NICK LARKIN OWNER OF THE SHACK at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview looks on as workers ready The Shack for it’s new expansion. Larkin says The Shack will increase to 7 simulators and add a putting green by Mid-to-Late January. But for now you can still enjoy the four simulators and the great food and bar. Book your hitting bay by calling (847)-904-2905. Want to add a special event see TheShackGolfClub.com.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect-LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram
THE WILLOW HILL DOME on Willow Road in Northbrook is the largest golf dome ever in the Chicago area. (R) Owner Kent Knebelkamp is teeing up golf season all winter long. But he has also created one of the best holiday light shows you find anywhere in the Chicago area and beyond.
Inside the Willow Hill Dome-where there is 160 yards of length to fly the golf ball.
Knebelkamp is getting plenty of mileage out of Willow Hill, and golf is not all of it.
Golf is where Willow Hill begins, but certainly not where it ends.
Willow Hill already has a nine hole course, but as the property develops there will be more than that.
Knebelkamp has hired architect Greg Martin to design Willow Hill’s new par-3 course. Knebelkamp wanted the work to be gin last summer, but constructions crews were booked solid, so the work will begin in summer of 2024. The concept for the new par-3 course is three-loops of three-that all circle back to the middle of the layout. But the center of the course will be highlighted with a food and beverage area. The concept will be great on a hot summer day. Junior golfers will enjoy snacks and maybe a hotdog or two.
But here during the winter is the golf dome, created by a Canadian company Knebelkamp says is outstanding for a such a project. Because of demand for indoor sports, and Knebelkamp’s desire to get athletes of all types to Willow Hill. The golf hours in the dome are from 8 Am to 3 Pm, when the golf balls get picked up because Youth Soccer starts at 4 Pm. Soccer practice-leagues and tournaments are all part of Willow Hill. Sometimes later in the evening those who enjoy flying remote-control airplanes do so in the Willow Hill Dome.
Welcome to the Willow Hill light show (L). Then (R) the Indy style race car is among the many light displays.
THE WILLOW HILL GOLF COURSE-has recently seen work done to the driving range and the club house which has been renovated inside. So for the winter season, the golf courses cart paths and services roads make a holiday trail.
SO WHAT IS WILLOW HILL LIGHTS ? It’s some of the best holiday enjoyment you will find anywhere in the North Shore. Because some neighborhoods don’t decorate like years ago, Willow Hill is the place to find a fantastic holiday light display. The display salutes various religious faiths, the armed forces, various sports, and gives one a taste of Jurassic Park.
The Shack Indoor Golf Club-1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview has expansion in the works.
THERE IS A NICE DRIVE in from Willow Road to where you adventure begins. So tune your radio channel down, and the volume up as you ride around in your car. Because during your drive around the light show, you can then enjoy your favorite holiday music.
The drive is over 2 miles long, and takes a while to get all the way around the course. Since the roadway is one lane, your trip can be anywhere from 35 minutes to over and hour. Depending on how fast the cars in front of you are moving. FIND FROSTY THE SNOWMAN, if you find Frosty and he moves around. Send in Frosty’s picture where you found him, you could win a prize.
Knebelkamp has plenty of idea’s for Willow Hill, and what the hill will transform into, come the years ahead. Golf yes-but there will be even more.
CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Kent Knebelkamp, on his plans for golf, what charities Willow Hill will support, and more activities planned for Willow Hill in Northbrook Illinois.
So to learn more about everything Willow Hill-The Holiday Light Show, indoor dome golf, and youth soccer. See Willowhilldome.com. Bring your clubs-then sit back and enjoy the light show.