Golf instructors often tell their students “There are no plateaus in golf; either you are getting better, or you are getting worse.” Can the same be said of golf facilities?
Under the leadership and guidance of its general manager Allen Parkes, Shepherd’s Crook, Zion Park District’s golf gem, keeps getting better and better and better.
A new teeing area on hole #6 is the latest improvement at ‘The Crook’. For years the wetland in front of the original teeing ground on hole #6 nurtured and encouraged the growth of the cattails and foxtails to such an extent that these ‘giants’ grew to a height in excess of seven feet.
Moreover, the original teeing area was slightly below the level of the fairway. The angle and sight-line of the former tee tended to aim golfers falsely to the right where trees, bushes, and out-of-bounds prevailed. This combination of factors produced an uncomfortable start for this par-4.
Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course
An idea for a design change was the collaborative effort of Shepherd Crook‘s superintendent, Charlie Lukan, and Allen Parkes. Their thoughts were first sketched out on a cocktail napkin and a previously wooded section just past green number five was cleared to give way for a new tee for hole #6.
The new design moves the teeing area five feet higher and to the right, providing an improved the view of the fairway landing area. The switch creates a dog-leg with an aiming line to the left edge of the fairway instead of the false aim toward the right-hand trouble, thus reducing the number of lost balls to the right, and hence speeding up playing time.
A new cart path adds a final touch to the new teeing area. The freshly sodded tee was opened to Crook’s golfers on June 15.
Consulting with renown golf course architect Todd Quitno, a bunker will be constructed on the left edge of the fairway at a distance of 280 to 295 yards to provide a sight-line aiming point and ultimately complete the new look for ‘Marsh Mellow’.
How has Shepherd’s Crook evolved and flourished over the past twenty-six years? In 2016 Shepherd’s Crook installed the first of two indoor golf simulators. The initial simulator was a Fullswing, followed by a Trackman simulator.
Relaxing, dining, and viewing were the objectives of building the wrap-around patio in 2020. Extending around the entire length of the rear and south side of the clubhouse, the patio features cushioned seating, a fire-pit table, and large sunscreen awnings. The patio is situated merely a few steps from the restaurant and offers great views of the 9th and 18th greens, as well as the practice putting green.
On Saturday, September 2, 2023, the new practice green at Shepherd’s Crook was unveiled and it can be described as immense, measuring 90 yards long by 30 yards wide. That area’s total is more than 23,400 square feet.
Mimicking the Crook’s eighteen real greens, the practice green has multiple ridges and undulations with an elevation change of 8 feet. Conveniently located adjacent to the south end of the clubhouse, the practice green is a mere step or two from the cart path leading toward the hole number one tee.
Refusing to remain static and stagnant, the new tee on hole#6 is the latest upgrade at The Crook, proving that there are no stale plateaus in its quest to provide northern Illinois’ finest public golf experience.
