Last updated January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023
Hazel Crest officials to consider annexing Calumet Country Club
Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown
Hazel Crest’s Village Board will consider Feb. 14 an annexation of the Calumet Country Club as the village’s mayor denied he’s being influenced in any way by campaign contributions from a potential developer of the site.
Now in unincorporated Cook County, the 130-acre property, northwest of Dixie Highway and 175th Street, has been proposed as a location of a factory to build components for manufactured homes as well as an indoor water park, hotel, retail space and restaurant.
January 23, 2023
Park board briefed on plans to move Naperbrook’s 18th hole green to create a chipping/bunker practice area
Giles Bruce, Naperville Sun
Plans for a new chipping and bunker practice complex in the spot where Naperbrook Golf Course’s 18th hole green are moving forward.
Similar to what has proven to be a popular enhancement to Naperville’s Springbrook Golf Course, the new amenity should add more space to the 22204 Hassert Blvd. facility and allow for more programming options, Naperville Park District officials said at Thursday’s park board meeting.
January 22, 2023
70 Chicago-area high school seniors receive full-ride scholarships through golf caddying
Mary Norkol, Sun Times
22 students from the city of Chicago worked through their high school careers as golf caddies under the Evans Scholars program sponsored by the Western Golf Association, eventually earning full-ride scholarships.
The Glenview-based association hosts the BMW Championship as part of the PGA tour. Since 1930, the association has sponsored more than 11,000 students to go to college.
Each summer throughout high school, the students in the program spend several weeks living with other students, working as caddies and prepping for college entrance exams. As caddies, the students wake up at 6 a.m. each day to carry heavy bags, walk all 18 holes and assist golfers during their games.
Of the hundreds of caddies selected for the scholarship this year, 70 are from the Chicago area, according to the association.
January 17, 2023
Golf dome to be built in Oswego operated by Whitetail Ridge
Linda Girardi, Beacon-News
The Oswego Village Board has approved plans for a proposed 66- to 69-foot-high air-supported golf dome on vacant land just west of Orchard Road.
Whitetail Ridge Golf Club, an 18-hole public golf course in Yorkville, recently was granted approval of a special use permit and final planned unit development to build and operate an indoor golf dome and restaurant at the southwest corner of Lewis Street and Station Drive.
January 14, 2023
Florida’s Streamsong Resort sold to Chicago-based KemperSports subsidiary for $160 million
Jack Hirsh, Golf.com
One of the top destination golf resorts in the country is changing hands.
Mosaic, the phosphate mining company that turned one of its former mine sites into the two, and eventually three, golf courses of Streamsong Resort ten years ago, announced Friday it’s selling the resort for $160 million to Lone Windmill LLC, a subsidiary of Kemper Sports Management.
January 7, 2023
Glenview, Des Plaines Students Earn Lucrative Evans Scholaships
Todd Wessell, Journal & Topics
Recently, 70 Chicagoland high school seniors including one from Des Plaines and another from Glenview, found out they had been awarded the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Scholarship, a full, four-year housing and tuition scholarship and the nation’s largest privately funded scholarship program. The full tuition and housing college scholarship is valued at an estimated $120,000 over four years.
The four Chicago-area selection meetings were the first of more than 20 meetings the Evans Scholars Foundation will hold across the country through the spring.
January 7, 2023
Naperville Park Board waives bidding process in order to quickly restore water at Naperbrook clubhouse
Giles Bruce, Naperville Sun
Naperville Park Board commissioners voted Thursday to waive normal bidding procedures so water can be restored as quickly as possible to the Naperbrook Golf Course clubhouse.
The clubhouse, located at 22204 W. 111th St., began experiencing water problems in mid-December, requiring a contractor to remove the well, motor and piping for inspection, Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson said.
December 31, 2022
Chicago Golf Show Discount Tickets
Walter Lis, Chicago Golf Report
The Chicago Golf Show takes place this February 24-26, 2023 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. It’s your one-stop destination to find great deals on golf equipment, get free putting and full-swing lessons from PGA Pros, learn about exciting golf getaways and challenging courses, and to get a free round of golf.
December 22, 2022
$15 million golf club referendum to be on Glencoe’s April ballot
Daniel I. Dorfman, Glencoe News
After years of discussion on the subject, the future of the Glencoe Golf Club’s clubhouse is now in the hands of the village’s residents.
At their Dec. 15 meeting, trustees unanimously voted to put a $15 million bond sale referendum question on the ballot in next April’s election. If the measure passes, the bond sale proceeds would be used toward construction of a new approximate 100,000 square foot clubhouse/pro shop along with a new restaurant intended for year round use, an event space and other recreational opportunities including a croquet court, community garden and a bicycle repair station.
December 14, 2022
Mistwood Golf Club Producing Food and Honey in Their Own Backyard
Community Contribution, Patch
This year, Mistwood Golf Club started The Farm, a project that not only sees them grow their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers, but also keeping their own bees for pollination and honey harvesting. Less than a year in, it is already garnering awards. The FairWays Foundation, which awards grants for sustainability on golf courses internationally, awarded Mistwood a grant to cover infrastructural startup costs for the entire farm to table program.
December 14, 2022
KemperSports to oversee Winnetka Golf Club's extensive course renovation
Wire report, First Call
KemperSports has been selected by the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners to manage Winnetka Golf Club and oversee an extensive course renovation to the club’s public nine-hole and 18-hole courses. The course renovation project, which already is underway, is being designed by Libertyville-based golf course architect Rick Jacobson. Renovations include releveling and resurfacing greens, tees and fairways, remodeling fairway and select greenside bunkers and overall improved drainage at both courses to better handle heavy storm events.
December 7, 2022
Growing a movement at Mistwood Golf Club
Andrew Hartsock, Golf Course Management Magazine
Angelica Carmen, Mistwood GC’s sustainability specialist, brings 8,000 square feet of pollinator-friendly plantings to the Mistwood Golf Club. Called The Farm, 12 raised beds are tucked behind the club’s driving range in an area previously covered by native fescues. It’s secluded enough, Carmen says, that “I don’t feel worried when I’m out there working,” but prominent enough to be seen from any of several spots during a round.
December 2, 2022
Dundee Township Park District considering possibility of new clubhouse for Bonnie Dundee Golf Course
Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune
Dundee Township Park District has hired a firm to come up with preliminary designs and cost estimates for new clubhouse at the Bonnie Dundee Golf Course in Carpentersville.
The process is in the “infancy stage,” according to district Executive Director Dave Peterson, but park board members are in agreement that they do not want to put anymore money into the aging structure.
November 30, 2022
BMW Championship golf tournament seeks volunteers
Dave Oberhelman, Daily Herald
The BMW Championship golf tournament, whose proceeds benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation of the Glenview-based Western Golf Association, is seeking volunteers for its event Aug. 15-20, 2023, at Olympia Fields Country Club. Volunteers perform key duties inside and outside the ropes during the tournament, including welcoming patrons, assisting corporate hospitality guests and working in the merchandise tent.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must commit to working at least three 4- to 6-hour shifts during the tournament week. The deadline to apply is Dec. 19.
November 22, 2022
Golf continues to ride wave of pandemic-induced interest in Lake County
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald
A pandemic-fueled increase in golf at Lake County Forest Preserve courses continued this season.
Revenues from golf course operations surpassed $5 million for a second consecutive season, a surprising and unexpected milestone.
"Prior to this COVID golf wave we're still riding, those numbers seemed almost unattainable," said Alex Eichman, the district's chief of golf operations.
