlefield. On December 5, 2005, Mike Jaborek was serving our country in Iraq when the 32-ton Bradley he was riding in was hit and destroyed by an improvised explosive device (IED).
PGA HOPE Ambassadors Empower Fellow Veterans
friends and reintegrate back into what civilian life is like without much guidance.”
Fast forward a few years when Jaborek found the game of golf. He had never played but quickly enjoyed the game’s ability to serve as a therapeutic way to alleviate many of his mental ailments and PTSD symptoms. About a year prior to the COVID outbreak, Mike was receiving therapy at the Hines V.A. Hospital when he saw a corkboard posting for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a program administered by the PGA of America and the Illinois PGA which provides free golf instruction to veterans.
The explosion blew a huge hole in the back of the vehicle, igniting it, and all the soldiers inside, on fire.
The blast left Jaborek, a Sugar Grove resident and Byron native, with a traumatic brain injury, broken right leg, broken right ankle, and second-and third-degree burns. He was medevaced with fellow soldier SFC Larry Campbel, taken to Germany, and then to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas for rehabilitation.
Incredibly, he returned to Iraq in March 2007 and serve admirably through August 2008.
Shortly thereafter, Jaborek found himself in Bloomington, Illinois, as a freshman at Illinois State University. Being thrown into a world of students much younger than himself, on their own for the first time, Mike had a hard time fitting in and adjusting to life outside of the military. “I was 25 years old, had been to Iraq twice, was involved in that explosion and medevaced home,” he remembers. “I had this near-death experience and here I am on a college campus trying to meet
PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, dedicated to introducing golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military personnel to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Offered at over 550 locations across all 50 states, the program provides a six to eight week developmental curriculum led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.
Jaborek attended his first session in 2021 at Veteran’s Memorial Golf Course at Great Lakes Naval Station. That day is still etched in his memory.
“I remember a lot of guys and gals there that we’re just interested in golf and being there to support one another, mak-
ing sure everyone was doing all right,” he recalls. “It was nice to just meet and talk to people who had the same experiences, feelings, and emotions as myself. It was cool to participate in a program where everyone was there just to get better, to laugh, joke around, and have a good time. It was also nice because there was an instructor for about four veterans each so we were in these small groups learning together.”
Eventually, he was asked to become an ambassador for PGA HOPE and he didn’t hesitate with his answer.
As the years passed, Jaborek attend edadditional PGA HOPE sessions as a mentor while improving both emotionally and on the course. He’s not only made new friends but has helped many vets come out of their shell and become socially active once more.
“I really didn’t know what it entailed, but I was like, yes, of course,” he says. “I told the Illinois PGA whatever you need to help give back, I’ll do it because the program really helped change my life and has done a world of good for other vets. As an ambassador, my role is to promote the program, find new vets, and use PGA HOPE to help them in their recovery and their transition back.”
Several area courses host PGA HOPE Clinics throughout the summer. Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein will provide PGA HOPE Clinics on six consecutive Thursday evenings between May 15 and June 19. The club will host its annual Veteran’s Play Day on July 16, with breakfast, 18 holes of golf, lunch, prizes, and more.
“Pine Meadow has a long tradition of honoring Active Duty and Veterans initiated by the Jemsek family and our former longtime head PGA Professional Dennis Johnsen,” said General Manager/Head Golf Professional Tyler Wollberg. “It’s an honor to host the PGA HOPE and the Veteran’s Play Day at Pine Meadow and continue that tradition! We can’t thank our military enough for all that they do!”
U.S. Army veteran Jim Nelson of Mundelein isn’t great at golf, but says there’s more to the game
Mike Jaborek
Mike Jaborek
than scoring well. He and Mike Jaborek may be worlds apart when it comes to age and wartime experience, but together they make a formable team by serving as Co-Ambassadors for PGA HOPE.
Nelson, 81, is retired now but does work at Steeplechase Golf Club in Mundelein. A native of Skokie, he is a longtime supporter of providing services for seniors and veterans alike. He’s spent three decades as a member of the American Legion and was a delegate to the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County. Through his involvement with the Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program at the Mundelein Park & Recreation District, Nelson helped organize and participated in clinics to introduce the sport to veterans with disabilities.
“When I think about golfing, I find it very interesting when I can go out with other vets that we can go through a stretch of 9 or 18 holes and recognize that somebody’s getting a thrill out of simply hitting the ball and not thinking about all the rest of the world, their past misfortunes, and wartime experiences. We’re all just out there playing a game of golf and concentrating on something that excludes the rest of the world. PGA HOPE, you know, it’s kind of a therapy. It allows our veterans, the true heroes, to get away from the grind of everyday life and into something that is unique to yourself and what’s going on.”
Speaking of heroes, Nelson, who left the Army shortly before Vietnam, has a unique perspective on using that term
for our nation’s veterans. “The country and its views on military personnel have changed in the past 50 years” he says. “I got out in 1965. At the time, everyone was against our involvement in Vietnam. Even though I wasn’t there, on my way back from Germany we were told it was best to wear civilian clothes and ship everything else back home. Our commander told us that people back in the states just didn’t take kindly to folks who served in the military.”
Today, when Nelson marches in parades or other American Legion events, he enjoys how people go out of their way to thank him and his compatriots for their service. “It’s nice, but hard to not forget that there was a time when veterans weren’t treated very well,” he adds.
Nelson didn’t embrace golf until after he retired from a 40-plus-year career in the telecommunications industry. He took a lesson at the park district’s Steeple Chase Golf Club and for the last six years has been working 30 hours a week there as a groundskeeper. Ironically, it was Pine Meadow’s Wollberg who gave Jim that first lesson.
Through PGA HOPE, Jaborek and Nelson have become good friends and have a world of respect for each other.
“Mike is really, really cool,” laughs Nelson. He’s personable and gets along well with others. Above all, he is very veteran-oriented. He’s a combat vet and has a great head on his shoulders. He’s also a very good player and probably close to a single digit (handicap). I can’t say enough positive things about Mike and know that it hasn’t always been easy for him. He’s very involved with PGA HOPE and on the national committee, I believe.”
“Golf isn’t only about doing well or improving your score,” Nelson said. “It’s really fun when someone else is excited.” He recalled playing with a veteran
Learning the game of golf later in life, Jim has collected so many great memories, but he says that receiving PGA HOPE ambassador training at the legendary Congressional Country Club in Washington D.C. is the one that sticks out the most.
“That was the most awesome experience in the world,” he recalls. “I went through the Ambassador training in 2021 and felt as if we were treated better than the people who pay (to belong to Congressional). It was phenomenal. We were treated like true heroes. There’s 99% of the people in the golfing world who will never have the chance to play Congressional.”
with shoulder and knee problems, who used the forward tees closer to the hole. On one par 4, his playing partner hit a nice drive and then chipped in from the fairway to notch his first eagle, which is two under par. “He was so thrilled. It was like everything else dropped — the shoulder problems weren’t there.”
PGA HOPE clinics throughout the U.S. serve more than 3,500 veterans a year. If you are a veteran or know someone who is, the Illinois PGA urges you to get involved. For more information or to learn more about PGA Hope, visit www. pgareach.org/pgahope or contact Maddy Anderson at the Illinois PGA via manderson@pgahq.com.
Jim Nelson
Jim Nelson and friend
Sweet Home Chicago
Vernon Hills G.C. Unveils New Putting Green, Chipping Area
Village officials and dignitaries gathered at Vernon Hills Golf Course on April 29th to perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating a massive new practice putting green and shortgame training area at the facility.
Park Ridge architect Todd Quitno oversaw the design and construction of the 65-yard-long putting course officially titled “The Back Nine at the Muni” as an extension of the existing regulation 9-hole Vernon Hills course. The 16,000-sq.-ft putting green and short game practice facility also has multiple chipping areas.
“The project was really interesting and a lot of fun,” said Quitno at the grand opening. “This will be a great practice facility for the community. We are hopeful that a fun putting course will introduce golf to juniors and motivate them to take up golf as a hobby.”
The Vernon Hills Golf Course has roots as the 18-hole Tally Ho Country Club that opened in the late 1950s. The course was eventually sold to the village, which converted it to a 9-hole course designed by Dick Nugent in 1978.
