A Tale of Two Sides

Seven Bridges Golf Club was built in 1991, actually it was carved out of an existing 36 hole facility which became part golf course, part housing development. Located west of State Route 53, and north of Hobson Road, the golf course has two different and distinct flavors. The front nine is a calming parkland style course. Plenty of trees and subtle topography frame almost every hole on the front. Water comes into play on three holes 4-5 and 6. My favorite hole on this side is #7.

What a great hole #7 Tee Box

At 469 yards from the Gold tees, this is an awesome par 4. A slight dogleg right, the giant stands of oaks on the right off the tee force you to play it to it’s true length (unless you can really motor the ball and carry the tops of the oaks…um yes I did!). You will be left to a long iron shot to a three club green. It slopes from back to front and has a ridge to navigate at the back half. It reminds me a lot of hole #6 on Cantigny’s Woodside (which is one of my all-time favorite holes) and it makes you earn your score. Finishing up on the front is an interesting par 5. Measured at 579 yards from the Golds, this is a true risk reward par 5. If you’ve bombed your drive (it’s slightly downhill) you have a chance to go for it in two…but danger lurks. Water is guarding the front portion of the green in the form of the Dupage River Tributary.  It’s not too wide, but it sure can make you think about going for it!

The back nine is totally different from the front. The first three holes known as the Bermuda Triangle are challenging, actually it makes sense that they re-routed the nines back to their original design. These holes are guarded by unrelenting water…water and more water. Hole 10 is basically a par 5 surrounded by water…the whole thing…so you better be on target and take your time. Playing at 505 yards, it’s my opinion that you play this hole as a 200 yard par 3 for your first and second shots. Hole #12 is a wicked par 5. The a water retention pond plays along the left side of the hole, and the green is tucked away in a corner. The river crosses the front portion on your approach and the fairway is split off to the left…again it makes you think on every shot. Did I mention that water is the theme on this nine? The most difficult hole on the course is #16 Maelstrom.

Hole #16 called Maelstrom

Playing a tight 441 from the golds, this hole requires a well placed tee shot…there is no bail out…unless you are like me and knock it into the water on the right, then hit your next shot to 12 feet and sink a curling putt for par. The elevated green sits above the water, and is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The round ends on a demanding par 4. At 447 yards it plays slightly less since it’s downhill, but the water comes back to play on your approach. A well placed second will leave you on a green with some twists and turns.

Overall

After I finished I was reminded why I thought the course was a tough nut to crack. The back side will either surrender some strokes or add them on. I had a strange back nine in that I had 4 penalty strokes yet still shot 39. The front nine is challenging, yet calm, while the back nine is more of a wild ride…always on the edge of your seat nine. And this time around I found it much more enjoyable. Maybe it was because I was playing by myself and finished in 2 ½ hours. Or maybe it was that the course was in superb condition. I was loving the greens. They were fast and true and would hold a shot. The fairways were well watered and not too hard, yet cut short enough that you could spin shorter shots with ease. I was very impressed with the grounds crew, every time I came to where they were working (and believe me you need to have a top notch grounds crew to keep a course like this in pristine shape) they would stop…and let me play without having to listen to mowers or trimmers. That is a sign of a great facility…when you put the guest first only good things will happen.

The Pro Shop is fully stocked with all the necessities. The clubhouse offers a wide array of dining options, and the outside bar (The Dock..go figure) is a great place to cool down with some adult beverages and reflect on the day of golf. Carts come with GPS and you really should ride, the front is walkable, but the back nine would be a haul…especially on a hot day. Plus you get the advantage of seeing the “Pro” tips while using the GPS system.

The Dock outside Bar

If there is one negative…and it only grinds my teeth a little…it has to be the cost. Now Premium golf courses require a premium rate, but I feel that given the current economic conditions, price is king. Weekend Rates of $107 will price most people out of playing. Will you want to add it to your heavy rotation? Maybe, but unless you have a fat wallet,  a couple of rounds at Seven Bridges Golf Club will set you back some dough. I think that you should give it a shot for a special occasion or a well deserved treat, and the bring a 4-some during the weekday and get 20% off (about $54 per player with cart which is a very attractive rate). An attentive and well trained staff and a well conditioned course will ease some of the monetary burden…if not the killer drinks at the “Dock”.