November 21, 2022
Rewind: July 2002, The Glen Club Hosts Its First Tournament
Greg Miles, Chicago Golf Report
The Glen Club opened in 2001, and soon after its opening was already in line to host important tournaments, the first of which was the Fuji-Xerox USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship, held on July 17-19, 2002. Recall that in 2002 international diplomacy was askew after the 9/11 attacks in New York City and Washington D.C. Therefore hosting a friendly international contest at this time garnered more esteem than it would in normal times.
November 21, 2022
5 keys to making showstopping Thanksgiving stuffing, according to Medinah executive chef
Shaun Tolson, Golf Magazine
If you’ve spent years focused on the turkey, chances are your stuffing game could use some TLC. Fortunately, Matthew Gilbert, the executive chef at Medinah Country Club, is here to be your stuffing’s caregiver. His advice is also well-founded — he and his team feed about 1,500 people at Medinah on Thanksgiving Day — a mix of members who either make reservations for the club’s sit-down brunch or who order customizable takeaway meals that can serve 12. “In three or four hours, we’re sending out 100 birds with all the sides,” he says of the morning window when those Thanksgiving Feast packages are picked up. “It’s like we’re Santa’s Christmas elves but in Thanksgiving mode.”
November 21, 2022
Canal Shores Golf Club receives donation as ecological restoration continues
Daniel I. Dorfman, Wilmette Life
An ecological restoration of a second hole at the Canal Shores Golf Club is one step closer with the approval of a $20,000 grant.
The Fairways Foundation, a New Jersey-based environmental advocacy firm, has announced that the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association will receive a $20,000 grant with the goal of restoring the canal banks at ninth hole at the course straddling the Evanston/Wilmette border.
November 16, 2022
2,000 Volunteers Needed For BMW Golf Championship In Olympia Fields
Lauren Traut, Patch
The BMW Championship is set for Aug. 15-20, 2023, at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois. Golf fans interested in volunteering at the tournament are encouraged to sign up soon, as volunteer positions available for the event are filling fast.
Select volunteer opportunities are still available to assist in staging the BMW Championship – the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoffs. Volunteers perform key tasks inside and outside the ropes during tournament week, including welcoming thousands of patrons each day, assisting corporate hospitality guests and selling apparel in the event’s merchandise tent.
November 15, 2022
3 people, 56 dogs OK after plane goes down at Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee
AP, Chicago Tribune
Three adults and dozens of dogs on board a twin-engine plane are OK after an emergency landing on a golf course in Waukesha County Tuesday, according to sheriff’s officials.
The people on the plane that went down on the back green of the Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee had injuries that were not life threatening, according to Lake Country Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Matthew Haerter.
November 15, 2022
Lake Bluff stormwater management discussions continue in wake of apparent rejection of golf course alternative
Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune
A majority of village residents said on Election Day they do not want to see changes at the Lake Bluff Golf Club, but further discussions regarding overall stormwater management in the area are set to continue.
After lengthy conversations involving the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and the Lake Bluff Park District, village residents voted on Nov. 8 on an advisory referendum whether a wetlands nature preserve should be created on the existing Lake Bluff Golf Club property. Then the property would be converted into an open wetland and recreation area with the opportunity for the Park District to sell wetland credits.
November 13, 2022
Voters oppose cutting down thousands of trees in Jackson Park and South Shore for Obama Center & Tiger Woods golf project
Maddie Ellis, Chicago Tribune
Over 80% of residents of Chicago’s South Side voted to oppose the removal of thousands of trees because of construction around the Obama Presidential Center and a proposed golf course project from Tiger Woods golf course construction company.
Tiger Woods’ company, TGR Design, has also proposed the restoration of the two parks’ golf courses by combining them into one 18-hole PGA-worthy course. According to documents of the design, this development could involve removal of 2,100 trees from the parks.
November 10, 2022
Like finding gold: Chicago area golf course takes in the sunshine and the extra money the comes with it
Marissa Perlman, CBS Chicago
The unseasonably warmer weather is welcome news to some businesses, like car washes.
They're soaking up a late surge along with the sun. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman reports from Bensenville, where another type of business is benefitting from the good weather: White Pines Golf Course.
On an average November day, the golf course has about 30 tee times. On Thursday, it had 300, and it's all because of the beautiful weather.
November 10, 2022
Highwood's Patrick Flavin, Deerfield's Vince India end golf season on upswing
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
Patrick Flavin's attempt at earning his PGA Tour card through a year's worth of Monday qualifiers made for a captivating story throughout the 2022 season.
Both Flavin and Deerfield's Vince India tied for 24th in the last of the four-tournament series. That meant both are assured eight early season starts when the PGA's alternative circuit begins play in January.
November 7, 2022
Golf Center Des Plaines Receiving Tee-Up System Upgrades
Noah Festenstein, Journal & Topics
New upgrades are teeing off at Golf Center Des Plaines as, according to the park district, the driving range’s tee-up system is set to receive “modernizing upgrades.”
According to Des Plaines Park District Executive Director Don Militic, the tee-up system has been in use since 2006 and is in need of upgrades.
November 4, 2022
Puttery Chicago nightclub with indoor mini-golf courses opens
Jose Baltierra, ABC 7 Chicago
A new type of nightclub is opening in Chicago, focused on miniature golf, drinks, and music. Puttery Chicago is located at the 932 W. Randolph Street in the Fulton Market neighborhood.
Clayton Stanley is the director of operations at Puttery Chicago. Clayton joined ABC7 to talk about this new nightclub and what visitors can expect when they walk through the front doors.
November 4, 2022
The Chicago Legacy of Billy Caldwell
Edward Robert McClelland, Chicago Magazine
Some historical figures are better known by their nicknames than the names they were given at birth: Buffalo Bill, Billy the Kid, Calamity Jane. As a result of those folkloric appellations, their reputations exist in that gray area between reality and myth. In Chicago, we have the Sauganash, née Billy Caldwell. Caldwell’s real name adorns a golf course and a forest preserve, but his nickname belongs to a Northwest Side neighborhood.
November 1, 2022
Chicago Golf Club awarded two USGA championships
Joel Beall, Golf Digest
The USGA announced Tuesday that Chicago Golf Club will host an upcoming U.S. Women’s Open and Walker Cup.
The club, located on the western outskirts of the Windy City, was one of the five founding member clubs of the USGA in 1894. Chicago G.C. was established by C.B. Macdonald, who also built the original course before his protege Seth Raynor redesigned it in 1923. The course underwent a recent restoration that included the addition of 13 bunkers that were discovered as part of Raynor’s original design.
November 1, 2022
Lake Bluff residents to weigh in on future of golf club property
Daniel I. Dorfman, Loke Forester
When Lake Bluff voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 8 election, they will be asked to provide some perspective on the future of the Lake Bluff Golf Club amid a larger question of stormwater mitigation efforts in the area.
Village residents will be asked to vote on a nonbinding referendum whether a wetlands nature preserve should be created on the Lake Bluff Golf Club property, and that property converted into an open wetland and recreation area with the opportunity to sell wetland credits.
November 1, 2022
$1.2 million creek restoration at Villa Park golf course to begin
Daily Herald report, Daily Herald
Elmhurst and Villa Park officials will break ground Saturday on a $1.2 million water quality project at Sugar Creek Golf Course.
Sugar Creek has suffered from shoreline erosion, sediment deposit accumulations and degraded water quality in recent years. The restoration project aims to fix those issues with the creek, which runs through the nine-hole public golf course and provides habitat and flood storage.
November 1, 2022
Poor Performance At White Pines Golf Club Before 2020
David Giuliani, Patch
White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville has seen an almost complete turnover of employees since early 2020, prompted by "abnormal" refunds and "poor performance," a park official said last week.
