From Nike base to golf course, Arlington Lakes turns 30

Arlington Lakes Golf Club celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend with half-price fees for village residents, bargain-rate food and golf contests.

The events will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29-30, at 1211 S. New Wilke Road, Arlington Heights.

The par 68, 18-hole course that was once part of the U.S. Army's Nike base, is considered challenging because of its 14 lakes and 106 sand traps, said John Robinson, superintendent of recreation for the Arlington Heights Park District.

The club sees around 45,000 rounds of golf annually these days, down from the 60,000 to 65,000 during the heyday of Chicago area golf in the 1990s, he said.

"Years ago we didn't have to advertise and didn't have to send up any coupons," he said.

Robinson blames the competition from the number of golf courses built in recent years and other demands on people's time and the bad economy. Weather is always critical to the club's bottom line.

Operations at the course are supported by income, not tax money, he said. It is budgeted to make $1.186 million this year, and is a little behind that, said Robinson. Last year the course lost $45,000. However, it still has almost $230,000 available as a fund balance. It is open year around.

The course relies heavily on leagues from churches, clubs and employers, said Robinson.

In this anniversary year the clubhouse is getting spruced up this year with new siding, a new awning and the removal of a deck.

For details visit ahpd.org/algc/30years.htm or call (847) 577-3030.