Erin Hills to Host U.S. May 28-June 1
Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin, is set to host the 80th U.S. Women’s Open Championship this summer from May 29 to June 1. This marks the first time the course will welcome the premier event in women’s golf, following its successful hosting of the 2017 U.S. Open. Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten, Erin Hills is renowned for its rolling terrain shaped by glaciers, fescue-covered dunes, and expansive fairways that stretch up to 8,000 yards. For the 2025 Championship, the course will be set up at 6,835 yards to provide a challenging yet fair test for the world’s top female golfers. In preparation, Erin Hills has undergone significant upgrades, including converting its fairways from fine fescue to bentgrass and renovating all 138 bunkers to improve drainage and consistency. The USGA anticipates attendance between 50,000 and 70,000 spectators over the four days, with Friday and Saturday expected to draw 10,000 to 15,000 fans each day. Hospitality offerings have been in high demand, with many premium packages already sold out. The
2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills promises to be a historic and memorable event in the world of golf.
Numerous ticket options are available via www.uswomensopen.com.
Glencoe Golf Club Begins Construction on New Clubhouse, Short Game Area
Established in 1921 by a group of Glencoe residents in search of an alternative to private country club membership, Glencoe Golf Club has begun renovations for a new clubhouse, restaurant and the village’s first sports bar. Scheduled for completion in 2026, significant environmental, sport, and leisure related enhancements are also planned as part of the vision.
This project marks a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to replace the more than 100-year-old clubhouse and reimagine the clubhouse complex to provide an updated resource, accessible to all, from young people to adults and families.
The new 10,000 square foot clubhouse, overlooking the golf course, will comfortably accommodate 210 guests while the modern facility pays tribute to historic roots through a stunning Prairie style exterior design. Once completed, the facility will be the one of the most sustainable public buildings in Glencoe, targeting LEED Silver standards, featuring geothermal HVAC, all electric equipment, and utilize bird safe glass in all windows.
An expanded short game practice area with putting, chipping, pitching, and bunker shot areas is also planned, as is a regulation-size croquet court. Monarch and Pollinator Gardens, supporting vital birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife as well as a community garden where youth and local groups can connect with nature are planned.
Newly Renovated Medinah #3 Set to Host 2026 Presidents Cup
Even as the golf season is just getting into full swing in the Chicagoland area, Medinah Country Club is in full gear in finalizing preparations to host the 16th Presidents Cup matches September 22–27, 2026. The event will be played on the newly renovated #3 course.
Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy were introduced as captains of the two teams at a press conference in downtown Chicago on April 29. “Representing my country in team competition has been a highlight of my PGA Tour career,” said Snedeker. “I will lean on those experiences to ensure we are prepared and ready to compete against what I know will be a unified and determined International Team.” Snedeker, 44, has played on two Ryder Cup teams and was a captain’s assistant on the 2024 Presidents Cup team.
Ogilvy said he was “honored” to be named captain of the International Team both because of the recognition by his peers
and his association with Medinah as an architect. His firm performed a massive overhaul of the same heralded #3 course that will be used for the matches. The new look of the course incorporates larger greens, scale bunkering and wider fairways. Information on tickets for the 2026 Presidents Cup will be available in coming weeks.
TPC Deere Run Hosts John Deere Classic July 3-6
It started out as an unsanctioned PGA Tour tournament back in the 1970s playing at various courses in the Quad Cities area. These days, The John Deere Classic is a staple on the Tour at the fan-friendly TPC Deere Run proving that when good people and the community come together magic can happen.
The 2025 John Deere Classic is scheduled to take place from July 3 to July 6 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. This tournament, a staple of the PGA Tour since 2000, serves as the Quad Cities’ premier golf event and is the region’s only PGA Tour stop. The course, designed by D.A. Weibring offers a challenging par-71 layout that stretches 7,258 yards and features scenic natural beauty, including rolling terrain along the Rock River, oak trees, ponds, and ravines. The 2024 edition of the tournament saw Davis Thompson claim his first PGA Tour victory with a record-breaking 28-under-par total, highlighting the event’s potential for exciting competition. As anticipation builds for the 2025 tournament, fans can look forward to another thrilling week of golf, community engagement, and charitable contributions. www.johndeereclassic.com.
TPC Wisconsin to Host AmFam Championship
June 6-8
Former University of Illinois golfer Steve Stricker plays host to the legends of the game with this stop on the PGA Champions Tour June 6-8 and TPC Wisconsin in Madison. This will be the first time the event will be played at the course Stricker co-designed. Numerous Hall of Famers are scheduled including Ernie Els, Berhard Langer, and Vijay Singh. While you’re there you can even take in a country music concert that will be headlined by Megan Moroney, special guest Clint Black and opening act Emily Ann Roberts. The concert is Friday, June 6 at Breese Stevens Field in Madison. Giddy up. www.amfamchampionship.com.
Korn
Ferry Tour Comes to Town, NV5 Invitational at The Glen Club July 24-27
The 2025 NV5 Invitational, a premier event on the Korn Ferry Tour, is scheduled for July 24-27 at The Glen Club in Glenview. Since its inception in 2019, the tournament has showcased emerging golf talent, with past champions like Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young advancing to the PGA Tour. The event is conducted by the Western Golf Association
and benefits the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full college scholarships to deserving caddies.
The Glen Club, renowned for its challenging par-71, 7,257-yard layout, offers a fitting backdrop for this competition. Spectators can enjoy various ticket options, including general admission and upgraded experiences in The Trophy Club, an open-air venue with views of the pivotal par-3 17th hole. Additionally, youth 15 and under receive complimentary grounds admission when accompanied by an adult, and military personnel are honored with free access throughout the tournament. The 2025 NV5 Invitational promises to be an exciting showcase of golf talent and community support. www.esinvitational.com.
LIV Back in Bolingbrook August 8-10
The LIV Golf Chicago tournament is set to return to Bolingbrook Golf Club from August 8–10, marking the fourth consecutive year in town. Following a 2024 event where Jon Rahm secured both the individual title and the season-long championship, the 2025 tournament promises to deliver another exciting weekend of world-class golf. Bolingbrook Golf Club, located approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, offers a challenging 7,104-yard layout designed by the aforementioned Hills and partner Steve Forrest. The course features rolling fairways, elevated greens, and seven lakes, including the signature 156-yard par-3 15th hole with an island green. The 2024 event attracted over 15,000 spectators on the second day alone, setting a record for the largest single-day attendance at a LIV Golf event in the United States. Fans can look forward to thrilling competition, live entertainment, and a vibrant fan experience throughout the weekend. Tickets and hospitality packages are available through the official LIV Golf website. www.events.livgolf.com/chicago.
Ivanhoe’s Billiter Captures Fourth Illinois PGA Match Play Championship
Jim Billiter, Head PGA Professional at Ivanhoe Club added another chapter to his already impressive Illinois PGA legacy, winning his fourth career Harris Golf Cars Illinois PGA Match Play Championship title May 8 at Butterfield Country Club, defeating David Krzepicki (North Shore Country Club), 5 & 3. Billiter becomes just the fourth player to win this event at least four times, joining Illinois PGA legends Bob Ackerman (6), Bill Ogden (5), and Bob Harris (5).
The championship marks Billiter’s first Match Play title since 2021, and solidifies his place among the elite Match Play competitors in Illinois PGA history.
“It’s always special to win this event, especially against such a talented field,” said Billiter. “I’ve always thought that I was a better match play player than a stroke play player because you have to think differently. Butterfield is an amazing place, and I especially love it because there is almost no out-of-bounds to the right. To come through so many tough matches and lift the trophy again—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
there are dozens of reasons why any ambitious young adult might aspire to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. For some, the school’s outstanding programs in engineering, pharmacy, cybersecurity and aviation are reason enough to enroll. For others, it may well be the opportunity to participate in one or more of the 18 elite sports programs offered by this Big Ten powerhouse. And for many more, the reasons undoubtedly include the university’s reputation for academic excellence; its impressive, sprawling campus; its vibrant campus life and its close proximity to both Indianapolis and Chicago.
