Arlington Lakes ready for its return after 13-month renovation
The goal isn't prestige. It's fun.
That's what Tim Govern, operations manager Arlington Lakes Golf Club, said was the point behind a $2.4 million renovation of the Arlington Heights golf course that will go public for the first time Friday.
“The new course is enjoyable for beginning players and challenging enough for experienced players,” Govern said.
The Arlington Heights Park District-owned club will hold its grand reopening Friday, after being closed for 13 months during construction.
It was the first renovation of the course in 39 years.
The Discover Your Drive Outing being held Friday — the first opportunity for the public to play the new course — sold out its 116 spots in just three days.
“It's a good sign that people are raring to go and try out new course and test their skills,” said Anita Pacheco, superintendent of marketing and communications for the Arlington Heights Park District.
Changes to the course include nine new greens, all new tees, granite signs indicating the structure of each hole and 9,370 linear feet of a continuous cart path. The number of sand bunkers was reduced from 106 to 37, and all of the sand bunkers are new.
“Golf is already frustrating enough as it is for those of us who are beginners,” Pacheco said. “The least we can do is make it fun.”
The greens were all re-grassed and pond areas were expanded by 18,600 square feet. More than 70 diseased trees were removed, but 63 new trees were added to the property.
The clubhouse also was expanded to create a better environment for guests, and Govern said officials hope to have more events like live music on the newly refurnished patio.
The course also returns with new options for time-pressed golfers. Those who cannot fit in a full 18-hole round, or even play nine holes, can now choose three- and six-hole options.
“Someone whose time is strapped can play a few holes during lunch or after work or bring the family with them,” Pacheco said, adding that the shorter options could also appeal to novices who might otherwise be intimidated by a full round.
“We really want to reawaken the sport of golf,” she added. “Young people can come here, have a beer, play some golf and leave with some money in their pockets because it's affordable.”
The reopening event Friday is free and open to the public. From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be family-friendly activities like a kids clinic, golf instruction and demonstrations, tours of the new course and a barbecue lunch on the newly decorated patio. There also will be a putting contest with prizes.
Trick-shot artist Peter Longo, known as “The King of Clubs,” will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. before a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
There will be additional parking available at the Senior Center, 1801 W. Central Road, with a free shuttle to the club.
After more than a year of planning for Friday, Govern said he's ready to finally see golfers back on the course.
“That's the most fun part,” he said.
For more on the renovation, including video of a flyover conducted during the construction, visit www.ahpd.org/capital-improvements/algc-renovation/.