SVM_Golf Guide_2020

2 0 2 0

18 Hole Public Golf Course

Challenging & Picturesque, A Great Golfing Experience

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Play Slots and Video Poker Here

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815-849-5424

www.shadyoakscc.com GOLFING

• 2020

2020 GOLFING • A

PUBLICATION

Inside

Publisher: Don T. Bricker Ad director: Jennifer Heintzelman On the cover: Lake Carroll Golf Course 2911 Ironwood Blvd., Lanark, 815-493-2808

the guide

A NEW LEASE ON LIFE Timber Creek is still staying the course after 105 years, thanks to a local couple who helped it out of the rough.

4

BLAZING A TRAIL, CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE A champion, trendsetter, and “amazing athlete” earns a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

10

WHERE TO GOLF A guide to golf courses in and around the Sauk Valley.

17

LONG SHOTS Golf’s governing bodies are concerned about players going the distance, and they’re looking to equipment changes to rein them in.

26

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

Wolf Hollow Golf Course For tee times call Wolf Hollow

815-369-5513

Rt. 20 to IL 73 North to the North edge of Lena, look for the Wolf Hollow sign.

www.wolfhollowgolf.net Outings • Lessons • Practice Range • Bar & Banquet Facility Wolf Hollow’s 18 Hole Championship Course named from the folklore of the Blackhawk Indian War in the surrounding hills & valleys.

DORAL DORA DO RAL RA L RE REIN REINING ININ IN ING G PGA Professional

4 Golfers, 18 Holes & Cart

V E! $

SA

100

$

2020 Season Only!

20 Weekends Noon or after Monday-Friday Any Time

68

SM-ST1766817

Sauk Valley Media

3

LOCAL LINKS TIMBER CREEK GOLF COURSE

MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT/MKRABBENHOEFT@SAUKVALLEY.COM

A

new lease on life

Timber Creek is still staying the course after 105 years, thanks to a local couple who helped it out of the rough 4

BY CODY CUTTER | Sauk Valley Media ccutter@saukvalley.com

Editor’s note: As of this magazine’s publication, golf courses in Illinois were closed until May 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information may change based on the reopening of courses. Contact your local golf course or check their websites/Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information.

DIXON – It’s been more than a year since Timber Creek reopened its blue grass fairways and bent grass greens, and the couple running it are looking forward to keeping a tee-time tradition alive that started more than a century ago.

Brenda and Rick Humphrey, owners of Humphrey Show Cattle in rural Dixon, are leasing the 18-hole, par 71 course from father-and-son Ron and Brett Keith, with an option to buy.

TIMBER CREEK cont’d on page 5 GOLFING

• 2020

ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SAUKVALLEY.COM

When the greens turn to white, it’s time to swap the golf cart for a sled.

Earlier this year, Timber Creek opened its slopes to sledders who enjoyed the snow day.

TIMBER CREEK cont’d from page 4 Along with the 105-year-old course, its 136-acre footprint features a banquet center, Bogey’s Bar and Grill, and an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts, which also can be converted into pickleball use.

The Humphreys have kept the restaurant active during the offseason, and opened the course in January to a community sled party. The course’s hills and valleys made it an ideal spot for dashing through the snow.

Once the snow said goodbye, the Humphreys were looking forward to saying hello to customers. However, just as the greens were maturing, the COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on the start of the season – until at least May. That’s when it will be OK for golfers to head back out on the course, provided they follow state guidelines. The state has laid down Sauk Valley Media

a dozen new ground rules for the links during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Among them: Twosomes only, golfers must hoof it on the course – no carts, tee times must be spread out 15 minutes apart with bookings online or by telephone, players can’t touch the flag stick, cups will be modified for easier ball retrieval, courses can’t offer food service, and clubhouses will remain closed.

In addition, no practice ranges and chipping or putting greens will be allowed, in order to limit large gatherings of people, and players who want to use a pull cart must bring their own.

“With almost a full year under our belt getting the course back into condition, we hope you will come out and enjoy the beautiful historic setting here,” management said in a Feb. 27 Facebook post.