Still one more great reason to attend—or visit—Purdue resides just outside the parking lot of Ross-Ade stadium--home of Purdue’s football team. Collectively known as the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, a pair of Pete Dye-designed courses are ranked among the top 20 college layouts in the country, and have proudly played host to Big Ten championships and even the NCAA national championship. In March, these courses were complemented by a newly built multi-level clubhouse complete with locker rooms, dining options, lounge areas and a full-service beverage bar.
“Our two Pete Dye-designed golf courses have attracted guests from around the Midwest for decades, said PGA Professional and Director of Instruction Dan Ross. “These world-class layouts are now appropriately complemented by a world-class clubhouse, named after Pete for all of his contributions to both the university and to the game of golf.”
Originally built in 1934 by Bill Diddel, the Ackerman-Allen Course (formerly Ackerman Hills) hosted the 1961 NCAA Championship, which was won by the hometown Boilermaker team (with an Ohio State phenom named Jack Nicklaus as tournament medalist). The parkland course was redesigned by Larry Packard in 1968 and received further renovations by Packard in 1998.
In 2016, Purdue alumnus Dye led a dynamic re-imagining of the Ackerman-Allen course. In one of his last projects prior to retirement, he transformed the course into a dramatic and dynamic venue featuring rolling hills, tree lined fairways and five sets of tees, along with a few signature Dye flourishes scattered across the property, including massive elevated greens and devilishly placed bunkers.
The multiple tee options allow players to pick the challenge level appropriate for their handicaps. The front tees set the course at 5,255 yards, while the back tees stretch it to over 7,500 yards. “Long hitters can be really challenged from the back tees,” said Ross. “And double-digit handicappers can play the course at a length that makes them comfortable. Plus, there’s always the option of alternating tees to provide just the right length to make the course both fun and challenging.”
My favorite hole on the front nine is the 543-yard No. 6. While the scorecard shows this as a straightaway three-shot hole, a treeline on both sides of the fairway makes this feel a lot more like a dogleg if your tee shot along the right side causes you to navigate under or around tree branches. The green is also protected by a large bunker in front and a smaller one to the left.
The feature hole on the back nine is the epic No. 15, a massive par 4 that plays to 489 yards from the championship tees and over 400 yards from all but one of four alternative tees. If the length of this hole doesn’t get your attention, the bunkers along the left side of the landing area will, as will the pond and sand defending the right side of the green. A par here feels like a birdie.
The Kampen-Cosler Course has been celebrated as one of the toughest golf courses in Indiana. Over the years, the course has hosted the Big Ten Championship, the Indiana Open, the Women’s Western Open and the Men’s NCAA Championship. While not as hilly or as forested as the Ackerman-Allen course, its deep bunkers and scattered wetlands can be accompanied on any given day by wind gusts that blow across exposed areas of the property.
While access to the Kampen-Cosler Course is not available to the general public via the Birck Boilermaker website, custom packages can be built to include this gem which is part of the Pete Dye golf trail. Starting in April, the Union Club Hotel, located next to the university’s student union, began offering an exclusive deluxe package that incorporates a round of golf at the Kampen-Cosler Course (or Ackerman-Allen) along with other amenities (more details at the end of this story).
By Neal Kotlarek
Originally known as the North Course, the Kampen-Cosler Course 1994 renovation has a fascinating back story. To transform the layout into one of the premier college courses in the country, Dye graciously charged the university $1.00 for his services. He then enlisted the services of course superintendent Jim Scott and 32 Purdue students enrolled in the school’s turfgrass program to get first-hand experience on how to design, engineer and build a golf course. Along with building contours and hills over prairie, Dye also worked to build an ingenious eco-system that collected and returned water used on fairways and greens. To this day, the Kampen-Cosler course is considered one of the most environmentally-friendly courses in the world.
The highlights of the course are Nos. 6 and 7. The former is a sprawling and magnificent par 5 around a celery bog, the latter is a short par 4 that serves up option tee shot landing areas that sandwich an imposing waste area. Students of golf architecture will be fascinated by the views behind each green. Walk off the putting surface of No. 6 and behold a landscape teeming with over a dozen bunkers of all shapes and sizes. When concluding No. 7, notice the fall-off behind the green which captures any and all approach shots—or tee shots—that dare go beyond the flagstick.
Following your round at either of the two courses, make time to relax and reflect on your round with a visit to the aforementioned Pete Dye Clubhouse. A spacious lounge area a few steps away from the pro shop serves up scrumptious food along with a full bar area featuring craft cocktails and an array of microbrews.
The second floor of the clubhouse is also home to what is surely one of the most unique amenities on any campus golf clubhouse—a steakhouse restaurant complete with USDA Prime cuts, a curated selection of cocktails and a 450-bottle wine wall.
“We think Boilerhouse Prime will be an amazing addition to the Birck Boilermaker golf complex and the university campus,” said general manager Shane Keeton at the restaurant’s April 9th grand opening. “The steakhouse exudes a club-inspired ambience with an elegant 30-seat cocktail-and-raw bar and a seasonal terrace. Our vision is for our guests to complete a memorable day on the golf course with an equally memorable dining experience.”
The steakhouse and clubhouse bar are managed by White Lodging, a hospitality company that also manages the Union Club Hotel, The Spa Union Club Hotel and 8Eleven Bistro, all on campus and connected to the university’s student union. Located a five-minute drive from the Birck Boilermaker golf complex, the Union Club Hotel is still another outstanding way to make a golf trip to West Lafayette special. Originally built in 1929 and expanded in 1953, the hotel underwent $35 million in renovations a few years ago. Its elegantly appointed rooms, fine dining, bar and spa services have earned the property a designation as a Marriott Autograph Collection. Beyond its luxury amenities, the hotel is the only student-run Autograph Hotel in the world. Purdue’s world-class program in hospitality and tourism management incorporates the hotel as a handson laboratory for real world industry experience. As a personal note, I was greeted by more smiles, assistance and personal introductions in my twoday stay at the Union Club Hotel than I’ve received over countless hotel stays in countless other cities. I highly recommend that others relive my experience.
As a tie-in to the grand opening of the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex’s clubhouse and steakhouse, the Union Club Hotel now offers a stay-andplay package that includes a round of golf at either of the Purdue courses, $75 credit to the hotel’s on-property luxury spa, $100 towards dinner at Boilerhouse Prime, $25 toward the hotel’s food and beverage outlet, complimentary valet and late checkout. For reservations and more details, visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/golf.
In making your golf selection in the package, keep in mind that the Ackerman-Allen course is available to the public with tee times scheduled through the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex website at www.purduegolf. com. Access to the Kampen-Cosler golf course, on the other hand, provides golfers with a special opportunity to play a very special Pete Dye-designed golf course.
“Chicagoans don’t have a lot of access to Pete Dye-designed golf courses,” said Dan Ross. “The opportunity to experience not one but two great Dye courses a relatively short drive from the city should be near the top of any golfer’s bucket list,” he added.
This June, the hills will come alive with the sound of golf at Northern Michigan’s spectacular The Highlands golf resort. The base of the very same mountain that thrills skiers during the winter will every spring, summer and fall be transformed into Doon Brae, a delightful and unique 9-hole short course designed by Michigan architect Ray Hearn as a loving tribute to Scottish golf. The course features greens inspired by legendary courses across the British Isles and rests alongside The Back Yaird—a massive 27-hole putting green that stretches over 1.5 acres of rolling terrain.
T he addition of Doon Brae now provides golfers with five courses at the award-winning property located in Harbor Springs. The Highlands is one of three four-season resorts spread across a short expanse of Northern Michigan that are collectively known as Boyne Resorts. Stationed at or around these expansive four-season complexes are 11 challenging and amazingly diverse golf courses, including two Boyne Mountain courses, Crooked Tree Golf Club, The Highlands courses and Bay Harbor. Each is picture-postcard-perfect in beauty and conditioning.
“Doon Brae and The Back Yaird are great additions to The Highlands,” said Ken Griffin, director of sales and marketing at Boyne Resorts in an interview. “Not only is Doon Brae a terrific course, it opens up the resort to guests who are new to golf or who might not have the time to play one of our championship courses.”
