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Palatine Hills Golf Course celebrates 50th anniversary

Palatine Hills Golf Course not only is celebrating its 50th anniversary, but it also is looking to the future with a new three-green practice area.

Officials from the Palatine Park District and the course toasted the 18-hole layout's 50th anniversary at a party Friday, including Councilman Brad Helms, park district Executive Director Mike Clark and head professional Dan Hotchkin.

Palatine Hills was designed by the late Ed Packard and opened in 1968 after the park district acquired the land for the course in 1965 from nine different owners, the biggest being Nicholas Gavliano with Hidden Acres farm. His home was remodeled into the clubhouse. According to the Palatine Historical Society, the course was part of a master plan for the park district prepared by the University of Illinois in 1963.

New at the course is the three-green practice area allowing golfers to work on shots up to 75 yards. It also is seen as a good place for junior golfers and adults just getting into the sport.

  Larry Niemczyk, 83, of Hoffman Estates, third from left, chips up on the new three-green practice area along with head golf pro Dan Hotchkin, golf course superintendent Brad Helms, assistant superintendent Billy Sharp, assistant golf pros Mike Schmelzer and Erik Klebosits, during a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Palatine Hills Golf Course on Friday evening. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
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