2021 Guide N2 | Friday,PALMER May 14, 2021 HILLS 2999 Middle Road, Bettendorf, IA (563) 332-8296 www.palmerhillsgolf.com

The Award Winning Palmer Hills Experience Palmer Hills Golf Course is an award winning, public 18-Hole course designed by William J Spear Established in 1974, Palmer Hills is home to 100 year old oak trees and features rolling hills, with creeks and ponds coming into play on 11 holes The hills and water can provide a challenge, but a wide variety of teeing options makes Palmer Hills playable for • Our Clubhouse is home to the “Palmer Grill” golfers of any caliber serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days/ week (in season) • Fully Stocked Pro Shop, with a wide selection of merchandise • Certified Ping & Mizuno Clubfitters GREENS FEES Weekdays 9 Holes  $1800 The Forgea unique putting experience, opening 18 Holes  $2300 Sundown  $1800 May 2021 Super Sundown                                 $1400 Weekends (Begins Noon Friday) & Holidays 9/18  $2800 Sundown  $2000 Super Sundown                                 $1600 Juniors/Seniors (Monday-Thursday before 2 pm, Friday after 10am, excluding holidays) $1400/$1800 RIDING CART FEES (per person) Daily 9 Holes  $13 Call us for tee times or book online at 18 Holes  $18 palmerhillsgolfcom Sundown Cart Fee  $14 PULL CART FEES $300 *Value Pass for the Value-Minded Only $280 /Pay for RENTAL CLUBS 10, get 12 Rounds! Every Day $1500 *Perfect your swing at our OTHER FEES Driving Range,Passes Available Driving Range Large Bucket$900 Medium Bucket$800 Small Bucket$600 Jr or Sr Bucket$500 GOLF GUIDE Friday, May 14, 2021 | 3 WHAT’S INSIDE Golf riding high after

FEATURES by Tom Johnston unique 2020 season Welcome to the 2021 season and so much promise...... t’s so good to be back for the 2021 golf ness when the Greenside Grille was closed page 3 season and have something to look for- for the summer. However, things picked up Iward to this year when it comes to hitting with an open tee sheet for the two weeks in Golf landscape sculpted by the courses. July that are normally off the books. these locals...... It’s also encouraging to look at the season “With no tournaments, and not hosting page 4 with optimism after enduring a 2020 season the Classic, we played just as Meet TPC Deere Run’s new that could be described in so many ways: many rounds in 2020 as we did in ‘19 and head professional...... Non-existent (for a while, at least, on the previous years because there was nothing page 6 side of the Mighty Mississippi River), else happening — it was just straight golf,” confounding (too many restrictions to follow Hajduk said. “We got the two weeks of the Fyre Lake on fire and headed during the pandemic), frus- tournament back of straight play that we in new direction...... trating (isn’t it always), exhila- never would have received. We had a record page 9 rating (once in a while), safe to July. We had a record August. We had a re- ’s delayed do and top of it all, so success- cord September because of weather and just 50th Q-C tourney celebration ful on so many fronts. demand.” back on...... Which makes the 2020 sea- It was the same thing on the side, page 11 son one of the most incredible which not only benefited from not shutting years on the books in quite down as did its Illinois counterparts, but also Q-C golf and tourism com- TOM JOHNSTON a while despite a COVID-19 picked up extra business for a while when Il- bine that college spirit...... pandemic that took away part linois was shuttered. page 14 of the early season and threat- John Valliere, Glynns Creek head pro- A touch of a resort feel at ened to shut down Illinois side golf courses fessional, said his facility enjoyed 29,569 Bettendorf municipal facility . all together. rounds last year — “6,000 up over 2019,” he page 15 But once it was deemed safe to play, it said. appears as if we did just. We got out and The last year the scenic Scott County Park QC Amateur Tour navigating played. And we did so in record numbers. layout was pushing 30,000 rounds, accord- path back to success...... Courses in Iowa, which never shut down ing to Valliere, was the 2012 season. page 17 last spring, went on to record a milestone “We had a lot of people that hadn’t played Find a Q-C course that fits number of rounds. Even with being shut for a while and they weren’t working in the your golfing needs...... down, Illinois courses enjoyed a resurgence. office and weren’t going to school, so they page 18 Rounds nationally were up across the board kind of liked it and it was a safe haven for according to the National Golf Foundation, them to get out of the house and do some- noting the previous highest jump was in thing,” Valliere said. “I think a lot of them 1997 when young Tiger Woods was changing liked it and will stick with it.” the game. Bettendorf’s Palmer Hills Golf Course also “We ended up down, but not as much as enjoyed huge numbers. Head pro Jon Wad- you would have thought considering the dell said the course produced “a little over shut down,” said Todd Winter, assistant 34,000 rounds. It was the best year we’ve Rock Island parks director and golf man- had in 20 years,” he said. ager for Highland Springs and Saukie golf “To make it even crazier, we were replac- courses. “We made up a ton once we were ing four bridges on the golf course early in open; there were so many people out play- the season and we were only a 9-hole golf ing. It was one of the things people felt safe course into May,” he added. “So that’s how doing and could do it without many restric- busy we were even operating as a 9-hole golf tions.” course for the first six to eight weeks of the Which was great for the game. season. Not only that, we were blocking out Todd Hajduk, general manager at TPC the tee sheet a little bit to keep people dis- Deere Run and the PGA Tour-owned course tanced, so we weren’t offering our full array in Silvis that hosts the John Deere Classic of tee times. I think we were blocking out each July, experienced both the good and the every third tee time.” bad of last year’s strange season. I guess we were looking for any reason to The course lost the JDC — and interna- get out of the house last year! tional exposure — when it was canceled for the year, and also lost all of its catering busi- Please see JOHNSTON, Page 8 4 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE A golf major and sport’s shakers have Q-C connections

TOM JOHNSTON with the best players in the [email protected]‌ world,” Harmon said. “Believe ‌The Quad-Cities and sur- it or not, I have learned as much rounding area have deep ties from them as they have from to professional sports on all me.” levels. Fleck, a QC native, has one On the golf side of things, of the most indelible connec- the history is profound — from tions to pro golf. The long-time roots to the Masters tourna- Bettendorf resident took down ment to being home to one of iconic Ben Hogan in a playoff the most renowned and re- for the 1955 U.S. Open at the spected teaching professionals. Olympic Club in San Francisco. Most of those connections He died in March of 2014 at the now are associated with the age of 92. John Deere Classic. While Fleck may have one However, from not far away of the most amazing stories, in Morning Sun, Iowa, lie the there is an impressive and roots to arguably the most varied group of people from prestigious golf event held an- the Quad-Cities with connec- nually and one the most elite of tions to pro golf. clubs — Augusta National. Another PGA Tour winner Roughly 50 miles southwest from the QCA is Jamieson, of the Quad-Cities in Morning who passed away in 2018. The Sun is where Clifford Roberts Michigan native who grew up was born and raised. in Moline won the 1972 West- A humble beginning even- ern Open and finished top 5 in tually turned and Roberts, a CONTRIBUTED‌ the Masters twice in his illus- shrewd businessman, made Quad-City Sports Hall of Famers Jim Hasley and former LPGA trious career that was cut short millions on Wall Street. In star Beth Bader, a North Scott High School prep and Iowa State due to a hand injury. 1932, Roberts and Bobby Jones standout, posed for this photo at an exhibition at Red Hawk Golf Jamieson, who operated co-founded the Augusta Na- Course in Davenport. his own golf school at Re- tional Golf Club in Augusta, sort Glade Springs in Daniels, Ga. Roberts served as chairman year to the Illinois-Iowa bor- teachers in the world. W.Va., coached women’s golf at of the club from 1931 through der setting, but has been the The teaching pro to many of NCAA Division II University of 1976. top per-capita tournament in today’s top stars got his start Charleston in 2011, getting that Two years after its found- charitable contributions on the as a club professional at Dav- program up and running. ing, in 1934, Roberts and Jones PGA Tour for over 15 years now. enport’s Crow Valley Country Richie Karl won the B.C. started the Augusta Invita- With charitable donations of Club, where he met his wife, Open as a PGA Tour pro and tional and that eventually be- over $10 million for four years Christy. retired to Bettendorf. He then came the . running, the JDC and its status Two of Harmon’s most fa- won four consecutive Iowa Serving as tournament within the Tour makes the lone mous students, of course, were section PGA titles. chairman from 1934-1976, small-market event on the 50- Tiger Woods and Phil Mickel- Another former touring pro Roberts personally extended stop schedule one of the most son. But the one-time Tour from the area is Beth Bader, tournament invitations to unique events left in golf’s ma- winner (1971 Broome County who grew up in Eldridge, Iowa. players. jor leagues. Open) from New York has The former North Scott High Suffering from cancer and However, there are many also worked with some of the School and Iowa State Uni- a debilitating stroke, Rob- other inside-the-ropes con- game’s other legendary play- versity standout spent a good erts committed suicide on the nections the QCA has to the ers, including Ernie Els, Greg portion of her adult life on the banks of Ike’s Pond on Augusta game at its top level. Norman, Davis Love III, Justin LPGA Tour and had five Top 10 National grounds in 1978. Two of the more prestigious Leonard, Seve Ballesteros, Jose finishes and earned over a mil- Still, the story of the local are 1955 U.S. Open winner Jack Maria Olazabal, Darren Clarke lion dollars. PGA Tour event is just as be- Fleck and former PGA Tour and Stewart Cink. The Quad-Cities also claims guiling as it had its ups and pros Butch Harmon and Jim He also worked with LPGA Todd Hamilton as a favor- downs through its early years Jamieson. Another is Moline’s standout Danielle Kang. Most ite son. The Illinois state high as well before rewriting history own Tony Navarro, one of the recently his stable included school champ grew up in nearby and becoming one of the main- most recognizable caddies on standouts such as World No. 1 Oquawka, Ill. Playing profes- stay events on the PGA Tour Tour. Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, sionally for years overseas he with the help of Deere & Co. Harmon, though, has be- , Gary Wood- won 14 times internationally. The annual PGA Tour come more famous for helping land, Nick Watney and Ollie Hamilton was named PGA Tour event not only draws 156 of others win on the PGA Tour as Schniederjans. the world’s top golfers every one of the most recognizable “I have been blessed to work Please see TIES, Page 5 GOLF GUIDE FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | 5