In Scottish, Doon means going down into a valley and Brae means hillside. Even though most holes on the course do indeed head down the ski slope, a few others call for an additional club as they climb up or across the mountain. The course plays to 1,050 yards from the back tees and a polite 851 yards from the front tees. The longest hole is 150 yards; the shortest is 88 yards.
W hile most short courses are built at golf resorts to cater to golfers as a way to unwind after a long day on the links, Doon Brae will also accommodate the broader audience of The Highlands that includes vacationing families. Large greens and open tee areas make the course a great and picturesque way to introduce new players to the game. But
Michigan’s BOYNE Golf Serves Up New Experiences with Short Course Grand Opening
By Neal Kotlarek
Doon Brae Hole #1
Doon Brae Holes #3, #4, and #5
Doon Brae Hole #4
the course is also no pushover. Downhill, uphill and sidehill lies are the norm for those who miss the green off the tee. And a few greens are protected by massive bunkers that require deft sand play. The greens are the star of the show on the course as many play subtle tribute to the green complexes of legendary architects including Seth Raynor and CB McDonald.
In April, the 11 courses that make up BOYNE Golf were recognized as the “Best Golf Destination in America” by USA Today. An expert panel nominated the top ten golf facilities in the country. That grouping was then voted on by readers who cited the collection of Boyne courses above the likes of formidable competitors including St. George, Utah, and Lakes of the Ozarks, Missouri. In a separate poll, voters identified The Heather as among the best two golf resorts in America based upon the quality of golf, lodging, amenities and dining options.
Across all three Boyne resorts—The Highlands, Bay Harbor in nearby Petosky, and Boyne Mountain, a 30-minute drive south in Boyne Falls—fans of great golf architecture are treated to the works of some of the world’s legendary designers. The Monument Course at Boyne Mountain incorporates holes inspired by the iconic holes of Dr. Alister Mackenzie, George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Pete Dye.
The Heather course at The Highlands is a 1966 masterpiece by Trent Jones Sr. and is annually cited by national golf magazines as one of Michigan’s premier layouts. On June 13 – 15, The Heather will play host to the inaugural Great Lakes Championship, an Epson Tour event featuring aspiring young female golfers hoping to qualify for the LPGA Tour. The lucrative purse of $250,000 is expected to draw the tour’s top players, who will take on one of the top championship courses in Michigan.
Over the past four years, holes across the Donald Ross Memorial Course at The Highlands have received meticulous renovations by architect Hearn. The heralded designer from Holland, Michigan, has worked off of original Ross hole drawings to provide a better approximation of the legendary Scottish architect’s works at courses including Royal Dornoch in Scotland, Pinehurst in North Carolina and Seminole in Florida.
The rolling and rollicking Arthur Hills Course is my personal favorite golf experience at The Highlands due to both its massive green complexes and its sheer beauty. Any golf trip should necessarily include this tract on the itinerary. The course highlight is the par-5 No. 13 that begins from a tee built on top of the world and descends across and over a valley before climbing up and then down a knoll toward a massive green.
Doon Brae Hole #7
Along with amenities that as an aggregate include swimming pools, an indoor waterpark, ziplining, horseback riding and Segway tours, all three Boyne resorts are in constant states of expansion. In just the past year, The Highlands has added trails for hiking and biking and introduced the Prime and Vine steakhouse. Everyone visiting Northern Michigan must visit the 1,203-feet-long pedestrian Sky Bridge at Boyne Mountain which provides exhilarating views and light displays of the stunning Northern Michigan landscape.
In total, the three anchor Boyne properties offer hundreds of accommodations options, from the elegant cottages and suites at the Inn at Bay Harbor to family villas at Boyne Mountain, and to townhomes, condominiums, hotel rooms and suites at The Highlands.
Golf, of course, remains the centerpiece at all three Boyne resorts. Located in Boyne Falls, Boyne Mountain is renowned across all of Michigan for its towering and popular ski hills. Parts of those hills serve double duty during spring, summer
and fall in the designs of both the Alpine and Monument courses. Players get to understand the size and scale of both courses right out of the gate as the ride between the clubhouse and the first tee takes you up the mountain for a magnificent view toward fairways below. The Monument Course incorporates the previously referenced tribute holes while The Alpine Course—which serves as annual host to the Michigan PGA’s Tournament of Champions—offers up breathtaking views on holes lined with soaring trees.
Designed by Art Hills, the 27 holes at Bay Harbor are actually three unique 9-hole courses, each with different landscapes. The Links takes players alongside cliffs hugging Lake Michigan. The Scottish-links-inspired course is highlighted by the stunning par-5 No. 7 that serves up a huge tee shot landing area in between mounds and thick rough. Following a well-placed second shot which avoids the perilous right side of the fairway, the approach must keep to the right side of the putting surface which hovers above the lake.
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Bay Harbor Links Hole #2 and Hole #7
Boyne Mountain Monument Alpine Hole #18
Highlands Donald Ross Hole #15
Highlands Donald Ross Hole #1
Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort, Gulf Shores
DON’T SLEEP ON THE SOUTH: BIRMINGHAM GOLF IS WIDE AWAKE
By Gregg Dewalt
For a city that has only been around since 1871, Birmingham has a compelling, yet compliated history.
NestledinJonesValleyonthe southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham has run the gamut of industrial giants in the New South to the center of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. More recently, it has reinvented itself as a hybrid medical/financial/technology center while maintaining its heritage in the iron and steel industries.
Along the way, Birmingham hasembraceditspastwhilemarching straight into the future. Visitors to the “Magic City” are as likely to wander into a hole-in-the-wall cinder block building to sample some of the best barbeque around to sit down to a feast at a five-star James Beard award-winning restaurant. And, oh yeah, the public golf scene ain’t half bad either. In Birmingham, you can tee it up on a course where Bobby Jones once won a tournament as a 14-yearold, or grip it-and-rip it on a course where the PGA Tour Champions have played. Just as the city is thriving, so is golf.
Among the various options for Birmingham golf, four courses are considered must-play venues. The crown jewel of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is Ross Bridge in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham.
One of the final Trail sites to open, Ross Bridge is expansive in scope and is spread out over 310 acres. It features generous greens, widefairwaysandmagnificentscenery. It’s one of the longest courses in the world if you choose to play
the black tees, where it checks in at a stout 8,191 yards.
But don’t let that scare you; Ross Bridge is player friendly as long as you get on the right set of tees according to your skill level.
Ro ss Bridge underwent renovations in 2023 that included redoing all 18 greens with TifEagle
grass, reworking bunkers and moving some cart paths to make it more player-friendly.
The course offers dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views, especially on the back nine. One of its signature features is the layout’s natural beauty, with an abundance of mature trees,
creek beds, and ponds providing both challenge and visual appeal.
Chip Purser, the director of golf since Ross Bridge opened in 2005, said the goal is for visitors to have the best experience possible when they visit.
“That they were really well taken care of and Ross Bridge played well for them—that they were able to enjoy themselves,” he said. “When you drive in, you get that ‘Wow’ factor with the hotel and castle. You think this is going to be pretty cool.”
It’s hard to define a signature hole at Ross Bridge, but the tee shot on the short par-4 No. 2 from an elevated tee is as spectacular as the daunting tee shot at No. 4, a 138-yard par 3 over water to a shallow green.
Oxmoor Valley
Just five minutes down the road is Oxmoor Valley, one of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s original sites. With 45 holes, the Valley course, the Ridge course, and the Backyard 9-hole short course, Oxmoor Valley has something for all players to enjoy.
The Ridge Course is the more demanding of the two, set high on the hillside, offering dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and water hazards, this course is known for its challenging layout, requiring precise shot-making and strong course management. The elevated tees and greens add a
Ross Bridge Resort
Ross Bridge Hole #18
layer of complexity, making club selection and shot accuracy especially important.
The up-and-down terrain makes the Ridge course more target golf than its counterpart. On the Ridge, many tee shots require hitting to a certain shelf. That’s followed by demanding approach shots to greens that are divided into sections. Get the right club in your hands and hit to the correct section and a legitimate birdie opportunity awaits. Hit it to the wrong section and good luck walking away with a two-putt.