TIMBER CREEK cont’d on page 8 5

LAKE CARROLL GOLF COURSE

WEEKDAYS 18 Holes with Cart Monday-Friday

7AM - 8AM $25 After 1pm $20 After 4pm: $18

Expires: 10-1-20 Must Present Coupon • No Holidays

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! GOLF COU RSE 18 Hole, Pa r 72

PGA LESSO NS FULL SERVIC E RESTAURA NT OUTINGS O F ALL SIZES FULL STOC KED GOLF SHOP

Tee Times Required • Twilight Rates Offered Call For Info

6

29-11 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll, IL 493-2808 493-2810 (Restaurant) GOLFING

• 2020

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! URSE GOLF C,O Par 72 18 Hole

NS PGA LESSO STAURANT E R E IC V R FULL SE ES OF ALL SIZ S G IN T U O OLF SHOP G D E K C O FULL ST

29-11 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll, IL 493-2808 493-2810 (Restaurant)

Tee Times Required • Twilight Rates Offered Call For Info

LAKE CARROLL GOLF COURSE Expires 10-1-20 SM-ST1766827

Must Present Coupon No Holidays

Sauk Valley Media

WEEKENDS

18 Holes with Cart Saturday & Sunday

After 1PM: $35 After 4PM: $20

7

TIMBER CREEK cont’d from page 5 That “beautiful setting” took no small amount More info of hard work. The Humphreys faced the dauntTimber Creek ing task getting the course back in shape, Golf Course and Bogey’s lopping down weeds and mowing grass – but Bar and Grill they had some help from fans of the fairways 729 Timber Creek Road, who wanted to see the local links returned to Dixon their former golfing glory.

18 holes, par 71 After the Humphreys took over, on days Facebook: Timber Creek when the weather wasn’t too awful in the Golf & Bogey’s Dixon spring course members volunteered their serCall the pro shop at 815vices – cutting down trees, picking up sticks, 288-GOLF (4653) or and scouring the landscape with an armada of email timbercreekgolfmowers. dixon@gmail.com for hours, pricing and details.

“It was unbelievable, how tall that grass was,” Rick Curia, a member of the volunteer mowing crew, said in 2019.

All that blood, sweat and shears paid off.

“To see how the course is today, it’s truly a miracle,” Curia said.

The course was open last year from 6:30 a.m. to dusk. Mens leagues ran Thursdays and women’s leagues on Wednesdays from August to October.

The Keiths bought the course in 2007 and changed it from private to semi-private.

Before that, the course had operated in the red in recent years. Ron worked 80-hour weeks trying to keep it afloat, but ultimately the family decided to sell. No buyer had come forward by a Feb. 3, 2018, deadline, and the course closed.

Not long after that, the Humphreys stepped in and sealed a deal with the Keiths to keep Timber Creek open.

After a few months of getting the course ready for play, it reopened last year on Did you know ... ?

July 12.

• Timber Creek’s original name was Memberships include a golf cart, Dixon Country Club? use of the unlimited driving • The oldest women’s golf tournarange, club storage, locker and ment in the nation, the Women’s Linlocker room use, unlimited coln Highway Tournament, began in golf rounds, and participa1923 at Dixon Country Club? tion in the Lincoln High• Future President Ronald Reagan way Tournament qualicaddied at Dixon Country Club while he lived in Dixon? fier competition.

• Charles Walgreen, founder of the Single, couple, family Walgreens drugstore chain, was a club and junior membership member? deals are available, as • Ralph Stonehouse, who hit the well as limited memberfirst tee shot at the first Master’s, once ship deals. A round of was the club’s head pro?

18 holes is $30, or • Jack Nicklaus played a 9-hole $20 for nine. exhibition at the course in 1965?

8

GOLFING

• 2020

YOU BELONG HERE!

For more information or to book a tee time visit dvforegolf.com

Challenging 18 Hole Championship Course 9 Hole Executive Course

Pay as You P Y Play Pl & Full Memberships available Family Rates for our Par 3 Executive Course available

3298 Hoover Road • Deer Grove (815) 438-4653 • www.dvforegolf.com Sauk Valley Media

9

Come Out & Play!

