By Chuck Fieldman

The Oak Brook Golf Club remains a popular destination for golfers 40 years after opening.

The Golf Club, 2606 York Road, is part of the village-owned Oak Brook Sports Core, which is a 269-acre, open-space facility that also features the Bath & Tennis Cub and athletic fields.

Opened in 1982, the 18-hole, par 72 golf course is 6,541 yards long and features bent grass tees, fairways and greens, water hazards on nine of 18 holes, and multiple playing strategies throughout. The practice facilities at the Golf Club include an all-grass tee driving range and two practice putting and chipping greens.

“The Sports Core, including the Golf Club and Bath & Tennis Club, is the crown jewel of Oak Brook, which we were fortunate to be able to acquire from Oak Brook founder Paul Butler in 1977,” newly-election Village President Larry Herman said.

“More than anything, it was important to both Butler and the village to protect the open space of the Sports Core in perpetuity.

The Golf Club is an exceptionally well-managed and profitable facility that enjoys broad utilization by our residents and business community, while also forever providing land for rain infiltration and storm water relief,” Herman added.

Jeff Kawucha, head golf professional/manager of the Golf Club, said approximately 40,000 rounds of golf are played each year. Of those, 15-20% are played by Oak Brook residents. “Past and current administration have been very supported of the golf club,” Kawucha said.

“Village trustees and village staff continue to reinvest in the facility. Most noteworthy is the enhancement of the food and beverage operation. The addition of the restaurant and patio has been well received by the community.”

Kawucha said the biggest challenges of operating the Golf Club are the volume of rounds played, range usage, and restaurant activity on some days. “It can be stressful at times,’ he said. “We strive to put out our best product and service daily. Overall, it’s a fun challenge.”

During his tenure at the Golf Club, Kawucha said he has most enjoyed working with his staff. “My team is filled with fun, hardworking and loyal individuals,” he said. “They make the culture and the facility what it is. I am proud to work with them daily.”

Oak Brook resident Harry Kallas said he’s been playing at the Oak Brook Golf Club for many years. “It’s only been the last five years that I have played on a regular basis,” he said, adding that he plays once or twice a week. “The course is in great shape, and I live close, but the bar and patio they added are great additions,” Kallas said. “I can’t say enough nice things about the staff.”

Kallas said he plays golf on many different courses and always enjoys a round in Oak Brook. “I play everywhere, and they all have their plus and minuses, but they do a nice job here,” he said.” Jeff really does a nice job staffing the facility. They are very friendly, and the service is excellent.”

Chris Marquez of River Forest has been playing at the Oak Brook Golf Club for six years and also is a fan of the facility. During the peak season, he uses the driving range twice a week and plays 18 holes twice a month.

“I like the people and atmosphere, affable and attentive staff,” Marquez said. “They’re always hospitable and sincerely concerned with making sure each experience at Oak Brook is enjoyable. Everything runs smoothly — reception, bar, starter, carts, and patio.”

Marquez said he continues coming back to the Oak Brook Golf Club to play because of its easygoing, hardworking staff, well-maintained course and range, along with a convenient location and reasonable pricing. “I don’t really play other Chicagoland public courses, mainly because I think for the price, Oak Brook is hard to beat,” he said. “You won’t find better service.”

Bill Spartz of Western Springs said he’s been playing at the Oak Brook Golf Club for the past 39 years and now comes weekly for a round. “There are better golf courses and better facilities in the Chicago area, no doubt,” he said.

“What the Oak Brook Golf Club does best is make you want to drive past the other courses because they have created a relationship between the staff and members/patrons.” Spartz listed the friendliness of the staff and patrons, along with the quality of the golf and facilities, as strong points of the Oak Brook Golf Club.

“The head pro and course superintendent set the tone for the golf course and facility,” he said. “It’s my sincere hope that Oak Brook residents realize the wonderful asset the Oak Brook Golf Club is to their neighbors in the surrounding communities.”Information about tee times, golf instruction, memberships, and daily fees may be found online at golfoakbrook.org. ■