November 1, 2022
Chicago Golf Club to Host 2033 Women's Open & 2036 Walker Cup
Julia Pine, USGA
Chicago Golf Club, in Wheaton, Ill., has been chosen by the USGA as the host site for the 2033 U.S. Women’s Open Presented by ProMedica and the 2036 Walker Cup Match. The historic club has previously hosted 12 USGA championships, most recently the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open in 2018.
Located in Chicago’s western suburbs, Chicago Golf Club was founded in 1892, debuted the first 18-hole course in the United States in 1893, and became one of five founding member clubs of the USGA in 1894. The storied club was established by Charles Blair Macdonald, who was the first U.S. Amateur champion in 1895 and served as the first vice president of the USGA.
October 31, 2022
Sugar Creek Golf Course restoration ground breaking on November 5
Elmhurst Park District, Patch
Sugar Creek Golf Course invites the community to a ground breaking ceremony for the Sugar Creek restoration project on Saturday, November 5 at 10:30 am. The project has been in the planning stages since 2016 and the golf course is looking forward to restoring the creek, which is a natural resource that provides open space, habitat, flood storage and recreational opportunities.
October 28, 2022
Drive Shack Inc. Announces Grand Opening of Puttery Chicago
Business Wire, Business Wire
Located in the heart of Chicago’s lively Fulton Market District and Randolph Restaurant Row, Puttery Chicago features a 23,000-square-foot venue that spans two stories with uniquely themed putting courses, stunning bars and swanky lounge spaces within a lively atmosphere to provide an unmatched immersive experience.
There are 2 nine hole putting courses: the Library and the Lodge.
Puttery Chicago is located at 932 W Randolph St.
October 25, 2022
Glencoe residents closer to voting on $15 million dollar golf club referendum
Daniel I. Dorfman, Pioneer Press
Glencoe residents will vote on a $15 million bond sale referendum next spring intended to pay for massive changes at the Glencoe Golf Club.
At an Oct. 18 Committee of the Whole meeting held at the Golf Club, a majority of the village trustees expressed support to put the $15 million referendum in front of voters in next April’s municipal elections. Proceeds of the bond sale would fund construction of new buildings and spaces at the Golf Club including a large new clubhouse/pro shop.
October 25, 2022
Rogue golf balls from Park Ridge Country Club drive residents to City Council for help
Caroline Kubzansky, Park Ridge Herald-Advocate
Park Ridge residents say golf balls from the Park Ridge Country Club's driving range land in their yards and sometimes hit their homes. Residents appeared before the City Council to discuss a solution. Neighbors had worked out that their street had seen 4,800 stray balls from the driving range year-to-date.
October 25, 2022
Ravisloe Golf Course in Homewood first to be granted arboretum status
CBS Chicago, CBS Chicago
Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood says it's the first golf course to be granted arboretum status. The course has over 3,000 trees of over 100 varities. They're all individually identified and labeled. The club applied to the Morton Arboretum to acquire the new status and was granted.
October 24, 2022
Cops Investigate Refunds At White Pines Golf Club
David Giuliani, Patch
Refunds of nearly $800,000 at the White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville are the subject of a criminal investigation, according to records.
In some cases, no explanations were given for the refunds. As an example, in 2016, a tournament outing involved a $4,774 refund, with no reason provided, according to the investigation.
October 20, 2022
Mistwood awarded “FairWays Foundation” grant for The Farm
PR Release, First Call
Mistwood Golf Club is proud to announce that they have been awarded a $9,000 grant from The FairWays Foundation for their work towards The Farm – a new food production on property to grow biodynamically, meaning all organic inputs and no chemicals, IPM methods, crop rotation & companion planting. The Farm is Mistwood’s next chapter in sustainability and commitment to environmental social responsibility in golf course maintenance, food growth and food service.
Angelica Carmen, Mistwood’s sustainability specialist, worked hard to get the application prepared for submission. “It’s an honor to be one of 12 recipients in the world to receive this grant. Going forward, The Farm will also benefit Mistwood in cultural, ecological, and socioeconomic ways that only domino into Romeoville and surrounding areas. Growing healthy food biodynamically in an unused plot on the course provides a living classroom for all who venture near it or enjoy the fruits of its labor.”
October 18, 2022
Revelation Golf lets veterans rediscover joy and purpose
Jackie Kostek, CBS Chicago
There's a therapeutic golf program named Revelation Golf that's helping military veterans rediscover joy and purpose.
Donna Strum partnered with an LPGA golf pro to start the program 17 years ago. They help veterans where they are - whether they're dealing with a physical disability or a less visible one. The goal: to give veterans an outlet, a fresh start through golf.
Their most recent event was at Cantigny.
October 17, 2022
Heritage Oaks Golf Club is again named a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
Pioneer Press Staff, Northbrook Star
Northbrook Park District’s Heritage Oaks Golf Club has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program, according to a news release.
Bill Meyer, Parks Division Manager, led the effort to maintain sanctuary status on this course, the release said. Heritage Oaks Golf Club was first designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2015 and is one of over 900 courses in the world to hold certification from Audubon International.
October 12, 2022
Chicago High-Tech Mini Golf Startup Puttshack Raises $150M
Abel Rodriguez, Built In Chi
Puttshack announced it raised $150 million in a growth capital round that saw participation from BlackRock and Promethean Investments. This new capital will fuel Puttshack’s national expansion and bring high-tech mini golf to more cities and customers.
Puttshack puts a spin on traditional mini golf by bringing the game to indoor locations and infusing it with several tech features. In addition to a putter and golf ball — both of which are provided by the company — players create an account that syncs with their golf ball.
October 12, 2022
Score 18 Indoor Golf Opening Location In Bolingbrook
Andrea Earnest, Patch
Score 18 Indoor Golf will be opening soon in Bolingbrook, Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta shared on her Facebook page.
The business has applied for a certificate of occupancy at 501 S. Weber Road, Suite 109. Alexander-Basta said the business hopes to open later this month.
October 10, 2022
Willowbrook-based Club Champion expands to five new markets
Staff report, Daily Herald
Club Champion, a custom golf club fitter, builder and retailer, said Monday it opened five new stores in the third quarter of 2022.
With club fitting studios now open in Torrance, California; Wilmington, North Carolina; Pleasanton, California; Mandeville, Louisiana; and Ashburn, Virginia, Club Champion is on pace to surpass 115 domestic and international locations by the end of the year, the company said. There are now fitting studios in 42 U.S. states and partnered locations in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
October 3, 2022
Hidden treasures found during renovation project at Olympia Fields
Dane Placko, Fox 32
History is coming to life at the Olympia Fields Country Club in the south suburbs.
A major renovation is underway at one of the country’s biggest and oldest golf clubs — And what they are finding is amazing.
Olympia Fields Country Club Historian Bob Topel gave FOX 32 a tour of what at one time was the largest golf club in the country, a 110,000 square foot clubhouse surrounded by four golf courses, including one just for women.
Two of those courses remain to this day.
October 5, 2022
Winnetka Golf Club Burglar Sold Stolen Items To Detectives: Prosecutor
Jonah Meadows, Patch
An Oak Park man is accused of burglarizing the Winnetka Golf Club after he listed items stolen in the burglary on eBay and sold them to undercover detectives, authorities said.
Patrick Kennedy, 29, of the 700 block of North Oak Park Avenue, has been charged with one count of burglary in connection with a May 27 break-in at the golf course, 1300 Oak St., according to police and prosecutors.
October 5, 2022
Amari Avery leads USC to Windy City Collegiate Classic title at Exmoor
Jim Young, AmateurGolf.com
Behind medalist Amari Avery, USC won its first event of the 2022-23 season on Tuesday (Oct. 4) at the Windy City Collegiate Classic at the Exmoor C.C. in Highlands Park, Ill.