HEATHER LANELL PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

4 Golfers, 18 Holes with Cart

2020 $ Season

100

*

*Not valid on holidays, outing or tournaments. Ad must be present when checking in.

Check out rrgap.com for upcoming events and pricing

3901 Dixon Ave | Rock Falls | 815.625.2322 SM-ST1778686

10

GOLFING

• 2020

GOLF COURSE • Public Golf Course - Everyone Welcome • Open Daily 7am to Dark • Challenging 18 hole course • Mature trees, lush fairways & manicured greens • Practice bunkered chipping-putting green

CART FEES - 2020

DAILY FEES - 2020

WEEKDAY DAILY FEE (per rider) 18 Holes............................. $11.00 9 Holes (Front) .................. $8.00

WEEKDAY 18 Holes.............................. $16.00 9 Holes................................ $13.00

WEEKEND DAILY FEE (per rider) 18 Holes............................. $13.00 9 Holes (Front) .................. $8.00

WEEKEND & HOLIDAYS 18 Holes.............................. $18.00 9 Holes................................ $15.00

YEARLY FEE Single................................. $500.00

Children under 10 yrs. old golfing with paid adult ...................................... FREE Jr. Clubs available at no cost

FOR BEST AVAILABLE RATES

Book Online www.fairwaysgolfcourse.com WEEKEND GOLF SPECIAL * Weekends after 2:00 p.m. to closing. (Weekday fees apply).

SEASON PASS - 2020 Single.................................. $500.00 Spouse* ............................... $395.00 Middle School* .................... $50.00 High School* ....................... $100.00 College Pass* ...................... $300.00 * Children/students under 18 or under 21 if still in school. Spouse pricing must include a single membership fee. * College pass must have proof of credit hours.

BOOK YOUR GOLF OUTING

Call Dave at the Pro Shop 815.562.6666

AFTER 4PM DAILY $20 UNLIMITED GOLF, INCLUDES CART

2020 Special

Monday Special

$10 - 18 Holes plus $10 cart for 18 Holes

533 S. 7th Street, Rochelle | 815.562.6666 SM-ST1774441

Come “Play” what you’ve been missing!

Sauk Valley Media

11

81 HOLES • 5 COURSES

GOLF ROCKFORD 18 Holes | 7,131 Yards | Par 72 Established in 1991

18 Holes | 6,732 Yards | Par 72 Established in 1968

18 Holes | 6,228 Yards | Par 71 Established in 1922

18 Holes | 6,107 Yards | Par 71 Established in 1929

9 Holes | 3,230 Yards | Par 37 Established in 1912

Book your tee time at golfrockford.org CONNECT WITH US! We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. For assistance and more information on accessibility, please call or text Customer Service at 815-987-8800.

12

CALL OR TEXT

815-987-8800 GOLFING

• 2020

Exceptional Golf.

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Convenient Tee Times • Steady Pace of Play GPS in Golf Carts Beverage Service on the Course 26-acre Practice Centre • Golf Shop Restaurant • Bar • Banquet Facility

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Conveniently located off I-90/I-39 in Rockford, IL ALDEEN GOLF CLUB IS A FACILITY OF THE

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We welcome the opportunity to assist guests with disabilities. Call 815-987-8800 for info.

Sauk Valley Media

13

6734 N. German Church Road, Byron, IL Book Tee Times Online at

prairieviewgolf.com

Sculpted on an Ancient Prairie.

14

GOLFING

• 2020

OPENING SOON!