PGA Tour have never played in a pro- Ties fessional event, but walked numerous Butch Harmon, whose fi rst job as a PGA From 4 rounds with some of the best play- ers in the game. Navarro and Rick professional was at Rookie of the Year at age 38 in 2004 “Montana’’ Thompson spent time Davenport’s Crow when he won twice — the Open Cham- inside the ropes caddying for top Valley Golf Club, has pionship in a playo over Ernie Els and players. taught some of the best . Navarro, a 1978 Moline High professional players in Another pro from nearby Cedar Rap- School graduate, is one of the the world. ids, Iowa, has found a most respected caddies in the PHOTO COURTESY OF BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL OF GOLF home in the Quad-Cities with the John game. He toted for Norman, Ben Deere Classic. A Deere ambassador and Crenshaw, Raymond Floyd and Je JDC board member, Johnson counts the Sluman in his early years on the 2007 Masters, 2012 JDC title and 2015 bag. He has most recently Open Championship among his 12 PGA worked for Nick Wat- Tour victories. ney after having been Former PGA Tour standout Dan Hall- on the bags of Adam dorson was an adopted Quad-Citian, Scott, Bud Cauley, living in nearby Cambridge, Ill., for Woodland and Aus- a number of years before his death in tralian . 2015. The native Canadian had moved Navarro spent 13 back over the border, most recently be- years with Austra- coming head pro at Oak Island Resort in lian standout Nor- Manitoba. man. They became Halldorson had one win (1980 Pen- very close friends and sacola Open) and 28 Top 10 fi nishes in have been in business a career in which he also earned over a together on a number million dollars when that was a major of very successful benchmark. Two other locals with deep ties to the Please see TIES, Page 8 VALLEY VIEW CLUB GOLF COURSE & POOL 9701 IL Highway 82 Check Our Website for Cambridge, IL (309) 937-3938 for tee times and more information Membership Pricing! www.valleyviewclub.org Valley View Club is a beautiful, 18-hole golf course located just south GREENS FEES of Cambridge, IL in a quiet, country setting. Public Players Five sets of tees (3,163 to 6,393 yards, -72) offer shot-making 9 Holes includes cart ...... $27.00 challenges to golfers of all abilities. Valley View is known for its 18 Holes includes cart ...... $39.00 excellent greens, well maintained, watered fairways and mature Senior Rates (65+) Weekdays (M-F) trees. The beautiful signature lake holes on the back nine were 9 Holes includes cart ...... $20.00 designed by the late PGA Tour Player, . 18 Holes includes cart ...... $25.00 Valley View on 82…It’s worth the trip! Weekends and Holidays • Clubhouse features a friendly, full-service lounge and snack shop with 9 Holes includes cart ...... $27.00 outdoor patio seating 18 Holes includes cart ...... $39.00 • Corporate or Group Outings and Fundraisers Welcome Junior Rates (under 18) • Heated Swimming Pool 9 Holes...... $8.00 • Banquet Facilities for your next party, shower, wedding or special event • Driving range with target greens and putting green 18 Holes ...... $15.00 • Reciprocal Course Program • Please remember to visit our website for questions and information at www.valleyviewclub.org

ViSit uS 6 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE Wanting change, Elliott lands at Deere Run New head pro comes to QC from Las Vegas TPC stint TOM JOHNSTON [email protected]‌ ‌SILVIS — A lot of people are attracted to the glitz and glam- our of what Las Vegas provides. The nightlife. The neon. The action. Andrew Elliott, however, was ready for something different. And that’s how the Colorado native and California-raised 36-year-old ended up in the Quad-Cities with his family as he takes over as the new head golf professional at TPC Deere Run. He replaced Kevin Dean, who after two years left Deere Run to head back to the East Coast, GARY L. KRAMBECK‌ taking the head professional TPC Deere Run new head pro Andrew Elliott position at Washington Golf & Country Club in Arlington, Va. ebrating his fifth anniversary overly difficult. We always are Elliott jumped into his first with the TPC Network in May promoting assistants to head head pro position at Deere Run and being able to both move pro for first timers.” on March 23, the day after driv- up the network ladder and stay Ironically, Hajduk and Elliott A fun, yet challenging, ing here from Vegas. And he was within the company made it an have similar career paths — excited to turn the page on his ideal position for him to be in- both coming to the Quad-Cities 9 hole golf new venture and lifestyle. terested in. from Las Vegas. course! “Our values really didn’t It is also easy for Hajduk to be “He came well recommended enjoy the undulating align with Las Vegas anymore,” interested in Elliott to become from Vegas,” Hajduk said. “I hills and island greens said Elliott, who along with his the sixth head pro in the 22-year obviously know the crew there wife, Shawna, have two young history of the facility. pretty well and it’s a very similar right in the heart of daughters. “They are our world “He just stood out from early operation from what we do here Bettendorf! and we wanted them to be raised on in the process, so it was ac- — they’re obviously a lot busier No Tee Times in a community with strong val- tually an easy decision,” said than we are year around, but it’s ues, a community around them. Hajduk of hiring Elliott. “He’s a daily fee property and has an required “From what I felt when I very excited not only for the annual pass like we do and has made the trip out here for the opportunity, he’s a little more public play just like we do. We first time to come tour the mature and figured he has to use a lot of the same systems, property and hung out with become a head and had the, ‘I’m which is nice, too.” Todd (Hajduk, TPC Deere Run wanting to do this’ approach.” Elliott could appreciate that general manager) and saw the Hajduk felt the move was a and said that it has made for a interactions with people he natural one for Elliott to make fairly smooth transition into his knew, the community feeling is as he works his way up the TPC Deere Run duties coming from so important to my wife and I. … Network ranks. This is the third a similar daily-fee, higher-end The schools here are very good straight hire of a Deere Run head public golf course. where in Las Vegas, the school pro stepping into a lead posi- Still settling in during his first district isn’t that good. tion. month, Elliott is hoping to in- “The big attraction was the “That would typically be our corporate some of the ideas he promotion within the company, M.O,” Hajduk said. “We are one has learned at previous stops 3947 moencks rd, but also the family component, of the more entry-level proper- at CordeValle Golf Club (San Bettendorf, iowa t o o .” ties just because of what we do Elliott said he will be cel- and the seasonality of us, not Please see ELLIOTT, Page 7 563.332.6386 GOLF GUIDE Friday, May 14, 2021 | 7

that I’m ‘the-buck-stops-here- Elliott MEET ANDREW ELLIOTT guy,’ per se,” said Elliott, who From 6 The job: The 36-year-old head professional at TPC Deere Run is was an assistant pro in Califor- in his first head pro position nia where the Frys.com event Martin, Calif.), Wynn Golf Club was played. “I’m the guy mak- (Las Vegas) and TPC Summer- The family: Elliott and his wife, Shawna, have two daughters – ing the calls, but I’ll have a lot lin/TPC Las Vegas. 3-year-old Mackenzie and 1.5-year-old Madison. of support from headquarters. Among those are more fit- The path to Deere Run: Elliott comes to the Quad-Cities with “Sue Kramer handles all the ting days, which he said could an extensive history on the west coast and in Las Vegas. He planning and execution of the expand to every-other Satur- grew up in Long Beach, Calif., graduated from the University of retail side of our Tour events day — or even every Saturday, Nevada Las Vegas PGA Golf Management Program (four-year and I will lean on her to assist depending upon how they are program to get both a bachelors degree and your PGA mem- me with my first one. They received here. bership). He began his professional career with an extended don’t just throw you to the fire; “We want to be on the prac- internship in northern California at CordeValle Golf Club that Sue has been doing this for a tice facility more frequently fit- turned into his first assistant pro position for five years. He long time and I will lean heav- ting golfers for equipment and then spent a year at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas before ily on her for sure.” making that presence known stints at TPC Summerlin and TPC Las Vegas. He said he would also like to that we can fit you for equip- look into expanding the annual ment,” Elliott said. “It’s much Of note: Was named 2019 PGA Assistant Professional of the pass program and incorporat- more beneficial to see the ball Year award winner for the Southwest Section, Southern Nevada ing more events for those in that as opposed to hitting into a net.” Chapter. program. While being a solid player “We did a really good job with in his junior days and through the annual pass program at TPC community college play in Cali- dled all of our merchandise and ing months. Las Vegas; we engaged with fornia, Elliott now spends more took our merchandising pro- And that leaves him excited them as much as we could,” El- of his time mastering the retail gram to a higher level,” he said. — and also with just a bit of liott said. “We had some real side of the business as opposed He said that may lead to a trepidation — as he heads into cool events with them — pre- to honing his on-course skills. new look in the Deere Run pro his first John Deere Classic as a 2020. ... We hope to expand “At TPC Las Vegas, I handled shop once supply chain issues head professional at the club. our calendar for annual pass the retail side of things and han- are hammered out in the com- “This will be the first event events.”

