(HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL) -The championship golf course at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club withstood record rainfall in July, proving the effectiveness of significant drainage work completed this spring.
While the public-access course once succumbed to floods, it remained in excellent condition following 9.8 inches of rain last month, the highest total for Chicago in 122 years.
With fairways not flooded and all bridges passable, Bridges of Poplar Creek was one of the only area golf courses to immediately open the morning after a day of 6.86 inches of rain, the wettest 24-hour period in Chicago history since 1871.
“We have successfully changed our old stigma of not being playable after rain into a competitive advantage over area courses,” says Brian Bechtold, General Manager at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club. “So much so that we received numerous phone calls from golfers and outings looking to play here because their normal facilities were closed due to the rainfall.”
State-of-the-art drainage was installed along the golf course as part of a multi-million-dollar enhancement project that began last year. 15 holes were re-modeled and eight new bridges take golfers over critical flood-plain areas allowing the course to remain open even after heavy rains.
Formerly Poplar Creek Country Club, the newly-named Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club is earning rave reviews from golfers. Lohmann Golf Design led the modernization of the 35-year-old course, preserving the classic Killian-Nugent layout while enhancing strategic shot values for golfers.
The addition of multiple tee boxes gives 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.
The course renovation gave birth to “The Final Charge,” a challenge for golfers to conquer the extremely stout holes 16, 17 and 18, which are routed in the shape of a lightning bolt. The Final Charge is fast becoming known as the best “tri-fecta” of finishing holes statewide.
Also new is a vastly expanded golf learning and practice center, including 55 driving range stations lighted for night play. PGA instruction is conducted for golfers of all abilities and ages in private, semi-private and group formats. The club Precision club-fitting resulting from golfers’ swing and bio mechanics testing on the “FlightScope” launch monitor
The clubhouse also received an extensive facelift, now boasting a contemporary ambiance. The main banquet room that holds more than 300 guests features new carpet, wallpaper, lighting, paint, ceiling construction, bathroom upgrades and a dance floor.
A new, 8,200-square-foot event area with a majestic gazebo and waterfall makes for aesthetically-exceptional special occasions. Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club is extremely popular for weddings, as well as parties celebrating engagements, Bar Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, retirements, reunions, bridal and baby showers, and holidays.
Business meetings, seminars and conferences are professionally executed with WiFi, screens, LCD projectors and other accoutrements. Large, mid-size and small companies range in style from formal to BBQ fare.
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club is located between Golf and Higgins Roads, east of Barrington Road, just off of Moon Lake Boulevard.
For information, to reserve tee times or schedule a facility tour: www.bridgesofpoplarcreek.com, 847.781.3681.
About the Hoffman Estates Park District
Operator of Bridges of Poplar Creek Country, Club the Hoffman Estates Park District (HEPD) provides 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. 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:
Nick Lashinsky
703.891.3324
nlashinsky@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
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