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Sauk Valley Media

15

M&M Golf Cars LLC. Sport and Industrial Vehicles 3918 State Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 563-355-6438

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GOLFING

• 2020

Golf

gu de

Courses in and around the Sauk Valley Editor’s note: As of this publication, golf courses in Illinois were closed until May 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information may change based on the reopening of courses. Contact your local golf course or check their website/Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

BOONE COUNTY Beaver Creek Golf Course 19619 LeRoy Center Road, Capron 815-569-2427, beavercreekgolfil.com

9 35

Newburg Village Golf Club 253 Clubhouse Drive, Cherry Valley 815-332-9002, newburgvillage.net

9 36

Swanhills Golf Course 2600 Gustafson Road, Belvidere 815-547-3232, swanhillsgolfcourse.com

18 71

Timber Pointe Golf Club 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove 815-544-1935, golfthepointe.com

18 72

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BUREAU COUNTY Green River Golf Course 15212 state Route 92, Walnut 815-379-2227

9 34

Chapel Hill Golf Course 12927 state Route 26, Princeton 815-879-6531, chapelhillprinceton.com

18 72

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MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

Sauk Valley Media

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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

BUREAU COUNTY (cont’d) Hidden Lake Golf Club 12985 645 East St., Sheffield 815-454-2660

18 70

Indian Hills Golf Club 9468 1725 East St., Tiskilwa 815-646-4856

9 35

Mendota Golf Club 35666 U.S. Route 34 W., Mendota 815-538-7241, mendotagolfclub.com

18 70

Spring Creek Golf Course 286 Spring Creek Drive, Spring Valley 815-894-2137, springcreek-golfcourse.com

18 72

Wyaton Hills Golf Course 17879 1500 North Ave., Princeton 815-872-2641, wyatonhillsgc.golf/

9 36

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CARROLL COUNTY Lake Carroll Golf Course 2911 Ironwood Blvd., Lanark 815-493-2808, golflakecarroll.com

18 72

Palisades Golf Course 18280 state Route 84, Savanna 815-273-2141, palisadesgolfcourse.com

9 33

Sandburr Run 5020 state Route 84, Thomson 815-902-6063, thesandburr.com

9 36

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DEKALB COUNTY Buena Vista Golf Course 131 Buena Vista Drive, DeKalb 815-758-4812, golfdekalb.com

9

32

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Edgebrook Golf Club 2100 Suydam Road, Sandwich 815-786-3058

18 72

Indian Oaks Country Club 603 Preserve Road, Shabbona 815-824-2282, indianoaks.net

9 36

Kishwaukee Country Club 1901 Sycamore Road, DeKalb 815-758-6848, kishwaukeecc.org

18 70

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MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

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GOLFING

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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

DEKALB COUNTY (cont’d) Prairie Pines Golf Course 6236 state Route 38, DeKalb 815-758-5249, prairiepinesgolf.com

9 34

River Heights Golf Course 1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb, 815-758-1550 golfdekalb.com

18 72

Sycamore Golf Club 940 E. State St., Sycamore 815-895-3884, sycamoreparkgolf.com

18 71

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HENRY COUNTY Baker Park Golf Course 1095 Cambridge Road, Kewanee 309-852-2872, kewaneeparkdistrict.org/golf

18 71

Country View Golf Course 8284 N. 2300 Ave., Colona 309-441-5272, countryviewgolfcourse.net

9 35

Geneseo Country Club 22393 Grange Road, Geneseo 309-944-3666, geneseocountryclub.com

9 35

Hillcrest Event Center 16260 E. 350th St., Orion 309-755-6550, hillcresteventcenter.com

9 30

Kewanee Dunes Golf Club 3536 Midland Road, Kewanee 309-852-4508, kewaneedunes.com

18 72

Sugar Maple Golf Club 19283 E. 1600 St., Geneseo 309-944-5418, sugarmaplegolfclub.com

18 72

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JO DAVIESS COUNTY Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course 14A200 E. Apple Canyon Road, Apple River 815-492-2477, applecanyonlake.org

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9 36

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa 3 w/18 1 w/9 72+ 444 E. Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena 815-777-5000, 800-892-2269, eagleridge.com

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Galena Golf Club 11557 U.S. West Highway 20, Galena 815-777-3599, galenagolfclub.org

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18 71

MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

Sauk Valley Media

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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

JO DAVIESS COUNTY (cont’d) Lacoma Golf Club 8080 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque 815-747-3874, lacomagolf.com

18

71*

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

Woodbine Bend Golf Course 3500 E. Center Road, Stockton 815-858-3939, woodbinebend.com

