Windy City Public Golfers Guide: Historic Wing Park Offers Basics to Beginners

The scorecard at Wing Park proudly trumpets its historic significance: "Oldest Nine Hole Municipal Golf Course in Illinois", "Elgin Historical Landmark", "National Register of Historic Places". And the course website honestly summarizes the current state: "offers just the basics", "holes are regulation in length and the green size is small", "a few bunkers and a small water feature are the only obstacles on the course". Wing Park was established in 1908 by the prolific early 20th century architect Tom Bendelow, who was also the original designer of Medinah #3, and though I don't envision Tiger Woods teeing off in a Ryder Cup in Elgin anytime soon, Wing Park does maintain a bit of old school charm.

The small brick clubhouse is the first indication that Wing Park is a no frills muni, but the 3,100 yard par 36 track does have a few surprises up its sleeve. A ridge runs through the south end of the course, adding some welcome topographical interest, and is used prominently later in the round. The first four holes are straight forward par 4's, with #2 the longest at 380 yards, and #3 only 295 yards with a very tight drive through mature trees, The 5th hole, the initial par three, is tucked back at the far end of the property with a sand trap at each side of the green, a legitimate 175 yards from the back set of 3 tees.

But none of these holes prepared me for #6. This 571 yard monster was not only a huge step up from the previous holes, it was one of the best I played in 2013. The tee shot is slightly downhill to a generous landing area, with OB right and a tiny pond about 250 yards out on the left edge of the fairway. The hole then starts a gradual climb up the ridge through the trees, with a slight turn to the right near the green, which is sloped and sits in a natural amphitheater of hardwoods. Anyone putting for eagle here will have struck 2 exceptional shots on this excellent par five.

Holes 7 (465 yard par 5) and 8 (433 yard par 4) run down and then back up the ridge parallel to #6, with the pond in play off the 7th tee and the 8th featuring a swath of prairie to the right and one of the bigger greens, and a four on your scorecard will be a well-earned par. The finish is 150 yards with a pushed up green that could require a tricky chip shot if you're on the short side of the pin.

Wing Park attempts to straddle the divide between catering to beginning and less skilled golfers, while still providing enough juice for lower handicappers. A 4th set of tees defines the 1,500 yard "Short Course" and a Junior Golf Week and League addresses the youthful beginners, and the mostly wide

fairways, flat greens and minimal hazards makes for a relatively stress-free round for the average Joe, but more gifted players searching for a quick 9 hole challenge might be better served heading 10 miles south down Route 31 to St. Charles and Pottawatomie.

That said, Wing Park is very comfortable as a course were Dad can bring the kids and still hit a driver off most tees. Could the playing conditions be improved? Absolutely, and in the hands of the right architect with the proper budget, Wing Park could be transformed into something special. But as it is, this unpretentious Elgin municipal fills the important role as a place to learn the game, and the 6th hole alone makes it worth a visit.

Mr Z Rating

Layout (20%) - 7
Playability (20%) - 7.5
Conditioning (15%) - 5.5
Aesthetics (15%) - 6.5
Amenities (10%) - 6.5
Value (20%) - 7.5

Total Score - 68.5