00 00 BYRON HILLS 00 GOLF COURSE GREENS FEES 23316 94th Ave. North, Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 50 Port Byron, IL 9 Holes ...... $15 .00 50 With cart ...... $22 .50 (309) 523-2664 18 Holes ...... $21 .00 Visit our website to book With cart ...... $36 .00 50 Senior (60+) you tee times online! 9 Holes ...... $13 .00 www.byronhills.com With cart ...... $18 .00 00 Find us on Facebook! 18 Holes ...... $19 .00 With cart ...... $29 .00 Byron Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public course In Junior (18 and under) 9 Holes ...... $10 .00 Port Byron, Illinois. 20 minutes from the . With cart ...... $17 .50 Family owned since 1972, this course is known for new 18 holes ...... $15 .00 With cart ...... $30 .00 improvements every year and considered a golfer’s Twilight (After 1pm – 18 HOLES ONLY) favorite in the QC area. With many lakes and sand 18 Holes ...... $15 .00 With cart ...... $28 .00 trapsit is a challenge for the serious golfer, yet open Weekends and Holidays enough for all golfersgolf to have a pleasant experience. 9 Holes ...... $17 .00 With cart ...... $24 .50 18 holes ...... $25 .00 HOME OF 5 - TIME With cart ...... $40 .00 STATE QUALIFYING Twilight (After 1pm – 18 HOLES ONLY) 18 HOLES ...... $20 .00 RIVERDALE RAMS!! With cart ...... $32 .00 8 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE

Florida in just his sixth year as a Ties professional. From 5 The Quad-Cities has numer- ous ties to nearly every profes- ventures. Navarro carried for sional sport that is played na- half of Norman’s 20 PGA Tour tionally. victories and the 1993 British The NFL got its start right Open. With Navarro, Norman here in the Quad-Cities with ascended to the No. 1 World the Rock Island Independents Ranking. that played in the league from Thompson, a 1976 MHS grad 1920-25. and 1981 Western Illinois Uni- Moline’s historic Wharton versity product, actually started Field House was home to the caddying while in high school, National Basketball League’s first picking up a bag at the 1975 Tri-Cities Blackhawks from Ed McMahon Jaycees Quad City MEG MCLAUGHLIN‌ 1946-51, a franchise that was Open — where Navarro also got the root of the NBA’s Atlanta his start — and making it a full- Caddie Tony Navarro of Moline, carrying the bag for Nick Watney, Hawks. time job in 1988. looks down the fairway of the 11th hole during the third round of Professional baseball on the Among the players he worked the 2019 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis. Navarro has Minor League level here dates for were Rick Pearson, Billy Ray caddied for some the biggest names in golf, including Greg Norman. back to 1879. Games here even Brown, Joel Edwards, Scott included the legendary Babe Verplank and others before playoff loss. die Affairs. Ruth in the early days when catching on with Billy May- Long off the toting grind, A number of other locals teams traversed the country fair. He says one of his career Thompson is now a scoring of- have toiled on the professional in trains and took games to highlights was when Mayfair ficial with the rules and com- mini tours in hopes of making it the masses. Numerous Major logged a playoff victory over petitions committee on the to golf’s biggest stage. Moline’s League All-Stars either got their Tiger Woods at the 1998 Nis- PGA Tour, a position he began David Lawrence is currently starts here in the Quad-Cities or san L.A. Open at Valencia CC, in 2003. He also oversees the on that path, having logged have come through here while which is still Woods’ only Tour caddies as the Advisory to Cad- multiple mini-tour victories in playing in the minors.

Just as notably, outings and Johnston fundraising events are return- SAUKIE From Page 3 ing to pre-2020 levels. And now, it’s our turn to GOLF COURSE GREENS FEES So far, when Mother Nature give back to the game that 3101 38th St., A full selection of golf passes are available. Rock Island, IL has cooperated during the gave us so much last year. Weekdays (M-F) early spring months, that in- While many courses relaxed (309) 732-CART (2278) 9 Holes ...... $14 .00 terest in the game has carried rules and regulations — espe- www.rigov.org/saukie 18 Holes ...... $19 .00 over into the 2021 season. cially regarding outside food Afternoon ...... $16 .00 “Golf saw a little bit of a and beverage being allowed Season Special rebound and we’re seeing that — things are getting back to Everyday 18 holes + cart-$26 Weekends and Holidays continue,” Winter said. normal in that regard, as well. 18 Holes ...... $21 .00 The local pros warn that So making sure we are all Wednesday 2 for $40 after 1pm Afternoon ...... $18 .00 those numbers may flatten out being good stewards of the • 18 hole executive length course a bit with kids being back in game is important. Juniors school and returning to their Take the extra effort to take • Hundreds of mature oaks line the holes 18 Holes (M-F) ...... $13.00 traditional summer activities care of the courses this year • Measuring just over 5,000 yards and playing to a par of 66 that may be back. A lot of adults by fixing an extra ball mark on Seniors are also finding themselves back the greens or filling a divot. • Terrain is rolling with deep ravines and many doglegs 18 Holes (M-F) ...... $15.00 to more normal working sched- Support the bars/restau- • Beginner friendly, but can challenge any ules and have less time for golf rants at your favorite facility. level of player during the week. And enjoy yourself — espe- • Clubhouse and snack bar RIDING CARTS (per person) But golf officials remain op- cially if you are just getting • Adult beverages available 9 Holes ...... $8 .00 timistic that the pandemic- back in the game. • Reservations taken up to a week in advance 18 Holes ...... $13 .00 induced golf resurgence of Yes, the 2020 season was • Couples events every month in season Seniors (M-F except holidays) . . . .$11 .00 2021 may not be wiped out “interesting,” as Hadjuk • Outings and leagues available by the vaccinations as things described it. But maybe the Afternoon ...... $11 .00 return to normal. most important thing is that “When the weather is nice, it’s behind us and we can get we’ve been crazy busy,” Val- a fresh start on a 2021 season PULL CARTS liere said. that holds so much promise. 9/18 Holes ...... $3 .00 GOLF GUIDE FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | 9 Revamped Fyre Lake on new path to success?

TOM JOHNSTON [email protected] When Mark Krizic looked out over the Fyre Lake Golf Club layout in mid-April, he shrugged his shoulders. He came just short of cring- ing over what he saw, and was overly apologetic for the ap- pearance of the 6,000-yard going to edge the leading en- layout. trances for that so it makes it He knows the potential. look real nice and clean.” He can envision the poten- Krizic said that sand depth in tial. all 64 traps on the course is now He wants to be able to see more consistent after all were the Nicklaus Design Group dug out and drainage issues ad- layout up to those standards GARY L. KRAMBECK dressed. as quickly as possible. Fyre Lake Golf Club head pro/owner Mark Krizic. “We’re focusing on bunkers However, the fi rst-year and greens,” Wiebenga said. owner of the facility in nearby outside the clubhouse. the irrigation system, so the “Obviously you can’t do ev- Sherrard, Ill., knows that it And while the course is still big problem is gone. The sec- erything in one season. Like I will be a process — sort of like operated out of a double-wide ond big problem was the traps tell Mark, growing grass takes opening a new course. trailer, the inside has the feel and I’d like to say that we’re times. So we’re fi guring out And while Fyre Lake was of a clubhouse. Krizic is stock- 75% pleased with the playable where we want to grow grass originally built in 2007-08, he ing clothing and apparel along surface out of the traps. We sees this as a new beginning for with a few o -the-rack clubs. haven’t edged yet, but we’re Please see FYRE LAKE, Page 10 the par-70 layout that winds He says that changes are still through open landscapes and coming to the interior and the around Fyre Lake and Carl Lake food and beverage o erings as in the development roughly 20 he gets a handle on what play- SADDLEBACK minutes south of the Quad Cit- ers desire. ies International Airport. “The ultimate goal, this is RIDGE “When you think of a start- supposed to be about making up facility, you think about the sure the golfers have the best GOLF COURSE food and beverage options, you experience on the golf course,” 4646 180th St. NE, Solon, IA think about the merchandise Krizic said. “People don’t come options, you think about the here for the food, they come (319) 624-1477 agronomy practices and ev- here for the golf course and www.saddlebackridgegolf.com ery aspect with the golf carts come hopefully for a quick 2020 GOLF RATES and how they are staged,” said round.” Greens Fees WORTH THE SHORT DRIVE FROM 18 hole green fee Krizic, the fourth owner/op- Getting the course up to THE QUAD CITIES AREA. (Mon.-Thurs)...... $27.00 erator in the checkered history those standards, Krizic and Par 72 hole layout with 4 tee boxes 18 hole green fee of the layout. new superintendent Kyle (Fri.-Sun+Holidays)...... $35.00 Those are the same things Wiebenga got a healthy jump- per hole makes Saddleback fun 9 hole green fee Krizic concerns himself with start late in April. That was and challenging for golfers of all (Mon.-Thurs.)...... $17.00 in 2021. when Wiebenga, a Fulton High 9 hole green fee ages and abilities. Our unique (Fri.-Sun+Holidays)...... $22.00 The former head golf profes- School graduate, got the irriga- sional from the Chicagoland tion system running on all cyl- layout features 3 par 3’s…3 par Cart Fees area obsesses over the little inders. 4’s…3 par 5’s on both nines! 18 hole golf cart (price per person)...... $17.00 things and is making sure to “Yesterday was a huge day Finest practice facility in the area, 9 hole golf cart work out all the wrinkles as he for us because now we have featuring large putting area and (price per person)...... $11.00 attempts to put Fyre Lake Golf control of every single sprin- 18 hole pull cart.... $3.50 (tax incl) Club on a di erent level in the kler head on the facility,” said all turf driving range with multiple 9 hole pull cart...... $2.50 (tax incl) fl ourishing Quad-Cities mar- Krizic, noting programming targets. Currently booking outings Driving Range ket. and computer issues were re- for groups and business of all sizes. Small basket You already get a di erent solved in-house. “That’s a (approx. 15 balls)...... $4.00 feel at the facility. $90,000-$100,000 project Individual and Medium basket As you drive in to the prop- that now is gone. (approx. 40 balls)...... $6.50 Group Instructions Available Large basket erty, you see a full fl eet of carts “…We reached one goal and Matt Sertterh - Superintendent (approx. 65 balls)...... $8.50 staged in an organized manner that was being connected to 10 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE Fyre Lake From 9 and grow good grass there.” That process will be aided by a fully functioning irriga- tion system. It also gives Wiebenga a chance at improving the greens and the root structures on the severely sloped putting sur- faces. “The big thing we’re really trying to push out here is our greens,” Wiebenga said. “Your course is only as good as your greens. We want the greens to be as green as they can be. We’re going to throw some pretty heavy fertilizer at them to try to get them to take off and build a bigger root zone on them.” The fixed irrigation system has also altered the timeline GARY L. KRAMBECK‌ of future projects with more You get a totally different feel when you walk into the Fyre Lake Golf Club clubhouse now that it is funds in the budget. stocked with an array of clothing and equipment. Krizic insists that any and all income is being funneled back Heck, yeah. But do we want a of all the little things that pop u p .” to the course which gives him modest clubhouse, heck yeah. a chance to better plan a to-do “Do we want the Callaway list for the facility that includes Performance Center? Yeah, increased daily maintenance they came out last year and HOME OF HEROES and the aforementioned greens kind of showed us what they improvements. thought would be a good spot. & CHAMPIONS “The ultimate to-do list is … “Right now, it’s all about the the No. 1 goal is to have a pure golf course. The greens have golf course,” Krizic said. “Any to be perfect. The irrigation dollars that are made is going is now fixed. The bunkers are right back into the golf course. now fixed. “Do we want a clubhouse? “Now, it’s just staying on top