In contrast, the Valley course runs through a flatter landscape with more forgiving fairways, though it still presents its own set of challenges. The course is easier to navigate for golfers who may struggle with the steep slopes of the Ridge Course, but still provides a formidable test with its fair share of water features, bunkers, and doglegs. The Valley course offers a more traditional layout, with some holes framed by scenic tree lines and natural terrain. It is generally considered more approachable for golfers of all skill levels.
While Robert Trent Jones Sr. is listed as the designer, like most of the other Trail stops much of the design work is credited to Roger Rulewich, a longtime Jones team member.
The Oxmoor Valley courses offer stunning views of the Appalachian foothills and nearby Red Mountain. From the Ridge course, the downtown Birmingham skyline beckons in the distance.
True to Robert Trent Jones’s philosophy, both courses emphasize strategic shot-making over brute power, requiring golfers to think their way around the course while managing risk.
No visit to Oxmoor Valley is complete without a quick trip around The Backyard, a quaint nine-hole short course cut from the mold of Pinehurst’s Cradle or Pebble Beach’s The Hay. With no shot playing more than 130 yards, The Backyard is a great place to work on your short game, settle
some bets, or for new players to hone their game. It’s more about the social aspect of the game, so players are encouraged to grab a cocktail and enjoy the walk.
Highland Park Golf Course
There’s no course with more history in Alabama than Highland Park, a city-owned municipal course that opened in 1903 as the original Birmingham Country Club. It’s where Bobby Jones won the Birmingham CC Invitational at the age of 14 and served as the home course for 17-time national champion blind golfer Charley Boswell, for whom the course was renamed in 1956.
Eventually the course, located in the heart of Birmingham, was renamed Highland Park. It’s undergone at least two renovations since 1998 and provides a unique blend of traditional design and natural beauty, featuring well-maintained greens, fairways, and panoramic views of downtown and the surrounding foothills.
Although short by modern standards at 5,200 yards, Highland
Park is no pushover. Its tree-lined fairways require precise tee shots and approach shots.
Highland Park is a perfect example of how good a municipal golf course in an urban setting can be.
Other Course Options
While those courses certainly stand out, there are a number of other public options just a short drive from downtown Birmingham. One option is Bent Brook, built on a former dairy farm that offers 27 holes that underwent renovations in 2016. Ballantrae Golf Club in nearby Pelham is a semi-private 18-hole Bob Cupp design that is home to the Alabama-NW Florida Section of the PGA of America. It has some of the best, and fastest, Bermuda-grass greens in the area. Continue south down I-65 and you’ll encounter Timberline Golf Club, another semi-private course designed by Jerry Pate. Timberline is set among gently rolling hills with fairways lined by hardwoods.
Oak Mountain Golf Course is a state-owned course carved from
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Barber Motorsports Museum
Ross Bridge
the forest in a state park setting. Limestone Springs in nearby Oneonta is a classic Jerry Pate design that underwent an ownership change and complete renovation that has restored it to its original luster. Farmlinks at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga is considered by some to be the top public facility in the state.
Where to Stay
Birmingham is chock-full of hotel options, all of which are within easy drives to the area’s golf courses The 259-room Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa is away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area and is an immaculate place to stay. Like the golf course, it doesn’t get much better than this recently renovated five-star hotel which has an expanded pool area, a number of restaurant options, and a terrific spa. Another popular option is the Homewood Suites by Hilton Birmingham UAB. In the heart of the medical district, this hotel is steps from the popular Five Points South entertainment district.
Things to Do
From an underrated culinary and craft brewery scene to the historic Birmingham Civil Rights District, Birmingham has a variety of must-visit attractions. For sports lovers, take in a Birmingham Barons Southern
League baseball game at Regions Field or a Birmingham Stallions UFL football game at Protective Stadium. Be sure to tour historic Rickwood Field and the Negro Southern League. There’s also the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame that celebrates the state’s athletic history.
You don’t have to be a gear head to enjoy the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum that contains the world’s largest collection of vintage and contemporary motorcycles and Lotus cars.
The Birmingham Civil Rights District includes several key landmarks that were central to the struggle for racial equality in the 1950s and 1960s. Perhaps the most significant stop on the district’s tour is the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four African American girls were killed in a bombing. Nearby, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute serves as both a museum and an educational center.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of great places to grab a bite to eat, but if you are in the South a barbeque stop is a must. Saw’s Soul Kitchen is popular among locals and visitors, while Le Fresca Ristorante Italiano will satisfy your Italian craving. For a casual burger and beer, hit Back Forty Beer Company, one of numerous breweries in Birmingham.
Where one great course leads to another
Discover 12 incredible courses at one unforgettable destination. Come PLAY and STAY with us. Book your Golf Trail Getaway today. Visit GolfAtLakeOfTheOzarks.com.
Boyne
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You will need an additional few minutes following the hole to take photos of your foursome standing behind this green seemingly on the edge of the world.
The Quarry nine is a reminder of that property’s humble roots as grounds of a cement factory that was decommissioned in the 1980s. One hole calls for a tee shot over a 40-foot gorge while others weave around the quarry and ,around natural ponds and wetlands. The par-3 No. 8 features Lake Michigan as both a backdrop and a hazard behind the green. No. 9 is a memorable finishing hole lined by the lake on the left and drops down to a huge green protected on the right side by a massive bunker.
The Preserve is nestled in hardwood forest and abounds with wildflowers, native wetlands and an abundance of wildlife. Following eight holes through the woods, the course ends on a 186yd. par 3 featuring a sloping green postured above the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan.
We at Golf360 are preparing for our 10th year, and 30th year overall, of producing golf TV shows. Each monthly episode airs a minimum of 10 times on The Marquee Network, the official station of the Chicago Cubs. We are proud to announce that longtime WGN-TV sports anchor/reporter Dan Roan is the new host of Golf360 TV!
For airtimes, visit www.linksvideo.net/golf360tv
Crooked Tree Golf Club is located just across the highway from Bay Harbor and dishes out 18 perfectly manicured championship holes perched high on bluffs overlooking Little Traverse Bay. No trip to Bay Harbor is complete without drinks and dinner at the opulent Inn at Bay Harbor, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel. A gourmet dinner on the veranda overlooking the lake at sunset will make for a truly memorable meal.
Even as the resort prepares to welcome guests to the 2025 season with the introduction of Doon Brae short course and the Himalayas-style Back Yaird putting green, still other resort amenities are in various stages of project development. In coming years, the resort group looks to add a music venue, an outdoor sports complex, a new beach house and perhaps even a new Pete Dye-designed golf course that was sketched out for the property by the designer years ago.
“We owe it to our residents, members and guests to offer new and unique ways to improve the Boyne Experience,” said Griffin. “There’s a phrase in business that argues ‘Go big or go home.’ At Boyne Resorts, we have no interest in going home!”
To book a trip or for more information, visit www.boyneresorts.com.
Host Dan Roan
Golf Facilities of Interest to Every Golfer
Make sure when you play a course from our directory that you mention
Abbey Springs
262-275-6113
One Country Club Dr. Fontana, WI 53125 abbeysprings.org
Abbey Springs has been rated 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest. With spectacular views of Geneva Lake, Abbey Springs underwent a major green renovation in 2021, featuring state of the art 007 bent grass on all greens. Make your reservation at the web site above.
Arrowhead Golf Club
630-653-5800
26W151 Butterfield Rd. Wheaton, IL 60189 arrowheadgolfclub.org
Arrowhead Golf Club is recognized for its beautifully maintained course and inviting atmosphere.
Arrowhead is a public course which offers impeccable golfing conditions at affordable rates on three separate par-72 18-hole layouts surrounded by forest preserve. The West, East, and South Courses feature new bunker renovations and enhancements. The practice area includes a lighted driving range, putting green, and chipping green. Group and individual golf lessons are available.
The Bluffs
Public Golf Club
815-467-7888
24355 W. Bluff Rd. Channahon, IL 60410 heritagebluffs.com
18 Holes: Par 72
Yardage: 5,035 - 7,171
Located near the intersection of Interstates 80 and 55 just south of Joliet, Heritage Bluffs is the pride of the Channahon Park District. The tranquil surroundings make a day playing golf fun and relaxing.
Along with our award-winning course we also feature a large all-grass practice range, along with a large putting green and a separate chipping green and bunker. After your round you can relax in our Grille Room or out on the patio, enjoying a full menu of delicious food and beverage choices.