The Trojans took a nine-stroke lead into Tuesday's final round at Exmoor and fired a 1-under 287 in the final round to hold off the hard-charging South Carolina Gamecocks to capture their third Windy City Classic in the last eight years.
October 3, 2022
WGA Caddie Academy Awarded $125,000 From PGA TOUR to Support Underserved Youth
Newswire, Black Press USA
The PGA TOUR announced that the Western Golf Association (WGA) Caddie Academy is the recipient of a $125,000 award. Participants are chosen during their freshman year of high school based on showing outstanding academics, leadership and character. The average household income of participants in the Caddie Academy is $30,000, and more than 90% of the program’s participants are students of color.
October 3, 2022
Drive, Chip & Putt: A Last Chance and A Repeat Advance at Medinah CC
Tim Cronin, Drive Chip & Putt
Many players find that the pressure to qualify for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals intensifies as the opportunities wane. Alex Kim, 15, drained a curling 30-footer at Medinah Country Club to make the most of his last chance at qualifying, while Martha Kuwahara, 14, wants redemption at Augusta National.
September 28, 2022
Puttshack Oakbrook takes miniature golf to a high-tech new level
Tim McGill, Fox Chicago
Sort of like TopGolf for miniature golf, Puttshack in Oak Brook embeds sensors inside golf balls to automatically keep track of your miniature golf score and progress. Also features a full restaurant menu and full bar.
September 27, 2022
Golfweek's 2022 top public and private courses in Illinois
Jason Lusk, GolfWeek
Cog Hill’s No. 4 Dubsdread is the top-rated public-access golf course in Illinois with a Dick Wilson and Joe Lee design that opened in 1964 and was renovated by Rees Jones in 2008.
The past host of numerous USGA championship and PGA Tour events, No. 4 Dubsdread sits at No. 1 in the Prairie State on Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play list for public-access layouts in the US.
September 26, 2022
Museums being eyed for former Pheasant Run property in St. Charles
Eric Schelkopf, Daily Herald
St. Charles resident John Mars proposes to build a Chicago Sports Hall of Fame, a Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame, and the Yes To Vets museum on Pheasant Run Resort's western edge. Yes To Vets is a veterans' service organization that Mars started.
The three museums would be built next to each other and on one level.
September 22, 2022
Group of golfers changing the game for Latinas
Lourdes Duarte, WGN
For decades, the game of golf has been known to create networking opportunities for men. It’s the place where deals are made and long friendships developed. But it hasn’t always been where you find women and even less likely Latinas.
But now there’s a group of women with a game plan for the future of golf.
Leading the team is Martha Estela Tobias.
“Every time we gather, there’s a new face and new dialogue and new conversations,” she said.
In Illinois, she started the Ladies International Golf Association or LIGA. The association is meant to support women who see the advantages of the game and want to play.
September 22, 2022
Hazel Crest in talks to annex Calumet Country Club property eyed for development, jettisoned by Homewood
Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune
Preliminary talks are underway about a possible annexation and redevelopment of Calumet Country Club that would bring the property into Hazel Crest, according to Mayor Vernard Alsberry.
So far, no formal annexation request has been made, and Alsberry said Thursday he is waiting to see a proposal for how the property might be developed.
The 130-acre property, northwest of Dixie Highway and 175th Street, is in unincorporated Cook County after Homewood officials, in April 2021, voted to allow the country club to part ways with the village.
September 20, 2022
Could Women's Western Open be returning to golf circuit?
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
Judy Rankin, speaking at the Western Golf Association's annual Women of Distinction ceremonies, said the Women's Western Open may finally be coming back.
That Open, the first major in women's golf, was first held 20 years before the LPGA was created. It was a match play event from 1930 to 1953 and a 72-hole stroke play event after that.
September 19, 2022
First Tee Opens $2 Million Golf Center On Lakefront at Sydney R. Marovitz
Noah Asimow, Block Club Chicago
The state-of-the-art short game facility behind the old Waveland Clock Tower opened Thursday. The facility adds to the nine-hole Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, 3701 N. Recreation Drive. The $2 million, 60,000-square-foot area was built and funded by First Tee, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides programs, coaching and camps for children to learn golf at courses throughout Chicago and its suburbs.
September 18, 2022
Stanford finishes off dominant victory at Olympia Fields Fighting Illini Invitational
Jim Young, AmateurGolf.com
The Cardinal put the finishing touches on a dominant 12-stroke victory at the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational on Sunday while junior Michael Thorbjornsen claimed his first collegiate victory, firing a final round 68 to post a one-stroke victory over Florida's Ricky Castillo and 36-hole leader Adrien Dumont de Chassart of Illinois.
September 18, 2022
Smith wins LIV Golf tournament in Sugar Grove
Associated Press, Daily Herald
British Open champion Cameron Smith made his decision to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf pay off Sunday when he closed with a 3-under 69 for a three-shot victory in the LIV Golf Invitational-Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.
September 16, 2022
Stanford sets the early pace at Olympia Fields/Illini Invitational
Jim Young, AmateurGolf.com
The Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields (Ill.) Country Club has long been an early season measuring stick for some of the top teams in the nation to test themselves on a historic venue.
With 11 of the 15 teams in this year's field either ranked or receiving votes in the first GCAA Coaches Top-25 Poll, including each of the last four national title winners in Texas (2022), Pepperdine (2021), Stanford (2019), and Oklahoma State (2018), the 2022 OFCC/Fighting Illini Invitational field is once again one of the fall's strongest.
September 16, 2022
Lincicome: LIV golf is for the greedy, the ungrateful and the inadequate
Bernie Lincicome, Daily Herald
To the surprise of some, mostly me, the Hybrid Greed Golf Tour, has made it here, reasonably sturdy and irritatingly ominous; that is to say, it has not gone away as I pledged that it would.
There is no penalty for being wrong, but there is some remorse. This ridiculous YouTube carnival is not only fooling reasonable folks -- if a golf fan can be identified that way -- but gains credence the longer it stays around.
September 14, 2022
Stevenson HS Wins 43rd Waukegan Invite
Dion Martorano, Journal & Topics
Since 1980, Waukegan has hosted the Waukegan Invitational, which reached its 43rd year in 2022. In a way, it is a tournament of champions for Illinois girls high school golf. The invite included teams that finished 1-5 and 8th at state the previous year in Class 2A, plus the fourth place team in Class 1A. The invite hosted the Class 2A state champion teams from each year since 2014. It may be the oldest girls high school golf event in Illinois, or at least one of the oldest. Each year the best of the best teams in the state come out to compete on the course.
Stevenson HS won it this year.
September 13, 2022
What to know as LIV Golf Tour comes to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove this weekend
Michal Dwojak, Daily Herald
The LIV Golf Tour is coming to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove this weekend as part of its inaugural season.
The LIV Golf Invitational Chicago will be the tour's fifth event of the year and runs from Friday to Sunday, featuring some of the top-ranked golfers in the world. The event opens with a pro-am on Thursday.
LIV Golf has faced controversy since its founding in 2021. Many have been opposed to the new tour because it is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which is overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
September 12, 2022
Golf Records Dropping Everywhere
Dion Martorano, Journal & Topics
Not even one full month into the high school golf season and multiple school records have found new placeholders. Hersey boys golf head coach Dan Caporusso put it best: “Good weather, good golf.”
As of Sept. 7, the most recent record to fall was Tuesday, Sept. 6 with Conant boys golf star Nicholas Simon. The Cougars golfer fired a school record 5-under-par 30 score at Schaumburg Golf Club. Simon birdied (1-under-par for the hole) on holes 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9. He hit on par for holes 3, 4, 6 and 7.
