By Sean McDevitt
FightingIllini.com

It was the most unique of gifts. When the Stone Creek Golf Course closed its doors in January many in Central Illinois were heartbroken. For more than 20 years, it had been a favorite public course for golfers in the region.

In late June, however, the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced The Atkins Group had donated more than 300 acres of real estate in southeast Urbana, highlighted by Stone Creek Golf Club, associated buildings and equipment, to the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois Foundation. This $15 million gift solidified a home course for the Fighting Illini men's and women's golf programs for many years and was appropriately renamed the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois.

During the past four months, plans for the development of the newly acquired Atkins Golf Club, have begun to take shape. Jackie Szymoniak, Assistant Athletic Director, Golf Operations, laid out the preliminary road map in turning the former Stone Creek Golf Club into a top tier course suitable for championship teams.

As part of its redevelopment plans, the DIA is set on making meaningful improvements to the course to better suit its men's and women's golf programs. And an additional $5 million gift from another donor is helping to make that happen.

"The fact of the matter is we want to build a championship venue there that's going to be an asset to the teams, an asset to the University of Illinois, and an asset to the entire community," Szymoniak said. "We're committed to greatness out there, and we're really excited to make this something that everybody can get behind and enjoy, whether it's going out for an afternoon round of golf or it's stopping in at the restaurant, or maybe it's having a wedding at the golf course. Really, the possibilities are endless."

As you might imagine, there are many steps between now and to get to that point. The first is finding an architect that can bring the vision to life and design course renovations such as lengthening the course, adjusting fairways, and redoing all the bunkers. Plans also include modifications to the irrigation system, drainage infrastructure, lakes, bridges, course markings, and practice areas.

Szymoniak said the DIA is in the early stages of hiring an architect and construction company, but the vision is taking shape.

"The game has changed a lot in 20 years," said Szymoniak. "Some renovations to the course that we see as necessary include lengthening the golf course. We just saw it in the US Open that power's winning now, and I think it's just a prime example of where the game has gone. Now, keep in mind if we add 500 yards to the golf course, that doesn't mean everybody has to play from back there. The beauty of hiring a good architect is that they will have the vision and the ability to help us see where we can make things more challenging for the high-level golfer, yet still inviting for a beginner golfer. It's a fine line between those two, but we're definitely committed to finding that sweet spot and make sure that it can be a test for our young men and young women on our collegiate teams and just an enjoyable experience for the community in general."

The timetable for the course renovations is progressing, but it is a long process. Understandably, Szymoniak was hesitant to throw out exact dates, but maintaining a high expectation is, ahem, par for the course.

Szymoniak said, "Our big thing is that we want to make sure when we open up the doors, we want you to feel that level of commitment that we have, and the high expectation for a premium product for our guests."

In addition to the golf course renovation will be a new the Pro shop with an Illini theme, and a lounge and recruiting areas for use by the men's and women's programs.  The neighboring building will house a full-service restaurant and event space.

Szymoniak said, "When I think of the Pro shop, we definitely want to have a place where you walk into, and you know you're in a Fighting Illini athletic facility. So we want to come up with a way to pay respect to the past accomplishments of the program and get people excited for Illini golf the second they walk in."

The tentative plans for the full-service restaurant include being able to strike a balance where one can feel comfortable just coming off the golf course and a place where you can bring clients. The event space will have the capability to have small groups in a little private dining room and larger gatherings.

"We're going to make it a special space, said Szymoniak. "It's going to be memorable—the views out there, especially in the space upstairs. I mean, you've got a vantage point right down onto the golf course, and from one side of the building, you're looking out onto the practice area. So it's pretty special."

The Champaign-Urbana community has embraced the changes coming to the course.

"It's been refreshing to see the amount of positive feedback we've received from people in town," said Szymoniak. "I can't tell you how many people have stopped and asked, 'Oh, when's it going to be open? I can't wait to get out there and play some golf.' And I hope it's getting more and more clear out there that it is going to be a public golf course, and that we're excited to have something that can strengthen the community and have another facility where people can just enjoy themselves."

As the vision for the Atkins Golf Club comes together over the next several months, Szymoniak already sees the future.

"I just can't wait to go out on the driving range and see the players warming up before they go out and play and seeing the orange and blue bags making the turn. To me, that's what college athletics is all about. I'm tickled that the people in the community and all the people that live in the neighborhood will be to return to a course they love."

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BUILD AT STONE CREEK

The gift also included significant real estate in and around the golf club, including more than 100 residential lots, 70 acres of undeveloped acreage, and a sizeable commercial parcel. The holdings, including any income they may generate, will benefit several University of Illinois entities, including the DIA, the Gies College of Business, the Offices of the Chancellor and the Provost, and the University of Illinois Foundation. Development of the residential lots and commercial activity at the clubhouse and restaurant will continue to generate tax revenue to support public programs and services for the City of Urbana.

Those interested in learning more about residential living in Stone Creek subdivision can visit https://fightingillini.com/feature/buildatstonecreek to see available lots and maps.