Balmoral Woods Golf Club
708-672-7448
26732 S. Balmoral Woods Dr. Crete, IL 60417 balmoralwoods.com
Balmoral Woods offers a demanding, superbly conditioned, magnificent round of golf.
Laid out over 280 acres of wooded, rolling hills, the course will test the skill of golfers with its 6700-yard, 72.6 rated, 133-slope layout. It is a public 18-hole golf course, has hosted many local and state events and tournaments, and is the annual home of the Will County Amateur Championship. Check out our website for new rates, reservations, and more information. Follow us on instagram for the latest updates and events.
Bullseye Golf Club
715-423-2225
2800 Ridgewood Trail Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 bullseyegolfclub.com
Designed by Larry Packard featuring towering pines giving a feel of the Carolinas right in Central Wisconsin. The Wisconsin River provides a picturesque view for the finishing holes across our rolling terrain. Warm up before your round on our new 30,000 sq. ft. bent grass practice tee!
Belmont Golf Club
630-963-1306
2420 Haddow Ave. Downers Grove, IL 60515 belmontgolfclub.org
The historic Belmont Golf Club is a scenic 9-hole par-36 course featuring mature trees, natural areas, elevation, and water hazards. A driving range with 24 hitting stations, a practice putting green, sand trap, and chipping area includes a 10-station covered shelter.
Cantigny Golf
630-668-8463
27W270 Mack Rd. Wheaton, IL 60189 cantignygolf.com
Part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Cantigny Golf opened in 1989 and is managed by KemperSports. A renovation of Cantigny’s highly rated 27 holes begins in June 2025 with the Hillside nine, followed by the Woodside and Lakeside nines. Eighteen holes will remain open for play throughout the three-year project. Cantigny Golf Academy offers TrackMan Range technology, installed in 2023, plus club fitting and repair services, junior clinics, private lessons and climate-controlled hitting bays. Cantigny Youth Links is a 9-hole, par-3 course for families.
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
866-264-4455
12294 Archer Ave. Palos Park, IL 60439 coghillgolf.com
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, a Jemsek Golf Facility, is a historic 72-hole public golf facility located 30 miles southwest of Chicago. The yearround facility includes a driving range equipped with lights and heated Toptracer stalls, two golf shops, patio dining, and a pavilion for events, along with a 280-seat banquet hall.
• Rated in“America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest
• 2020 GRAA Top 50 Public Range in the Nation
E9 Club
847-306-4423
25681 Hillview Ct.
Mundelein, IL 60060
e9clubs.com
E9 Club is the premier indoor golf and social club that revolutionized the trend in 24/7 indoor golf memberships. It’s a club where the traditions of golf meet today’s technology. Our members are attracted to the camaraderie and culture of belonging to a group of like-minded golf lovers, who share in the very nature of golf: it’s competitive spirit, challenge for self improvement, and community of life-long friendships.
Elevation Golf
630-590-5105
810 Village Center Drive Burr Ridge, IL 60527 elevationus.com/collections/ chicago
• Open to the Public
• Practice or Play
• Foresight and Trackman Simulators
• Over 50 Golf Courses Available
• Monthly memberships Available
• Contact Us to Reserve Your Permanent Time
• Golf Leagues Available
RightSize Adjustable
Kids Putter
717-745-8524
goforitgolf.com
The RightSize Adjustable Putter is the ultimate all-in-one club for kids and families. With its patented extendable shaft, it grows with your child, eliminating the need for multiple putters. Perfect for mini golf, the basement, or the course. It’s fun, durable, and easy to use!
You now have your choice of simulator rental. Make sure to make all selections before you book your simulator. In this order, please select location, resource, group size, reservation length, date, and time.
The Golf Facility
708-694-4014
19031 Old LaGrange Rd. Suite 200 Mokena, IL. 60448 thegolffacility.com
Golf Facility is an indoor golf club located in Mokena, Illinois, that hosts eight golf simulator bays powered by Foresight Sport’s GC Hawk and FSX Play sim courses, a 750 square foot putting green powered by Puttview, a golf instruction room powered by V1 Sports high speed cameras, and V1 Sports teaching software. Finally, we host a state-of-the-art putting fitting studio powered by Quintic who offers the #1 launch monitor for putting in the world. We have it all to grow your golf game of any level!
Elevation Golf
317-816-3111
Prairie View Golf Club 7000 Longest Drive Carmel, IN 46033 elevationus.com/pages/ indianapolis-1
• Open to the Public Year Round
• Indoor/Outdoor Academy at Prairie View GC
• Four Indoor/Outdoor Hitting Bays with Heaters for Offseason Use
• Three Indoor Simulators
• Trackman, Foresight, Uneekor, and About Golf Simulators
• Memberships Available
You now have your choice of hitting bay or simulator rental. Make sure to make all selections before you reserve. In this order, please select location, resource, group size, reservation length, date, and time.
Golf Factory
224-248-8163
63 Randhurst Village Dr. Mt Prospect, IL 60056 golffactory.golf
The Golf Factory is a 9000-square-foot indoor golf haven created by golfers for golfers. Our vibrant space boasts top-tier indoor golf technology, including 10 state-of-the-art Trackman golf simulators. With over 350 golf courses, games, video, and practice modes, our facility caters to everyone from beginners to seasoned players. Apart from personal enjoyment, Golf Factory is an ideal venue for parties and corporate events,.
Fountain Hills Golf Club
708-388-4653
12601 S. Kedzie Ave. Alsip, IL 60803 alsipparks.org
Fountain Hills Golf Club is a par- 36 9-hole layout measuring 3,233 yards. It has a nice collection of golf holes, unique in character and strategy, making this course playable for the beginning golfer, with plenty of interest and challenge for the experienced player.
Additional amenities include a 30-station lighted driving range, practice putting green, sand trap, and chipping area, along with a 100-seat banquet hall. After your round unwind at our BackNine restaurant and bar.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
262-248-8811
7036 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva, WI 53147 grandgeneva.com
Tee off on two award-winning 18-hole courses that make Grand Geneva Resort & Spa one of the Midwest’s favorite golf destinations. Enjoy individual tee times offering dynamic pricing, private instruction led by certified PGA staff and fully customized group outings.
Harborside International Golf Club
312-782-7837
11001 S. Doty Ave. East Chicago, IL 60628
harborsidegolf.com
Harborside International Golf Center, home to the Port & Starboard Courses, is Chicago’s home for golf. Located minutes from Chicago’s Loop, Harborside offers a premier golf experience in the Chicagoland area. Harborside is the only facility with two of Golfweek ’s “Best Courses You Can Play in Illinois” and is home to an expansive practice facility. Harborside is owned by the Illinois International Port District and managed by KemperSports.
The Golf Courses of Lawsonia
920-294-3320
W2615 S. Valley View Dr. Green Lake, WI 54941 lawsonwia.com
The Golf Courses of Lawsonia offers two distinctly different 18-hole layouts of magnificent design, astounding panoramas, and unmatched beauty. Experience the award-winning Links Course and charming Woodlands Course for yourself. Stay & Play packages with on-site lodging are available.
Heritage Oaks Golf Club
847-291-2351
3535 Dundee Rd. Northbrook, IL 60623 heritageoaksgc.com
Conveniently located between the Edens Expressway and Interstate 294, 30 minutes north of Chicago. Featuring 27 holes of tree-lined golf, a practice range equipped with TrackMan® technology, our golf academy, and indoor golf simulators, Heritage Oaks offers something for everyone. With the elevated Acorn Grill + Terrace overlooking courses certified by the National Audubon Society, Heritage Oaks Golf Club welcomes you for golf, for a meal, or for a timeless experience.
Kankakee Elks Country Club
815-937-9547
2283 Bittersweet Dr. Saint Anne, IL 60964
elksgolf627.com
The Kankakee Elks Country Club is an 18-hole par-72 course. It is one of Illinois’ premier Langford @ Moreau design courses, featuring some of the best green complexes in Illinois, 40 miles south of Chicago along the beautiful Kankakee River with very affordable rates.
Chose from one of our four tees to accommodate all levels of play.
Driving range, chipping area, and putting green with newly remodeled bar and snack shop.