Click Here for the Latest Rates and Specials

Located in Wheaton about 30 miles west of Downtown Chicago, 27 holes of outstanding golf await those searching for golf nirvana. BTW the “g” in Cantigny is silent…it’s French..CAN-TE-Nee is the correct way to say it. Built in 1988 by Wadsworth Construction Company the Roger Packard designed golf course sits on part of the 500 acre estate of the late Robert R. McCormick, editor and owner of the Chicago Tribune. Voted the best new Public Golf Course in 1989, Cantigny is-World Class- golf provided by a great staff of dedicated professionals.

Cantigny also boasts a separate Youth Links Facility, a short par 3 course for the younger generation, about a 4 par east of the main entrance on the south side of Mack Road. This is another amazing facility and needs it’s own post, so check back later.

Build it and they Will Come

Welcome to Cantigny

The golf course is nestled east of Winfield Road on Mack Road.  There is no large billboard sign saying “Awesome Golf this Way”, and many people might think they are going on a road to nowhere.  Even the front entrance is somewhat plain and non-descript. The drive is sidelined by Catalpa Trees, neatly standing guard, giving an informal salute to those entering the grounds.  The trees actually continue all the way to the front door of the Colonel’s Home approximately a mile away. The Golf Course, Restaurant and Teaching Academy are on the “South” side of the property.  The “South” side was developed to pay for the on going maintenance of the “North” side, which includes the Robert R. McCormick Museum (his “crib-worthy” estate house) and the First Division Museum-home of some of our countries greatest military treasures. The “North” side also has campgrounds and formal gardens. The gardens were designed in 1967 by landscape artist Franz Lipp, who divided the gardens into “rooms” framed by one or two specific native plants or shrubs.  All of the flowers which cover the entire swath of Cantigny are grown locally at the parks greenhouse. The greenhouse and it’s production facilities promote a nationally recognized educational setting, overseen by Bob Waterman and his staff. Events and programs are available here. The best part is you can enjoy walking the gardens and climbing “tanks” for only $5 per carload…What a great deal!  The amazing setting, and rich history makes for an experience unlike anything in the Chicagoland area. And the golf is….well….some of the best “soil” in the midwest.

It’s All about the Experience

I worked at Cantigny for a number of years, and in some ways I’m surely biased. But I always feel the same way every time I amble up the “drive”. For you see, Cantigny is about the experience. The moment you drive up to the Bag Drop, and are greeted by the staff in their knickers, to entering the clubhouse basking in warm wooden earthy tones and seeing a well stocked Pro Shop, you get an experience not unlike a private course or resort. If you are there early for an afternoon time or finished playing, sit down in the spacious Fareways Grill and have a light lunch, the views are free and spectacular. The Cantigny Golf Academy is a modern, premier teaching center. Overseen by Connie DeMattia and his talented staff, the Academy can transform your golf game using state of the art technology, and expert instruction. The grounds have separate putting, chipping and pitching greens, available for serious practice (a whole different post in the future). Nothing about the Cantigny Experience is “over” the top…it’s just right.

Cantigny Pro Shop

Playing Cantigny will set you back either $85 or $90 for regular greens fees. You pay a little more on the Weekends (Friday-Sunday and Holidays). Cart fees are $20 per player and the new Club Car fleet has a built in GPS system, a nice bonus. You have the opportunity to hire a well trained caddie for a base rate of $20 + tip. The caddie program has a special place in my heart, and is a service rarely seen at any public course.  The caddies make the experience even more sublime, I mean who wouldn’t like to wander the golf grounds and have someone else carry the load… Plus you are helping keep a tradition alive! Rates for juniors and seniors and 9 holes are available at a discount from the regular rate. Reservations can be made by calling 630.668.8463 to speak with a staff member or online by clicking here.

Are you going to pay for the experience? Yep, but I feel that there is no better facility to spend a remarkable day of golf…and the personal touch, exceptional golf and pleasant scenery surrounding your excursion at Cantigny will be worth every penny….I guarantee it!

The Three Nines

Cantigny has three nine hole courses. Woodside, Lakeside and Hillside.  Originally the Woodside and Lakeside nines were considered the 18 hole course, while the Hillside 9 was a stand-alone.  What is unique is that Cantigny uses all three nine hole courses to offer 18 hole play during the day.  Tee times are from 7 AM – 9 AM  Tuesday – Sunday and a later open on Mondays (closed some Mondays for Special Outings).  This is due to the triple tee wave.  Players have the opportunity to play Woodside-Lakeside, Lakeside-Hillside, and Hillside-Woodside.  In essence the 7AM time off of Woodside follows the 9 AM group off of Lakeside.  By 12 o’clock all three tees are open for afternoon play.  During the afternoon only two combinations of 18 hole play are allowed, while the third course is open for 9 hole play.  Cantigny is known for it’s outings, so check ahead to see if times are available (Outings are Tuesday-Thursday) during the afternoon.