Conant shot a 148 team score and went 1-1 on the day, finishing one stroke behind Prospect (147) and 39 strokes ahead of Schaumburg (187) in the tri-meet.
September 6, 2022
Sugar Grove's Rich Harvest Farms excited to host LIV Golf event
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
Now it's Chicago's turn to see what the LIV Golf Tour has to offer. Rich Harvest Farms, in Sugar Grove, will host the fifth of eight LIV tournaments on Sept. 16-18 with a pro-am the day before the tournament rounds.
Rich Harvest will then host a $25 million 54-hole tournament that offers individual and a team competition running simultaneously.
September 5, 2022
Chicago-born Herb Kohler, legendary businessman, golf course owner, dies at 83
Jack Hirsch, Golf Magazine
Herb Kohler, the plumbing magnate and legendary golf-course developer who built Whistling Straits, host site of the 2021 Ryder Cup, died Saturday at 83.
Kohler was an avid golfer who made it his mission to turn eastern Wisconsin and the shores of Lake Michigan into an international golf destination.
September 5, 2022
Skokie Country Club Celebrates 125 Year Anniversary and US Open Centennial
David A. F. Sweet, Classic Chicago Magazine
Every quarter century or so, private clubs celebrate a meaningful anniversary. In the Chicago area, many golf clubs — from Exmoor to Glen View — have been commemorating their sesquicentennials (also known as 125th anniversaries).
But one this year has toasted not one but two major commemorations. Skokie Country Club in Glencoe is not only 125 years old; a century ago, it hosted the U.S. Open.
September 2, 2022
More participation, more revenue for Naperville Park District
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald
Despite construction at Naperbrook and Springbrook, golf revenue is 14% ahead of budget. Springbrook is closed for renovation, but the golf range remains popular, according to Golf Director Kevin Carlson.
August 31, 2022
This Chicago collector's insane golf club collection will blow your mind — and it’s coming to auction
Jonathan Wall, Golf Magazine
One of the largest collections of memorable and unique golf clubs will be coming to auction soon, from a prolific collector in the Chicago area. Thousands of golf clubs, many of them never used, spanning from the 1800s to bags full of Cleveland 588 wedges and hundreds of mid-90s Scotty Cameron putter releases with plastic still on the grips are in the trove. Many items from Tiger Woods and other golf greats are in the collection too.
August 31, 2022
High-Tech Golf Simulators Power Upcoming Bar in Bucktown
Ashok Selvam, Eater Chicago
Powered by a South Korean-made video simulator, Golfzon, the Green should open in mid-September at 2131 N. Elston Avenue, hoping to draw serious golfers who want to work on their swings (perhaps during the winter months when outdoor play isn’t possible), groups wanting to try something different on the weekend, and private parties.
August 31, 2022
Controversial LIV Golf Tour Visits Illinois
Jose Zepeda, Illinois Public Media
Professional golf is making another stop in Chicagoland, but it’s not the PGA adding to its calendar. The new LIV Golf Invitational Series is set to host a tournament Sept.16-18 at the Rich Harvest Farms golf course and country club in the western suburb of Sugar Grove near Aurora, Ill. The tournament is surrounded by some controversies — it has prompted pushback from human rights groups and critics, saying the tournament is covering Saudi Arabia’s shoddy human rights record.
August 28, 2022
Qualifier on September 10 at Deerpath for Tiger’s PopStroke Putting Championship
Greg Miles, Chicago Golf Report
Deerpath Golf Course just recently announced that it will host a Putting Challenge on September 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its 30,000 square-foot bentgrass putting and chipping green, The Lawn. This event serves as a qualifier for the inaugural PopStroke National Putting Championship scheduled for this October at the PopStroke Sarasota, Florida, location.
August 24, 2022
Carroll takes down Small in playoff to win his first IPGA title
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
Brian Carroll, of The Hawk Country Club in St. Charles, deprived Mike Small of a 14th Illinois PGA Championship on Wednesday at Makray Memorial in Barrington.
Carroll, winner of the IPGA Match Play title in May, padded his lead in the Player of the Year standings when he took down Small in a three-hole aggregate score playoff.
August 23, 2022
Michael Jordan will be included in PGA 2K23 video game
Ryan Taylor, NBC Sports Chicago
Tiger Woods will be the face of the PGA 2K23 cover this year. But, he won't be the only GOAT in the game.
Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls legend and Hall of Famer, will be included in the popular simulation golf game. 2K is offering the “Michael Jordan Bonus Pack” as part of the pre-order process, allowing golf fans and gamers to use the basketball legend as a golf character.
August 23, 2022
Lake Bluff Park District approves 5-year golf course management deal, dousing hopes for ‘Preserve’ wetland
Gavin Good, Chicago Tribune
The Lake Bluff Park District’s Board of Commissioners approved a five-year golf course management deal with GolfVisions Management on Monday night, effectively dousing hopes of some community members for a Lake Bluff “Preserve” wetland proposed to mitigate regular flooding.
Commissioners Paul Greenfield, Niki Walsh, Emily Lane, Jennifer Beeler and Scott Weber voted in favor of the contract, Susan Raymoure voted against it and Ann Reider abstained after about more than an hour of discussion and public comments for and against keeping the golf course.
August 23, 2022
Deerpath Golf Course officials hope improvements will attract next generation of players
Daniel Dorfman, Chicago Tribune
The Deerpath Golf Course has been a part of Lake Forest’s tapestry for nearly a century. Yet, city officials are hoping a recently completed upgrade and fresh amenities will attract a new generation of golfers.
Players have been hoping to score some birdies at Deerpath’s 18 holes for 96 years. But in a new feature, last month officials introduced The Lawn, a 30,000-foot bentgrass putting green, a three-hole chipping course adjacent to a 15-foot fairway surface and tee stations and hitting bays.
August 23, 2022
Oak Park's Kyle Donovan holding onto lead at Illinois PGA Championship at Makray Memorial
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
Oak Park's Kyle Donovan remained at the top of the leaderboard in the Illinois PGA Championship at Makray Memorial in Barrington on Tuesday.
Playing in the championship for the first time, Donovan was tied with Butler National's Jeff Kellen after Monday's first round and now has sole possession of the lead at 5-under-par 137.
August 22, 2022
Golf tips to prevent injury from the White Sox’s head physician Dr. Nikhil Verma
Miranda Ellis, WLS Radio
Have you been struggling to add more yards to your swing? The Steve Cochran Show and the White Sox’s head physician Dr. Nikhil Verma talk about when it is time to stop carrying your golf bag, why stretching before and after playing is essential and how to stay warm during the cold off-season.
August 22, 2022
Two share the lead after first round of Illinois PGA Championship in Barrington
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
Kyle Donovan, of Oak Park Country Club, and Jeff Kellen, of Butler National in Oak Park, carded 3-under-par 68s Monday to share the first-round lead in the Illinois PGA Championship at Makray Memorial in Barrington.
The tourney, played for the first time 100 years ago, is being held for the first time at Makray and Doug Ghim's course record 65 stood up through the first 18 holes of the 54-hole test. Ghim, now a PGA Tour player, set the record 11 years ago when he was playing in the Illinois State Junior Championship.
August 22, 2022
2023 BMW Championship Returning to Olympia Fields
Greg Miles, Chicago Golf Report
The 2023 BMW Championship will be returning in 2023 to Olympia Fields Country Club, which hosted the event that was won by Jon Rahm in 2020. In addition, BMW has signed a five-year extension to remain the title sponsor of the TOUR’s second FedExCup Playoffs event through 2027.
Patrick Cantlay won the 2022 BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club. By doing so he became the first player to successfully defend a playoffs event.