Naperbrook Golf Course
630-378-4215
22204 W. 111th St. / Hassert Blvd. Plainfield, IL 60585 golfnaperville.org
Located in Plainfield, scenic Naperbrook Golf Course is a “links style” course that features rolling hills and wide fairways. Challenges in the way of ponds, a double green, and hidden bunkers await golfers of all levels. Additional amenities include a recently updated and expanded practice area featuring a one-acre turf range tee, large practice green, and practice bunker. Enjoy post-game refreshments on the picturesque patio. Naperbrook also offers lessons, outings, a well-stocked golf shop, and much more.
Lake Arrowhead
715-325-2929
1195 Apache Ln. Nekoosa, WI 54457 lakearrowheadgolf.com
Located in the heart of Central Wisconsin, Lake Arrowhead boasts two of the Midwest’s elite 18-hole golf courses. Here you have the rare opportunity to enjoy not just one, but two 4½ star championship golf courses in one incredible experience.
Northern Bay Resort and Marina
608-339-2090 ext. 2 1844 20th Ave. Arkdale, WI 54613 northernbayresort.com
Play where the pros play. Experience our unique replica golf course inspired by the most celebrated holes in the game and situated on the shores of Castle Rock Lake.
Northern Bay offers all the amenities of a Wisconsin Dells resort without all the hustle and bustle. Bring your golf buddies to play our one-of-a-kind replica course, or relax around the lake with your family. However you choose to stay, we look forward to greeting you at Northern Bay. Get started and book your tee time.
Pine Meadow Golf Club
847-566-4653
1 Pine Meadow Ln. Mundelein, IL 60060 pinemeadowgc.com
Pine Meadow Golf Club is known for our beautiful 220 acres of fairways, greens, pine trees, and meadow areas. Golfers of all abilities and ages enjoy the serene setting and fun playable design of the “Pine.”
The Pine, due to its challenging design, has been host to all types of competitive events ranging from PGA Jr. League, to Men’s and Women’s State Ams, to Illinois PGA Championships. This is truly a golf facility for everyone.
PrairieView Golf Club
815-234-4653
6734 N. German Church Rd. Byron, IL 61010 prairieviewgolf.com
Recognized by many suburban golfers as a hidden gem, PrairieView Golf Club boasts beautiful views of restored dolomite prairie land that is well worth a short drive west out to Bryon, Ill. (south of Rockford). With challenging greens, dramatic bunkering, and supreme conditioning, the course will test the skills and nerves of every golfer. PrairieView is also home to PrairieFire Golf & Grill, a year-round Toptracer Range® with heated bays, lounge seating, and great food and drink selections.
Sand Valley
888-398-8671
1697 Leopold Way Nekoosa, WI 54457 sandvalley.com
Sand Valley is known for its three award-winning golf courses, Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, and the Sandbox, which were modeled after the great heathland courses of London. Enjoy dramatic views, a magnitude of strategic playing options, modern lodging, and a culinary experience to match.
Purdue’s Ackerman-Allen Course
765-494-3139
West Lafayette, IN purduegolf.com
The Ackerman-Allen Course, a Pete Dye design, is an 18hole, parkland-style, par-72 championship golf course featuring large bent-grass greens, fairways and tees. The layout presents a challenge for golfers of all abilities with rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, white sand bunkers, and minimal water hazards. Ackerman-Allen offers five sets of tees with the championship tees playing over 7,500 yards and the forward tees playing at 5,300 yards.
Purdue’s Kampen-Cosler Course
765-494-3139
West Lafayette, IN purduegolf.com
The Kampen-Cosler Course, a Pete Dye design, is an 18-hole, links-style, par-72 championship course features large bent-grass greens, fairways, and tees. The layout is a challenge for golfers of all abilities with vast sand bunkers, native grasslands, ponds, and a natural celery bog. There are five sets of tees with the championship tees playing over 7,400 yards and the forward tees at 5,300 yards.
The Sanctuary Golf Course
815-462-4653 (GOLF) 485 North Marley Rd. New Lennox, IL 60451 golfsanctuary.com
Explore The Sanctuary Golf Course. Spanning 6,900 yards it offers a challenging experience. Also available is the Toptracer practice facility with 20 heated bays, along with a 30-station grass area and state-of-the-art short game and putting green. Unwind after your round at our Bunker Bar and Grill.
The Shack Indoor Golf
847-904-2905 1717 Chestnut Ave. Glenview, IL 60025 theshackgolfclub.com
The Shack Indoor Golf Club features TrackMan® simulator technology for an immersive golf experience. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from our full bar while practicing your swing. Perfect for socializing or improving your game, come and tee off at our state-of-the-art facility.
Kampen-Cosler, one of the top collegiate courses in the nation, has been awarded 4.5 stars on Golf Digest ’s “Places to Play.” It receives high marks as one of the most difficult golf courses in Indiana.
Springbrook Golf Course
630-848-5060
2220 W. 83rd St. Naperville, IL 60564 golfnaperville.org
Springbrook GC commands some of the finest views of Naperville’s open space and trails. This 18-hole parkland-style championship course was renovated in 2022, and is expected to reopen in mid-year of 2023 with exciting updates including new tees and bunkers. Work on your swing at the one-acre turf practice tee, or fine tune your short game at the large practice putting green or two short-game practice greens with bunkers. Enjoy post-game refreshments on the expansive patio with great views of the course. Springbrook also offers lessons, outings, a well-stocked golf shop, and more.
Stonewall Orchard Golf Club
847-740-4890
25675 W. Highway 60 Grayslake, IL 60030 stonewallorchard.com
Cutting through hundredyear-old oak and pine trees, Stonewall Orchard Golf Club has quickly become one of Chicago’s most prolific public golf courses.
Since opening in 1999, the Arthur Hills-designed gem located in northwest suburban Grayslake has served as Final Stage Qualifying site for the U.S. Open, and currently sits in rotation with Olympia Fields and Medinah Country Club as host site for the Illinois PGA Section Championship held every Spring 2.
Tam O’Shanter Golf Course & Learning Center
847-965-2344
6700 W. Howard St. Niles, IL 60714 golftam.com
One of the most important courses in popularizing the game of golf in America is located right here in Niles. In 1953, Tam O’Shanter Country Club hosted the first-ever nationally televised golf tournament.
Today, a public 9-hole par-33 course remains, maintained with the goal of providing playing conditions reminiscent of those Hogan, Palmer, and Nicklaus enjoyed years ago. Swing out for a scenic round and walk in the footsteps of legends at Tam O’Shanter! Year-round instruction available!
Willow Hill Golf Course
847-480-7888
1350 Willow Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062
willowhillgolfcourse.com
Willow Hill Golf Course is a Scottish links-style par 35 9-hole course with amazing views of Chicago’s skyline and breathtaking sunsets. The course and clubhouse have recently undergone major renovations. New tee boxes and renovated bunkers have been added throughout. A brand new 35-station all grass driving range is scheduled to open in late spring of 2025. Expansive new patios surround the clubhouse and a new kitchen ensures that after your round, you can enjoy a drink and delicious food from our new restaurant, Landmark on the Hill!
University Ridge Golf Course
608-845-7700
9002 County Rd. PD Madison, WI 53593 universityridge.com
University Ridge is home to the University of Wisconsin Men’s & Women’s Golf Teams. Since 2016, University Ridge has been the host site of the PGA Tour Champions, American Family Insurance Championship, which is hosted by Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker. Play where the Badgers and the Pros play! University Ridge!
White Pines Golf Club
630-766-0304
500 W. Jefferson Bensenville, IL 60106 whitepinesgolf.com
Whitetail Ridge Golf Club
630-882-8988
7671 Clubhouse Dr. Yorkville, IL 60560
Wilmette Golf Club
847-256-9777
3900 Fairway Dr. Wilmette, IL 60091 golfwilmette.com
Wilmette Golf Club is the closest 18-hole facility north of Chicago. This par-70 course will test all skill levels with the purest greens on the North Shore. A 30-station driving range and large putting green are available for working on your game. Enjoy a drink or dinner on the patio overlooking the 18th green at The Lawn. Contact us directly to book your next outing or special event. Take advantage of tee time specials by booking online at golfwilmette.com
The White Pines Golf Club’s two 18-hole championship courses, situated on more than 260 acres, have been a favorite among Chicago area golfers since 1928. The public course, owned and operated by the Bensenville Park District, is an excellent choice for players of all skill levels. Whether it’s an evening at the lighted driving range, a casual round with friends, an outing or special event, White Pines Golf Club offers the perfect setting to get “away from it all.” Enjoy food and drink at 37 Bar & Grill. Take advantage of Monday-Thursday tee time specials and book online.