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18 72

LASALLE COUNTY Anderson Fields Golf Course 1901 N. Bloomington St., Streator 815-672-3702 streatorfire.org/anderson-fields.php

9

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35

Dayton Ridge Golf Club 3076 E. 18th Road, Ottawa 815-434-0145 Earlville Country Club 400 Oak St., Earlville, 815-246-9329

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9 36

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9 32

Pine Hills Golf Club 1665 N. 2501 Road, Ottawa 815-434-3985, ottawapinehillsgolfclub.com

9 35

Prairie Lakes Country Club & Inn 2550 N. 32nd Road, Marseilles 815-795-5107

9 37

Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course 658 E. U.S. Highway 6, LaSalle 815-223-7273, senicagolf.com

18 72

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Senica’s Deer Park Golf Club 100 Deer Park Lane, Oglesby 815-667-4230, senicagolf.com

18 71

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9 36

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The Eastwood 2000 Eastwood Ave., Streator 815-673-5553, eastwoodtwincreeks.com

LEE COUNTY Lost Nation Golf Club 6931 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon 815-652-4212, lostnationgolf.com

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18 71

MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

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GOLFING

• 2020

Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

LEE COUNTY (cont’d) Miller Golf Complex 1010 Washington Ave., Dixon

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815-284-3306, dixonparkdistrict.com/golf-driving-range Shady Oaks Country Club 577 U.S. Highway 52, Sublette

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18 71

815-849-5424, shadyoakscc.com Timber Creek Golf Course 729 Timber Creek Road, Dixon

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18 71

MERCER COUNTY Fyre Lake Golf Club 1057 Fairway Lane, Sherrard

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18 70

309-644-4575, fyrelakegolf.com Hawthorn Ridge Golf Course 621 state Route 94, Aledo

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18 72

309-582-5641, hawthornridgegolf.com Oak View Country Club 1607 SW. Third Ave., Aledo

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9 33

309-582-7916, oakviewcountryclub.com

OGLE COUNTY Fairways Golf Course 533 S. Seventh St., Rochelle

18 66

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815-562-6666, fairwaysgolfcourse.com Prairie View Golf Club 6734 N. German Church Road, Byron

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18 72

815-234-4653, prairieviewgolf.com Silver Ridge Golf Course 3069 N. Hill Road, Oregon

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18 72

815-734-4440, silverridgegolf.com Sunset Golf Course 216 Sunset Hill, Mount Morris

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18 72

815-734-4839, sunsetgolfmm.com

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY Byron Hills Golf Course 23316 94th Ave. N., Port Byron

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18 71

309-523-2664, byronhills.com MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

Sauk Valley Media

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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY (cont’d) Golfmohr Golf Club 16724 Hubbard Road, East Moline 309-496-2434, golfmohr.com Highland Springs Golf Course 9500 35th St. W., Rock Island 309-732-7277 rigov.org/295/Highland-Springs-Course Saukie Golf Course 3101 38th St., Rock Island 309-732-2278 rigov.org/294/Saukie-Golf-Course

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18 72

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18 72

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18 66

Indian Bluff Golf Course 6200 78th Ave., Milan 309-799-3868, indianbluffgolfcourse.com

18 70

Lake Calhoun Country Club 2628 Golf Road, LaFayette 309-995-3343, lakecalhouncountryclub.com

9 36

Oakwood Country Club 1067 U.S. Highway 6, Coal Valley 309-799-3153, oakwoodgolf.org

18 71

Pinnacle Country Club 11928 Knoxville Road, Milan 309-787-5446, pinnaclecountryclub.com

18 72

Short Hills Country Club 2500 11th St., East Moline 309-755-1044, 309-755-0618 shorthillscc.com TPC Deere Run 3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis 309-796-6000, tpc.com/deererun

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18 72

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18 71

STEPHENSON COUNTY Brush Creek Golf Course 2001 W. St. James Road, Orangeville

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9 36

815-789-4042, brushcreekgolf.com Coach’s Golf & Grill 621 W. Lena St., Lena 815-369-2222 The Freeport Club 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport 815-232-1165, freeportclub.com

