Now Operates 22 Locations in Windy City and Suburbs
(VIENNA, VA) – Billy Casper Golf (“BCG”) – owner and operator of golf courses in 24 states – has been selected by the Chicago Park District (“CPD”) to manage its seven golf facilities, bringing BCG’s total to 22 in and around Chicago.
Under the long-term agreement with CPD, the City of Chicago’s parks and recreation arm, BCG will direct all activities – course maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management – at Jackson Park, Sydney R. Marovitz, South Shore, Robert A. Black, Columbus Park, Marquette Park andDiversey Driving Range.
The company has committed $5.5 million over 15 years to an aggressive property-enhancement program at the six courses, three driving ranges and learning centers, and two miniature golf courses. This includes work on course tees, fairways and greens; detailed attention to turf maintenance; and upgrades to buildings and facades.
“What Billy Casper Golf has accomplished with other courses in Chicagoland represents a dramatic ‘before and after,'” says Timothy J. Mitchell, General Superintendent and CEO of CPD. “We look forward to the company enhancing one of the city’s most valuable recreation assets.”
“Restoring the stature of Chicago’s courses is Billy Casper Golf’s job number one,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “Our plan will improve courses’ playability, aesthetics, customer service and overall experiences.”
BCG also manages 12 golf facilities for Cook County, as well as three others in suburban Chicago. Its other multi-course portfolios include Cincinnati (OH), Knoxville (TN), Tulsa (OK), Westchester County (NY) and Anne Arundel County (MD).
The CPD courses offer golfers incredible variety:
Jackson Park – Considered the pride of Chicago golf, this championship course features par 5s reaching 560 yards and par 3s at 200-plus yards.
Sydney R. Marovitz – With tight greens, abundant bunkers and championship length, it ranks among the most challenging CPD courses. At nine holes over 3,240 yards, golfers enjoy a stimulating round with a beautiful lakefront setting.
South Shore – Arguably the best kept secret in the Chicago area, this former private club impresses golfers with panoramic views of Lake Michigan amid tree-lined fairways and small greens over nine holes.
Robert A. Black – Designed by award-winning architect Dick Nugent, this is the newest CPD course. Although short at 2,339 yards, the layout tests low-handicaps and is generous to others.
Columbus Park – With wide fairways and receptive greens, this links-style, nine-hole course on Chicago’s West Side is a popular choice for novices.
Marquette Park – Water comes into play on seven of nine holes, stressing shot values throughout the 3,187-yard layout.
Diversey Driving Range – Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, its two-tier driving range and 18-hole miniature golf course are fun for families and businesspeople.
For more information or to reserve a tee time: www.cpdgolf.com, 866.699.1910.
About Chicago Park District
In addition to its seven golf facilities, CPDs jurisdiction includes more than 7,600 acres of parkland, 570 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 natural areas, and thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs. Soldier Field, Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park are just a few notable landmarks under CPD purview.
For more information about CPD: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com, 312.742.7529
About Billy Casper Golf
Widely respected as a high-performance, full-service owner/operator of golf courses, BCG manages properties in 24 states and outside the U.S. The company provides turnkey club operations for public-agency and private owners, developers and investors. Founded 20 years ago in cooperation with golf legend Billy Casper, BCG is based in Vienna, VA with regional offices strategically convenient to courses’ locales. BCG’s best-of-breed infrastructure shows daily-fee, municipal, resort and private courses favorable returns on investments.
For more information about Billy Casper Golf: www.billycaspergolf.com, 703.761.1444.
Contact:
Nick Lashinsky
Billy Casper Golf / Buffalo Communications
703.891.3324
nlashinsky@billycaspergolf.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
www.billycaspergolf.com
