Mistwood Golf Club to unveil new banquet hall, tavern
James B. McWethy, owner of the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, will unveil a new clubhouse featuring banquet facilities and a Scottish-styled tavern on Nov. 9 with a grand opening in the spring.
The Great Hall, which can accommodate about 250 people for an event, and the 80-seat McWethy's Tavern, have a distinct Scottish flair with stone decor, banisters and elaborate chandeliers. But the food will be American, including steaks, pasta and appetizers. The clubhouse also includes a pro shop, lockers and other amenities, said McWethy.
"I have an absolute passion for excellence," McWethy said. "And I love golf and I wanted to put together an outstanding facility."
McWethy, who also owns McQ's sports bar in Bolingbrook, was a shareholder in Mistwood when it was first built in the 1990s. But by 2002, the golf course was struggling. That's when he decided to buy the entire facility in 2003.
"I had to decide either I just ride it out, and lose my investment, or I step up and buy it all," he said.
A lover of golf, he declined to say what he paid for the facility and its construction projects, including the performance center unveiled in 2013 for golfers seeking custom club fittings, repairs and lessons.
Whatever the investment, the renovations have been noticed nationwide. The club has earned awards, including Golf Magazine's Renovation of the Year, one of Golf Digest's Best New Course, and one of Golf Range Magazine's Top 50 Public Ranges. Then in May, it received America's 100 Best Clubfitters from Golf Digest.
Then about a year ago, McWethy hired Daniel Wohlfeil of Elmhurst and a retired corporate designer who now designs golf courses to start on the new facilities.
McWethy moved their offices into a trailer and the old clubhouse was demolished to make way for The Great Hall and McWethy's Tavern.
"The new facility is absolutely spectacular," he said. "You will feel like you're going into Scotland, but you'll be here."