The Centerstage Golf staff played the course in mid-July, 2002, just after its official opening, and was struck by the country club amenities (fresh towels, divot tools and ball markers on the electric carts, complimentary balls on the expansive practice range, friendly and efficient Kemper Sports staffers at every turn). Although the 76,000 square foot clubhouse is still under construction, the temporary quonset hut that serves as pro shop and snack bar has a spacious feel and will do nicely (thank you) until the permanent facility is completed in time for the 2003 season.

But the real story here is the course itself. By moving 2.1 million cubic yards of fill, the architect and his staff dredged numerous lakes and ponds to build the tee boxes, fairways, greens and mounds that separate holes and create visual obstacles for wayward shots. Five sets of tees are set up in staggered fashion to give each a different angle to the greens or fairways. The greens are not particularly large, placing a premium on club selection. Several of them slope away from the fairways, giving those who play here regularly an edge in course knowledge. The fairways are well-defined and provide good visual clues as to how the hole might best be played. (The state-of-the-art GPS system helps, too!) The routing is terrific, with an excellent mix of doglegs, long and short par 4's, spectacular par 3's, and solid par 5's. There is a certain degree of risk-reward on many holes, most notably #6 which tempts the player to hit driver over the dogleg left, setting up a wedge in. Most of the par 5's challenge you to bite off corners to shorten your route to the green; but beware of the dangers lurking at the edges of the fairways...lots of water and knee-deep fescue. The traps were immaculately groomed and precisely placed, offering target lines to avoid more dangerous hazards on the opposite side of the fairways.

Bolingbrook Golf Club is now the home of Rabito Golf. Carl Rabito is a nationally renowned instructor who currently works with several players on the PGA, LPGA, Champions, Nationwide, Hooters and Futures tours. He is one of 43 PGA Certified Master Teaching Professionals. Carl has been featured on The Golf Channel's Academy Live show in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005. With Carl's understanding, education, and training in human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, he is able to explain the golf swing in simple, logical terms.

While some of the rough is still spotty, a couple of years' growth and maturity will make Bolingbrook Golf Club one of Chicagoland's premier public courses. It already has our vote as a "must play" for serious golfers seeking a challenging round at a fair price.

Tim Hval, IPGA professional; Terry Hanley, General Manager

Please call the clubhouse to confirm pricing.