2025 GOLFING
Northwestern Illinois and Eastern Iowa
itting a ball a few hundred yards doesn’t take much effort for a typical golfer — but getting it to go where they want it to? Well, to mix sports metaphors, that’s a whole different ball game.
It takes the kind of skill that only comes with practice, and in order to do that you have to go to a golf course, right? Wrong.
These days, you can bring the golf course to you.
First Galena Corporation’s Golf Performance Studios designs commercial and residential golf simulators that use the latest in software, cameras and equipment. They can be installed in homes, or if you don’t have the space there, in a modular buildings that the company designs like having a golf course right in your own backyard.
The golf studio branch of the Galena business has been around for nearly 10 years, part of the family-owned and operated First Galena Corp., which was founded in 1980 as a real estate, architecture and home building company.
Company designer Nathan Studtmann brings together his passion for golf with his family’s background in home building to find the perfect fit for customers, whether it’s setting up simulators in their basement or backyard.
SIMULATOR cont’d to page 9
Nathan Studtmann of First Galena Corporation’s Golf Performance Studios designs golf simulation setups that let golfers work on their game at home.
CODY CUTTER/ CCUTTER@ SHAWMEDIA.COM
Nathan Studtmann of First Galena Corporation’s Golf Performance Studios tees off at a residential simulator setup.
“The game has changed so much; it’s so technology driven now,” he said, but once someone sees all the information about a their playing style that a golf simulator can provide, “it’s amazing how quickly they’ll change their swing.”
SIMULATOR cont’d from page 7
While golf simulators are nothing new they’ve been around in some form for nearly 50 years — their popularity has picked up in recent years, especially during the coronavirus lockdowns. Since then they’ve been popping up in growing numbers of golf courses, bars, arcades — and now, people’s homes.
Studtmann, a PGA professional and a graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management program, has kept busy in the past few years helping golfers improve their game.
“The game has changed so much; it’s so technology driven now,” Studtmann said. “Once people know their numbers and understand what they need to improve — as far as what their launch angle is with the ball, what the spin rates are, and how the club is coming in at impact — once they see all of that stuff, it’s amazing how quickly they’ll change their swing. Golf’s a hard game to begin with, and this helps simplify it quite a bit.”
SIMULATOR cont’d to page 10
Studtmann’s work has taken him near and far, from the Midwest to the West Coast. His recent projects include a modular simulator building at Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill, California (north of San Francisco), and a double-bay, barn-themed building for the Illinois State University golf programs at D.A. Weibring Golf Club in Normal — “It’ll be fully loaded with the latest and greatest technology for their golf team,” he said. He’s has been involved with simulator setups at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena as well as Woodbine Bend Golf Course in Woodbine.
The company’s modular buildings are constructed off-site and then transported in components to the customer, where they’re assembled.
Residential setups make up much of Studtmann’s business. About one in every four homes that First Galena custom builds comes with a golf simulator setup, he said. The company was founded by his parents, Paul and Deb Studtmann, and has worked in modular home construction since 1990. Nathan built his first mobile modular golf performance studio in 2016.
One advantage of modular constructed simulator buildings is that when homeowners move, they can haul their building to their new home — with appropriate transport permits, of course.
SIMULATOR cont’d to page 11
Golf simulators can be set up to feature different courses and conditions — and when you’re not using them to work on your game, some systems can double as a home theater.
SIMULATOR cont’d from page 10
“I like that I can use my design and building knowledge and bring it into the golf game,” Studtmann said. “It was a hard choice toggling between home building and golf, which way I wanted to take my career. I figured out a way to [do] both and not give up instruction. I enjoy it, and if I’m not doing it, I’ll miss it. It’s nice being able to do two careers that I like to be in and tie it together.”
With outdoor courses closed during cold weather, simulators can keep golfers’ games from getting a little rusty. They can also be a great way for friends to gather for a golf get-together. Some systems can also be set up as a small home theater for watching movies. For most customers though, tee times, not show times, take up the lion’s share of the simulators.
