Gambit Golf Club in Vienna, Illinois

Golfers who've visited Gambit Golf Club in Vienna, Illinois more than once over the past decade likely found one of two courses: a scenic, rolling, enjoyable challenge or a poorly conditioned pasture with a surly staff. As a result, some southern Illinois golfers simply decided to stay away.

Bruce Monzulla, new principle owner of the golf course and the adjacent Gambit Inn, aims not only to bring those players back to the Gambit, but to make Vienna a legitimate golf destination. And if anyone can do that, Monzulla can. His expansive vision, boundless energy and deep pockets make him the best bet the Gambit has ever had.

The Gambit has had a tumultuous history: three different owners have tried their hand at making it a success since 1998, including the troubled brother of a former U.S. vice president. Monzulla became principle owner less than a year ago, when he came to Vienna with the goal of creating a legitimate golf destination out of the Gambit.

The progress toward that end in such a short time has been extraordinary, to say the least.

Gambit GC: Wooden chess piece on first tee

The first tee at the Gambit Golf Club in Vienna is adorned with a huge wood carving of a chess piece.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC in Vienna

Gambit Golf Club in Vienna is set in the rolling hills of southern Illinois.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: the par-4 2nd hole

The long uphill par-4 second at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna is a rude awakening.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 3rd hole

A view of the third hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 4th hole

A view of the fourth hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna, Illinois.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 5th hole

The approach to the fifth hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna requires precision.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 6th hole

The long par-3 sixth at Gambit Golf Club is stout by any measure, especially if the new owner decides to lengthen it to 200+ yards.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 7th hole

The seventh hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna features a sprawling waste area.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 8th hole

A view of the eighth hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna, Ill.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 9th tee

The downhill, double-dogleg ninth hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna would make a spectacular closer.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 9th hole

The approach at Gambit Golf Club's ninth hole is as delicate as they come: Downhill to a green guarded on three sides by water.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 10th hole

The 10th green at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna is wide and shallow.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 11th hole

A view of the 11th hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 13th hole

A view of the 13th hole at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna, Ill.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 14th hole

The par-3 14th at Gambit Golf Club tempts a daring shot, and taunts with lots of water short and right.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 15th hole

The long par-4 15th hole at Gambit Golf Club would be an excellent par 5.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 16th hole

If you want to go for it on Gambit Golf Club's par-5 16th, you'll need to carry your second shot 200+ yards, all over water.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit GC: 16th hole

A view of the green at Gambit Golf Club' par-5 16th hole.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit Golf Club in Vienna - hole 17

The bucolic 17th at Gambit Golf Club is a welcome respite after the arduous 15th and 16th holes.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit Golf Club in Vienna - 17th green

A view of the sheltered 17th green at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna, Illinois.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit Golf Club in Vienna - hole 18

The frumpy green at the awkward, short par-4 18th is a disappointing end to an otherwise memorable course.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit Golf Club in Vienna - practice facility

The brand new indoor practice facility at Gambit Golf Club in Vienna is the best in southern Illinois.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com

Gambit Golf Club's golf simulators

Gambit Golf Club's indoor practice facility includes two state-of-the-art simulators and launch monitors.

Kiel Christianson/GolfPublisher.com