Let's play five
As the sun sets later and later every day at this time of the year, we find ourselves with what feels like extra time in the evening hours.
Instead of rushing inside the house from the darkness, we're more likely to linger outside or tackle things previously left for weekend days.
The folks over at Bonnie Dundee Golf Course, located at the corner of routes 25 and 68 in Carpentersville, are familiar with this notion, and for that reason have created a way for seasoned players, as well as those wanting to learn the game, to squeeze in some golf in those precious extra hours.
Bonnie Dundee's Head PGA Golf Professional Jim Opp has discovered a five-hole course, called the Wee Bonnie 5, as well as a seven hole course, within their original 18 holes. The first five holes of the golf course come right back to the clubhouse, as do 10 through 16.
In the evenings, if there are no pre-sold tee times, you can just show up to play the five holes for $5 (another $5 for a power cart) or the seven holes for $7 (another $7 for a power cart). As any good golfer knows, you should always have your clubs in the trunk.
On Saturdays after 4 p.m., the tees are moved forward to make the game more beginner and kid-friendly.
"It's not just a short pitch and putt course," Opp said. "The holes range anywhere from 75 yards to 210 yards. So it really gives anybody that's trying to begin to play golf an opportunity to come out and use all the clubs in their bag."
On Wednesdays, it's all about the ladies as the ladies' beginner instruction is conducted on the Wee Bonnie 5 and a league for more experienced players tees off on the seven hole course.
Both start on June 25, run for eight weeks, and cost $75. The beginner's clinic begins with two weeks of hands-on instruction.
"We go out and line them all up and show them stance, grip, posture, and talk a little bit about rules and etiquette," Opp said. "Then after that they pair up and go out and I myself will rove the golf course or I'll have other instructors rove as well. For example, if they get in a bunker I'll show them how to hit a sand shot."
The seven-hole league does not include instruction, it's just pure play. Both wrap up at about 8 p.m.
"If they can play six or seven holes or if they only play three holes, it's just kind of an understanding that by about 8 p.m. we want to start to head in. Then those who stay have refreshments and tell their tales."
And so as not to discriminate, there is also instruction available for any beginner 12 years or older. There are two Wee Bonnie 5 Golf Clinics scheduled for June 14 and July 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. These one-day clinics will cover grips, stance, posture, swing, and etiquette and rules.
Because there is no driving range at Bonnie Dundee, participants will not hit balls during the clinic. However, their $10 fee includes a coupon to play the five hole course, as well as a hot dog and a soda.
If you have any questions, contact Jim Opp at Bonnie Dundee at (847) 426-5511. To register for any of the above, call or visit the Dundee Township Park District at 665 Barrington Ave., (847) 428-7131.
• If you have any news about your club, school, church, business, neighbor, or even yourself, contact Kirstin Finneran by cell at (312) 518-4993 or e-mail at kirstinfinneran@comcast.net.