“There are people who want to know everything, and they’re the ones who will go into a simulator three or four times a week to work on their numbers, basically,” Studtmann said. “It’s fun to see people get excited when their numbers change and see their ball flight change.”
SIMULATOR cont’d to page 14
Every swing makes a difference!
The DeKalb Park District is excited to host the 19th Annual Golf Fore the Kids Scholarship Golf Outing! All proceeds from the outing provide opportunities for DeKalb families to participate in recreation programs and use facilities through our Scholarship Assistance Program. Play golf, donate, or become one of our sponsors!
Golfing is next to nature with Golf DeKalb!
Become a season pass holder and enjoy seasonal golf programs, coed leagues, and themed outings like the Birdies & Beers Scramble, Red, White, & Blue Scramble, the Pitch N’ Putt Junior Tournament, & more!
Friday, June 20 (Rain date June 27)
Location: River Heights Golf Course
Lunch provided 10:00-11:00 am, Shotgun start at 11:00 am, Fee is $400 or $200 for per twosome;
Your registration includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, lunch, drink tickets, and afternoon appetizers, as well as a swag bag and hat for the first 100 golfers. We will also have exciting raffles, golden ticket blind bogey winners, and an awards ceremony. Book at riverheightsgc.com
Go to firstgalena.com/golf-studiosservices, email nathan@ firstgalena.com or call 815821-1342 to learn more about First Galena’s golf simulators and modular performance studio buildings.
Golfers also enjoy the convenience of a game at home — going at your own pace, no waiting for others to play through, taking a break whenever you want to grab a snack or a drink, and perhaps best of all: The simulators help eliminate the monotony of being holed up indoors when it’s not golfing weather. It used to be that when winter came, the clubs would go in the closet and golfers couldn’t do much besides just wait to get back out on the course. Now, golfers can play anytime of year, and just about anywhere too; just program a course and swing away for a competitive round of nine or 18 holes of fun on a fairway.
Whether it’s a tee shot, approach or putt, if there’s a stubborn setting at a hole that you’re having trouble with, simulators can lend golfers a hightech helping hand through visual aids.
“We’re trying to put together the technology and design that best fits the space, and if you don’t have the space in the house, we can do a separate structure or an addition to the house, whatever needs to be done,” Studtmann said. “With the golf software, we will basically design it to what the people want.” n
Shaw Media reporter Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@shawmedia.com. SIMULATOR cont’d from page 11
Dot your I’s and cross your tees
Heading out for the course? Make sure you’re prepared before, and during, the game to keep things moving along
Metro News Service
Golf is a challenging game that can sometimes frustrate even the most accomplished players. No two golf courses are the same, and seasoned players know that courses play differently each time. Greens that are accommodating on Saturday might be far more difficult on Sunday, which is part of what makes the game of golf such a fun challenge.
Pace of play may not matter much when a course isn’t busy. But courses tend to draw crowds come spring, summer and early fall. During the more busy times of year, the United States Golf Association offers these tips to golfers looking to improve their pace of play.
Arrive on time and ready to play. Most courses give players a tee time, which indicates when their round will begin. Confirm the tee time the day before a scheduled round and arrive at the course ready to play. The USGA urges players to arrive at the first tee early and with their equipment in order. Don’t forget to ensure you have essentials like extra balls, tees and gloves.
Play from where you’re comfortable. Each tee box features separate tees for players of various skill levels. Players who want to improve their pace of play are urged to begin each hole from the tee box where they’re most comfortable. Players in the same group can play from separate tees, so if need be, choose to play from the tee nearest the pin so you can make it to the green more quickly. Resolve to spend as little time on the tee as possible without feeling as though you’re rushing your tee shot.
Strategize between shots. Once you have
hit off the tee, strategize how you can get to the green as you approach your ball. Planning as you walk or drive can reduce the time you’ll spend strategizing between shots, which can improve your pace of play considerably.
