By Design – Issue 52, Spring 2021

18 Updating a Chicago gem ASGCA DESIGN EXCELLENCE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB S chaumburg Golf Club in northwest Chicago was experiencing a range of course issues, including a lack of water and air flow on greens, bunkers in poor condition and problems with fairway drainage. The club hired Todd Quitno, ASGCA, who drew up a plan of improvements that would see one of its three nines – Tournament, Baer and Player’s – transformed each year between 2017 and 2019. A crucial aspect of the renovation, completed in the first phase, was to reroute the seventh and eighth holes on the Player’s nine to alleviate flooding. “We took two very difficult and under-performing holes and created two really fun holes by flipping them from a par four and three, to a par three and four,” said Quitno. “This allowed us to move an existing lake and solve a major drainage issue while expanding the range.” The project also included regrassing the playing surfaces, rebuilding greens, and building new tees. Greens were grassed with Pure Distinction and golf course superintendent Shane Ritchie said they are showing “greater consistency and improved playability.” Bunkers were rebuilt using Better Billy Bunker liner and white sand from Pro/Angle. Ritchie says the bunkers now have more visual impact, their playability has improved, and the club has saved money on maintenance. A ‘Life Tee’ system was introduced on all three nines to expand the forward teeing options, with the shortest set (on the Player’s nine) totalling just over 1,900 yards. “During the last phase, I got to see the use of our Life Tee program,” said Quitno. “The local high school’s girls’ team was playing from our very front tees in the fairway. The coach said it matched their abilities well and gave them the chance to hit some of the greens in regulation, which they ordinarily couldn’t. It was good to see our efforts paying off to maximize fun and relevance for all skill levels.” • Redesign project transforms infrastructure and aesthetics at Illinois club. “ We took two very difficult and underperforming holes and created two really fun holes”