Buffalo Grove Golf Course Takes 'Intimidation' Out of the Game for Beginners

The Buffalo Grove Golf Course, 48 Raupp Blvd., in Buffalo Grove, is taking proactive steps to help area residents learn about the game of golf. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of people that want to take up the sport is on the rise, but intimidation about rules and etiquette prevent many of them from beginning.

Goeff Tollefson, the head of golf operations for the Village of Buffalo, which owns and oversees the Buffalo Grove Golf Course, said a new clinic has been created to put people at ease about the game.

"Research has shown that people feel threatened about learning to play golf, because they don't want to embarrass themselves," Tollefson said. "We want people to feel more comfortable and associated with the game before they start swinging a club."

"Golfing Experience 101: will be offered at the Buffalo Grove Golf Course during the month of June.

Clinics will be held every Tuesday evening at the golf course from 7:15 p.m. until 8 p.m. and include instruction about the basic rules, proper golf etiquette, cart safety and how to deal with and interact with other golfers. Golf clubs are not needed because the clinics will be both educational and a thorough review of golf concepts.

The Golfing Experience 101 clinics will be taught by Ronny Bridges, the assistant golf professional at the Buffalo Grove Golf Club. Registration can be completed in person at the golf course or by calling (847) 537-5819. The cost per clinic is $15.

Buffalo Grove is unique in that it has two golf courses. The Buffalo Grove Golf Course, is a municipal course that is open to the public, and considered a 'value-driven' option. The Arboretum Club, located at 401 W. Half Day Road, is classified as a premium golf course, or a daily-fee facility.

"Our value-driven golfers don't want to spend a lot of money on playing the game, while we have other players, including baby boomers who don't have a problem with paying a premium fee to play on a more pristine course," Tollefson said.

In 2015, nearly 70,000 rounds of golf were played between both courses, and over the last few years, Tollefson said there has been a roughly four percent increase in rounds played. The hope with Golfing Experience 101 is that more area residents take the initial steps to begin enjoying the game.