GARY L. KRAMBECK‌ JULY 7 - 11, 2021 silvisil.org Fyre Lake Golf Club sports new pinflags on the course. GOLF GUIDE Friday, May 14, 2021 | 11 JDC ready to finally tee up golden anniversary brated in grand fashion. Con- Celebration certs were scheduled. A charity delayed, dinner was planned featuring a number of dignitaries and past tempered by champions. A book written by former local sports writer Craig pandemic DeVrieze regaling the tourna- ment’s history was set to debut. TOM JOHNSTON About all that was missing [email protected]‌ was a parade down Main Street. ‌Golfers have been known to And then the tournament take a mulligan or two when was canceled when state of- things don’t go exactly as ficials and the Illinois De- planned on the golf course. partment of Public Health It’s a luxury we afford our- determined that large gather- selves when in the company of JESSICA GALLAGHER ‌ ings were not encouraged last our friends in a casual game. John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson and John summer after the COVID-19 The John Deere Classic finds Deere Classic Volunteer Chairman Lee Garlach unveil the 2020 pandemic decided to settle in itself not so much in a position charitable contribution total from Birdies for Charity program at for an extended stay that has for a friendly do-over heading Smart Lexus of the Quad Cities in Davenport. felt like 50 years. into the 2021 PGA Tour event, The IDPH still has a say in but in a position of figuring The 2020 event scheduled “It was a milestone that not this summer’s event, but the out how to re-write the script for last July was being built up many people ever gave this show will go on — even if it has in order to make a milestone with major historical signifi- tournament a chance of reach- to be scaled back. event as grand as it can be in cance as it was to be the 50th ing,” JDC tournament director “It just took a little longer the middle of a world-wide playing of a Tour event in the Clair Peterson said. pandemic. Quad-Cities. And it was going to be cele- Please see JDC, Page 12

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JDC Deere and the Tour and also alive as the PGA Tour grew into through the Birdies For Charity From 11 resulted in a Tour-quality golf a fifth major league while the program. Since the program be- course being built in the small- local workforce, as well as Deere gan in 1971, it has become a big than anybody thought to get est market in the TPC Network. & Company, adapted in smart, deal with the JDC responsible for here,” joked Peterson. “But who “We very definitely have creative and strategic ways in $133.1 million being funneled to really thought 50 years ago that something to celebrate in and of the aftermath of the challenging local non-profits. we would be here?” itself,” said Peterson, “although it 1980s. Deere & Co. began underwrit- To say the tournament had will be muted compared to what “It’s an especially remarkable ing the Birdies program in 1998 its struggles would be an un- we had planned.” story when you factor how Deere and 98% of those proceeds have derstatement and DeVrieze elo- Something to celebrate is & Company has found increas- been accrued since then. quently chronicles that in the right — even if it may be staged ingly effective ways to make the “We didn’t have a tourna- book “Magic Happened” that a bit differently and the grounds sponsorship enhance its business ment, but we still had the other has finally been published after at Deere Run look a bit less lav- interests while working with the part of our business proceed a little re-write was needed after ish without the huge hospitality tournament staff and a legion of very successfully with the Bird- the circumstances of 2020. builds popping up all over the volunteers to grow Birdies for ies For Charity program and its More than once, last rights 172-acre property. Charity into one the strongest end results of $12.2 million,” were being issued on the event Shoot, limiting the crowds charity initiatives on Tour. As a Peterson said. “We couldn’t be that began as a satellite Tour because of the pandemic might QC native, I’m just so proud of more pleased with that and ap- stop at Crow Valley Golf Club in make it an even more memo- what this story says about my preciative from everyone who Davenport. A move to Oakwood rable experience for those in at- friends, neighbors, and home- supported it from the 465 or- Country Club in Coal Valley and tendance. town.” ganizations that partnered with the help of some short-term And although the pomp and That Birdies for Charity suc- us to the 20,000 or so individual sponsors and Hollywood types circumstance will be scaled back, cess has also set itself apart from donors. kept it afloat as did local busi- the same pride will be on display the rest of the PGA Tour by an- “This year, we’re obviously nessmen who wrote personal July 5-11 at TPC Deere Run for nually being the No. 1 tourna- very excited to have both parts checks more than once to keep the long-awaited and much-an- ment on Tour in terms of chari- of our businesses — the athletic the tourney going. ticipated 50th anniversary event. table contributions per capita. side and the charity side — back.’’ In 1997, Deere & Co., the area’s “In a lot of ways, the story Last year shed a light on just made the 2019 largest employer, stepped up to of the John Deere Classic is the how strong — and remarkable JDC his first PGA Tour title by the plate and along with the PGA story of the Quad-Cities,” said — the program is. Even with- firing a 21-under par 263 total. Tour devised a plan that has re- DeVrieze, who worked on the out a tournament to serve as the He played the final 44 holes sulted in the third-longest spon- book for five years. “It has been foundation of the fundraising without a bogey and had just one sorship on Tour. Not only did it the greatest privilege of my life effort, $12,218,813 was raised over-par hole in the four rounds breath new life into the strug- to share the story of how thou- for over 450-plus charities in as he became the 23rd player to gling tournament, it led to a great sands of dedicated volunteers the Quad-Cities who solic- win his first PGA Tour title in the business partnership between battled to keep this tournament ited funds on their own behalf Quad-Cities. MUSCATINE MUNICIPAL GREENS FEES GOLF COURSE Weekdays 1820 Highway 38 North, 9 Holes ...... $19.00 18 Holes ...... $23.00 Muscatine, IA Seniors (65+) 9 Holes ...... $18.00 (563) 263-4735 18 Holes ...... $21.00 www.muscatineiowa.gov Juniors (17 and under) 9 Holes / 18 Holes & More ...... $8.00 Muscatine Municipal Golf Course is located 1.5 miles north of Muscatine on Hwy 38. Weekends Our well maintained course offers 6 sets of tees ranging from 6,520 yards Championship Tees Adult 18 Holes ...... $25 Adult 9-Holes...... $20 to our 3,533 Youth Tees, and our new Par 3 Course. Our course offers wide open fairways and Senior 18-Holes ...... $23 inviting, but demanding greens. Water comes into play on 2 Holes, including our Par 3 Senior 9-Holes...... $19 13th water hole, which is a challenge for any golfer. Junior 9/18-Holes...... $9 SEASON PASSES Muscatine Municipal Golf Course also offers Foot Golf for an enjoyable golf alternative, and Adult...... $655.00 Junior Rate for golfers under 18 years of age. Junior ...... $140.00 Senior...... $565.00 Reservations- Call for Tee Times, 6-Day Advance Booking by Phone and Internet; 7 Days College Student ...... $375.00 Advance in Person. To Book Online: http://muscatineiowa.gov/418/Book-a-Tee-Time Family...... $1035.00 NOTE: All season pass purchases have an optional payment plan. Special Information - We are available for family outings, golf tournaments, PGA Golf FAMILY PASS: Rates applies to anyone in the family listed as a dependent on the latest IRS Instruction, Driving Range, Golf Carts, Fully Stocked Pro Shop, tax return. Children are ages 17 and under that are related to one or both of the household adults by blood, marriage, adoption, foster care placement, or legal guardianship. Driving Range, and Snack Bar. COLLEGE PASS: Rate applies to any traditional full-time student. Friday, May 14, 2021 | 13 TheGeneral

• Opened May 31st, 1997 I Designer: Roger Packard & Andy North • The signature hole is #14, a par 4 with 180 feet of elevation • General Contractor: Wadsworth Inc. & Bob Graunke (#16 & #17) change from tee to green • With a 289-foot elevation change from the first hole to the 18th, it boasts spectacular views of the tri-state area TheNorthCourse

• Opened July 4th, 1977 I Designer: Roger Packard • The tee shot on #8 crosses the corner of Lake Galena, opening • General Contractor: Wadsworth Inc. in May 1976 up to a spectacular view of the lake and its majestic rock • Characterized by elevated tee boxes and stunning views of Lake outcroppings Galena and the surrounding countryside TheSouthCourse

• General Contractor: Wadsworth Inc. • Although shorter in yardage than our other courses, the South • Opened in 1984 and voted one of the top 75 upscale is Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa’s most difficult and the best test of courses in the country your accuracy and shot-making skills TheEastCourse

• Opened July 1st, 1991 I Designer: Roger Packard • The signature hole is #3, a short, tight par 4 with a stream running up the left and a 30-foot rock wall along the right. The hole plays 290 yards through a quiet, secluded valley.

