Part of multi-million-dollar enhancement program at former Poplar Creek Country Club
(HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL) – As part of a multi-million-dollar capital-enhancements program at the Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, the expanded Golf Learning Center is now open to the public.
A 9,100 square-foot putting green and 3,500 square-foot bentgrass chipping area on 6.3 acres headline the many new and improved features at the state-of-the-art Golf Learning Center. Golfers also hone their skills on a 50-station driving range – “lighted” for night play – hitting off grass and synthetic surfaces to four target greens.
Bridges of Poplar Creek’s new “FlightScope” launch monitor measures golfers’ swings and bio-mechanics for precision club-fitting. Furthermore, PGA Professionals conduct custom private, semi-private and group instruction, and juniors (18 and younger) and adults (18-plus) are currently registering for summer golf camps.
The unlimited personal range pass allows golfers to hit endless balls through December 31, 2011. The first 50 purchasers before May 1 receive 20 three-hole, weekday-twilight passes with cart. Other specials are $2 bucket of balls for juniors 16 and older on weekends from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and half-price range balls for golfers 55-plus Monday to Friday during the first hour of operation.
“Beginner, intermediate and low-handicap golfers rely on our Golf Learning Center to vastly improve their games,” says Brian Bechtold, General Manager at Bridges of Poplar Creek. “Our instruction programs align with the club’s family approach for golf and social activities.”
The expanded learning center is adjacent to Bridges of Poplar Creek’s championship golf course that underwent major renovation on 15 holes. Nine holes will open for 18-hole rounds on Saturday, March 26. All 18 holes will open in early June.
The addition of “Bridges” to the club moniker parallels installation of eight wood bridges along the 6,500-yard course. Plaques paying tribute to professional golf legends Bobby Jones, Chick Evans, Samuel Ryder and Babe Zaharias will adorn the bridges with capsules about their significant contributions to the game. They symbolize linkage of the club’s storied past, present and future.
An effect of the renovation is that hole No. 1 is now No. 10 for excitement down the stretch. Holes 16, 17 and 18 – now now known collectively as “The Final Charge” – are routed in the shape of a lightning bolt for “the best ‘trifecta’ of finishing holes in Illinois,” says Bechtold.
The addition of multiple tee boxes gives the course renewed appeal to better golfers seeking added length and new golfers seeking shorter distances. Re-configured fairways and bunkers, the addition of fescue on many holes for depth and definition, and new lakes make for challenging yet fair land-water hazards.
Lohmann Golf Design led the modernization of the 35-year-old golf course, preserving the classic Killian-Nugent layout while enhancing strategic shot values for golfers. Floods which occasionally plagued fairways after heavy rains will no longer occur.
The clubhouse received a major facelift and a now boasts a modern-era ambiance. In the main banquet room that holds more than 300 guests, there is new carpet, wallpaper, lighting, paint, ceiling construction, bathroom upgrades and a new dance floor. Business meetings are first-class with WiFi, screens, LCD projectors and other accoutrements.
A new, 8,200-square-foot event area with a majestic gazebo and waterfall makes for memorable weddings and other special occasions.
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club is located between Golf and Higgins Roads, east of Barrington Road, just off of Moon Lake Boulevard.
For tee times and special events information: www.bridgesofpoplarcreek.com, 847.781.3681
About the Hoffman Estates Park District
Providing first-class parks, facilities, programs and services for a dynamic community of more than 50,000 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, the HEPD operates two community centers, a premier 18-hole golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, twin ice arena, family aquatic center and 63 parks. In addition to Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, notable sites include the Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center, Scott R. Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena, Willow Recreation Center and Vogelei Park.
The HEPD won the 2009 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks & Recreation Management, the highest national honor in the public recreation category.
For more information: www.heparks.org, 847.885.7500.
Contact:
Rich Katz
703.891.3319
rkatz@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
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