March 11, 2024 at 12:26pm
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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
Playing the game of golf is not just fun — it satisfies one’s heart and soul.
If that sounds poetic, well, it’s simply the truth, said Michael Wenzel, director of golf instruction for the Northbrook Park District, who staunchly encourages adults to take up the game.
“There is nothing more satisfying or rewarding than when you hit a perfect shot, play a perfect hole or shoot a personal best score for 9 or 18 holes,” Wenzel said.
The park district is home to two golf courses: Anetsberger Golf Course, a 9-hole Par-3 course located in Techny Prairie Park and Fields, and Heritage Oaks Golf Course, at 3535 Dundee Road, which offers a 9-hole course and an 18-hole course.
In January, Heritage Oaks was named a Golf Range Association of America “Top 50 Range” in the public category, and Wenzel was named among the “Top 100 Growth of the Game” teaching professionals. This was the second year in a row for both accolades.
The park district’s Northbrook Golf Academy, led by Wenzel, offers private and group lessons for children and adults.
Adult instruction classes starting in April and May are:
- “Get Golf Ready: Level 1,” an outdoor class geared to advanced beginners and up, offering a well-rounded approach to all aspects of the game. Players will get an opportunity to play on the golf course and get tips from the park district’s golf professionals.
- “Unlock Your Short Game,” an outdoor class focusing on short game shots needed to shoot lower scores.
- “Fundamentals of Golf 101,” an outdoor class focused on the technical aspects of the game.
All golf classes are held at Heritage Oaks, except for “Get Ready to Play Golf,” held at multiple locations.
Heritage Oaks also features a six-acre outdoor practice range equipped with TrackMan technology, a 10,000 square foot putting green, a short game practice area featuring a greenside bunker and two indoor golf simulators.
“The goal is for golf students to take a class and be able to walk off the course with a sense of accomplishment, pride and confidence in their abilities to play this wonderful game,” Wenzel said.
For more information, visit heritageoaksgc.com or call (847) 291-2351.