Limit practice swings. Practice swings can help players shoot their best, but if improving pace of play is a goal, limiting practice swings to just one before each shot can help. Practice swings can even be taken while others in your group are lining up and playing their shots. Just be sure to do so quietly and out of the sight line of your fellow players.
Work with your fellow players. Follow each player’s shot during your round so less time is spent finding each golfer’s ball. In addition, fill each other’s divots and rake bunkers together to cut time off your round.
Use the group in front of you as a marker for time. Aspiring to keep up with the group in front of you is a good way to ensure your group is moving along. If that’s proving difficult, let other groups behind you play through if they are moving more quickly than you are. Similarly, if the group in front of you is moving slowly, politely ask to play through.
Line up your putts while others are putting. Read the green while your fellow group members are putting and line up your shot accordingly so you spend less time on the greens. The USGA recommends leaving clubs on the side of the putting green that is closest to the next tee to save even more time.
There are many ways for golfers of all skill levels to improve pace of play so everyone can have as much fun as possible while getting a round in. n
T r y t h e N E W C l u b h o u s e
G r i l l f e a t u r i n g a v a r i e t y o f
s n a c k s a n d m e a l s a s w e l l a s
a w i d e s e l e c t i o n o f
a l c o h o l i c a n d n o n - a l c o h o l i c
d r i n k s t o b e e n j o y e d o n t h e
c o u r s e o r i n o u r n e w l y
u p d a t e d l o u n g e a t W e s t w o o d
F i t n e s s a n d S p o r t s C e n t e r
A t t h e L a b , D i r e c t o r o f H u m a n P e r f o r m a n c e , K e l B o n d ,
u t i l i z e s s t a t e - o f - t h e - a r t e q u i p m e n t a n d t e c h n o l o g y t o
a n a l y z e y o u r i n d i v i d u a l d a t a a n d m e t r i c s t o b e s t i m p r o v e
y o u r s p e c i f i c f i t n e s s g o a l s , a t h l e t i c p e r f o r m a n c e o r
s i m p l y i m p r o v e t h e q u a l i t y o f e v e r y d a y l i v i n g .
Emerald Hill offers a meticulously maintained 18-hole course with lush bentgrass greens and Kentucky bluegrass tees, fairways, and rough. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, the course provides a perfect blend of challenge and beauty. To hone your skills, take advantage of the self-service driving range, where you can perfect your swing, or visit the practice chipping area and three practice greens to refine your short game.
Having cart blanche with your ride
Want to upgrade your golf cart? From style to safety to convenience, plenty of options are available
Metro News Service
Golf carts aren’t just for golf courses. These days, many people use them for short trips, and in some communities you might even see one rolling down the road.
Global Market Insights says the golf cart market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2023, with an estimated growth of more than 7.5 percent expected between 2024 and 2032, growth that will come in part from golf cart drivers who’ve never even swung a golf driver.
Golf carts are regularly utilized in residential communities, retirement villages, university campuses, and even across campgrounds and small towns. Many homes in suburban communities, like those being built in Texas, Florida and Georgia, now boast additional, smaller garages designed specifically for golf carts. Designated golf cart parking also has turned up in town centers and other retail locations around the country.
As the popularity of golf carts surges and more people rely on them as a second vehicle, outfitting these carts with the right gear can help them stand out.
Cover: For those without the benefit of a special garage for the golf cart, a golf cart cover protects the vehicle against sun and weather damage. Look for a cover that is water-repellent.
Cup holders: Whether it’s for a morning cup of coffee or an insulated water tumbler, cup holders are must-haves on the golf cart. Many cup holders attach easily to the rear accessory bar and elsewhere.
Upgraded tires: Tires that come standard on most golf carts are not the most dura-
ble. Therefore, replacing the tires with ones designed to traverse the terrain you travel the most can be a wise investment.
New lighting: Improve visibility and style by customizing lighting accessories on your golf cart. Many golf carts are being used to get around town, so it pays to have brighter headlights to see roadways and increase your visibility to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Anti-slip mats: These mats can help ensure passengers stay safe and secure when stepping in and out of the golf cart, particularly on rainy days. Custom floor mats are available so you can put even more style into your ride.
