Rolling Green Country Club shows off renovations
A little more than one year after the Dallas-based ClubCorp purchased Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights, it appears the corporation more than fulfilled its promises.
At a “reinvention celebration,” club members and prospective ones toured the 90-year old club and its $1.5 million worth of upgrades and renovations, and the response was positive.
“It's exciting,” said longtime member Kathy Robertson of Arlington Heights. “I wasn't sure about the changes, but it's a whole new look.”
Guests on Thursday checked out the new lobby, with its more contemporary look, as well as the boardroom that doubles as a private dining space and totally renovated banquet facility.
“We've given it a fresh, new look that's elegant yet modern,” said Julie Ryan, private events director, who pointed out everything from the new carpet, window treatments, chairs and chandeliers to its new menu and extensive wine list.
A bigger surprise awaited those who went downstairs, to the newly expanded fitness center. The gym and classroom studio more than triples the size of the old facility, expanding to 4,000 square feet up from its original 1,000 feet.
“That's what sold me,” said prospective member Bill Jurjovec of Arlington Heights. “I work out at a club near my office, but when I saw this I thought, why not here.”
The gym features a complete line of equipment by Life Fitness, which includes treadmills, cross-trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, as well as rowers and weight stations.
A highlight is the Synrgy 360, which combines different options for working out into a jungle gym concept.
“These are all functional components to build a golfer's strength,” said Michele Sotak, a trainer with Life Fitness.
Guests learned about the classes offered in the new studio, including yoga and pilates, as well as golf-specific mobility classes.
Along with the expansion of the workout facility, the club also increased its staff, from two personal trainers to seven available to members, including two pros from the Titleist Institute offering biomechanics to members.
“This is definitely on the cutting edge of golf fitness facilities,” said Cory Puyear, one of the Titleist professionals available to members. “Other golf clubs are looking at doing this, but not that many have made these kinds of improvements.”
Jim Dvoratchek of Arlington Heights serves on Rolling Green's board of governors and says the club has not lost its private feel since ClubCorp took over.
“They've been very responsive to members' input,” Dvoratchek said. “In fact, it's going well beyond (ClubCorp's) initial pledge. They've been tremendous partners and more than lived up to their obligations.”