Springfield: A 'capital idea' for a family golf trip

By Kiel Christianson,
Senior Writer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Abraham Lincoln rode into Springfield in 1837, carrying all of his worldly possessions in two saddlebags. He left in 1861 for Washington, D.C., as President-elect of a troubled nation careening toward civil war. Lincoln returned to lie in state after being assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865.

Lincoln's 24-year presence in Springfield qualifies it as one of the most historic, intrinsically interesting cities in the state. And happily for golfers, it isn't a bad place for a golf trip, either.

On the course: Springfield

There are two premier daily-fee courses in Springfield, Rail Golf Club and Piper Glen Golf Club. The Rail is a 1968-vintage Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course, which has hosted the LPGA State Farm Classic each Labor Day weekend for the last 30 years.

The 6,630-yard layout is a classic Jones design, replete with long, narrow tee boxes, wide, sweeping greens, elegant, clearly defined holes, and lots of "hard pars, easy bogeys."

Piper Glen Golf Club is a 1996 Bob Lohmann design that presents players with unexpectedly rolling fairways, elevated tees, and severely undulating greens. The 406-yard par-4 opening hole requires a forced carry over a creek and is possibly the toughest opening hole in central Illinois.

Top green fees at The Rail run $51 weekends and at Piper Glen you won't pay more than $46 (both with cart). Although both of these privately owned courses represent remarkable values, the real deals are at the park district courses in Springfield and, even more notably, in Decatur, just 30 minutes to the east off I72.

Three years ago, the Springfield Park District took over operation of the four municipal golf courses in town: Lincoln Greens Golf Course, Bunn Golf Course, Bergen Golf Course, and Pasfield Golf Course. The first two are 18-hole tracks, and the second two nine-holers.

By all accounts, Lincoln Greens was a showplace in the 1970s and 1980s, with plush fairways and a loyal clientele. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, neglect resulted in the death of essentially all the turf.

Today, however, with a newly installed irrigation, drainage system, turf and clubhouse, Lincoln Greens is on it's way back and is well worth a visit at just $32.50 for non-residents on weekends ($22 without cart).

On the course: Decatur

As nice as Springfield's municipal courses are, they are still a couple of big tee-shots behind the truly outstanding golf courses in Decatur. Director of golf for the Decatur Park System, Richard Anderson, has established five First Tee Program sites in the city, four of which are located at the four excellent municipal courses: Scovill Golf Club, Hickory Point Golf Course, Faries Park Golf Course, and Nelson Park Golf Course.

At present, the two best munis are Scovill Golf Club and Hickory Point Golf Course. Scovill is even more of a topographical roller-coaster than Piper Glen, so much so that although it is only 5,929 yards from the tips, it presents a serious challenge to walkers, especially on the back nine. Some folks love the old-school target golf here; others dislike the course's defenses against present-day, grip-it-and-rip-it golf.

The 6,900-yard Hickory Point has hosted a Futures Tour event for 21 years. Although it is flatter than Scovill, the more open holes here allow for numerous strategic approaches and big drives.

The big story in Decatur golf, however, is the 2006 opening of a Raymond Floyd signature course, which will replace Faries Park, another long-time Decatur muni favorite. The as-yet-unnamed Floyd course will measure 7,300 yards, will include first-class amenities and practice facilities and amazingly, will cost no more to play than any of the other munis.

Off the course

Frankly, although Decatur is home to Scovill Park Zoo, there's not all that much else to attract visitors. And the curious odor emitted by a soybean processing plant even makes the zoo animals smell good in comparison.

In contrast to Decatur, Springfield offers several unique and historic off-course attractions. First and foremost among these are the sites associated with and dedicated to Lincoln.

The Lincoln Home National Historic site is just blocks from the Illinois State Capitol, which is also well worth a visit. The home, the only one he ever owned, is run by the National Park Service. Tours are free, and include a collection of homes in a small section of town reconstructed to replicate life in the mid 1800s.

Lincoln's tomb, which is also the final resting place of his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons, is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery and is open daily from March to October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum could easily occupy history buffs for a full day and offers a historic experience for every visitor. Admission to the museum is also free.

Springfield lies on the early section of the famous Route 66, running over 2,000 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. At one time, Route 66 was the major artery connecting the country and no other highway has left such a great impression on American literature, art, and film.

Today, you can drive along all but 11 miles of the original Route 66 from Chicago to Springfield, taking in many of the same landmarks and roadside stops as John Dillinger, Al Capone, and Bugs Moran.

For a few laughs (and we're not talking about your golf swing), check out The Funnybone Comedy Club of Springfield at Break Time Entertainment Center. Located off Route 4, the Funnybone attracts national comedy acts every weekend and on the second Wednesday of every month there's an open mic contest. (So go ahead, show 'em your golf swing).

Places to eat

If you choose to eat in Decatur, for down-home comfort food like chicken and walleye, try The Wagon ((217) 429-2260). The Bakery ((217) 422-4444) in downtown Decatur has the best breakfast fare.

In Springfield, dining options are myriad, but three establishments come highly recommended.

Chesapeake Seafood House ((217) 522-5220) is directly across the street from Bergen Golf Course on Clear Lake Avenue. If you trust seafood so far away from the ocean, this is your place.

Maldaner's ((217) 522-4313; Web site: maldaners.com) on S. 6th St. in downtown has been around since 1884 and offers classic American fare in a relaxed but refined atmosphere.

My personal favorite is Café Brio ((217) 544-0574), which is nearly kitty-corner from Maldaner's and is also only a few blocks from Lincoln's Home and the State Capitol. Café Brio serves up Southwestern fusion/Mediterranean/Caribbean cuisine in a very funky mix-and-match sort of atmosphere.

Café Brio is the only restaurant open downtown during the days on weekdays, offering a wonderful Sunday brunch menu. The homemade chorizo and egg burrito ($8.50) is truly exceptional. For dinner, try the habanero-breaded chicken breasts ($16). And if you enjoy margaritas, Café Brio's are the best in town.

Places to stay

Springfield has all the prerequisite chain hotels, along with some independents. Two of the best for golfers are those that offer stay-and-play packages at The Rail and Piper Glen. If you're playing the former, try Northfield Inn and Suites ((217) 523-7900). If you're playing the latter, try the Hampton Inn ((217) 793-7670). And if you're playing the city courses, don't worry about stay and plays - the green fees are plenty low enough as it is.

Before leaving for the White House, Lincoln said of Springfield, "To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. And even today, if you spend enough time getting to know the area and enjoying some of the fine golf offered here, you might just develop a similar affection for the region and the people yourself.

July 14, 2005

Kiel Christianson has lived, worked, traveled and golfed extensively on three continents. As senior writer and equipment editor for WorldGolf.com, he has reviewed courses, resorts, and golf academies from California to Ireland. Read his golf blog here.