August 21, 2022
What to expect as Illinois PGA tees off in Barrington on Monday
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
The Illinois PGA Championship tees off Monday at a new site -- Makray Memorial in Barrington. The IPGA Championship, which also is a qualifier for the PGA Professionals national finals, has been played primarily at private clubs since its debut in 1922. Stonewall Orchard, a public facility in Grayslake, was part of a three-course rotation with privates Olympia Fields and Medinah when they divided hosting duties from 2005 to 2018.
August 19, 2022
Tinley Park-based Bettinardi, Monopoly collaborate on a wide range of limited-edition products
Jonathan Wall, Golf.com
One of the best board games of all time is getting the Bettinardi treatment. On the heels of recent collaborations with Big League Chew and Chicago Bulls great Scottie Pippen, the golf manufacturer announced a special Monopoly-branded release with Hasbro that’s set to include putters, wedges, headcovers, metal accessories, bags and apparel.
The limited-edition collaboration will be spread across three days beginning August 23rd (10 a.m. CST), with additional launches occurring on August 24th and August 25th (10 a.m. CST). All three launches will be available through Bettinardi’s website. In addition to the standard launches, Bettinardi plans to run a “Game of Chance” purchasing opportunity where customers can test their luck to win “a myriad of strikingly designed products.”
August 18, 2022
Tinley Park's Bettinardi Golf and Hasbro launch limited-edition Monopoly Golf Capsule Collection
Lauren Govednik, Daily Herald
In conjunction with Hasbro, Bettinardi Golf is collaborating with one of America's most iconic board games, Monopoly, which will combine Bettinardi's superior American craftsmanship in golf with the beloved Mr. Monopoly, along with the timeless icons from the game.
The assortment will feature a wide range of products that will launch online over the course of three days and include putters, wedges, headcovers, metal accessories, bags, and apparel, as well as the first-ever Monopoly board game machined entirely from one piece of metal.
August 18, 2022
Ramsey/Slutzky dynamic golf duo remains on a roll
Dave Oberhelman, Daily Herald
The dynamic duo of Glenview's John Ramsey and Deer Park's Chadd Slutzky won their third Chicago District Golf Association Amateur Four-Ball title on Aug. 10 in Chicago.
It pushed the links partners ahead of Northfield's Steve Sawtell and Burr Ridge's Michael Natale, who won in 2016 and 2018, for the most titles in the CDGA Four-Ball championship's seven years.
August 18, 2022
Take the Tiger Woods South Side golf course off the table
CST Editorial Board, Chicago Sun-Times
It’s time to give up on the moribund plan for a professional-caliber South Side golf course, stuff it into the golf bag along with the broken tees and go home.
Instead of keeping the plan alive, the Chicago Park District should bring the nine-hole South Shore and 18-hole Jackson Park golf courses up to par by fixing drainage and other issues. That would cost much less and make more golfers happy.
August 16, 2022
After a long road, Highwood's Patrick Flavin finds himself on cusp of PGA Tour
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
Flavin's route to make the PGA Tour has been more complicated, but it'll be a great accomplishment if he succeeds. Just making it into the three-tournament Korn Ferry Tour Finals was a difficult feat in itself.
Last fall, he couldn't survive the second stage of the Korn Ferry's three-stage qualifying school and basically had no tour to play on. His options for the PGA Tour were Monday qualifiers, which usually meant finishing in the top four of about 200 hopefuls, or getting a sponsor's exemption into big events and then playing well when those rare opportunities arose.
August 15, 2022
Amy Coghill was ready to sell Silver Lake Country Club. Then came COVID.
H. Lee Murphy, Crain's Chicago Business
Amy Coghill wanted to sell Silver Lake Country Club a few years ago. Then, golf became a pandemic-friendly activity. "My family spent nearly 100 years building this business, and I didn’t want to be the one responsible for breaking it all down.” Coghill, 42, decided to put the club up for sale. It was a tough decision, considering her great-grandfather, Bert Coghill, founded Silver Lake in 1938 (after selling off the family’s Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in nearby Lemont).
August 13, 2022
Golf revenue surges at public courses thanks to pandemic, but how long will it last?
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald
"We saw a big increase because of COVID, and I imagine we're not the only ones," said Naperville Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson. "I think it reignited a love for the game in those who already played, and new golfers came out to experience it and have stayed with it and become active in the sport."
August 12, 2022
Scouting the Fox and DuPage County girls golf season
Bobby Narang
, Daily Herald
A year ago, Audrey Wake made a big impact in her first season at Benet. The sophomore is looking to continue her stellar rise with another memorable showing. The Redwings, who finished third in the East Suburban Catholic Conference in 2021, also welcome junior Jenna Shilts for the first time into the program. Also, updates on Sarah Thornton, Caroline Owens, Elyssa Abdulah, Toral Bhatt, Sarah Sanek, Erica Lei, Annie Wittwer, Rebecca Wu, Sophie Lagman and Madison Coffey, Abby Terada, Macey Martin, Pranvi Kakkar, Madison Place, Marisa Lerario, Reagan Henkel, Anna Meinhart, Kaavya Mamgain, and Aubrey Sawyer.
August 9, 2022
Settler's Hill golf course back open after renovation
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
The renovation of the Settler's Hill course in Batavia wasn't easy -- even for veteran Chicago area golf architect Greg Martin. While the course is open, the $6.8 million project isn't finished. The original clubhouse -- located in an old barn -- will house the pro shop until the new clubhouse is finished next year.
August 7, 2022
Austin Greaser captures 120th Western Amateur with come-from-behind victory
Cameron Jourdan, Golfweek
Greaser, from Vandalia, Ohio, and playing collegiately at North Carolina, came from behind in the championship match, winning four straight holes on the back side to win 1 up and capture the 120th Western Amateur at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park, Illinois.
August 6, 2022
Greaser Wins 120th Western Amateur at Exmoor
Staff Report, AmateurGolf.com
The 21-year-old from Vandalia, Ohio, fought back from an early 2-down deficit in the final on Saturday, defeating Mateo Fernandez de Oliveira , of Beccar, Argentina, 1 up to win the 120th Western Amateur Championship. The victory capped an improbable run that started when Greaser survived a seven-for-two playoff on Thursday to take the 15th match play spot.
August 6, 2022
Kaitlyn Schroeder & Max Herendeen win Junior PGA Championships at Cog Hill
PGA of America, AmateurGolf.com
Newly crowned Junior PGA Champions, Alabama-bound Kaitlyn Schroeder and University of Illinois Commit Max Herendeen, found commonality on their way to winning at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club on Friday - a pair of college coaches instrumental to their games and the execution of their game plans.
August 4, 2022
White Pines Sale Is No More; Official Bolts
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz, Patch
The park district voted to stop all efforts to sell any golf course land. One official resigned in protest. At the beginning of the special meeting, Commissioner Greg Linder asked to speak. During his statement, he said he didn't see financial responsibility or stewardship with the proposed items being voted on. As the current treasurer of the board, he said he could not agree with the board's direction.
August 3, 2022
Westmoreland Country Club Burglary Caught On Camera
Jonah Meadows, Patch
Authorities said a Wilmette man broke into a golf club and attempted to steal thousands of dollars worth of items from inside.
Ethan M. Salazar-Sorbin, 19, of Wilmette, was arrested Sunday at the Westmoreland Country Club, 2601 Old Glenview Road, and charged with felony burglary, according to police and prosecutors.
August 4, 2022
Ross Steelman Earns Medalist Honors at Western Amateur
Jim Young, AmateurGolf.com
Steelman, who is entering his senior season at Georgia Tech, posted rounds of 66 and 68 on Thursday to finish at 14-under 270 for 72 holes of stroke play used to determine the 16 qualifiers for the match play portion of the tournament, which starts on Friday.
