Page 61 - 2018 Western Amateur Commemerative Program—Skokie Ridge Country Club

WGA_Program_2018_V5__ 7/2/2018 12:28 PM Page 59

HISTORY OF SUNSET RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE:
CLUBHOUSE & GOLF COURSE
RENOVATIONS
In 2003, the SRCC Board proposed and
membership approved a $14 million
(almost $19 million in 2018 dollars)
clubhouse and golf course renovation
project. This would be the first
significant clubhouse renovation since
1970 and first major golf course
improvement since the mid-1980s.

The plan called for a July 2004 through
May 2005 tear down and rebuild of
the entire middle of the clubhouse
structure that housed the grille, library,
kitchen, living room, cocktail lounge
and patio. The adjoining wings of the
club were preserved and received
extensive remodeling. These areas
included the ladies locker room, men’s From July 2004 until May 2005 Sunset Ridge had a $14 million Clubhouse and golf course renovation.
Pictured in this photo is the golf course renovation team (from left to right): Mitch Foote (Ryan Central),
locker room, Red Room, golf shop, bag
Steve Ganong (Ryan Central), Mark Walton (Ryan Central), Don Wallace (2004 G&G Chairman, SRCC),
room and caddie house. The halfway Rick Jacobson (Architect — JGCD), Dennis Wilson (Former G&G Superintendent) and
house behind the 10th tee would be Greg Rounds (Current G&G Superintendent)
relocated above the 11th green and
combine operations with the pool his first assistant superintendent Greg The newly renovated golf course
snack bar. Rounds. A team from Ryan Central, was ready for play on Memorial
one of the nation’s premier mass Day weekend.
For the golf course renovation, the
excavation companies, was responsible
Board hired noted local architect Following the completion of the golf
for the golf course construction.
Richard Jacobson. His plan featured course project in 2005, superintendent
new surface and subsurface drainage, In July 2004, the clubhouse and golf Dennis Wilson retired after a 41-year
rebuilding all tees and bunkers, the course renovation began with both career at Sunset Ridge and to recognize
addition of multiple tee locations, these areas closed for service until late his years of dedicated service the
fairway contouring, green resizing spring of 2005. SRCC members would “Wilson Bridge” over the creek on
with relationship to existing bunkers, enjoy reciprocal dining and golf hole #7 was named in his honor.
bunker relocation and fairway privileges at neighboring clubs during Dennis Wilson was succeeded by top
contouring. Also included were the club’s 10-month closure due to assistant Greg Rounds. Prior to coming
sodding of over 32 acres of bent grass this renovation. to Sunset Ridge as first assistant in
fairways, a tree management program 2004, Rounds had earned his stripes
Mother’s Day Brunch in 2005 was the
and preservation of the “framing” and as assistant superintendent at
official opening day event for the new
character of original golf holes. Barrington Hills Country Club and
clubhouse. Over 800 members, their
then Knollwood Country Club in
There would also be enhancement of families and guests would attend
Lake Forest.
the driving range, chipping greens brunch from mid-morning until
and practice area. Jacobson would late-afternoon. Also in 2005, In 2006 Golf Inc. Magazine named
work closely in the development Club Management Magazine named Sunset Ridge #1 Private Golf Course
and implementation of the course Sunset Ridge its “Design Showcase” Renovation in the USA.
renovation with golf course award winner for excellence in
superintendent Dennis Wilson and renovation and style.

2018 WESTERN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP History of Sunset Ridge Country Club 59