Northbrook’s Heritage Oaks Golf Club named among Top 50 public ranges, director of golf among Top 100 teaching professionals

For the second year in a row, the Northbrook Park District’s Heritage Oaks Golf Course was named a Golf Range Association of America “Top 50 Range” in the public category, and its director of golf instruction was again named among the “Top 100 Growth of the Game” teaching professionals.

The prestigious national recognition highlights the park district’s commitment to excellence and positions the golf course among the industry's elite, said Northbrook Park District’s director of Golf Greg Baron.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of each member of our team,” Baron said. “It is an honor to be recognized by the GRAA, and I am confident that this accomplishment will further strengthen our position as a leader in the Chicagoland area and the industry.”

Heritage Oaks Golf Club, at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook, offers 27 holes of golf — a Classic 18 and a Legacy 9 — a six-acre outdoor practice range equipped with TrackMan technology, a 10,000 square foot putting green, a short game practice area featuring a greenside bunker, two indoor golf simulators and a golf academy. The Heritage Oaks clubhouse features Acorn Grill + Terrace, a full-service restaurant and bar, and a golf shop offering apparel, footwear and equipment.

Thanks to the park district's commitment to environmental stewardship, the golf course was named an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program by Audubon International.

Director of Golf Instruction Michael Wenzel’s being recognized among the top 100 teaching professionals in the country is a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise, Baron said. “We couldn't be prouder to see his commitment to growing the game of golf recognized on a national level.”

The honor wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the park district and the team at Heritage Oaks, Wenzel said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge with my students to help them play better every day,” he said. “The game of golf has meant so much to me from the time I was a young child, and my goal has always been to help others enjoy the game as much as I do. Our facilities at Heritage Oaks and Anetsberger Golf Course (a 9-hole course at Techny Prairie Park and Fields) are truly wonderful and allow us the opportunity to help players of all skill levels enjoy this great game.”

Golf Range Association of America Manager Bryant Shuford had words of praise for the Northbrook Park District.

“The team at Northbrook Park District and Heritage Oaks Golf Club have made great strides in modernizing and upgrading their practice facilities, yielding increased usage and more fun for their customers,” Shuford said. “This group understands the importance of creating an environment and programming to cultivate the next generation of golfers. We look forward to seeing what’s next!”

The distinguished GRAA awards indeed underscore the success of the Northbrook community's investment into the park district’s golf course, gaining well-deserved national attention, Northbrook Park District Executive Director Chris Leiner said.

“Our commitment to supporting the growth of the game is reflected in the collaborative efforts of our outstanding team, whose hard work and dedication led to this national recognition. This accomplishment is a testament to the steadfast support of our board of commissioners and the broader Northbrook community, whose vision and commitment played a pivotal role in our success,” Leiner said.

For more information, visit heritageoaksgc.com or call (847) 291-2351.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.