Side mirrors: Improve on safety with the addition of side mirrors. Most factory golf carts feature just one small, center-mounted mirror. While adequate for the golf course, it’s not safe for the open road. Adding side mirrors helps elevate the safety factor.
Tinted windshield: Some golf carts do not come with windshields. The addition of one, particularly a tinted version, can help reduce glare and protect against debris and bugs while driving.
Rear flip seat kit: This kit increases the seating capacity of the golf cart. When not in use, the seat can be flipped down to carry cargo.
Speakers: No ride is complete without music. Adding speakers to the golf cart can make the ride even more enjoyable. Bluetooth speakers may not require any special wiring and can work immediately with your smartphone. n
Beaver Creek Golf Course
19619 LeRoy Center Road, Capron
815-569-2427 | beavercreekgolfil.com |
Newburg Village Golf Club
253 Clubhouse Drive, Cherry Valley
815-332-9002 | newburgvillage.net |
Swanhills Golf Course 2600 Gustafson Road, Belvidere
815-547-3232 | swanhillsgolf.com | Timber Pointe Golf Club 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove
815-544-1935 | golfthepointe.com |
BUREAU COUNTY
Chapel Hill Golf Course 12927 state Route 26, Princeton
815-879-6531 | chapelhill-princeton.com |
BUREAU COUNTY (cont’d)
Hidden Lake Golf Club
12985 645 East St., Sheffield
815-454-2660 |
Mendota Golf Club
35666 U.S. Route 34 W., Mendota
815-538-7241, mendotagolfclub.com |
Spring Creek Golf Course
286 Spring Creek Drive, Spring Valley
815-894-2137
springcreek-golfcourse.com |
Wyaton Hills Golf Course
17879 1500 North Ave., Princeton
815-872-2641 | wyatonhills.com |
CARROLL COUNTY
Lake Carroll Golf Course
2911 Ironwood Blvd., Lanark
815-493-2808 | golflakecarroll.com |
Palisades Golf Course
18280 state Route 84, Savanna
815-273-2141 |
Sandburr Run Golf Course and Resort
5020 state Route 84, Thomson
815-902-6016 |
DEKALB COUNTY
Buena Vista Golf Course
131 Buena Vista Drive, DeKalb
815-758-4812 | golfdekalb.com |
Edgebrook Golf Club
2100 Suydam Road, Sandwich
815-786-3058 | edgebrookgolfclub.com |
Indian Oaks Country Club
603 E. Preserve Road, Shabbona
815-824-2282 | indianoaks.net |
Kishwaukee Country Club
1901 Sycamore Road, DeKalb
815-758-6848 | kishwaukeecc.org |
DEKALB COUNTY (cont’d)
River Heights Golf Course
1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb
815-758-1550 | golfdekalb.com |
Sycamore Golf Club
940 E. State St., Sycamore
815-895-3884 | playgolfsycamore.com |
HENRY COUNTY
Baker Park Golf Course
1095 Cambridge Road, Kewanee
309-852-2872 kewaneeparkdistrict.org |
Country View Golf Course
8284 N. 2300 Ave., Geneseo
309-441-5272
countryviewgolfcourse.net |
Geneseo Country Club
22393 Grange Road, Geneseo
309-944-3666 | geneseocountryclub.com |
Midland Golf Club
3536 Midland Road, Kewanee
309-852-4508 | midlandgolfclub.com |
Sugar Maple Golf Club
19283 E. 1600 St., Geneseo
309-944-5418 | sugarmaplegolfclub.com |
JO DAVIESS COUNTY
Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course
14A200 E. Apple Canyon Road, Apple River
815-492-2477 | applecanyonlake.org |
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
444 E. Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena
815-777-5000 & 800-892-2269 eagleridge.com |
Galena Golf Club
11557 U.S. West Highway 20, Galena
815-777-3599 | galenagolfclub.org |
