THE DOME THE ZONE-Mistwood Golf Dome for when it’s time to golf indoors. The home of Toptracer and McWethy’s Sportsbar. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600. _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Linkedin and Facebook. In the WNDZ-AM studios.
A variety of stories are popping up in the Chicago area, especially at some of the suburban public courses.
Golfers on Golf has been working the following stories, and here is what we know right now.
The Wheeling Park District who run the Traditions at Chevy Chase, are taking over the golf operation at Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Heights from the River Trails Park District.
Since the sale of Rob Roy in the mid-1980’s that saw the addition of homes reduce the great 27-hole facility and full size natural grass driving range to just nine holes, and a range with mats. The facility has been operated by different groups. The new clubhouse, is again seeing upgrades indoors as the WPD takes over. What additional benefits golfers will have under Wheeling taking over Rob Roy is still unclear.
The Rob Roy Clubhouse in Prospect Heights, that is getting upgrades on the inside.
But whatever plan the Wheeling Park District does come up with, hopefully it’s one that allows golfers who use either facility some benefits by going to the other course.
Rob Roy does have a range and Chevy Chase does not. Whether or not Chevy Chase professionals will be giving lessons at Rob Roy, is something that remains to be seen.
Golfers on Golf will have more details when they become available.
THE CLUBHOUSE AT FOX RUN in Elk Grove, and Fox Run’s maintenance building are heading for a fall demolition.
The Fox Run golf course operated by the Elk Grove Park District is expected to be headed towards getting a new clubhouse and golf course maintenance building. The park district has budgeted $8-10 million for the upgrades, but the project still has some steps to work through before the park board gives final approval, Golfers on Golf has been told.
The currently clubhouse needs a new roof and other upgrades that would run over $1 million dollars. With the clubhouse already undersized and the 19th hole called the Fox Den to small to handle groups over 30 people, the board has decided to just replace the clubhouse. The maintenance building is also undersized to handle the size of todays modern golf course equipment.
If the project moves forward as expected, work could begin right after Labor Day weekend this fall. Golf would continue with players checking in at a temporary trailer. A new clubhouse normally takes about one year to complete.
THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS is getting a new clubhouse that should open in fall of 2020.
The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, has had it’s clubhouse under construction since the ground-breaking last September. There is no official date for it’s completion or opening, but it should be completed this year. The project has made progress over the winter months, and is starting to come out of the ground. While the new clubhouse will be just that, it will serve as a show piece for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. The clubhouse will see plenty of use for events other than golf. For details on the golf season ahead visit Dupagegolf.com.
PALATINE HILLS Golf Course in Palatine. The course with it’s clubhouse that is only a few years old, is now looking to resolve a flooding issue.
Palatine Hills has been fighting a flooding problem on it’s four closing holes (15-18) and image the club would like to lose. Flooding in 2019 caused the club to lose three outings and effect others.
Heavy rains have caused golfers not to book rounds at the course, because they fear what conditions could be.
Golfers on Golf spoke with Steven Nagle, the Superintendent of Facilities regarding the issue.
“We don’t want golfers thinking that every time it rains they have to go find another golf course to play,” said Nagle.
According to Nagle the golf course is in a flood plain, and having the water on the golf course, keeps it out of the surrounding neighborhood. But that doesn’t help the golf course, or the golfers who like to play there.
Nagle says the park district has had conversations with various agencies including the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about the flooding issue. Going forward Nagle and superintendent Brad Helms do seem ready to examine the issue again, and see what can be done. Here is hoping that Palatine Hills can find a solution.
The Gog Blog returns later today. RS