IF YOUR READY TO GET FIT for new clubs, it’s time to visit Matt Carter (L) or Eric Russell at the Top 100 nationally rated Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. It’s not to late to get in some outside golf, before you enjoy post round dining in McWethy’s Tavern. Book your fitting or tee time at Mistwoodgc.com or call the club at (815)-254-3333. ______________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Welcome to White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville.
THE EAGLE IS ABOUT TO LAND.
Because when it does, some $12.5 million dollars worth of improvements over the remainder of the decade will take shape, at the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville.
Look at it how you want, but the recent hotbed of activity at golf courses, public or private, is giving clubs the funds to make improvements.
But for those of you who remember the 1980’s and 1990’s, there was a building-boom of golf courses and golf clubs in the Chicago suburban area.
Especially west and northwest of the city. To some, that might not seem like a long time ago. But in the world of golf, so much of a golf courses infrastructure is ready for replacement after 25-30 years.
Curtis Malm is the Director of Golf at the White Eagle Golf Club.
“Our board recently passed a 12.5 million dollar restoration and improvement plan that will take place over the next 10 years,” said Curtis Malm, White Eagle Golf Club’s, Director of Golf-in a recent interview with Golfers on Golf). “The club will not only improve across the board, but will move towards being more of a year round facility.”
Being more of a year round golf facility is something that more clubs, and golf courses in the Chicago area are trying to do. So the days of golf professionals in the Chicago area being on vacation from mid-November to March 1st, appear to be ending.
SO WHAT’S NEW. Malm says the money spent by the board, will be spent across the board. Because it’s not just about the golf course, it’s now about the entire facility. Which is something the Illinois PGA has noticed. White Eagle served as home to the 2020 Illinois Open, and now will host next summers 2022 Illinois Open (recently confirmed by both Malm and IPGA Executive Director Carrie Williams).
Malm says that White Eagle members will be able have more options of their daily routine, available at the club. Golf and golf practice, paddle ball, food and beverage, workout and fitness facilities. Plus an improved and expanded clubhouse, inside and out, with an expanded and perhaps enclosed outdoor area.
The plans are being rolled out-for indoor and outdoor improvements at White Eagle.
With people looking to enjoy outdoor patio area’s, even when the the weather is rainy or chilly. Covering or heating those area’s in a variety of ways, increases usage of area’s not previously done in the past.
When the bunker renovations finished by architect Todd Quitno, planning started for the next steps on the golf course. “Phase two will be trees, tees, drainage and more,” said Malm.
CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with White Eagle Director of Golf Curtis Malm.
White Eagle will upgrade it’s paddle ball building, and add simulators downstairs. Where do the all the improvements stop? That question remains. But one thing is certain. White Eagle will be getting better over the next several years. Plus members will have more of a year round club than ever before.