FEATURE STORY
The Illinois Triangle:
Well Worth the Trip
By Jeff Reynolds,
TravelGolf.com Staff Writer
CHICAGO, IL (Aug. 11, 2002) -- No, it isn't mythical. The state of Illinois has its own version of the Bermuda Triangle.
On the golf scene in Illinois, Chicago is clearly the visible Camelot. Downstate courses, such as those in the triangle of Bloomington, Peoria and Springfield - separated by 30 to 45 minutes, connecting the dots which indicate locale actually form a triangle - easily get lost in the shuffle.
At least that is the way Chicagoans see it. For residents of the Windy City, there is no reason to venture from the perceived golf Mecca that is Chicagoland. On the flipside, downstaters emphasize the price difference, pace of play and limited travel and traffic involved with hitting the links in the central and southern parts of the state.
 |
"In reality, I think you just do what is convenient for you," said Arlington Heights resident Thomas Sanders who said he has only been to the Illinois Triangle once in the past four years and did not golf. "They probably don't want to come here for the same reasons we don't want to make the three-hour trip."
However, there are plenty of venues worthy of attention outside of the blossoming golf metropolis. Here are three courses that warrant the trip:
Weaver Ridge Golf Club, Peoria - Rolling hills and forested valleys in the midst of a residential area, the Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry 1997-design plays difficult no matter the weather conditions. Golf Digest named the course the sixth-best in the state two years ago behind the likes of Medinah (#3) Cog Hill's Dubsdread and Butler National in Oak Brook. A par-72 that plays 7,030 yards at its longest, the feel is that of a room-to-burn private club. Rarely is another hole visible or in play - for when those slices and hooks rare their heads - and No.'s 17 and 18 give the course a championship-caliber finish.
"I think it is the class of Peoria golf, and the legend is growing," said Terry Mohler after playing the course for the first time.
The 17th is a par-3, 187-yard hole that plays as the most difficult because of the water in play and the small landing area that breaks in multiple directions. Often played into the wind, the hole actually plays about 200 yards from the tips, making club selection a concern because of the smallish green. Survive there and move to the 556-yard 18th. This par-5 makes it possible to reach in two, but has a slight dogleg to the left with a creek near the 270-yard mark with an elevated, well-bunkered green. Rates vary from $63 during the week to $73 Friday-Sunday for those relying on their Nikes for transportation. A cart, armed with the GPS system, sets you back an additional $15.
Prairie Vista Golf Course, Bloomington - The Roger Packard
design popped up in 1991. A sister course of Arnold Palmer's links-style
course, The Den at Fox Creek, across town, Bloomington has the
best bang for your buck in the triangle. Prairie Vista is 6,745
yards from the championship tees and water is in play on 16 of
18 holes. The practice facility is of the greatest quality with
a driving range in the form of a couple actual golf holes in addition
to distance markers. A Golf Digest places to play (four-star
course), holes vary from wide open to drastic doglegs with elevation
changes, such as No. 1, a par-4, 396-yard obstacle with plenty
of trouble areas. There is a 55-yard long waste bunker on the
right, 169 yards from the tee, right at the area where most first
shots will fall. Downhill to a slightly elevated green, a tee
shot played to the right side makes a par a reality. Otherwise,
your round has opened on the wrong foot. The second hole (365-yard
par-4) is basically a mirror of No. 1 with the fairway bending
right instead of left. More sand and water than most non-Chicago
courses, most greens are flat but large. Part of the Bloomington
Park District string of courses, cost is a non-issue with green
fees of $25 daily.
Piper Glen Golf Club, Springfield - On the southwest side
of the state capital, Piper Glen is another modern course, opening
in 1996 and designed by Bob Lohmann. The accolades haven't stopped
rolling in for the club since then, having been named the top
course in central Illinois by Illinois Magazine and cited
as a 41/2-star facility by Golf Digest. The course plays
true to the 6,985 yard measurement. The par-4 7th is a postcard
hole with water on the left from the tee, stretching about 250
yards out. With trees right, the ideal opening shot is right to
left fade. That leaves a short iron to the green, where accuracy
is a must with trees on both sides to narrow the opening to a
large, two-tiered green where the pin is often hidden. Named a
top value by multiple publications - $33 on the weekend - the
course is laden with prairie grass, elevation changes and large
greens with a maximum degree of difficulty. Other top courses
in the area can be found, including The Rail, about 10 miles north
on I-55 in Sherman. The Rail hosts the State Farm Classic LPGA
each Labor Day weekend.
Piper Glen
7112 Piper Glen Dr
Springfield, Illinois 62707
Sangamon County
Phone: (217) 483-6537
Prairie Vista
502 Sale Barn Rd
Bloomington, Illinois 61704
Mc Lean County
Phone: (309) 434-2217
Weaver Ridge Golf Club
5100 Weaver Ridge Blvd
Peoria, Illinois 61615
Peoria County
Phone: (309) 691-3344
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
