The Arlington Heights, Ill., property will host its free grand reopening event on July 1, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, clinics, and chipping/putting contests. The 18-hole golf course closed a year ago to undergo an extensive renovation, including the option for golfers to play three or six holes.
Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Heights, Ill., will host its grand reopening event, dubbed “The Course Awakens,” on July 1, the suburban Chicago Daily Herald reported.
The free event starts at 9:30 a.m. and includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, clinics for kids and adults and chipping/putting contests.
“The Course Awakens” theme is a play on “Stars Wars: The Force Awakens,” the Daily Herald reported.
The 18-hole course shut down a year ago to undergo an extensive renovation. Staff and course architect Michael Benkusky hope the changes, which also include improvements to the clubhouse and bar, will “reawaken” the 36-year-old facility. It’s the first renovation since it opened to the public in 1979. It remains a par-68 layout (5,432 yards), the Daily Herald reported.
“I like that the course is finally going to be what it should be. Which is a great, community, municipal golf course,” Tim Govern, golf operations manager, said. “The crazy bunkers that we had before were just too darn difficult for the clientele. The (tee boxes) were getting out of shape a little bit, too rounded here and there. And the green complexes were not matching (what’s fair) for the clientele that we’re trying to get here.”
The sand bunkers were reduced from 106 to 37. A newer variety of bent grass was grown on the greens and nine new greens were constructed. Also new is the opportunity for golfers to play just 3 or 6 holes. With the front and back nines being flipped, Nos. 3, 6 and 9 holes lead back to the clubhouse, the Daily Herald reported.
“The 3- and 6-hole thing is a newer concept,” Govern said. “We’re really excited about that.”
“Where most courses have been making changes to attract better golfers, the park district is making changes to attract the novice, senior, junior and beginner golfer,” Benkusky said. “This is something that is much needed in the sport today.”
Govern acknowledges Arlington Lakes won’t be the “most prestigious” facility golfers will visit, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a first-class experience, the Daily Herald reported.
“We want to make golf fun again,” Govern said. “It’s turned so many people off. We want to say, ‘Hey, come on out and play and have fun. If you want to play only three holes, play three.’ ”
And don’t forget to stick around afterward, whether you’ve played 3, 6, 9 or 18 holes. The new ambience should be appealing too, the Daily Herald reported.
“I used to call the bar upstairs the Reagle Beagle—from the ‘Three’s Company’ days,” Govern joked. “(Now), it’s a nice welcoming atmosphere.”
Rates range from $35 for 18 holes for nonresidents during the week ($30 for residents) to the 3-hole rate of $5 for juniors and seniors during the week, the Daily Herald reported.
“Very affordable, right?” Govern said of the $5 price. “Less than going to a movie.”
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