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9 35

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18 70

MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

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GOLFING

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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

STEPHENSON COUNTY (cont’d) Park Hills Golf Course 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport 815-235-3611, parkhillsgolfcourse.com

36 72

Wolf Hollow Golf Club 6546 N. Shippee Road, Lena 815-369-5513, wolfhollowgolf.net

18 71

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WHITESIDE COUNTY Deer Valley Golf Club 3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove 815-438-4653, dvforegolf.com

18 72

Emerald Hill Golf Course 16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling 815-622-6204, emeraldhillgolf.com

18 72

Fulton Country Club 20727 Cattail Road, Fulton 815-589-2440, fultonccgolf.com

9 36

Lake Erie Country Club 900 Lakeside Drive, Erie 309-659-2250, lakeeriecountryclub.com

9 36

Prophet Hills Country Club 4319 Bishop Road, Prophetstown 815-537-5226, prophethills.com

9 35

Rock River GAP 3901 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls 815-625-2322, rrgap.com

18 70

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WINNEBAGO COUNTY Aldeen Golf Club 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford 815-282-4653, aldeengolfclub.com

18 72

Atwood Homestead Golf Course 8990 Old River Road, Rockford 815-623-2411, playthepreserves.com/atwood

18 72

Elliot Golf Course 888 S. Lyford Road, Rockford 815-332-5130 golfrockford.org/elliot-golf-course Forest Hills Country Club 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford 815-877-5733, fhcc1921.com

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18 72

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18 72

MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

Sauk Valley Media

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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

WINNEBAGO COUNTY (cont’d) Ingersoll Golf Course 101 Daisyfield Road, Rockford

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18 71

815-987-8834 golfrockford.org/ingersoll-golf-course Ledges Golf Course 7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe

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18 72

815-389-0979, playthepreserves.com/ledges Macktown Golf Course 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton

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18 71

815-624-7410, playthepreserves.com/macktown The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford

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18 71

815-399-0711, 815-399-0682 mntscc.org/golf.aspx Red Barn Golf Course 12379 Wagon Wheel Road, Rockton

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9 33

815-624-8037, 815-399-0682 redbarngolfcourse.com Rockford Country Club 2500 Oxford St., Rockford

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18 72

815-968-9881, rockfordcc.com Sandy Hollow Golf Course 2670 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford

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18 71

815-987-8836, golfrockford.org/sandy-hollow-golf-course Sinnissippi Park Golf Course 2003 Arlington Ave., Rockford

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9 37

815-987-8838 golfrockford.org/sinnissippi-golf-course

IOWA CLINTON COUNTY Springbrook Country Club 2122 17th Ave., DeWitt

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18 70

563-659-3187, sbccgolf.club MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

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GOLFING

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Holes Par MC P SP PS DR PG

CLINTON COUNTY (cont’d) Valley Oaks 3330 Harts Mill Road, Clinton

       

18 72

563-242-7032, valleyoaksgc.com

9

27

SCOTT COUNTY Crow Valley Golf Club 4315 E. 60th St., Davenport 563-359-1676, crowvalleygolfclub.com

18 71

Davenport Country Club 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley 563-332-4050, davenportcc.com

18 71

Duck Creek Golf Course 3000 E. Locust St., Davenport 563-326-7824

18 70

          

golfdavenport.com/duck-creek-golf-course Emeis Golf Course 4500 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport 563-326-7825 golfdavenport.com/emeis-golf-course

18

72

  

Glynns Creek Golf Course 19251 290th St., Long Grove 563-328-3284, glynnscreek.com

18 72

Hidden Hills Golf Course 4335 Indiana Ave., Bettendorf 563-332-5616, hiddenhills-golf.com

Palmer Hills Golf Course 2999 Middle Road, Bettendorf 563-332-8296, palmerhillsgolf.com

18 72

Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center 6364 Northwest Blvd., Davenport 563-386-0348 golfdavenport.com/red-hawk-golf

  

18

Plus 4 bonus 70 holes

    

