THE NEW STONEDRIFT SPA at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena is now open. So check out the list of new services, and facilities at EagleRidge.com #Sauna #massage.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Willow Hill Golf Dome owner Kent Knebelkamp stands inside the new dome, expected to open soon.
WILLOW HILL Golf Course in Northbrook is continuing to evolve under owner Kent Knebelkamp.
Because there is now more than just a golf course at Willow Hill.
Dirt piles are moving around, and that big white shell that has been inflated, is now ready to be the Chicago area’s largest golf dome. Maybe ever.
From some research done by Golfers on Golf, what Knebelkamp the former University of Illinois football and baseball player is offering area golfers, is length.
Length that they haven’t had before while hitting in a dome. Golfers on Golf radio show founder Mike Munro who also brought the concept of golf domes to the Chicago area, when he created the White Pines Golf Dome in Bensenville, said the White Pines Dome was just over 100 yards long.
The Willow Hill Golf Dome is getting ready to open.
The Mistwood Golf Dome located in Bolingbrook, is just less than 100 yards long.
Yardage at the Buffalo Grove Golf Dome ranges in between the yardage in the dome at Mistwood and the former White Pines Dome.
There are other domes, but what Knebelkamp is bringing to Willow Hill is a 160 yard long-golf dome. That likely is the largest golf dome of all time in the Chicago area. So if there is or was a bigger one somewhere in town. Golfers on Golf would like to know when and where.
Straight on view inside the Willow Hill Golf Dome.
There was hope to officially open the dome for golf next Monday (December-12). But Village of Northbrook inspectors will do a final inspection that has been moved back to Monday. Which leaves opening day for some point after the 12th. But hopefully shortly thereafter.
Knebelkamp isn’t stopping with the addition of the dome. While he has already added a comfortable new clubhouse complete with a patio for outdoor dining or beverages. There is more to come in terms of golf.
Knebelkamp has hired architect Greg Martin to add a new 9-hole par 3 course, with work starting in 2023. Which will bring Willow Hill to 18 holes. Knebelkamp has some other plans for Willow Hill which will get explained as soon as possible. But there is some hope for an outdoor concert area.
Indoors the dome won’t just be for golf. Golf which will include 20+ hitting places, will be more of a daytime option. While youth sports and other activities will come along in the evening hours.
But since the dome is still a few more days away from opening, stay clicked in here or visit Willowhillgolfdome.com for opening day information. While you wait to bring your clubs, Willow Hill is celebrating the holidays with a light show. Guests can drive the 1.7 mile holiday trail around the hill in their cars. The holiday light show starts daily at 5 PM and runs into January.