Ivanhoe golf club rolls out the welcome mat for students of the game

Ivanhoe Club welcomed 21 young golfers for a First Tee of Greater Chicago clinic and a test drive on an immaculate course Saturday.

The budding players got the chance to enjoy the game alongside Ivanhoe members at the same venue that hosted the Web.com Tour's Rust-Oleum Championship in June.

"It's a very special and unique opportunity for many of these kids to experience a championship golf course and a private country club," said Lisa Quinn, the executive director of the First Tee of Greater Chicago.

The annual event returned to the club near Mundelein for its fifth year, Ivanhoe organizing member Jim Brownlie said. It's become a tradition that offers more than exposure to Ivanhoe through nine holes of play and a practice session at the driving range.

First Tee programs instill golf etiquette, skills that translate into lifelong values such as honesty, sportsmanship and respect.

It's an important mission to Ivanhoe Director of Golf Jim Sobb, who smiled as he watched teens hit drives on the first hole.

"We are just thrilled about it. We love hosting the kids," he said.