Recreation
The Sycamore Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole course located at 940 E. State Street in the city. Open from late March through early December, from sunrise to sunset, the facility offers the community members a terrific spot to play right in their own hometown. With its lovely grass fairways and picturesque surroundings, it is a popular spot for those who love the game.
The club has been around since 1923, and started out as a 9-hole course. Over the years, new bunkers have been added along with ponds, which add visual appeal as well as helping with drainage. In 1996, bent grass fairways replaced the bluegrass, giving the course an updated look and feel.
There are two instructors on staff at the club who offer lessons; David Burdick, the assistant golf professional and Kirk Lundbeck, Class A PGA head professional. Both private and group lessons are offered for adults, and corporate lessons are also available with special rates for local businesses.
Burdick has been with the course for nine years, serving as Assistant Professional for the last four. Lundbeck is in his twelfth year with the facility, where he has been teaching since 1982. He has been featured as a clinician at the Illinois PGA/Chicago Tribune Golf Clinics, and is serious about making the facility the best it can be for the public. A testament to his work ethic and ability, two of his assistants have gone on to be hired at one of the most elite golf clubs in the world—Pebble Beach.
Tee times for the course can be reserved up to seven days ahead of time, and online access to reservations is available for those who find it more convenient. The club has leagues for men and women, as well as a mixed league. The facility is the host for different tournaments each year, including a variety of scrambles and fundraisers, junior tournaments and the Annual Sycamore Golf Club Championship—an individual tournament for those who qualify. Lundbeck says, “We really try to support the fundraisers for non-profit groups here.” Lundbeck himself pitches in by offering a “Beat the Pro” opportunity to raise additional funds. In the time he has been with the golf club, he has helped raise over $68,000 for various charities and he says, “I like it since I get to talk to every person in the outing.”
The club also has a junior program which began about eight years ago called “Sycamore Area Youth Golf” or “SAY-golf” as it is often referred to. The lessons range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the age group. The “Little Linkers” are 5 - and 6-year-olds who learn putting and chipping skills in their 30-minute sessions. “Wee Swingers” (7-9 years old), “Pre-Teen Tigers” (10-12 years old) and “Teen Tigers” (13-15 years old) have full one-hour lessons that cover everything from golf etiquette to the full swing. Participants receive a certificate of completion, t-shirt and hat, along with a limited pass.
There is a pro-shop at the club which is well-stocked with top-tier names such as Ping and Titleist. The store offers a full line of products with traditional golf-related items such as balls, gloves, apparel and bags. In addition, each year there is a big Christmas sale, and a “Swing into Spring” sale with discounts and great deals on a variety of items. The shop also offers minor club repairs, such as re-gripping.
The Sycamore Golf Club is an excellent course that offers the community a variety of golf opportunities. Lessons, leagues and tournaments make the facility a lively hub in the city, and fundraisers help support a wide variety of non-profit groups. For more information, visit the club on the web at www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com/golf.htm or call 815-895-3884.
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