X-Golf Orland Park
708-966-0486
15876 S. LaGrange Rd. Orland Park, IL 60462
xgolforlandpark.com
We offer eight state-of-the-art simulators which are designed for golfers at all stages of their game. Whether you want to sharpen your game to gain that competitive edge or are just starting out and want to learn new skills without battling the outdoors, this is the place for you. The simulators can give you data about your swing and ball striking to improve your game and along with that, we can help you take your game to the next level by having a PGA-qualified Professional on our team.
whitetailridgegc.com
Experience a “tail” of two Nines at Whitetail Ridge Golf Club. Our Front Nine flows through a beautiful valley featuring a creek that splits through its relatively flat landscape. Our Back Nine begins on #10 with a climb up the slopes and follows the rolling hills into some towering trees. Finish your day in The Persimmon Room. This newly renovated space features an indoor/outdoor dining area with shareable dishes, scratchmade entrees, an extensive list of bourbons and whiskey, and the most spectacular sunsets around!
X-Golf Schaumburg
847-380-1848
1100 American Ln. Schaumburg, IL 60173
xgolf-schaumburg.com
We spent 15 years engineering, learning from golf experts, and creating a simulator of unparalleled accuracy. The result?
A completely new experience that lets golfers play on the world’s top courses, compete in a wide variety of game formats, and of course – enjoy some of the best golf they’ve ever played in a high-energy indoor entertainment facility. Whether a tee time or PGA Professional lesson, X-Golf has it all: a full bar with beer and cocktails, shareable appetizers, and courses designed for all ages and levels from amateurs to professionals.
Joe Burkhardt
The Changing World of Caddying
I grew up caddying at Wannamoisett Country Club in Rumford, Rhode Island, from the tender age of nine through my teenage years, eventually hanging up my caddie duties in 1980 at 19. It was a transformative experience—not just in shaping my work ethic and teaching me life lessons, responsibility, patience, and human interaction, but also in delivering a few unexpected milestones.
At 17, I had my first “Mrs. Robinson” moment, caddying for a captivating older woman. What began on the course that day continued at the driving range that night and eventually led back to her place. Let’s just say I was ahead of my time in understanding the term “cougar.” Thursday was ladies’ day at the club and this woman was a guest of a club member, and I remember laughing with her later about it. The factis that to this day it was the best job ever growing up as a kid, and being around the members hearing stories from them and talking with their playing partners, you grew up fast.
Back then, we didn’t have the modern conveniences of today’s caddying world—no bibs, no schedules, no GPS and certainly no cell phones to organize our day. We stood around for hours in the caddie pit pitching pennies. All of us would jump in someone’s car for Dunkin Donuts before a group we called “the dawn patrol” would tee off first every morning, we hoping to be called for a loop. Today, a caddie
knows ahead of time what loops are booked, thanks to their phone, so they don’t have to be told to go wait in some obscure place like the caddie pit as we did so we weren’t seen. They can plan their day or even the next without the endless waiting around we endured.
A Different Era of Caddying
In the 1970s, my caddying career began with a $5 payout for carrying a single bag. By the time I finished, I was earning around $15 per bag, or $30 for a double loop—a term used for carrying two bags in one round. These weren’t the featherweight, sleek carry bags you see today; these were heavy, leather Burton bags loaded with gear. The leather straps dug into my shoulders, but we didn’t complain. It was a job, and we took pride in it.
Being a caddie required a sharp memory and a keen eye. We were expected to know the course inside and out—not just the layout, but the subtleties of every hole. Yardages weren’t handed to us with the press of a button on a rangefinder. Instead, we calculated distances the old-fashioned way, is in landmarks like sprinkler heads, the back of a bunker, or a particular tree. Accuracy came from experience and training, not technology.
Today’s caddies have it much easier in that regard. With yardage finders and GPS watches, continued
We took pride in carrying whatever bag we were handed, no matter how unwieldy or over-packed. Today, the focus seems to have shifted from enduring the physical challenge to optimizing convenience for the caddie.
precise measurements are just seconds away. While these tools enhance the job, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the way we once operated. We relied solely on our instincts and the naked eye, a skill set that demanded focus and precision. It was just another way we worked to ensure we provided value to the players we served.
Fast Forward to Today
Now, at 63, when I have the pleasure of using a caddie at high-end clubs, the dynamic feels entirely different. Caddies today often earn anywhere from $100 to $150 per bag—figures that seem astronomical compared to what I once made. Of course, inflation and the increased affluence of many private clubs play a role in this dramatic jump in pay.
However, it’s not just the money that’s changed. I’ve noticed a new trend: caddies no longer assume they’ll carry the bag the golfer arrives with. Instead, they often switch out heavy bags for lightweight alternatives without even asking. This would have been unthinkable in my time. We took pride in carrying whatever bag we were handed, no matter how unwieldy or over-packed. Today, the focus seems to have shifted from enduring the physical challenge to optimizing convenience for the caddie.
Having spent a decade as a caddie myself, I can tell within the first hole if
a caddie knows what they’re doing. It’s an instinct honed from years of experience—and sometimes it’s painfully obvious when they don’t. One thing I definitely don’t need is a caddie lining up my three-footer for double bogey. That’s usually the moment they get “the look.” You know the one—the universal signal for ‘please go stand over there’. I respect the work they do, but it’s safe to say I have my own way of doing things after all these years.
Caddying has changed in ways I never would have imagined, but that unspoken partnership between golfer and caddie still remains at the heart of the game—whether I like their bag-swapping and alignment tips or not.
Today’s Caddie: What do We Know? Back in the day, caddies weren’t just bag carriers; they were ball hawks and the ultimate focus group on the course. Guys like Al Ryding, Mark Hogan, Gerard Conforti, the Tracy brothers—Bob, Ted, and Kevin—JJ Sprague, Paul and Joe Anthony, Mooch Thompson, and the Riverside boys were the gold standard. And let’s not forget the twin caddie masters, Billy and Steve Rice, who ran the show with precision. When their player was hitting, they were locked in, tracking every shot like their life depended on it. Losing a ball wasn’t an option, and if you were another caddie with them
who wasn’t paying attention, trust me, they’d let you know about it.
They set the tone for what it meant to be a professional caddie, even as teenagers. It makes me wonder—should today’s caddies be held to a measurable standard? What if players filled out a stat sheet at the end of the round? Did the caddie lose any balls or fail to focus? Did they provide accurate yardages? Could they read greens and rake traps properly? Did they hustle? These metrics might sound over the top, but they’re exactly what guys like Al, Mark, Gerard, the Tracys, JJ, the Anthonys, Mooch, and the Riverside crew prided themselves on. This is a profession. Work at it. Earn your keep instead of just being a bag carrier.
And don’t get me started on the forecaddies at some of today’s clubs. These are guys who don’t even carry the bags—they just stroll along, maybe holding your putter while you drive the cart. I’m not a fan. What amazes me is when they don’t rake a bunker or fail to pay attention to where the player’s ball went. Why do I need that? And then, at the end of the round, each of us hands this guy $50—or sometimes more. For what? So, when I get a caddie that doesn’t live up to the standard, I can’t help but think: where’s my stat sheet to fill out at the end of the round? A little accountability wouldn’t hurt.
Reflecting on Evolution
The evolution of caddying mirrors broader changes in society. In my youth, the job demanded grit, and you earned every dollar through sweat and effort. Today, while the role still requires skill and attention to detail, the shift towards comfort and higher wages suggests a redefinition of what it means to serve. Does this make today’s caddies less hardworking? Not necessarily. The job still involves navigating the course, managing the player’s expectations, and understanding the game. However, there’s a part of me that misses the unspoken code of resilience and adaptability that defined my generation of caddies.
More golf than ever, find it at Sand Valley.