JO DAVIESS COUNTY (cont’d)
Lacoma Golf Club
8080 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque 18 71*
815-747-3874 | lacomagolf.com |
* 2 with 9 holes par 35, or 70 when combined into 18 holes. Family course is par 27
Woodbine Bend Golf Course
3500 E. Center Road, Stockton 18 72
815-858-3939 | woodbinebend.com
LASALLE COUNTY
Anderson Fields Golf Course
1901 N. Bloomington St., Streator 9 35
815-672-3702 | www.ci.streator.il.us* | (*under Your Government, City Departments links)
Dayton Ridge Golf Club
3076 E. 18th Road, Ottawa 9 36
815-434-0145 |
Earlville Country Club
400 Oak St., Earlville
815-246-9329 9 32
Pine Hills Golf Club
1665 N. 2501 Road, Ottawa 9 35
815-434-3985 ottawapinehillsgolfclub.com |
Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course
658 E. U.S. Highway 6, LaSalle 18 72
815-223-7273 | senicagolf.com
Senica’s Deer Park Golf Club
100 Deer Park Lane, Oglesby 18 70
815-667-4239 | deerparkgc.com |
The Eastwood
2000 Eastwood Ave., Streator 9 36
815-673-5553 | theeastwoodstr.com |
The Lakes Country Club
2550 N. 32nd Road, Marseilles 9 37
815-795-5107 | thelakescc.net |
LEE COUNTY
Miller Golf Complex
1010 Washington Ave., Dixon
815-284-3306
dixonparkdistrict.com/sports/golf/
Shady Oaks Country Club
577 U.S. Highway 52, Sublette
815-849-5424 | shadyoakscc.com |
Timber Creek Golf Course
729 Timber Creek Road, Dixon
815-475-5605 | timbercreek-dixon.com |
MERCER COUNTY
Fyre Lake Golf Club
1057 Fairway Lane, Sherrard
309-749-9044 | fyrelakegolfshop.com |
Oak View Country Club 1601 SW Third Ave., Aledo
309-582-7916 | oakviewcountryclub.com |
OGLE COUNTY
Fairways Golf Course
533 S. Seventh St., Rochelle
815-562-6666 | fairwaysgolfcourse.com |
Lost Nation Golf Course
6931 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon* *Dixon mailing address; course located in Ogle County 18 71
815-652-4212 | lostnationgolf.com |
Prairie View Golf Club
6734 N. German Church Road, Byron
815-234-4653 | prairieviewgolf.com |
Silver Ridge Golf Course
3069 N. Hill Road, Oregon
815-734-4440 | silverridgegolf.com |
Sunset Golf Course
216 Sunset Hill, Mount Morris
815-734-4839 | sunsetgolfmm.com |
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
Byron Hills Golf Course 23316 94th Ave. N., Port Byron
309-523-2664 | byronhills.com |
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY (cont’d)
Golfmohr Golf Club
16724 Hubbard Road, East Moline
309-496-2434 | golfmohr.com |
Highland Springs Golf Course
9500 35th St. W., Rock Island
309-732-7277
rigov.org/295/Highland-Springs-Course |
Saukie Golf Course
3101 38th St., Rock Island
309-732-2278
rigov.org/294/Saukie-Golf-Course |
Indian Bluff Golf Course
6200 78th Ave., Milan
309-799-3868 | indianbluffgolfcourse.com |
Oakwood Country Club
1067 U.S. Highway 6, Coal Valley
309-799-3153 | oakwoodgolf.org |
Pinnacle Country Club
309-787-5446 | pinnaclecountryclub.com |
Short Hills Country Club
2500 11th St., East Moline
309-755-1044 & 309-755-0618
shorthillscc.com |
TPC Deere Run
3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis
309-796-6000 | tpc.com/deererun |
STEPHENSON COUNTY
The Ville Golf
2001 W. St. James Road, Orangeville
815-789-4042 |
Coach’s Golf & Grill
621 W. Lena St., Lena 9 35
815-369-2222 |
The Freeport Club
1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport 18
815-232-1165 | freeportclub.com |
CART FEES - 2025
COURSE
