Keep those clubs out; golf now goes year-round

This month, a multimillion-dollar golf facility is opening in the Northwest suburbs.

The idea has been in the works for five years and will debut in a 25,000 square-foot club on three acres in Palatine.

Golf Nation, a year-round golf and fitness center, is owned by Palatine resident Bob DiMeo.

Here's 10 things you should know about this new facility:

1. Drive in the snow. Even when it's freezing outside, you can still practice your game inside. Most of the training is indoors, anyway, but in the back, there's a driving range that's heated and has lights.

2. Get fit like a pro. There's a gym inside as part of the fitness component to the club. The strength machines are made by FreeMotion, the same equipment used by Tiger Woods and the Chicago Bulls. Working out on these emphasizes rotation, flexibility and core strength -- all parts to a good golf swing.

3. Social hour. There's a members lounge at the club, equipped with leather furniture, plasma TVs and a fireplace. There's also a full bar and cafe.

4. 'Entourage' fans. If you're a fan of HBO's series, "Entourage" you may remember seeing the boys playing virtual golf games. Golf Nation has installed four of these simulators, called Full Swing Golf. The screens are 10 feet high, and you can practice on your own or play in a league. Besides showing up on "Entourage," the simulators are used at the PGA Learning Center and Trump National.

5. Destination courses. The virtual golf simulators feature more than 50 championship courses from across the country. Want to practice your putting at Pebble Beach? No problem. After each swing, golfers can see their yardage, ball speed and other statistics on their game.

6. Need new clubs? There's also shopping at the club, from custom Callaway clubs to golfing attire. There will be a full pro shop.

7. Practice makes perfect. Walk around the building and you'll find chipping and pitching greens, sand traps and a true-roll putting green. The speed can be adjusted by rolling or brushing the turf. Coming soon will be an outdoor, par-3 hole for practice and play.

8. As seen on TV. At one of the hitting stations, you can practice off of Hill Shot Golf, a new invention that tests skills hitting from uphill, downhill and side-hill. Enthusiasts have already seen this product on the Golf Channel.

9. Variety of memberships. Monthly fees vary depending on how much you want to use the facility. Since it's new, there are promotional rates being offered, cutting enrollment fees. To test it out, you can spend $30 on a day pass.

10. Specific training. Many golf pros also will be giving lessons at the facility, such as Todd Sones, the featured professional at Golf Nation. Sones consistently ranks as a Golf Digest Top 50 teacher.

Go to golfnation.us for more information. The facility is at 399 N. Quentin Road.