444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, IL 61036 Reservations: 800.892.2269 Direct: 815.777.5000 adno=217787 14 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE Deere Run drives many local golf initiatives for visitor’s group

TOM JOHNSTON By virtue of hosting those na- Herrell sees many other ben- volunteer base, you need an or- [email protected]‌ tional events, it leads to numer- efits to exposing the student- ganization like Visit Quad-Cit- ‌When you think of events in ous smaller spring and fall events athletes to the Quad-Cities and ies that understands the sports the Quad-Cities having a major at the course as teams prepare. feels that could lead to expand- landscape and how to operate economic impact on the area, St. Ambrose University serves ing the local workforce if they events. one of the first that comes to as host school for those national choose to come back here after “If you’re doing that and mind is the John Deere Classic. events — and gets an automatic graduation. you’re firing on all cylinders, The annual PGA Tour event berth into the field. That con- He also feels as if the relation- then what it does is presents the has been estimated to have an nection has also brought the ship that has been built with chance to look at other things. economic impact of $55 million league in which SAU competes the NAIA through the national Whether that’s conference each year when factoring hotels, — the Chicagoland College Ath- golf championships could lead championships, whether that’s food, entertainment, etc. letic Conference — to Deere Run to other opportunities for Visit NCAA championships down While that golf event pushes for the CCAC Championship. Quad-Cities to bring other the road that you might be able the needle, it is not the only one “With it being another NAIA sporting events here. It also to pursue, or you can actually of its kind that has cash registers year, there’s a lot of demand helps to have everything needed create things that are within the ringing in the Quad-Cities and for access to the course and within a tight geographic radius youth and amateur and colle- those in the know hope to keep we’re happy to have them,” said to host major events. giate space that can create value working the game to benefit the Hajduk. “If we can play those “I certainly believe it does to your destination and drive region. events, they are brilliant for us because in this business, it’s a incremental brand awareness According to Dave Herrell, in the springtime” because of relationship business,” Herrell or tourism.” president of Visit Quad Cities, low demand. said. “I think the fact when we To that end, Herrell said he there is a common denomina- Herrell has built a relation- can host multiple championship could have news this summer tor to golf and economic flow in ship with NAIA officials that he events and you understand the on a new college event that VQC the area — the TPC Deere Run hopes prospers for years, but also myriad of complexities when is hoping to have signed, sealed golf facility. brings other sporting events to doing that — you need great fa- and delivered. And that’s just He says the value of the PGA town. cilities, you need a strong sup- more good news for the Quad- Tour-owned facility in Silvis as “We went to the NAIA and portive community, you need a Cities. a local asset is difficult to pin- said we would be interested in point with a dollar amount. But pursuing a very long-term deal it is invaluable when it comes to with you if that’s something you bringing in the bucks on the golf guys are interested in — your Indiana Avenue side of the convention and visi- administrators, coaches, if you HIDDEN HILLS tor’s business. guys have an appetite for it, we “I think a lot of that quite would love to find a way to lock GOLF COURSE frankly has to do with the JDC, this down through 2032,” Her- 4335 Indiana Ave.,

TPC Deere Run and the absolute rell said. “I think they were a Middle Road quality of the golf course, facil- little caught off guard by our I-80 & Middle Rd., Interstate 80 ity, and the leadership team that pro-activity and what we pre- Bettendorf, IA Bettendorf Todd (Hadjuk, Deere Run gen- sented to them trying to create a eral manager) has with his crew,” flow over the next decade to try Herrell said. “When you have to lock them down. (563) 332-5616 that national pedigree, it’s really “We weren’t able to get that GREENS FEES helpful on the event acquisition accomplished, but I think what hiddenhills-golf.com Mon-Fri side and the marketing side of it demonstrated to the NAIA was 9 Holes  $1400 things where you can frame up that we’re really serious about TOURNAMENTS 18 Holes $2000 why the NAIA or NCAA or an- men’s and women’s champion- Holiday 4 Person Best Shot Sat-Sun, Holidays cillary rights holders looking ships for golf. 9 Holes  $1400 Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day for venues, why TPC Deere Run “I think what it has done is 18 Holes $2200 makes sense.” presented us with a runway SEASON PASSES Seniors & Juniors (Mon-Fri only) Deere Run has a long history within that sport where we can 9 Holes    Seniors $11/Juniors $10 Single Walking  $900 with not only the three local have, I don’t want to call it per- 18 Holes                    $1400 colleges but has hosted national manence, but certainly some Single Riding (1 seat)  $1,450 Twilight Golf tournaments for the NAIA. The consistency and continuity Family Walking $1,300 NAIA Men’s National Cham- within the men’s and women’s 18 Holes                    $1400 pionships — which have been championships over the next Family Riding (2 seats) $2,200 Cart                         $1100 Riding Cart Fees contested here in the past — are several years. It probably gives GROUP OUTINGS scheduled for Deere Run in May us a chance to think creatively 9 Holes  $1100 of 2021 and 2022. The women’s how we can do some things in Shotgun Start 18 Holes $1400 event comes in for the first time the Quad-Cities to make it more Available for groups of 40 or more. Pull Cart Fees for the 2023 and 2024 champi- special here for those student- 7:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Weekdays                     $500 onships. athletes.” GOLF GUIDE Friday, May 14, 2021 | 15 New amenities give Palmer Hills a resort feel TOM JOHNSTON “Kind of recently I’ve been [email protected]‌ hearing people refer to it as an ‌The 2021 golf season marks 18-hole putting adventure,” the dawn of a new decade for said Waddell. “... It’s on real Palmer Hills Golf Course. grass, so it’s part of a real golf The city-owned facility in experience, on pretty severely Bettendorf has always been one undulating greens. You’re going of the most popular golf courses to have to bring your imagina- in town and now it is set to reach tion.” a different clientele that could As Waddell says, “we think make it an even more enticing it’s going to be wildly popular.” destination. And it sure sets up to be just By the end of May, the layout that. will be more than your tradi- MEG MCLAUGHLIN‌ While golf can be a stuffy tional golf course with 18 holes Pictured is one of the four new greens that will comprise a new 18- buttoned-up sport, Waddell and practice facilities. That is hole putting course that is set to open in May at Palmer Hills Golf said that the putting course when a new putting course is Course in Bettendorf. promises to offer plenty of fun scheduled to open and be ready while challenging all skill levels. to cater to an entirely new au- be frustrating to learn and this ting greens that cover roughly “This is going to be a very dience. is something everyone can do.” 60,000 square feet of meticu- non-traditional experience, “We see that being something Think putt-putt golf on ste- lously groomed putting sur- too,” Waddell said. “We’re go- that everyone can use. All you roids — minus the windmills, face that will provide plenty of ing to have music playing on the need is a putter and a ball,” said water hazards and clown face space for constantly changing putting course. It’s going to be Jon Waddell, veteran head golf at the end. unique 18-hole layouts to test fun. It’s going to be a party out professional at Palmer Hills. City officials have spent the your putting skills with family, there.” “Golf, in and of itself, as a com- last year overseeing the con- friends and your regular golfing plete game, is difficult and it can struction of four separate put- buddies. Please see PALMER HILLS, Page 16

