Renovation Details

The current renovation began in 1997 with the development of the Golf Course Master Improvement Plan. Over the past several years the Forest Preserve District has been implementing this improvement plan for its Golf Course at Lake of the Woods. Completed work to date includes selectively re-shaping and grading fairways, adding mounding, reconstructing sand bunkers, reworking ponds, improving drainage and planting trees.

Last fall, perhaps the most important piece was completed with the construction of all new tees on the course. This was done to create four different tee lengths per hole and to enlarge and level the teeing surfaces. The result will be less soil compaction and more vigorous and healthy turf. It will also mean that those who do not hit the ball as far as others can still be competitive and enjoy the course.

Unfortunately, it will take part of this season to allow the new grass on the tees to grow in, necessitating the use of temporary tees. During this time, we are asking for golfers to bear with us and stay off the new tees until they are ready for play.

This spring the entrance drive will be relocated to reduce pedestrian/cart/auto conflicts and create an aesthetically pleasing and functional arrival experience. The parking area will also be expanded and receive new paving. In order to protect the lake, an innovative bio-swale will accept runoff from the parking lot, allowing it to gradually percolate into the soil rather than go directly into the lake. Cart paths are also being lengthened and relocated where needed.

All in all, we are pleased to be able to invest in this area’s most popular golf course, ensuring its continued viability. We are also proud of the fact that our course is one of only two downstate courses certified by the Audubon Society as a Golf Course Sanctuary.