Woodside

5th Green on Woodside

The toughest of the three nines, Woodside is a challenge to any golfer.  The course runs along the north and east boundaries of the property. Trees (hence the name) creeks and water come into play on almost every shot. The first three holes demand your attention, and failure to do so will result in lost balls and high scores. Hole # 2 might just be the toughest par 5 in Chicago. Mounds, creeks, trees and a demanding green are just part of the menu on this nefarious, but memorable hole. Woodside #6 is a stunning par 4. Teeing off on this dogleg right demands a well struck tee shot. The right side is basically “oak” jail, while the left side is receptive almost to a point…but danger lurks. At 440+ yards from the Championship tees, the green is the 900 pound gorilla waiting in the room. Ah.. Mr. Packard, you’ve set the trap. The green of Woodside #6 is the canary in the coal mine, putt from the wrong spot and bam! you are rewarded with a 8 foot slider that would make David Feherty spasm with choice words. Making 3 on this hole is a major feat… I do so love the hole.

Lakeside

Lakeside #9 Tee box

The Lakeside nine has water hazards on 6 of the nine holes. A little more open than the Woodside nine, Lakeside’s strengths are the three finishing holes. Lakeside #7 is one of my favorites, a slight dogleg left with a demanding tee shot it is a formidable challenge. Lakeside #9 is the Signature hole. Basically surrounded by water, the fairway is guarded by the famous Dick Tracy bunker. Seen from above, the bunker on the right side is in the well known profile of the cartoon character penned by Chester Gould. Actually hitting into the bunker might be the safest place on the hole. The approach shot, watched by patrons overlooking the vista via the patio, should make you nervous. The green at #9 is protected by bunkers and water. The green, receptive to only well placed shots, is small and tight (I’d rather say crusty, but tight works better). If you’ve hit the green in regulation, you have an better than 30% chance of making birdie…because they don’t come easy on this hole.

Hillside

Originally built as a 9 hole course, Hillside tends to not receive the adulation of the other nines, and I feel this is totally unfair. The Hillside 9 is somewhat more open than the other nines, yet it allows for different shots, but finishes strong. Hole #6 is a risk/reward hole. Tee off with a driver or fairway wood, you could have a short iron into the hole. Hit it off line and you’ll be dropping a new ball and playing your 3rd shot. Water surrounds the fairway, and the green. The key is to keep it in play. A well placed tee ball will allow you to attack the pin, which could be a sucker bet depending on the hole location. Lakeside #6 shares the green with Woodside #8, and it has a ski slope ridge running its width (maybe that’s why they named it Hillside?). Placing the ball on the wrong side of the ridge will test any putter, many a four putt of anguish has been seen on this hole.  The 7th hole is a fun par 5 with a fair chance at making birdie. Mounds protect the left side, while the green is elevated and tiered. Use the slope as a backstop for front pins, and a lower running shot is required for back pins. The finishing hole on Hillside is a dogleg left. The green is not the one you see from the tee box. Many a player has tried to play it to Woodside #9’s green. The safe and smart play it to hit it out to the right and come in with a longer iron. Hitting it left will bring the trees into play. Long hitters beware…the water can be reached with a driver and even a three wood straight away. The green is always a challenge. It plays more break than you think…especially when the pin is on the back right side.

Conclusion

A happy Cantigny Resident

I’m glad I didn’t have to hand write this post…phew! If you made it this far, thanks. I could have gone on and on (like I didn’t already) Cantigny is what a premier golf course should be. It’s always in immaculate shape. It has a “private club” character and a warm “resort like” charm. The experience is top-notch. What sets Cantigny apart from other courses in the area is that it is always in a state of  change. And it’s the good type of change.  The wonderful setting of trees and flowers provide the physical change. Wildlife comes and goes during the season, you might encounter a Red Fox or Blue Heron, or Red-headed Woodpecker.  Red-tailed Hawks soar above the fairways and have nests in the Oak groves between Woodside #6 and Hillside #4.  So bring a camera to record a great day of golf, you never know what you might catch.