STEPHENSON COUNTY (cont’d)
Park Hills Golf Course
3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
815-235-3611 | parkhillsgolfcourse.com |
Wolf Hollow Golf Club
6546 N. Shippee Road, Lena
815-369-5513 | wolfhollowgolf.net |
WHITESIDE COUNTY
Deer Valley Golf Club
815-438-4653 | dvforegolf.com |
Emerald Hill Golf Course
16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling
815-622-6204 | emeraldhillgolf.com |
Fulton Country Club
20727 Cattail Road, Fulton
815-589-2440 | fultonccgolf.com |
| Prophet Hills Country Club 4319 Bishop Road, Prophetstown
815-537-5226 | prophethills.com |
Rock River GAP
3901 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls
815-625-2322 | rrgap.com |
WINNEBAGO COUNTY
Aldeen Golf Club
1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford
815-282-4653 | aldeengolfclub.com |
Atwood Homestead Golf Course
8990 Old River Road, Rockford
815-623-2411 | playthepreserves.com/atwood |
Forest Hills Country Club
5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford
815-877-5733 | fhcc1921.com |
WINNEBAGO COUNTY (cont’d)
Ingersoll Golf Course
101 Daisyfield Road, Rockford
815-987-8834
golfrockford.org/ingersoll-golf-course |
Ledges Golf Course
7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe
815-389-0979
playthepreserves.com/ledges |
Macktown Golf Course
2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
815-624-7410
playthepreserves.com/macktown |
The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club
5151 Guilford Road, Rockford
815-399-0711 & 815-399-0682
mntscc.org/golf |
Red Barn Golf Course
12379 Wagon Wheel Road, Rockton
815-624-8037 & 815-399-0682
redbarngolfcourse.net |
Rockford Country Club
2500 Oxford St., Rockford
815-968-9881 | rockfordcc.com |
Sandy Hollow Golf Course
2670 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford
815-987-8836
golfrockford.org/sandy-hollow-golf-course |
Sinnissippi Park Golf Course
2003 Arlington Ave., Rockford
815-987-8838
golfrockford.org/sinnissippi-golf-course |
IOWA
CLINTON COUNTY
Springbrook Country Club
2122 17th Ave., DeWitt
563-659-3187 | sbccgolf.club |
CLINTON COUNTY (cont’d)
Valley Oaks
3330 Harts Mill Road, Clinton
563-242-7032 | valleyoaksgc.com |
SCOTT COUNTY
Crow Valley Golf Club
4315 E. 60th St., Davenport
563-359-1676 | crowvalleygolfclub.com |
Davenport Country Club
25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley
563-332-4050 | davenportcc.com |
Duck Creek Golf Course
3000 E. Locust St., Davenport
563-326-7824
golfdavenport.com/duck-creek-golf-course |
Emeis Golf Course
4500 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport
563-326-7825
golfdavenport.com/emeis-golf-course |
Glynns Creek Golf Course
19251 290th St., Long Grove
563-328-3284 | glynnscreek.com |
Hidden Hills Golf Course
4335 Indiana Ave., Bettendorf
563-332-5616 | hiddenhills-golf.com |
Palmer Hills Golf Course
2999 Middle Road, Bettendorf
563-344-7168 | palmerhillsgolf.com |
Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center
6364 Northwest Blvd., Davenport
563-386-0348
golfdavenport.com/red-hawk-golf |
Rustic Ridge Golf Course
1151 E. Iowa St., Eldridge
563-285-8119 |
Sunrise Golf Course
3947 Moencks Road, Bettendorf 9 35
563-332-6386 | sunrisegolf.net |
2025 PASS FEES
2025 DAILY RATES
holes
16802 Prairieville Road | 815-622-6204
holes
HOLIDAY WEEKENDS: May 23-May 26, July 4-6, Aug 29-Sept 1
holes w/
holes