The Winnetka Golf Club is set to reopen Aug. 12 after being closed for two years following the construction of a stormwater retention system to prevent flooding in southwest Winnetka.
Attendees to the reopening event can look forward to a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a ceremonial first tee shot at 10:30 a.m. The course will officially open to the public at 11 a.m. Those interested can sign up beginning July 30 for tee times by calling the golf course (847-501-2050) or going to its website.
The driving range is currently open for business.
“It will be the first time that folks get to play and see all the work that has been done,” KemperSports Vice President of Operations Vince Juarez said.
The course closed in the summer of 2022 when the Winnetka Park District and village set about constructing the retention system following years of flooding issues. Stormwater storage also exists under other Park District property including Duke Child’s Field, the turf Skokie Playfields and Little Duke Green space.
“There was quite a bit of flooding in the community and it was always a really big problem,” Winnetka Park District Executive Director Shannon Nazzal said. “It was definitely a big project that the village has taken on to really help with those flooding issues.”
The village is currently embarking on a stormwater study to better understand the needs of the village’s southeast section.
Nazzal stated construction wrapped up in fall 2023 and the course has been in the grow-in stage since, utilizing water in the storage system to help with irrigation.
Consultant group KemperSports took over management of the course in January 2023 after signing an agreement with the Park District in 2022, serving as a middle man of sorts while the Park District continues to own the property and make decisions about its future.
KemperSports also handles employment at the course on top of managing and running operations. If there are any large funding needs, it comes to the Winnetka Park District Board for approval first. The agreement states the Park District will pay monthly fees of $7,500 to KemperSports while the course is closed with fees bumping up to $10,000 a month once opened. If proceeds also surpass a certain percentage, KemperSports gets to keep that money.
The contract extends until 2027 and KemperSports will then come back to the Park Board for renegotiation and approval. Nazzal said it has been “wonderful” working with KemperSports, saying it is evident they want what is best for the community.
Juarez said the group manages over 100 facilities across the country including The Evans at Canal Shores, formerly Canal Shores Golf Course on the Evanston/Wilmette border. That course is temporarily closed while it undergoes construction but Juarez expects portions to be reopened at some point this year.
The course will look a bit different for regular golfers, according to Nazzal. Improvements done by Jacobson Golf Course designers include a continuous golf cart path, raised fairways and updated bunkers.
“Some folks might say that it looks (like) a little bit harder, more challenging course than it was previously but I think that’s a wonderful thing,” Nazzal said. “It’s living again so we’re really excited.”
Food and beverage options, including alcohol, will be available as well in grab-and-go service. Limited options will be available initially while KemperSports and the Park District narrow down the menu and see what people enjoy.
The golf carts have also transitioned to an all electric fleet with 65 carts equipped with GPS available to golfers.
Anyone interested in touring the course before it reopens can call the course to set up a time.
