History and New Expansion Plans Highlight the Hickory Hills CC and Green Garden CC Experiences
By Neal Kotlarek
shot’s landing area. Make it over and a short pitch can lead to a birdie. Hitting short is a safer shot, but the steep angle of the fairway could lead to a ball in the hazard. The highlight
by focusing on the greens,” said Mike Nix, Regional General Manager in an October interview. “Hickory Hills has always been a cherished course enjoyed by generations of Chicagoans and suburbanites. It’s not long by contemporary standards. But, it’s got great character, great history and great topography. Its best defense is elevated, well-contoured greens that will challenge even low-handicap players.” The wizard behind the grounds and the greens at Hickory Hills (and its sister property Green Gardens in Frankfort) is Re- gional Superintendent Justin Spillman. That name should sound familiar to Cubs fans, as Spillman’s impressive resume includes managing 75 turf and landscaping special- ists and a whole bunch of ivy as the grounds superintendent at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. He has also held jobs at Busch Stadium in Saint Louis and 15 minor league fields at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix. “In the end the challenges are the same be- tween maintaining a professional baseball field and a golf course,” Spillman said. “Grass is grass!” he added with a laugh. Guests at Hickory Hills will happily dis- agree with Spillman’s humble self-assessment. The putting surfaces of both the champion- ship South Course and the 9- hole executive North Course are billiard-table smooth and yet soft enough to hold well-struck shots. “The speed of the greens, combined with the subtle contours on each and every putting surface are what gives the course character and challenge,” said Spillman. These outstanding greens and the aforementioned hills are framed on most every hole by mature trees that inspired the property’s name. Following a wide open par-5 1st hole, the course quickly changes character as two tight short par 4s lead to a nifty par 3. The 451-yard 6th hole is a relatively short par 5, but is made tricky by a water- lined ravine that cuts across the second
of the back nine is the 458-yard No. 14. The par 5 begins from an elevated tee before dipping down to a tree-lined landing area. A quality second shot traverses downhill toward an invit- ing large green. A birdie here is highly achievable. Enjoy lunch and a cold beverage in the spacious club- house before taking on the fun executive course on the north end of the property. After lunch, you may be tempted to take a peek inside the spectacular Chateau Del Mar banquet hall that towers above the parking lot near the course entrance. The complex features three ballrooms which have hosted weddings, parties, and large events for over 27 years. Grecian marble de- tails, spacious dance floors, a double
All photograpy, including cover, by Michael Paul Photographers
spiral staircase, grand chandeliers, and large floor to ceiling arched windows overlooking the golf course make the hall an iconic staple of the South Side.
1971 Hickory Hills Country Club Purchased
1975 Condesa Del Mar Built
1991 PGN Fun Village Built
1999 Chateau Del Mar Built
2012 Green Garden Country Club Purchased
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