August 3, 2022
Possible White Pines Sale May Be No More
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz, Patch
Bensenville Park District may give up its effort to sell part of the White Pines Golf Club.
The club is a few blocks north of Elmhurst's city limit.
The park district plans to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to vote on a few items relating to White Pines, according to the meeting's agenda.
August 3, 2022
Junior PGA Championships at Cog Hill: Julia Misemer, Nicholas Gross, and Jay Leng Lead Day 1
Staff Report, PGA.com
A return to a familiar format at the 46th Junior PGA Championships made for memorable golf at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club Tuesday. With both boys and girls competing at the same time for the first time since 2017, U.S. Junior Ryder Cup girls alum Julia Misemer, No. 4 ranked boys junior golfer Nicholas Gross and 2018 PGA Jr. League champion Jay Leng shone during the first round.
August 3, 2022
Mouw moves to the top at the Western Amateur
Jim Young, AmateurGolf.com
There's something different about William Mouw these days.
Beginning with his second-place showing at the NCAA Bryan Regional back May, the Pepperdine Pepperdine senior seems to be gaining confidence with each and every outing.
August 3, 2022
East Peoria's Perkins wins Illinois Open at White Eagle in Naperville
Staff Report, Daily Herald
East Peoria golfer David Perkins won the 73rd Illinois Open Championship on Wednesday at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville. He shot a 2-under 70 on the final round, for a tournament total of 6-under 210. Perkins won $23,168, according to a news release from the Illinois PGA.
August 2, 2022
Kelly Chinn ties Exmoor CC course record at Western Amateur
Jim Young, AmateurGolf.com
While Kelly Chinn's opening round of 63 (-8) at the Western Amateur on Tuesday was certainly commendable, the Duke sophomore knows the road to one of the most coveted titles in amateur golf is an arduous one. A grueling combination of 72 holes of stroke play over three days followed by four rounds of match play make the Western one of the most demanding events in golf.
August 1, 2022
Western Amateur preview: Michael Thorbjornsen defends; J.R. Smith debuts
Brentley Romine, Golf.com
For the first time in a decade, the Western Amateur returns to Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park, Illinois. The historic amateur competition, now in its 120th edition, begins Tuesday with the first round of stroke play. A cut will be made after 36 holes to the low 44 players and ties. Thursday will feature a 36-hole stroke-play day, and after 72 holes, the top 16 players advance to match play, which will take place Friday and Saturday. The semifinals and 18-hole final will be contested on Saturday.
July 29, 2022
120th Western Amateur: Preview, TV Times, and Players to Watch
Pete Wlodkowski, Amateur Golf
An amazing summer of amateur golf continues the first week of August with the 120th playing of The Western Amateur. It is only fitting that the historic championship – known for being the toughest test in amateur golf — should serve as the “final exam” in the inaugural Elite Amateur Series.
July 29, 2022
Buffalo Grove Golfer Wins 42nd Chick Evans Jr. Am
Dion Martorano, Journal & Topics
Allyson Duan (Buffalo Grove/Stevenson HS) joined a growing list of Journal-area champions in the Chick Evans Junior Amateur after topping Yorkville’s Mia Natividad in the match play championship match Thursday. No. 6 seed Duan won 5 & 4.
July 28, 2022
PGA Tour players with Chicagoland ties all aiming to qualify for FedEx Cup
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
All the Chicago-connected players on the PGA Tour are in this week's Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit for a very good reason. They only have two tournaments left to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The Top 125 on the season-long point list qualify for the first of the lucrative postseason events and Kevin Streelman (No. 82), Northwestern alum David Lipsky (90) and Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim (111) are inside the cutline now. Nick Hardy of Northbrook is the best of the others at No. 138 with only the Wyndham Championship left after the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
July 28, 2022
Deerpath GC's huge putting green open for business
Staff Report, Golf Inc
Deerpath Golf Course in Lake Forest, Ill., opened The Lawn, a 30,000-foot expanse of bent-grass putting green, on July 6. The area is intended to be used by golfers of all ages and skill ranges and was the result of a partnership between the golf course, KemperSports, the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation, and the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation.
July 27, 2022
Buffalo Grove Arboretum Club's new restaurant, Vin 90, aims to become area destination
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald
As the entrance doors to the Arboretum Club clubhouse slide open, the eye instantly leaps to the spectacular view of one of the greens at Buffalo Grove's village-owned, high-end golf course. But now there's a new eye-catching sight inside the club at 401 W. Half Day Road, with the addition of Vin 90 Kitchen + Bar.
July 27, 2022
4 teens charged in fire that destroyed Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles
Staff Report, ABC 7 Chicago
Four teenagers have been charged in a massive fire that destroyed parts of the former Pheasant Run Resort and golf course in St. Charles. Flames tore through the property in May. More than 100 firefighters from 20 area fire departments helped put out the fire. Thankfully, no one was injured. As firefighters worked to contain the fire, people stopped by to take in the scene and recalled their memories of the resort.
July 26, 2022
Springbrook Golf Course in Naperville closing Aug. 1 for renovations
Staff Report, Daily Herald
Contractors will rebuild all tees and bunkers, complete drainage work that began last year, update green surrounds and add new bridges and cart paths for the 50-year-old course. Work is expected to be complete in late fall, but the course will remain closed until late spring or early summer of 2023. The clubhouse, practice areas and driving range will remain open.
July 25, 2022
2022 MWAGA Adaptive Open To Tee-Off In September
Kim Kislowski, Patch
The Midwestern Amputee Golf Association (MWAGA) is returning to the Odyssey Golf Foundation in Tinley Park for their 2022 Adaptive Open. The 3-day event will tee-off with a scramble tournament on Friday, September 9 followed by the 2-day, 36-hole tournament September 10-11. While the scramble is open to all participants, the tournament is exclusive to men and women of all ages with a disability.
July 22, 2022
Three Huskies Named Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars
Athletic Dept, NIU Huskies
The Northern Illinois University men's golf team had three student-athletes named as Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars by the Golf Coaches Association of America this week. Graduate Student Michael Cascino (Palos Park, Ill./Providence Catholic/Butler), senior Tommy Dunsire (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) and junior Zach Place (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) earned the national honor, adding on to their selections to the Mid-American Conference Academic All-MAC Team for this past season.
July 22, 2022
Canal Shores/Out of Space Golf Open – August 7, 2022
Walter Lis, Chicago Golf Report
Make plans to be a part of the inaugural Canal Shores/Out of Space Golf Open on Sunday, August 7th. Hosted by Joel Murray, this limited field four-person, 10-hole scramble could be the entertainment highlight of the summer season.
July 22, 2022
Hinsdale's McClear puts last year's setback behind him, wins Illinois State Amateur
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
A year ago a costly bogey on the 17th hole at Mistwood in Romeoville prevented Hinsdale's Mac McClear from winning the Illinois State Amateur title. That setback didn't hold back the University of Iowa junior this time. He was in control most of the way en route to a 3-stroke victory over Tommy Kuhl, a fifth-year senior at Illinois from downstate Morton.
July 21, 2022
McClear Breaks Through at Illinois Amateur
Chicago District Golf Association, Amateur Golf
The 21-year-old rising senior at the University of Iowa, who earlier in the week called the state’s preeminent amateur competition one he’s “wanted to win for a long time, since growing up,” entered the 2022 iteration with battle scars. He missed the cut in his debut in 2017 as a 16-year-old and lost in a playoff in 2021 at Mistwood Golf Club.