Renovations on improving the golf experience are ongoing. Over the past few years new tees have been added, giving the course the “teeth” needed for Championship USGA level play. Bunkers have been added, fairways have been reshaped and new challenges sprinkled throughout.  Hole #6 on Lakeside is currently undergoing bunker work, and last Fall Lakeside #1 had a bunker removed and reshaped, offering a bail out area right of the green. Grounds Superintendent Scott Witte and his staff take the time to make the course a real visual treat…

The one thing that hasn’t changed is the  dedication to a world class experience and outstanding customer service. Past employees are now working at some of the best private and public courses around, and one is even playing the PGA Tour, so the “Cantigny” experience is spreading. The three nines provide a unique golfing thrill. You can play there every day and it never becomes boring or routine. Cantigny has many layers, and if you have a chance, go play it…you’ll finish and ask for more.

Contact Info

Arrowhead Golf Course Located in Wheaton on the south side of Butterfield Road. 27 Hole layout. New clubhouse with great food service. Driving Range and Putting Green. Full Proshop and PGA Instruction available. Discounts for Wheaton residents. Phone Number 630-653-5800.

Cantigny Golf Located in Wheaton on Mack Road. 27 Hole layout. Full service facility. Outings, banquets and weddings. Sunday Brunch. Driving Range, putting green and chipping green. New Cantigny Golf Academy with full time PGA Instruction for individual and groups. Club repair on-stie. One of Chicago’s Best golf courses. Caddies available. Phone Number for Tee Times 630-668-8463 or Pho Shop 630-260-8197.

Village Greens Golf Course Located in Woodridge, on the south side of 75th St. 18 Hole Municipal course. Driving range and putting green. PGA Instruction available. Discounts for Woodridge residents. Phone Number 630-985-3610.

Glendale Lakes Golf Club Located in Glendale Heights. 18 Hole Municipal course. Discounts for Glendale Heights residents. Putting green. PGA Instruction available. Phone Number 630-260-0018.

Springbrook Golf Course Located in Naperville, on 83rd Street east of Route 59. 18 Hole Municipal course. Driving Range, pitching green and putting green. PGA Instruction available for individual and group lessons. Discount for Naperville residents with ID card. Sister course is Naperbrook GC. Phone Number 630-848-5060.

Tamarack Golf Course Located in Naperville on the west side of Route 59. This is a public 18 hole daily fee with a membership program available. Putting green. Full service F&B. Phone Number 630-904-4000.

Prairie Landing Golf Club Located in West Chicago, south of the DuPage County Airport. The 18 hole links style course is open to the public. Membership programs available. PGA Instruction provided by the Prairie Landing Academy, which has two practice holes and a chipping & putting green. Brian King is the lead instructor. The course has a driving range and putting green. Full Service F&B with plenty of room for outings and banquets. Phone Number 630-208-7600.

Village Links of Glen Ellyn located in Glen Ellyn, close to College of DuPage main campus. The 18 hole championship course is complimented by a 9 hole regulation course as well. Driving Range and putting green. Limited Service F&B. Discounts for Glen Ellyn residents. PGA Instruction available. Offers many “league” play options. Phone Number 630-469-8180.

Seven Bridges Golf Club Located in Woodridge, the course is on the west side of Route 53. An 18 hole public daily fee, membership programs are available. Putting green and warm up net. Full Service F&B with an emphasis on outings and weddings. PGA Instruction is available. Phone Number 630-964-7777.

Blackberry Oaks Golf Course Located in Bristol. The 18 hole daily fee layout features a driving range and putting green. It is also home to the Chad Johansen Golf Academy. It also has a full service restaurant. Membership programs are available. Phone Number 630-553-7170.

Most of us are stuck here in Chicago, enjoying the winter!  The countdown is on for spring to come, and most of us can use the off season to work at getting our swings in shape.  I suggest going to a dome at least once a week to hit some balls.

The Good

The idea is to keep all the body parts moving and ready.  Don’t worry about focusing on technique, but rather focus on form. Build up your stamina and rhythm.  Get used to swinging the club while staying in balance.  In later posts you will learn more about the importance of balance.

All of the domes in the Chicago Area are climate controlled, and provide a temperature that allows a light jacket or sweater.  Although limited in size, most of the domes have open spots during most hours of operation.  Weekends tend to be the most busy time, while weekday times before noon are less crowded.  Almost all domes operate on a time used basis, and you can spend 1/2 hour to an hour for a set fee.