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through the putting course area. Palmer Hills Waddell said that bever- From 15 ages and a small assortment of snacks will be served from This is part of an ongoing the new facility that sits right course enhancement. A new across the drive from the club- par-3 13th hole was built on the house and restaurant. southern edge of the property a With an old driving range few years ago when the 14th hole shack coming down, Waddell was reconfigured. said that about eight additional That made room for the put- hitting bays will be added to the ting course that now sits roughly driving range. where the old par-3 13th hole was “We’ve upgraded the range — just off the big parking lot and quite a bit and our range num- across from the clubhouse, ad- bers last year were just through jacent to the driving range. The MEG MCLAUGHLIN‌ the roof,” he said, noting that putting course is protected from A new service building is under construction at Palmer Hills Golf happened with every other range balls by an expanded net Course in Bettendorf. The facility will be the place to purchase hitting station closed to cre- that runs the length of the driv- range balls as well as serving as a snack shack. ate social distancing during ing range and some open space. the height of the COVID-19 This type of addition is part of may not have enough time to But a big part of the driving pandemic. “We closed half the a trend in the industry, accord- play golf, but certainly time to hit range facelift continues. A new range and still had, by far, the ing to Waddell, but not some- a bucket of balls and tour around service building is being fin- best year we’ve ever had at that thing seen at many city-owned the putting course.” ished near the putting course driving range.” facilities. Waddell said he has also had and driving range. That facility People seemed to enjoy the “What makes it kind of unique interest from companies looking will be the starting point for the enhancements there, as well. for us is I don’t know of another to do team-building events and putting course and also serve as New synthetic turf was in- municipality that is doing what cater to more people in a firm a halfway house on the course stalled to hit off of and im- we’re doing,” he said. “These than just those who are avid as players make their way from proved targets were added on putting courses are popping up golfers. the 12th green to the 13th tee box the range itself. and they’re wildly popular, but “If you pay attention to the typically at resorts. It’s your industry and what people are Pinehurst, it’s your Bandon doing in other areas of the Dunes. Pebble Beach is building country, there’s a real call for a one right now. They are really golf experience that doesn’t take GLYNNS CREEK popping up at resorts, so what five hours,” he said. we’re doing is kind of unique Once it opens, the putting GOLF COURSE to the audience we’re making it course will be available from available to.” 9 a.m. until dusk. 19251 290th St., And Waddell feels as if this It will cost $8 for adults and Long Grove, IA amenity will draw interest across $5 for kids (17 under) per round. all demographics and not just (563) 328-3284 golfers. Other changes‌ www.glynnscreek.com “Your avid golfers are going Palmer Hills has been aggres- to love this thing to golfers who sively upgrading its facilities 18 Hole Fee ...... $28.00 aren’t able to play as much, not with some sort of major renova- 9 Hole Fee...... $18.00 able to move as well and maybe tion seemingly happening every the five-hour golfing experi- year. Special Rates: ence is too much for them at this Last year, all four bridges on Senior Rate point,” he said. “You’re going to the course were replaced. Be- 62 or older with one-time purchase of have grandma and grandpa grab- fore that, the 14th hole was rede- Senior Card at $5 (Senior Card has no expiration date) bing the grandkids and bringing signed to make room for the new Valid Monday-Friday...... $18.00 them out here.” par-3 13th hole — that turned Another potentially huge au- out beautifully — to make room dience that could be interested for the new putting course. Be- Junior Rate are visitors in town for tourna- fore that, the 10th hole and 11th Monday-Friday. 18 and under...... $15.00 ments and events at the nearby teeing area had been redone to TBK Sports Complex on the stop erosion from the creek that Weekday Rate north edge of town. runs in front of each. Monday-Friday before 3:00 p.m...... $23.00 “Those people roll into town Work on the course will slow for a long weekend and have five down a bit this season, according hours to kill between games or to Waddell, who said that bunker Twilight Rate whatever,” Waddell said. “They work is still ongoing. 7 days per week after 3:00 p.m...... $20.00 GOLF GUIDE Friday, May 14, 2021 | 17 QCAm Tour easing back into action TOM JOHNSTON “The ultimate aspect is to get [email protected]‌ 2021 QCAm Tour schedule those scholarships going again, ‌The Quad-City Amateur May 1-2 — QC Golf Locker Aug. 7-8 — Gimmies Amateur which we had a wonderful roll- Tour golf circuit is hoping it 2-man (Palmer Hills Golf (Short Hills Country Club, East out of that two years ago,” said can follow — in its own way Course, Bettendorf) Moline) Holmes, referring to a program — a similar path to prosperity that fellow board member Ja- that professional golf followed May 29-30 — Quad City Ama- Aug. 21-22 — Mulligan’s Valley mie Hallstrom was instrumen- after a tough 2020 season when teur (Emeis Golf Course, Dav- Pub (Oak- tal in organizing. “And then we the COVID-19 pandemic shut enport) wood Country Club) had the COVID virus hit and we down most activities. July 17-18 — Mercer County (The Tour is hoping to sched- didn’t do anything last year. We The QCAm Tour found itself Amateur Championship (Fyre ule a fall 2-man event, date & did play a couple of events — shuttered most of the 2020 Lake Golf Club, Sherrard) location, TBD) for a better way of saying it, season, salvaged what it could to keep the morale going and when courses could open again make sure people knew that with a few events, and is now pieces from a disjointed 2020 to seven that were played in the the tour still exists. trying to regain momentum season. “We’re still trying to 2019 season. Because of the “This year, we still aren’t from what was a successful get things back to where we economy, the tour board has able to roll that out because we 2019 summer season. would like to have them.” chosen not to chase sponsor- can’t go back and get the spon- Still, this is setting up to be That being said, it will be ships and therefore will not be sors that we need and a lot of it a “bridge year” of sorts as the a scaled down version of the offering scholarships to the top has to do with the COVID vi- Tour looks to ramp back up to QCAm Tour this summer as college men and women who rus. Once we get past this year, a full season in 2022. golfers from within an hour of participate in a separate points we’re going to get the sponsor- “In all honesty, we’re still the Quad-Cities chase a sea- chase of their own. ship back.” fighting it,” said Dave Holmes, son-long points race title. It’s a bitter pill, but one that Instead of getting a number long-time QCAm Tour board There will be only four tour- the board feels is one it has to member of picking up the nament this year — as opposed swallow this season. Please see QCAM TOUR, Page 18 VALLEY OAKS GOLF COURSE 2021 Green Fees Schedule Open to Public Play 7 Days Per Week Weekday Sat/Sun/Holiday Cart Fee 9 Hole Rate $13 $18 $9 18 Hole Rate $14 $21 $14 Senior Special Mon-Fri before noon $23 including cart Cart Twilight Rate After 2 p.m. $25, Unlimited golf including cart Plan Memberships and Weekday Memberships Available & Bag Storage Call for Information. Available! Call ProShop for Tee Times 563-242-7032 www.valleyoaksgc.com 3330 Hartsmill Road • Clinton, Iowa • 563.242.7032 18 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE Q-C courses offer top-notch golf for players of all levels

TOM JOHNSTON has resulted in a situation that [email protected]‌ is the best of both worlds for ‌In the last few years, the golfers – owners need to work Quad-Cities area has lost two hard to keep courses in phe- of its more renowned public nomenal condition, but also golf courses. need to keep prices down to be Even with the closings of competitive. Arsenal Island Golf Club in “It’s a buyer’s market,” said 2018 and Hawthorn Ridge Golf Todd Hajduk, general man- Course in nearby Aledo, last ager at TPC Deere Run, the fall, the area is still populated top course in the Quad-Cities. with some of the best — and “Golfers have a choice of a lot most golfer-friendly facilities courses at a terrific price point. — in the country. ... It’s about supply and de- With top-notch conditions mand with a price-point that and course options galore to fit favors the golfer.” any level of player, the Quad- CONTRIBUTED‌ That’s what led the region Cities has earned its reputation Highland Springs Golf Course, Rock Island, Ill. being voted by Golf Digest as one of the top areas in the magazine as one of the best country for public play. layouts that host a PGA Tour in a 50-mile radius, the com- values for golf in America just Get ready to break out your event to family-owned 9-hole petition for the golfing dollar a few years ago and it still fits clubs and give them any test tracks, it’s a safe bet you can has created a mecca for golfers that bill today. you are ready for as you check find a course that’s perfect for in the Iowa and Illinois region “Not only do golfers have a out the golf landscape in the your game. of the Mississippi River val- area. From championship With roughly 50 golf courses ley region. That competition Please see COURSES, Page 19

seeking sponsors to help fund QCAm Tour those scholarships. Anyone in- From 17 terested in sponsoring an event HIGHLAND SPRINGS or being a hole sponsor can con- of hole sponsorships (upwards tact tour officials at qcamtour. GOLF COURSE GREENS FEES of 40) as they have in the past, com. 9500 35th St. W., A full selection of golf passes are available. the QCAm Tour has opted to of- Once again this season, the Rock Island, IL Weekdays fer “title sponsorships” for the board has filled the position of 9 Holes ���������������������������� $15�00 two-day weekend tournaments. tour manager to oversee events (309) 732-PARS (7277) 18 Holes ��������������������������� $20�00 “We haven’t gone out seek- and maintain the QCAm Tour www.rigov.org/highlandsprings ing those sponsorships because website. This year, Matt Wastyn, Afternoon ������������������������ $17�00 businesses haven’t been able to a St. Ambrose University grad- Season Specials Saturday, Sunday, Holidays make it back yet,” said Holmes, uate from the Quad-Cities is Mondays- 2 for $50 after 1pm 18 Holes ��������������������������� $25�00 noting many businesses are still handling those duties. Afternoon ������������������������ $19�00 reeling from the pandemic shut- The Quad City Amateur Tour Mondays & Wednesdays down and trying to get back on is a not-for-profit organization 18 holes + cart -$29 Juniors 18 Holes (M-F) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � $14�00 their feet after being shut down under Section 501©(3) of the Fridays-2 for 1 Driving Range or doing limited business in the Internal Revenue Code. The Buckets after 1pm Seniors (62 & above) last year. organization was created to 18 Holes (M-F) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � $17�00 “Back in the day when we provide amateur golfers in the • 18 hole championship layout were hitting on all cylinders, region a chance to participate • Player friendly with multiple sets RIDING CARTS (per person) of tees we were getting 30, 40, 45 hole in an organized and competi- 9 Holes ������������������������������$8�00 • Rolling terrain with strategic sponsors for the year. I think tive environment. Sponsorship placement of ravines and ponds 18 Holes ��������������������������� $15�00 when we get to January or Feb- funds from area businesses • Clubhouse and snack bar Seniors (M-F except holidays) � � � � � � � � $12�00 ruary of 2022, when we hope to and membership fees paid by • Adult beverages available ������������������������ get by this, we can go back to player members allow the Tour • Outdoor barbecue weekends Afternoon $12�00 the businesses that individually to make donations that directly in season PULL CARTS supported us for hole sponsor- benefit the Quad City commu- • Driving range and putting greens ships and get that going again to nity. • Outings and leagues available 9/18 Holes ��������������������������$3�00 help us reinvigorate the schol- The QCAm Tour has donated Range Tokens ����������������������$9�00 arship programs for the high over $100,000 to local charities Reservations accepted up to a week school kids and college kids.” since its inception over 20 years As always, tour officials are ago. in advance� GOLF GUIDE Friday, May 14, 2021 | 19

