Golf driving ranges are popping up all over the state, and they're rather sophisticated. Take, for example, the Des Plaines Park District Golf Center. Acquired by the district in August of 2000, the golf center features a three-tiered, 80-stall, year-round driving range with automated tees and a lighted 9-hole executive golf course.

The Skokie Park District's state-of-the-art Sports Park driving range was voted among the Top 100 U.S. Golf Driving Ranges by the Golf Range Association of America. Its 40-station, two-tiered driving range is heated for cold-weather practice.

According to the design experts at PHN Architects in Wheaton, these new centers, driving ranges and short courses offer something of real value to people today, and that is time.

"People are stretched for time," says Daniel Nicholas, principal at PHN Architects. "They're cramming more 'stuff' into each day and trying to maximize each minute. Golf, at four-and-a-half or five hours a round is a significant time commitment, especially when juggling family, work and other interests."

A recent study by the National Golf Foundation (NGF or www.ngf.org) reveals that playing nine holes is more common than you might think. Forty percent of all rounds played in the United States are nine holes. It also showed that playing just nine holes is more popular among females. More than 60 percent of their rounds are 9-hole rounds versus 33 percent for males.

Our lead story on golf centers begins on page 18.

A new feature for the annual Golf Issue is "Tips for Your Game" from PGA professional Steve Patterson, head golf professional of the Winnetka Park District's Winnetka Golf Club. On page 27 you'll find advice for your putting game, and we'll continue this feature throughout the Illinois golf season in the May/June, July/August and September/October issues.

And, don't miss IP&R's annual golf listing at the center of the magazine. We've expanded it from four to eight pages this year. If your agency's golf facility isn't listed here, please tell me about it (alondrigan@ILparks.org or 217.523.4554).

ANN M. LONDRIGAN
Editor

4 / Illinois Parks and Recreation