URBANA, Ill. – Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois will open several areas of operation for the first time beginning Oct. 22, with the Pro Shop, driving range and putting green available for public use.

Atkins Golf Club, formerly Stone Creek Golf Club, was donated to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics in the summer of 2020 and since has been undergoing a renovation of more than $5 million in improvements to the course and clubhouses.

"We couldn't be more excited to open the doors and welcome guests to the pro shop and practice areas at Atkins Golf Club later this month," Assistant Athletic Director of Golf Operations Jackie Szymoniak said. 

"Although the golf course still needs to complete the grow in process, the practice area will enable guests to continue to hone their skills as the season wraps up. A couple weeks ago we welcomed Director of Golf Jim Buyze and he is working diligently with the Troon team to secure merchandise for the pro shop as well as finalize our pricing structure for 2022. On the golf course, Wadsworth Golf Construction Company has completed their scope of work. We are excited about the way the course has come together and feel that it will be a great challenge for our team members and an enjoyable course for all.  The Atkins Golf Club maintenance staff has been busy growing in the new greens, while also continuing extensive maintenance practices to enable the course to play firm and fast in the future."

While the golf course will open for play in the late spring of 2022, the driving range and putting green as well as the Pro Shop will be available on Oct. 22.

The Pro Shop will carry a variety of companies and styles.  Merchandise will include a variety of logo options, including the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois logo, the Block I logo, as well as the Illinois Golf logo.   The Pro Shop hours for the fall/winter will be 10am-6pm. 

Driving range hours will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to sunset and hours on Sunday and Thursday will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The driving range offers a full-length range with an exceptionally manicured bentgrass teeing area.  Bags of 50 range balls start at $8 with practice packages available. The 8,500 square-foot putting green, adjacent to the driving range will be available for putting only upon the opening on October 22. 

RESTAURANT AND HOSPITALITY: Information about the new farm-to-table restaurant name, menu options and opening schedule, as well as information about events and hospitality opportunities will be released in the coming weeks.

TROON GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT: Troon, a leader in golf course management known for delivering premium conditions and exceptional customer service on more than 600 properties, manages the golf course and pro shop operations at Atkins Golf Club.  Director of Golf Jim Buyze is a recent addition as he comes to Urbana from Eau Claire, Wis., where he served as the Head PGA Golf Professional at Wild Ridge and Mill Run golf courses. Buyze has served as a faculty member of the PGA PGM Program for over 20 years and also has great experience at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Geneva National. Recent accolades include being named the 2019 Wisconsin PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Leading the way on the agronomy side, Nate Jordan serves as the superintendent at Atkins Golf Club. Jordan joined the team earlier this year after serving as the superintendent at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria. His experience also includes time at a major championship venue, Shinnecock Hills Golf Course in Southampton, N.Y.