rolling fairways. Courses That is the newest golfing From 18 addition to the area since TPC Deere Run in Silvis – owned great selection of golf courses and operated by the PGA Tour and good golf courses, the price – opened for business in 2000. is very reasonable – not only In addition to the John Deere when you compare it to other Classic, it also hosts roughly GOLF WITH regions, but when you compare 25,000 other rounds per year it to entertainment dollars and of championship-caliber golf how far they get stretched,” as well as some top collegiate THE BEST said Jon Waddell, head pro at players when the NAIA brings Palmer Hills Golf Course in its men’s and women’s national Bettendorf. championships to the area on a Many have learned that the rotating basis. QCA offers all types of layouts Hopefully you’ll enjoy the that cater to all levels of play. golf just as much as we do, es- On the top end, you have TPC pecially if you get the chance Deere Run, site of the PGA to play the elite courses in the 2021 DAILY RATES Tour’s John Deere Classic, area. Across the board, the that will test even the most number of top layouts may SPRING SHOULDER SEASON: skilled golfer. There are also pale in comparison to high- OPENING DAY – MAY 27 9-hole courses that are great end resort destinations, but $20 -18 HOLES W/ HALF-CART | $15 - 9 HOLES W/ HALF-CART for beginners. Of course, there you should be delighted with $15- 18 HOLESWALKING | $12 – 9 HOLESWALKING are plenty of courses that rank what you find here. $ between those end points. If you aren’t totally famil- 12 – JUNIOR 9/18 HOLESWALKING Numerous “other ameni- iar with the QCA golf scene, ties’’ make this area a great hopefully this story will help FALL SHOULDER SEASON: travel destination, but the golf you find a course that fits your SEPTEMBER 7 - CLOSING DAY may rank among the best rea- skill level and helps make your $20 -18 HOLES W/ HALF-CART | $15 - 9 HOLES W/ HALF-CART sons to be here in the Quad- stay — and golf — enjoyable. No $15- 18 HOLESWALKING | $12 – 9 HOLESWALKING Cities – a metropolitan area of matter what you’re looking for $ roughly 350,000 people in Iowa in a round, you can find it here. 12 – JUNIOR 9/18 HOLESWALKING and Illinois that straddles the Enjoy your stay. And have fun Mississippi River. It isn’t much golfing in the QCA! SUMMER SEASON WEEKDAYS: of a stretch to say that there’s JUNE 1 – SEPTEMBER 2 a course close by that’s a fit At the top‌ $23 – 18 HOLES W/ HALF-CART | $18 – 9 HOLES W/ HALF-CART for every golfer. The plethora Play TPC Deere Run and $18 – 18 HOLESWALKING | $13 – 9 HOLESWALKING of course options makes it you will gain a new apprecia- $ a dream for those of us silly tion for how easy the PGA Tour 12 – JUNIOR 9/18 HOLESWALKING enough to play the game. pros make it look when they are And whether you are a in town each summer for the SUMMER SEASON WEEKENDS: scratch golfer or a beginner, John Deere Classic — its home JUNE 5 – AUGUST 29 a 7-day-a-week player or an since opening in 2000. Playing $25 – 18 HOLES W/ HALF-CART | $20 – 9 HOLES W/ HALF-CART occasional hack, you will find from the back tees, this course $22 – 18 HOLESWALKING | $17 – 9 HOLESWALKING a course suited for your needs can take a big bite out of your $ — and usually at a value price. ego and your confidence. But 12 – JUNIOR 9/18 HOLESWALKING The Quad-Cities golf indus- there’s another great thing try has been boosted by the about the design by Illinois HOLIDAY WEEKENDS: most recent addition of a Jack native and PGA Tour veteran MAY 28 – 31 | JULY 2 – 5 | SEPT 3 – 6 Nicklaus Design Group course D.A. Weibring and Chris Gray $30 – 18 HOLES W/ HALF-CART | $25 – 9 HOLES W/ HALF-CART opened in nearby Sherrard, Ill. of PGA Tour Design Services. $ $ Not the longest layout in the They made it very fair and 27 – 18 HOLESWALKING | 23 – 9 HOLESWALKING $ area, it is definitely a boon to playable from the shorter tee 15 – JUNIOR 9/18 HOLESWALKING QC golf. Fyre Lake Golf Club, boxes. However, playing it which opened in 2013, offers shorter also brings more bun- big challenges in a small pack- kers into play and landing ar- age. Stretched out to just 6,500 eas tighten as fairways narrow. yards, the par-70 layout will Strategy is needed as much as test your game with demand- brute strength. ing approach shots that require The scenic, 7,000-yard, pinpoint accuracy and tee shots par-71 course was built on 16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling, IL that are well-suited with local 815.622.6204 | emeraldhillgolf.com knowledge and placement in Please see COURSES, Page 20 20 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE

golf team as well as individual Courses champ Tyler Bussert. It is well From 19 worth the short drive from the metro Q-C area. From humble 280-acres overlooking the 9-hole roots, this family- Rock River and is making a owned and operated layout has name for itself on the Tour. In earned a strong reputation as a 2003 Sports Illustrated sur- being one of the top manicured vey of Tour players, Deere Run courses in the area. It requires was mentioned as one of the quite a few thoughtful shots on best courses on Tour. And it the seasoned shorter front side has continued to be one of the before it stretches your long main reasons the top Tour golf- game on the newer back side. ers come back each summer. It is more of a test than its 6,441 The course is the result of yards may indicate, and its a landmark deal between title quick, lush greens — the fast- sponsor Deere & Co., the PGA est in the area for public play Tour and the local golf tourna- SUBMITTED‌ behind Deere Run — will test ment board. It is being hailed as Valley View Club, Cambridge, Ill. your nerves. You will be glad one of the strongest TPC lay- you played it. outs in the country and, obvi- national AJGA event and other and Glynns Creek. Some argue Bettendorf’s Palmer Hills is ously, living up to that reputa- professional tournaments. It this 6,900-yard, par-72 layout quickly becoming an upper- tion. It also has tested the top is also a fixture for top local may be the strongest design in echelon layout thanks to a collegiate golfers in America, as amateur events each summer. the area and keeps getting bet- recent renovation that rebuilt it has been the site of the NAIA The picturesque par-72 layout ter as superintendent Chris holes 14-15-16 and most re- National Golf Championships has the length to play tough Steeber diligently tends to it. cently added a new par-3 13th for six years since 2010, includ- (up to 7,036 yards), especially Byron Hills, in Port Byron, hole. Another huge difference ing this spring. It also annually in the wind, requires straight is the home of the 2018 IHSA for the facility is the $1.5 mil- hosts the top local players on tee shots, creative approaches Class A state team champion the Quad City Amateur Tour. and the ability to figure out de- Riverdale High School boys’ Please see COURSES, Page 21 Deere Run is the best the manding greens. The location Quad-Cities has to offer and in Scott County Park makes can be complemented by Fyre for a unique golf setting and Lake Golf Club for a great 1-2 the park offers so much more TIMMERMAN’S weekend punch for those com- than golf – including camping, ing to town to play. hiking and swimming among Fyre Lake Golf Club, A Nick- other amenities. COUNTRY VIEW laus Design Group layout, Davenport’s Emeis Golf 8284 N. 2300 Ave., GREENS FEES: is under new management Course, long-touted as one of Geneseo, IL 61254 Weekdays: this year and getting the TLC the more difficult tests on the 309-441-5272 9 Holes        $1250 that it has deserved since be- local public links circuit, was Timmerman’s Country View is 18 holes       $1950 ing built in 2007-08 around a the site of the JDC’s Monday Weekends: lakefront community. It may be Qualifier for a number of years centrally located between Geneseo short by new course standards, and more than holds its own and the Quad Cities. Only 4 miles 9 Holes        $1250 but delivers a great test. Local versus aspiring and veteran from Interstate 80 making it easy to 18 Holes       $1950 knowledge is a must to handle professionals. At just more access from the Illinois and Iowa Senior: (till 2pm this beauty, complete with than 6,400 yards, it may look Quad Cities and the surrounding areas. It has been family owned weekdays) bearclaw-shaped bunkers to like a gimmee on paper, but is 9 Holes        $1100 honor the Golden Bear. anything but that, especially and operated since 1978 by three For those seeking a serious with recent design changes and generations of the Timmerman 18 Holes       $1800 game, but not wanting to face bunker additions. Family, providing a consistently Juniors: high standard of maintenance. a PGA Tour-caliber challenge, A retrofitting to the original 17 and under    $500 the Quads has courses for you. design and other upgrades have RESERVATION INFORMATION: Glynns Creek, located in turned Rock Island’s Highland Reservations not needed, play is on RIDING CARTS: Long Grove, Iowa, just 20 Springs Golf Course into one of a first come first served basis. EVERY DAY minutes north of the Quad- the more challenging layouts SPECIAL INFORMATION: After 9 Holes          $750 Cities, is one of Iowa’s best in the immediate Quad-Cities your round of golf, stop by our 18 Holes       $1450 public courses and also one if area. This course is a favor- one of a kind Clubhouse for a its newest — other than Fyre ite for many with forgiving, snack or beverage from our full PULL CARTS: Lake, having opened in 1992. yet challenging fairways and service bar. Everyday         $150 It has hosted a Hooter’s Tour greens that can test the best of • Group Discount on group of event that drew rave reviews putters. It may be just a wedge 24 or more. RENTAL CLUBS: from those blossoming young away from being on par with • Outings are welcome.                  $300 pros and also was the site of a Byron Hills Golf Course, Emeis GOLF GUIDE Friday, May 14, 2021 | 21

