Anetsberger Golf Course

Anetsberger Golf Course in Northbrook carries a unique legacy that dates back to 1947 when the Anetsberger Brothers corporation moved their kitchen equipment operation from Chicago to what was then unincorporated Northbrook property. The company, founded in 1926 as a manufacturer of bakery and restaurant equipment, built this compact nine-hole golf course as part of an employee recreation program that also included a park, sandy beach, five-acre lake, a vegetable garden, and much more. As owner Frank Anetsberger noted in a 1949 Chicago Tribune article, "All this is good business. Our workers are happy and we're happy because it pays big dividends in production." The Northbrook Park District acquired the property in 1999 following overwhelming resident approval of a $15.5 million referendum, and the course was rebuilt in 2006 by Jacobson Golf Course Design of Libertyville.

This 1,128-yard par-3 course features holes ranging up to 187 yards on its 9-hole footprint. The layout includes four bunkers, a pond that comes into play on three holes, and scattered trees that break up the landscape. Naturally, par is 27, and Anetsberger has two sets of tee boxes. But the course offers flexibility for players of all skill levels. You can basically tee it up from wherever you want. Tee time spacing sensibly runs every 10 minutes.

The course particularly excels as a venue for junior golfers, beginners, and seniors seeking a more relaxed round. Regular junior golf events, including IJGA tournaments, showcase the course's family-friendly atmosphere. My son played some tournaments here and we had a great time. While there's no driving range on site, the practice facilities shine with an excellent short game area featuring a sizable green, two practice bunkers, and up to 50 yards of space for short game work. Perhaps longer if the green is totally empty. And for a par-3 course, the pro shop offers a surprising selection of merchandise including shirts and hats, along with all necessary snacks and beverages.

The property's centerpiece pond not only affects play on three holes but also provides a scenic focal point with seating areas for relaxation. Push carts are available for rent, though the course's walkability makes them optional rather than necessary. For golfers seeking a driving range, nearby Willow Hill offers that option just a few minutes away. Interestingly, the Anetsberger corporation continues today with its headquarters still located in Northbrook, after having been acquired by parent company Middleby Corporation in 2009 for $3.5 million. Anetsberger Golf Course delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, enjoyable par-3 experience that honors its corporate heritage while serving the Northbrook community's recreational needs.