The 18-hole Winnetka Golf Club officially launched on Monday, Aug. 12 with a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting in partnership with KemperSports.
The Winnetka Park District facility, managed by KemperSports, had been closed for renovations to include stormwater management in the course’s design. The golf course has existed since 1917.
Dignitaries took part in the morning red ribbon cutting after a program featuring remarks. A tee off brought applause as local officials took a swing during photo opportunity moments under blue skies.
“We’re excited to get this course open,” said Shannon Q. Nazzal, Winnetka Park District executive director. “It’s been a long time coming. We’ve been closed for over 18 months and it is just amazing to have this day and get it open and have the community come out and enjoy it.”
“That’s the biggest thing that we’re looking for, is making sure that we have this amenity open to the community and we are thrilled to have it now open,” Nazzal said.
According to a statement, the stormwater management project allows the golf course to hold and reuse excess stormwater for irrigation to help the course remain open after significant rainfall.
“A newly constructed water feature, continuous cart paths, renovated bunkers and several enhancements to the golf courses are among many highlights of the renovated courses,” the news release states.
Winnetka Village President Chris Rintz addressed the audience, indicating, “The improvements you enjoy today are the result of a partnership that included the village, the Park District, New Trier High School, Winnetka School District 36 and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
“All partners contributed the use of their land to support a stormwater storage system that, when finished, will provide increased storm protection for all of western Winnetka,” Rintz said. “So many individuals came together to make this happen.”
Rintz acknowledged and thanked a team of several individuals, saying they managed to wrap the project up on time and within budget.
According to the Winnetka Golf Club website, “Golf course architect William H. Langford turned 30 acres of floodplain marshland into a 2,155 yard nine-hole layout. In 1922, the Park District added nine more holes to complete the 18-hole layout.”
Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners President Christina Codo was among golfers doing the ceremonial first swing at tee off before the shotgun start.
To audience members, ”This course represents a significant milestone for our community, offering wonderful opportunities for enjoyment and camaraderie for years to come,” Codo said. “We are incredibly proud.”
KemperSports Chief Executive Officer Steven Skinner said, “There couldn’t be a more perfect time to undertake a project like this.”
Skinner spoke of a “resurgence” in the game of golf. Children nearby were participating in a golfing program suitable for their ages which included miniature golf attractions and youthful golf game features on a putting green.
“It really is a community game,” Skinner said.
In addition to the opening of the 18-hole course on Aug. 12, the driving range, practice facility and clubhouse are open. The nine hole golf course will also reopen.
For updates, visit https://www.winnetkagolfclub.org.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