July 21, 2022
Inside the rise of Topgolf
E.J. Schultz, Crain's Chicago Business
The fast-growing brand runs nearly 80 venues across the globe that include high-tech driving ranges, food, cocktails, loud music and social event spaces. From outdoor hitting bays, players aim at targets by hitting microchip-equipped golf balls, scoring points that display on screens.
July 21, 2022
Voters To Weigh In On White Pines Golf Course Sale
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz, Patch
The Bensenville Park District board on Wednesday approved an advisory referendum on the sale of nearly half of White Pines Golf Club. The club, which contains two 18-hole courses, is a few blocks north of Elmhurst's city limit. Some opponents of the sale took the opportunity to voice their opposition during the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting.
July 20, 2022
A Scholar And A Gentleman [Tom Kearney, director of Western Golf Association since 1990]
Bill McLean, Daily North Shore
What goes golf-glove hand in golf-glove hand with the Evans Scholarship Program is the Western Golf Association (WGA), of which Kearney has served as a director since 1990. The WGA organizes the Western Amateur Championship, and this year’s 120th edition of the third-oldest amateur golf tournament in the world will be staged next month in Highland Park at Exmoor Country Club—Kearney’s home club since 1978.
July 19, 2022
Golf simulator comes to Mokena
Bob Bong, Daily Southtown
The 19th Hole in Mokena is the latest business that gives area golfers the virtual chance to try their luck at more than 100 golf courses from around the world.
July 18, 2022
Springbrook Golf Course to Close August 1 for Renovations
Naperville Park District, Patch
Springbrook Golf Course will close Monday, August 1 to allow renovation work to begin on the nearly 50-year-old golf course. The closing of the course is necessary to allow contractors to completely rebuild all tees and bunkers, complete drainage work that began in 2021, update green surrounds, and add new bridges and cart paths.
July 16, 2022
Chicago Golf History Begins With Charles Blair Macdonald
Walter Lis, Chicago Golf Report
Charles Blair Macdonald was a renowned course designer, 1895 U.S. Amateur Champion and World Golf Hall of Fame who was born in Canada in 1856 and grew up in Chicago. He has become known by many as both the Father of Chicago Golf and the Father of American Golf Architecture. His life-long love affair with the game is a major reason why Chicago stands at the forefront of golf in North America.
July 15, 2022
Controversial LIV Golf tournament in Sugar Grove gets mixed support from Kane County
James Fuller, Daily Herald
Kane County officials endorsed the controversial LIV Golf Invitation Series this week as Sugar Grove's Rich Harvest Farms will host one of the upstart organization's eight events this September. But not every county board member felt comfortable supporting the event despite the inherent local economic benefits of having an international spotlight on the community.
July 15, 2022
Orchard Village Golf Classic at Westmoreland Country Club
Dana DeBofsky, Patch
Join Orchard Village on August 8th for the 30th Annual Orchard Village Golf Classic. Players enjoy a full round of golf, bag concierge, golf cart, and personal lockers. They also receive a delicious lunch, complimentary refreshments, a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner, a live auction, prizes, and a swag bag full of goodies to take home.
July 14, 2022
Clearbrook Challenge enriches lives of individuals with disabilities at Exmoor Country Club
Erin Vander Pas, Daily Herald
More than 100 golfers gathered at the beautiful Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park on Monday, July 11 for the Clearbrook Challenge Golf Outing. The annual golf outing supports Clearbrook, an Arlington Heights-based nonprofit that works to empower thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to embrace their potential.
July 11, 2022
A new indoor golf venture is coming to Bucktown this fall
Trina Mannino, Crain's Chicago Business
The Green, part indoor golf experience and part restaurant and bar, plans to have something for both the casual and avid golfer. According to the owner, the location is the first in North America to have Golfzon’s newest simulator, the TwoVision. Each simulator at The Green will be situated around its own inviting living room.
May 19, 2022
Local teen activist tackles lack of diversity in golf
Sam Stroozas, Evanston Round Table
14 year old Olivia Ohlson has launched an endeavor to make the world a more just place: “Diversify Golf.” Until she started playing golf at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, she associated the sport with older and wealthy men, usually white. And that’s what she wants to change.
July 10, 2022
The Lawn Putting Course at Deerpath Golf Course Is Now Open
Greg Miles, Chicago Golf Report
Inspired by the Ladies’ Putting Course of Scotland's St. Andrews, Deerpath Golf Course in Lake Forest opened its 30,000 square-foot bentgrass putting green named "The Lawn" on July 6, 2022.
July 8, 2022
White Pines Sale Opponents Plan Public Meeting
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz, Patch
A group opposing the proposed sale of nearly half of White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville is organizing a public meeting for later this month.
July 6, 2022
Mini-golf experience inspired by Pixar films at Navy Pier
Tom Barnas, WGN
Pixar Putt is the ultimate pop-up, open-air mini-golf experience at Navy Pier; made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters and icons from Pixar’s most beloved films, including “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters Inc,” “Finding Nemo” and “Coco.”
June 22, 2022
Lawmaker's White Pines Action Questioned
David Giuliani, Patch
A state representative candidate is questioning the incumbent's handling of a bill that allows the sale of nearly half of the White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville.
June 18, 2022
Sunset Ridge CC Will Host Women’s Western Amateur
Greg Miles, Chicago Golf Report
The Women’s Western Golf Association in conjunction with the Western Golf Association have announced that Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield will host the 2022 Women’s Western Amateur.
June 1, 2022
Exmoor Ready for Another Golden Moment
Bill McLean, Sheridan Road
Exmoor’s rich history, along with 156 of the best amateur golfers in the world, will be front and center again this summer as it hosts the 120th Western Amateur Championship from August 1 to 6. This will be the fourth time in history and the second time since 2012 that the Championship, organized by the Western Golf Association (WGA) and the third-oldest amateur golf tournament in the world, has been hosted at Exmoor.
May 24, 2022
Nothing but good memories for Vince India at The Glen Club
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald
How difficult is it to get on the PGA Tour? Just ask Vince India or Brad Hopfinger. They grew up in the Chicago suburbs, were stars at the University of Iowa together and are among the select group of 10 players with wins in both the Illinois State Amateur and Illinois Open.
May 23, 2022
Korn Ferry Tour's NV5 Invitational comes to the Glen Club
John Dietz, Daily Herald
Northwestern junior and Evans Scholar Jonathan Kriarakis discusses the virtues of the Evans Scholars program while promoting the Korn Ferry Tour's NV5 Invitational tournament at The Glen Club in Glenview.
April 18, 2022
Golf is hot. Entrepreneurs want in.
H. Lee Murphy, Crain's Chicago Business
Indoor golf facilities are booming around Chicago. Is there room for everyone? The owner of Game of Irons is betting there is.
March 24, 2022
Downers Grove Golf Club celebrates 130th season
Staff Report, Shaw Local
Founded as a nine-hole course in 1892, the historic course in 1893 became America’s first 18-hole golf course, according to a news release. Now a nine-hole par 36 course, Downers Grove Golf Club is owned and operated by the Downers Grove Park District.
January 15, 2022
Frosty temperatures for annual Chilly Open at Arlington Lakes Golf Club
Staff Report, Daily Herald
It was a cold day for golf, but participants in the Arlington Lakes Golf Club's annual Chilly Open on Saturday came prepared. Players of all ages got a round of golf, a raffle ticket with a chance to win a special prize and of course, all the hot chili they could eat.
January 3, 2022
Master Plan To Renovate Medinah Country Club Course #3
Staff, Golf Business News
The members of Medinah Country Club have voted to move forward with a long-term Master Plan for its highly regarded Course #3, working with Australian firm Ogilvy, Cocking, and Mead.