CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ATKINS COURSE

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THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram.

THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE of the renovation of the newly renamed, Atkins course at the University of Illinois is underway. Wadsworth Golf Construction Company that built the golf course over 20 years ago, is back for the renovation.

But this golf course formerly known as Stone Creek Golf Club, will have more than just a new name. Because there will be improvements to the tee boxes, bunkers, greens, tree removal that added over 400 yards. Inside the clubhouse is seeing new improvements as well.

The University of Illinois has named architect Drew Rogers to lead the renovation team, with Troon Golf for operations management.

“Drew has spent many months working on the scope of renovation, while consulting with the Illini staff to create a championship-caliber golf course,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Golf Operations Jackie Szymoniak. “His extensive architectural body of work includes new designs, renovations and restorations across the country. He will provide a great test for future events. At the same time, Rogers was able to build on already great design, to strengthen the overall experience for the general public.”

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE Rogers will have is the bunkers. Because some will be re-designed, removed, and some new ones added along with new premium sand. So with the removal of some tees and tee relocations, over 400 yards in length was added.

But the course will not fully open for play until 2022. Because of other gifts to the Atkins Club by donors, there will be improvements to the pro shop and team lounge areas. The lounges are for both the men’s and women’s golf teams.

But while there was originally 104 home lots around the course for sale. 25 of those lots have been sold-four area relators are handling the sales of the remaining lots. More details at Build at Stone Creek.

FOLLOW THE Illini Men’s golf team this week at the NCAA regionals in Stillwater Oklahoma.

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About Rory Spears

Rory spent over 8 years growing up working at Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Hts.IL, then two years at Chevy Chase in Wheeling. He has covered golf in Chicago since 1986. Rory was one of the initial members of WSCR all-sports radio Chicago and covered golf there for 5 seasons, before moving on to work for ESPN/Sportsticker and ESPN Radio. In addition to hosting Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT AM820 Chicago, he writes for both the Chicago District (CDGA) Magazine, and formerly Chicagoland Golf. Rory has played over 525 courses in 39 states, and rates golf courses. He does golf course management and communications consulting, within the golf industry.