ing up the playability charts for Courses golfers of all levels. From 20 9-hole options‌ lion clubhouse that was erected It’s almost a shame to have to a few years ago. Those recent list Pebble Creek Golf Course changes will make room for the in LeClaire, Iowa, among addition of an 18-hole putting the 9-hole courses. There is course that is expected to open sometimes a stigma associ- in 2021. Continued work by su- ated with the “9-hole’’ tag perintendent Brian Hickey has and this course is the farthest this course in great shape and thing from a traditional 9-hole getting better. course. It’s more championship One of the more intriguing golf than anything, just lack- layouts is Valley View Country ing a second 9 that has been Club in nearby Cambridge, Ill. FILE PHOTO‌ talked about since the course’s Originally built as a wide-open inception, but remains in the Glynns Creek Golf Course is located in Scott County Park in Long 9-hole layout, former PGA planning stages. Don’t think Grove, Iowa. Tour player Dan Halldorson, this is a putt-putt 9-holer; this who lived in Cambridge for nicely with the original holes cent upgrades have made Duck course deserves to be played a number of years before his to make for a good challenge. Creek more playable and more and will test your game. 2015 death, designed a new 9. Lots of work has been done — enjoyable — especially when For beginners, or those The addition provides a totally including a new clubhouse and it is not flooded by its name- looking for a quick round, diverse look and feel than the a higher-scale menu in its new sake water entity that dissects check out the redesigned Red original holes, not to mention restaurant — makes it an at- the property. Another 18-hole Hawk Golf & Learning Center a different test that can be ac- tractive landing spot for a few course that isn’t quite as chal- in northwest Davenport. The cessed for limited public play. hours of golf and refreshments. lenging, but is always in good home of the First Tee chapter About 45 minutes east of An 18-hole course in the shape, is Saddleback Ridge for youth, the former privately the Quad-Cities in Kewanee Quad-Cities that gets consid- (Solon, Iowa). It recently has is Kewanee Dunes. The former erable play is Bettendorf’s Hid- expanded and is quickly mov- Please see COURSES, Page 22 country club layout has gone den Hills Golf Course. A unique public, but still offers all the layout that grew from 9-hole amenities of a club. It is a fun roots, it features 22 holes. track that will test your game Ownership there is working and is definitely worth the hard on making changes to RUSTIC RIDGE drive. improve the clubhouse and also GOLF COURSE improving the appeal on and off Above par‌ the course to make this a nice 1151 E. Iowa St., Eldridge, IA For the above-average golfer option as well. (563) 285-8119 not quite ready for a pro-cali- An easy 30-minute drive www.golfrusticridge.com ber course already mentioned, West of the Quad-Cities will there are plenty of options. Es- take you to Muscatine Mu- WHY RUSTIC RIDGE? New prices for 2020 pecially on the 18-hole front. nicipal Golf Course. Billed as Playability Every Day Hazards: Not too many. Not too few. Located directly behind the “one of the best golf values in Length: Par 36 (per nine) for a balanced number 9 Holes ...... $14.50 Quad City International Air- Eastern Iowa,’’ the 6,500-yard of par 3s and par 5s 18 Holes ...... $20.50 port in Milan, Indian Bluff Golf layout features a bit of every- Terrain: Gentle. Walkable. Never a blind shot to Seniors and Juniors Course is nestled in a Rock Is- thing — elevation changes, the green. (M-F‘til Noon) land County Forest Preserve. water hazards and chutes off Roughs: FIND YOUR BALL! 100% mowed short. 9 Holes ...... $12.00 Trees, yes. No woods. So, yes, you get some tree-lined numerous tee boxes. Yet it is 18 Holes ...... $18.00 Fairways: Wide landing zones. Safely separated. RIDING CARTS fairways on the 6,000-yard, still very playable for the aver- Watered. par-70 layout. You also face age golfer. Greens: Immaculate. 9 Holes ...... $9.50 challenging shots — and a few Layout: Shots to the right stay in bounds. 18 Holes ...... $13.50 quirky ones, too. But it is a fun Tuneups‌ Always. PULL CARTS track that suits the skill level For average golfers, Saukie Layout: No holes face the rising sun. Only one 9/18 Holes ...... $2.00 hole faces west. Level of care: Well-groomed, RENTAL CLUBS of a variety of players. With a (Rock Island) and Duck Creek while keeping FEES LOW. pavilion for rent, it hosts many (Davenport) will give you plenty Staff: Very friendly. Smiles, yes. Hugs? Work 9/18 Holes ...... $7.00 golf-related outings. of challenges as they could be up to it. Sugar Maple Golf Course — described as above-average ex- Clubhouse: Rustic barnwood. 12 beers on tap. formerly Maple Bluff Golf Club ecutive-type 18-holers. Saukie Free advice. Try it. If it isn’t already your favorite course, it soon — is a 6,500-yard layout in recently celebrated 90 years in will be. Thinking about owning this golf course? Geneseo that is also under new business and has become one Ask for Kevin. management. It is a fun 18- of the best-groomed courses in A local favorite since 1974 and hole course in which the new- the Quad-Cities thanks to Tan- Readers’Choice WINNER. est 9 has matured and blended ner Thompson. Numerous re- 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 22 | Friday, May 14, 2021 GOLF GUIDE

try Club membership. It is now Courses under private ownership, but From 21 is one of the more challenging courses in this part of the state. owned course is now under the Open to the public, this layout auspices of the city of Daven- features an 18-hole course as port and allows the First Tee well as a fun little 9-hole track. program to serve roughly 500 Timberline Golf Course kids a year. (Peosta, Iowa) is built on 250 acres of woods and rolling Illinois-side hidden hills. Numerous mature oak gem‌ trees come into play and make for some tight sight lines. En- Country View Golf Course joy the first 14 holes because near Geneseo has been a hid- the last four have earned the den 9-hole gem for a number of nickname “Demon’s Run.’’ years. It is a fun family-owned Another course with a great course that is well maintained nickname that gets your at- and offers a very low-key ap- tention is Cedar Valley Golf proach to the game thanks to Course in Tipton, Iowa. Known the Timmerman family. Orig- as ``The Badlands,’’ this links- inal owners Larry and JoAnn style pasture golf course is de- Timmerman have passed, scribed as “a beast ... narrow leaving the course in the very with lots of hazards and trees.’’ capable hands of their son, Jeff, Sounds like fun! and his family. He has contin- CONTRIBUTED‌ As you can see, from begin- ued the tradition of giving the Palmer Hills Golf Course, Bettendorf, Iowa. ners to those who seek the de- facility a very homey feel with mands of championship-level their welcoming ways and Home to many high school, facility it was before being layouts, the Quad-Cities can playable layout. It is tough to collegiate and local amateur bought out by Clinton Coun- fill your golfing needs. find friendlier people at a golf tournaments, this course has course. You will be pleasantly a way of sneaking up on you to surprised by a humble look- challenge your game. Just east ing layout in the country that of Galesburg in Dahinda, Oak delivers some solid golf holes. Run Golf Course fits any skill level, but the big, well-mani- Great Iowa-side option‌ cured greens will test anybody. 2021 RATES Owners of Rustic Ridge Golf A full-service course off the Course in Eldridge, Iowa, have beaten path, this one is worth WEEKDAYWEEKDAY (MONDAY(MONDAY - THURSDAY)THURSDA been putting plenty of work finding. REGULAR $50 SENIOR 60+ $40 into the facility — both on the To the northeast of the JUNIOR (WALKING) $20 course and off. A refurbished Quad-Cities in Sterling is the TWILIGHT (3:00) $40 clubhouse, the addition of 18-hole Emerald Hill Golf & LEAGUE (9 HOLES) $25 Lynn’s BBQ restaurant and Learning Center. Under the ALL DAY PLAY $70 WARM UP RANGE $3 new parking lot greet you and auspices of the Sterling Park LARGE RANGE $8 a fun 9-hole track with newer District, this facility has been irrigation makes for an enjoy- voted the course of the year in WEEKEND (FRIDAY - SUNDAY) + HOLIDAYS able outing. the Sterling/Rock Falls area REGULAR $60 Under the same ownership and demands crisp irons into TWILIGHT (3:00) $40 in Jackson County Iowa, Plum postage-stamp greens. ALL DAY PLAY $85 River Golf Course in Preston and Maquoketa’s Prairie Creek Iowa drive time‌ SPRING AND FALLALL RA RATESTES (APRIL - MA MAYY 13 / OCTOBER 1 - CLOSE) Golf Course are about an an There are some Iowa-side Weekday $35 hour north of Davenport on 18-holers requiring a bit of a Weekend $50 Route 61. Both are fun, play- drive, but are worthy of the Fyre Lake Golf Club, a Championship Nicklaus Design golf course, Owned and Operated by PGA Certified Professional Mark Krizic. Fyre Lake is one of a kind, with able tracks. trip. bent grass tees, greens and fairways. Interwoven through the hardwood forest in a An hour away in Clinton is lakefront setting. Located just 20 miles south of the Quad Cities, Fyre Lake Golf Club is designed for those who love championship golf and natural beauty, making it a Illinois quick jaunts‌ Valley Oaks Golf Course. The PGA golf experience. Fyre Lake offers Memberships, Junior Golf Programs, Leagues, In the Galesburg area, just 45 name of this facility changed Tournaments, Outings and PGA Instruction. minutes or so southeast, you a few times recently, but is RESERVATIONS:RESERVATIONS: have a couple of different golf- back to the name it was in its Call Pro Shop at (309) 749-9044 for reservations or group outings. ing options. Bunker Links Golf heyday. The transformation, Visit or book online at: www.fyrelakegolf.com. Course is a tight, testy track though, continues as it has Find us on Facebook. that is very enjoyable to play. gone from the family-owned Friday, May 14, 2021 | 23

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