Chicago Area Golf News

February 6, 2024
Northbrook’s Heritage Oaks Golf Club named among Top 50 public ranges

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Elena Ferrarin, Daily Herald

For the second year in a row, the Northbrook Park District’s Heritage Oaks Golf Course was named a Golf Range Association of America “Top 50 Range” in the public category, and its director of golf instruction was again named among the “Top 100 Growth of the Game” teaching professionals.

February 7, 2024
Architect hired for Maple Meadows golf course makeover

• Learn more about Maple Meadows Golf Course

Katlyn Smith, Daily Herald

Golf course architect Greg Martin will iron out the details of proposed improvements to the public Maple Meadows track in Wood Dale.

DuPage County forest preserve commissioners in December approved Martin’s master plan for the Maple Meadows Golf Club, a 180-acre, district-owned property.

Martin recommended reducing the number and size of bunkers, making better use of the “wonderfully rolling topography” and expanding a practice area where golfers could sharpen their short game.

February 9, 2024
Is Burnham Woods GC being converted to a nature preserve? Forest Preserve is considering it. Community meeting on Feb 22

• Learn more about Burnham Woods Golf Course

Forest Preserves of Cook County, Forest Preserves of Cook County

The Forest Preserves is considering modifying the Burnham Woods Golf Course to become a preserve with nature-based recreational amenities. Learn more about the workshop and access the online survey.

February 11, 2024
Stonewall Orchard & Cantigny announced as US Open qualifier sites

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Amit Pandey, AmateurGolf.com

The USGA has announced 109 local qualifying sites for the 127th U.S. Open Championship scheduled from May 30 to June 2, 2024, at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No.2), Village of Pinehurst, NC. There are two additional local qualifying sites - one in Massachusetts and one in Texas - awaiting confirmation, bringing the total number of local qualifying sites to 109 in 2024.

February 14, 2024
Arlington Heights tour pro Ghim coped with Rowdy Phoenix golf crowds
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald

Doug Ghim first developed his golf skills growing up in Arlington Heights, and he progressed all the way to the PGA Tour.

Last week he even put himself in position to win for the first time at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and got himself plenty of TV time.

Ghim got off to a good start, shooting 65 in the first round. In the second he was pelted with beer cups after he made birdie at the par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, and he was tied for third place after seven holes when darkness halted play in Saturday’s weather-delayed third round.

February 16, 2024
Results of Oak Brook Golf Club investigation bring changes to pro shop’s operation

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Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune

Oak Brook officials are adding several changes to the operation of the village’s Oak Brook Golf Club, in light of an investigation into discrepancies found last fall with inventory at the club’s pro shop.

A physical inventory of the golf pro shop merchandise on Aug. 14, 2023, included a review of the purchase/sales cycle to identify differences between the book inventory quantities and the physical inventory count, Village Manager Greg Summers said.

He said the review revealed systemic issues resulting in substantial inconsistencies in the inventory count dating back at least a decade. The investigation showed more than $214,000 of missing, aged unsaleable, and excess inventory, Summers said.

February 20, 2024
Chicago Golf show returns this weekend
Len Ziehm, Daily Herald

Carrie Williams, the executive director of the Illinois PGA, has no problem calling this week’s 39th annual Chicago Golf Show “the unofficial kickoff to the Chicago golf season.’’ That is what it has been for more than three decades.

The annual midwinter event begins its three-day run Friday at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. All the major Chicago golf organizations are participating, with the Chicago District Golf Association expanding its role in its third year as the event’s presenting sponsor.

February 22, 2024
Experience free golf lessons, learn about golf trips at the Chicago Golf Show 2024 in Rosemont
Staff report, ABC 7 Chicago

Thousands of golfers will gather for the unofficial kickoff of golf season at the 39th annual Chicago Golf Show. The event, which is presented by the Chicago District Golf Association, will be open to the public Friday through Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

The Chicago Golf Show will feature free rounds of golf, free lessons and swing new clubs at the indoor driving range.

February 29, 2024
New clubhouse for Elgin’s Wing Park Golf Course to include shop, simulators, whiskey bar

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Gloria Casas, Courier-News

Elgin has hired FMG Architects Inc. to design a new facility that will be ADA-compliant, enhance the park’s golfing experience, create a safe shelter for patrons and generate additional revenues for Elgin, City Manager Rick Kozal told the Elgin City Council at its Wednesday night meeting.

A concept design calls for the new building to be constructed north of the existing clubhouse, with patio space between the two. The patio area will have practice bays and space for a food truck that can be accessed by players and park visitors.