Build at Stone Creek
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Construction is set to begin this week at the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois, with the golf course construction phase leading the way. Wadsworth Golf Construction Company will handle the golf course renovation with a scope to add yardage, renovate tee boxes, bunkers and greens, and improve bridges and lakes.
Wadsworth constructed Stone Creek Golf Club more than 20 years ago, and will work alongside architect Drew Rogers for the renovation.
"Drew has spent many months working on the scope of the renovation, while consulting with the Illini staff to create a championship-caliber course," Assistant Athletic Director for Golf Operations Jackie Szymoniak said. "His extensive architectural body of work includes new designs, renovations and restorations across the country. These modifications are well suited to challenge collegiate teams and provide a great test for future events. At the same time, Rogers was able to build on an already great design, to strengthen the overall experience for the general public."
The most noticeable changes will be the full bunker renovation, which goes beyond the current bunkers and additionally focuses on strategically placing the bunkers around the course. In the new bunkers will be a premium sand, for an optimal playing experience.
In addition to slight modifications to the front and mid-range tee boxes, roughly 400 yards will be gained from additions to the back tees at Atkins Golf Club.
In an effort to provide golfers with premium putting surfaces, greens will be resurfaced, providing for long-term green stability, better playability, disease resistance and heat and cold tolerance. Additional work around the course include improvements to the irrigation system, select bridges and lakes.
The goal for work completion is the Fall of 2021 with hopes of opening the course for very limited rounds, and a full opening occurring once weather breaks in Spring 2022.
In addition to the golf renovations, the $5 million gift to Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois also includes the enhancements to the pro shop and team lounge area. The clubhouse space that once housed Kennedy's restaurant will be converted into a newly renovated pro shop, golf staff offices and an exclusive Fighting Illini men's and women's golf team lounge. Clubhouse availability is expected to open Fall 2021.
NEW MANAGEMENT: Troon, a leader in golf course management known for delivering premium conditions and exceptional customer service on more than 600 properties, was selected to manage the golf course and maintenance operation.
Nate Jordan has joined the Troon team to serve as the superintendent at Atkins Golf Club and lead the way on the agronomical front. Jordan joins the team 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.
"We feel confident that Troon will ensure our vision for championship golf and premier customer service is lived out every day and that the club is an asset to the Fighting Illini golf teams and the overall community," Szymoniak said.
GOLF COURSE PACKAGES: A pricing structure for the Atkins Golf Club will be released after a full assessment of the local and central Illinois regional market. More specifics on public pricing and season packages with be forthcoming.
BUILD AT STONE CREEK: When the Atkins family donated the new Atkins Golf Club, the overall gift included the remaining 104 unsold residential lots in the Stone Creek Subdivision. After just seven months of selling those lots to the interested buyers, 25 of those lots, nearly one-quarter of the available spaces, are either under contract or have closed. Four realtors have listings in the area for the remaining 79 lots – Ryan Dallas Realty, Barb Gallivan of Keller Williams, The Taylor Team at RE/MAX, and Rose Price of Landmark. Interested buyers can see all available lots at Build at Stone Creek.
RESTAURANT: The Atkins Golf Club will feature a new restaurant in a renovated, refreshed space. A University request for information went out to the public at the end of 2020, and the selected restaurant will be announced this summer. The plan calls for the restaurant and catering to be operational in Fall 2021.
The University advises the public to stay off the golf course grounds, including golf course cart paths, while maintenance and construction are ongoing.