9

33

 

Rustic Ridge Golf Course 1151 E. Iowa St., Eldridge 563-285-8119, golfrusticridge.com

9 36

Sunrise Golf Course 3947 Moencks Road, Bettendorf 563-332-6386

9 35



 

MC=Multiple courses n P=Private n SP=Semi-private n PS=Pro shop n DR=Driving range n PG=Putting green

Sauk Valley Media

25

ON THE COURSE DISTANCE INSIGHTS PROJECT

Long shots

Golf’s governing bodies are concerned about players going the distance, and they’re looking to equipment changes to rein them in

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

Golfers at all levels keep hitting the ball farther, and the game’s governing bodies plan to do something about it by going after the one area they can control – equipment.

The USGA and the R&A in Febru26

ary released their “Distance Insights Project,” which revealed that there’s been a steady increase in distance for more than 100 years – with average gains of about 30 yards by PGA Tour players in the last 25 years – and golf courses that keep expanding.

DISTANCE cont’d on page 27 GOLFING

• 2020

DISTANCE cont’d from page 26 The report can be found at usga.org/distanceinsights “We believe this continuing cycle of courses increasing in length is a cycle we want to break,” said Mike Davis, chief executive of the USGA. The report attributes the distance gains to modern clubs and golf balls, improved athleticism and training, swing techniques geared toward hitting it longer, and course conditions with tightly mowed fairways that allow for extra roll.

But the report made clear the governing bodies are targeting equipment as it seeks solutions.

“We also recognize that this assessment should not focus on player-related factors that contribute to increased distance, such as improved athleticism and swing techniques, for the desire to improve is integral to the game and is to be encouraged,” the report summary said. “Accordingly, we expect the main topic for research and assessment to be potential changes in the equipment rules.”

Among the possibilities is using specific golf balls or clubs that result in players not hitting it as far.

The report said equipment committees for the USGA and R&A would look into the option of a local rule “that would specify use of clubs and/or balls intended to result in shorter hitting distances.”

That suggests the possibility of tour players using different equipment than recreational players under the guise of a local rule, though the report said any golfer can choose to play with equipment that goes shorter.

The governing bodies also plan to review equipment testing standards to make sure they are effective in limiting distance.

“The intended purpose of this review is to consider whether any existing specifications should be adjusted or any new specifications should be created to help mitigate the conSauk Valley Media

tinuing distance increases,” the report said. “It is not currently intended to consider revising the overall specifications in a way that would produce substantial reductions in hitting distances at all levels of the game.”

Less clear is when any changes can be expected.

The USGA and R&A had planned to publish a specific set of research topics within 45 days of the report’s release, but in March announced that that report would be delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Once it’s finally release, they will gather feedback that could take up to a year. When comments and research are finally finished, manufacturers would receive notice of any changes. That would begin a new round of feedback.

The USGA governs the U.S. and Mexico.

The R&A governs the rest of the world. They published a “Joint Statement of Principles” in 2002 that said “any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable.”

“Golf is a game of skill, a broad range of skills, and no one skill should dominate,” R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said from St. Andrews.

Officials have become concerned in recent years over a style known as “bomb and gouge,” meaning distance is more valuable than accuracy. Some players no longer worry if a big tee shot lands in the rough because they have shorter distances to the green, often with a wedge in hand.

Along with how golf is played at an elite level, the USGA and R&A said they are concerned over distance increases because of bigger golf course properties that require more water, and how that raises the cost of playing.

“Our views have evolved as events have unfolded and new information has become available, just as they may evolve in the future, and we believe that it is never too late to do the right thing for the future of the game,” the report said.

27

River Heights Golf Course 1020 Sharon Dr. | DeKalb | (815)758-1550

18 scenic holes along the Kishwaukee River!

Two great courses foR golfers of all skill levels!

BOOK TEE TIMES AT

GOLFDEKALB.COM Buena Vista Golf Course 131 Buena Vista Dr. | DeKalb | (815)758-4812

9-hole 28

(par 32)

Driving Range/Practice Areas GOLFING

• 2020