Ruffled Feathers partners in business relationships

There are plenty of excellent golf clubs in greater Chicago available for corporate events, meetings and momentous occasions. But few can rival Ruffled Feathers Golf Club, the extraordinary Arcis Golf property in Lemont that not only is a premier golf club, but a venue well-known for executing fun and successful group events.

The club's expert team of event coordinators manages nearly 400 events and 90 weddings each year. Every minute detail - from concept to completion - is evident. These exemplary experiences have earned Ruffled Feathers a reputation as a highly respected partner for meetings and events planners.

Arcis Golf, a club lifestyle innovator and industry leader with a portfolio of nearly 60 clubs and golf courses in 15 states, has carefully assembled its staff at Ruffled Feathers. And time and again, Ruffled Feathers delivers beyond expectations.

Few golf clubs can say that.

"Most clubs host only a handful of events each year, because it is all their members will allow," said Victor Rodarte, general manager at Ruffled Feathers, one of six Arcis Golf facilities in the Chicago area. "That means the staff probably doesn't know how to stage a successful event. Working with a club that specializes in events - knows what pitfalls to avoid, recognizes opportunities to capitalize on - is what companies and brides desire in an event venue."

Indeed, Ruffled Feathers positions itself as a "partner" in its group business relationships, believing that its first priority is to put the client's needs first.

"We work with the event planner from beginning to end to make them successful," said Lisa Hughes, director of tournament sales at Ruffled Feathers, "whether it's a golf tournament, a wedding reception, or a corporate leadership conference. Ruffled Feathers is a club where every staff member is dedicated to the service of our guests."

Not only that, the club's professional event management services are included at no extra cost.

"It's our pleasure to give them ideas, guide them, assist in every aspect of the event planning," Hughes said. "With the body of work in our portfolio, we have plenty of ideas that may be customized to each client's needs and budget." She added, "We work with them on final numbers and the last-minute adjustments. We know there are going to be changes, as that's the nature of our business. This flexibility is where our experience and insight make a huge difference."

Another defining factor at Ruffled Feathers is the recent $2 million renovation that dramatically transformed the property. The club's variety of elegantly appointed indoor banquet and meeting rooms are a significant attraction for planners, as are the beautifully landscaped grounds and picturesque outdoor spaces that accommodate events of all sizes and types.

And as golf remains a popular element of group events, Ruffled Feathers has it covered. Not only is it home to the only Pete Dye golf course in the Chicago area, the Arcis Golf team of PGA professionals takes care of every detail on the golf course - from placing hole locations to creating team building exercises.

Not to be overlooked is the memorable culinary experience that Ruffled Feathers has mastered.

"We are proud of the variety of event packages and menu options we offer," said Kathy Pauley, director of catering. "We have had great success with our champagne brunch, but the focus of our staff is to create one spectacular event at a time."

Ruffled Feathers Golf Club and Eagle Brook Country Club, an Arcis Golf facility in Geneva, both earned prestigious 2018 Golden Fork Awards presented by Golf Inc. magazine, which annually recognizes outstanding new dining facilities and culinary options.

Then there are the things that people don't think of but can tell the difference, like state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and complimentary parking (and who doesn't love free parking?).

It all adds up to a remarkable collection of signature experiences, which reflect the emphasis on a club lifestyle tailored to today's consumer - a brand standard across the Arcis Golf portfolio.

"The imagination and creativity of our leadership team allows us to deliver new, often unexpected concepts to our group business partners," Rodarte said.

Which perfectly explains Ruffled Feathers Golf Club's well-deserved reputation as the premier place to hold meetings and special events in Chicagoland.

• Lisa Hughes (Lutz) is director of tournament sales at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont.