Willow Crest GC Launches Learning and Performance Center

The public course, located at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Ill., has added golf simulators and SMART Golf Fitness training that will be available year-round for individuals or private group functions.

Randy Bolstad, PGA Director of Golf Operations, has announced the launch of the Learning and Performance Center at Willow Crest Golf Club in Oak Brook, Ill. Located at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center, which sits on 150-acres of Audubon-certified grounds 30 minutes west of the city, the Learning and Performance Center at Willow Crest Golf GC will give both experienced and novice golfers additional programs to enhance their game, including state-of-the-art golf simulators, SMART Golf Fitness training, and PGA instruction. The Learning and Performance Center at Willow Crest Golf Club will be available throughout all four seasons for individuals or private group functions.

“Over the last 30 years, Willow Crest Golf Club has presented some of the most challenging golf in Chicagoland,” said Bolstad. “With the introduction of the Learning and Performance Center, we’re giving players the extra tools to achieve their full potential.”

Added Oak Brook Hills’ Director of Sales & Marketing Nathan Karsten, “We are committed to giving guests a full-rounded, enjoyable experience. Oak Brook Hills is a unique destination resort in Chicago, highlighted by first-rate amenities and now world-class golf options year-round.”

Designed by award-winning architect Dick Nugent, the multi-tiered tees and pristine greens of Willow Crest GC present a new test each time a golfer steps up to swing. With the advent of the Simulator Program, golfers can test themselves on over 80 international courses all from one location, whether winter or summer, rain or shine. Using the most advanced high-definition cameras and real-time club head and ball tracking technology to record shot data, the full-swing simulators by Foresight Sports give a true-to-life virtual experience and an honest evaluation of every shot.

The new Simulator Program at the Learning and Performance Center at Willow Crest Golf Club allows golfers to practice any aspect of their game, including drives, bunker shots, short pitches and putts. When the ball is struck, it is captured and accurately represented in one of the championship courses. Golfers can analyze shots, improve swing skills, or “play” the world’s best and most exclusive courses in beautiful 4K resolution. The simulators are available for leisure play as well as instruction or club fitting. Group and individual packages are offered, and the development of off-season leagues is in the plan.

In addition to the Simulator Program, beginning August 10^th golfers will also have another new game-improvement option for the individual golfer or corporate/group outings. Oakbrook, Ill.-based SMART Golf Fitness will provide on-site education to emphasize the importance of fitness within golf performance and injury prevention. The SMART principles include:

Stability – The body’s ability to remain unchanged when acted upon by outside force
Mobility – The ability of the body to move through its full, functional and intended ranges
Assessed – If the golfer doesn’t test it, he or she is just guessing
Restorative – Having the ability to restore health, strength or a feeling of well-being
Training – Supervised exercise programs designed specifically for each golfer

Golfers who visit the Learning and Performance Center at Willow Crest GC will have several SMART Golf Fitness Program options to choose from, including:

A La Carte Services:

Performance assessments
Individual fitness training sessions
Group training sessions
Individual and group golf instruction

Corporate Outings/Fundraising Services:

Pre-event stretching
Long drive professional participation
Corporate “athlete” brain break
Post-event stretching

Education Services:

Half-day ultimate golf experience (comprehensive physical evaluation and swing analysis)
Full-day ultimate golf experience (includes 18 holes)
Two-day ultimate golf experience (includes 18 holes on day one, lodging, and 9 holes on day two)

Seminars:

Golf warm-up
Golf cool-down
Long drive/power clinic
Better body, better golf (how improving specific areas of body can have a dramatic effect on game)

The Learning and Performance Center at Willow Crest Golf Club also offers PGA instruction from Bolstad and other experienced golf instructors. Program options include:

Short-game instruction – Focuses on hitting shots from (30) yards in and includes putting and bunker play.
On-course playing lessons – Very effective for improving a person’s course management strategies.
Full swing check-up, cause and effect – Instructors will identify tendencies, determine the cause and then prescribe an appropriate action plan for on-going improvement.
Junior Golfer Development – Instruction aimed at the development of a junior’s golfing skills and knowledge of playing the game in accordance with the USGA Rules of Golf.