The Bad

I prefer to hit balls outdoors.  Indoor ranges and domes serve a purpose, but for actually refining and developing swing mechanics I like to see the flight of the ball.  Domes are limited in that they can not realistically duplicate on course conditions.  Imagine the space that you would need to cover to replicate a medium par three.

• 160 yards would require a 480 foot long span
• A green 25 yards wide would require a span of 75 feet
• FYI-Wrigley Field is 400 feet to Center field

Most domes are approximately 100 yards in depth, so for even average golfers, it is the length of a short iron (8 iron or under).  Most of the clubs you will be using will fly less than half its “normal” distance before being stopped by the netting.

Lighting in most domes is adequate, but due to the construction, balls will get lost after traveling 1/2 the distance. Depth perception is difficult to equate when hitting in the domes, so I suggest that you plan on limiting the use of long irons or woods, since the feedback is limited.

Synthetic mats are a necessity, given that they take quite a beating.  Every patron to a dome hits dozen of shots from one small area.  So these mats need to last.

• Synthetic mats do not give like natural turf
• Fat or heavy shots deflect off of  mats
• Balls will sit “up”
• Tee height is limited

It is all about moderation when hitting off of synthetic mats.  I know from experience that over doing it on mats can cause hand problems, and equipment problems.

Domes in Chicagoland

White Pines

500 W. Jefferson Avenue, Bensenville, IL 60106.  Phone Number #630.766-0304

One of the best domes in Chicago.  It is 300 feet long by 300 feet wide.  The dome has 50 hitting stations. It also has a 45 foot contoured putting green.  Open 7AM to 11PM Daily.  $19.00 per hour on weekdays and $22.00 for weekends. The clubhouse boasts food & drink as well as a stocked proshop.  Currently there are 8 PGA/LPGA professionals available for lessons.  I think it is the cream of the crop and worth the drive.

Buffalo Grove Golf Dome

801 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove IL 60089. Phone Number #847.459.2321

The Buffalo Grove Golf Dome is operated by the Buffalo Grove Park District.  It has some great PGA/LPGA instructors like Bev Miller, Kristy Vik and Todd Sones.  The clubhouse provides food and drink, a proshop, club fitting and repair. The rate is $20.00 per hour on weekdays prior to 6 PM, $22.00 per hour after 6 PM.  On weekends the price is $22.00 per hour. Hours of operation vary (Monday 9 AM – 4 PM–Tuesday-Friday 9 AM – 10 PM– Saturday 7 AM – 7 PM and Sunday 7 AM – 5 PM)

Addison Links and Tees

800 W. Lake Street, Addison IL 60101.  Phone Number #630.458.2660

Just east of Interstate 290, the Addison Links and Tees dome is easy to get to.  The facility offers professional instruction and a small clubhouse. PGA Instructor Lou Solarte teaches here during the winter.  The cost is $20.00 per hour weekdays and $22.00 per hour weekends.

Ditka’s Sports Dome

730 N. Bolingbrook Drive (Route 53) Bolingbrook IL 60440. Phone Number #630.739.7600

North of Interstate 55, this is Da Coachs’ place.  Ditka’s Sports Dome offers golf, food and drinks as well as a salon.  It is a multi-purpose dome, so check the availability of golf by going to the website.  It has 44 stalls (on two decks) and is open year round.  Rates are $20 per hour Monday-Thursday, and $26.00 Friday-Sunday.  Junior and Senior discounts are available.

Not Quite a Dome…

Golf Academy at Cantigny Golf

27W240 Mack Road, Wheaton IL 60189.  Phone Number #630.260-8199

The new Golf Academy at Cantigny Golf is not a dome, but an amazing facility that offers year round instruction.  It has heated bays that open out to the range.  Be warned, the bays face north, so if it is cold and the wind is as it usually is at this time of year, it will be a challenge!  The bays are interesting in that they are state of the art instructional marvels. This is the place to go to get your GEEK on.  Video, club repair, Sports Psychologist, Fitness Guru Dr. Paul Callaway and top notch instructors complete this package. I admit I’m biased, since I worked there, but we never had the tools that the current staff have now! Use of the facility during the non-season months is limited, so I suggest that you call and ask for more details.  The Golf Academy at Cantigny Golf is open Tuesday – Friday 10 AM-9 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM.  It is closed on Mondays.

These are a few ideas of places to go while waiting for spring. Now go out and hit some balls!

Stay in the mood, and look for our 31 Days to a better Swing Planner coming out in a few weeks.