Was that 72-degree weather we had earlier this week enough to get you thinking about getting out the sticks?

You’re in luck, Mr. or Ms. Golf Fanatic, because the city of Elgin is opening Bowes Creek Country Club, The Highlands of Elgin and Wing Park golf courses on Saturday, March 12, 2016.  Tee times will begin at 9 a.m. and can be booked via phone or the clubs’ websites as listed below. Earlier tee times will be available starting in April.

Both practice ranges will open on the synthetic surfaces until weather permits grass use.

The Grumpy Goat Tavern at The Highlands is open with full service available for lunch and dinner. Porters Pub at Bowes Creek CC will offer limited service in March and will open in April for full service.

Bowes Creek

• Bowes Creek CC: 847-214-5880, bowescreekcc.com

The centerpiece of a premier, 616-acre residential country-club community in Elgin (Kane County), Bowes Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole public course designed by award-winning architect Rick Jacobson.

The environmentally planned golf course integrates all the natural elements the native landscape has to offer, including Bowes Creek, improved woodland and wetland areas, a lake, rolling farmland, stands of mature trees and scenic bluff slopes, to create an aesthetically pleasing, playable and challenging course.

The rustic setting features expansive fairways and sweeping bunkers with fingers of grass drifting into the sand and fescue grasses edging the bunker faces. The course has five sets of tees for each hole and distances ranging from 6,900 yards to 5,100 yards to accommodate the dramatically different skill and experience levels of golfers.

The Highlands

• The Highlands and the Grumpy Goat Tavern: 847-931-5950, highlandsofelgin.com

• #12  “Best New Courses in America” – GolfWeek Magazine 2013
• #2 in Illinois “Best Courses You Can Play”– GolfWeek Magazine 2016
• #1 “Municipal Course in Illinois & #8 in America”– GolfWeek Magazine 2015

Wing Park

• Wing Park GC: 847-931-5952, wingparkgolf.com (Porters Pub: 847-214-5877)

Wing Park golf course is a classic yet, sporty nine-hole golf course. Established in 1908, it is the oldest nine-hole municipal golf course. This superior golf course offers something for everyone. Expert players with only a couple of hours to spare or the amateur just beginning to learn their swing will all enjoy a day at Wing Park Golf Course.

Wing Park offers just the basics. Holes are regulation in length and the green size is small, typical of a Victorian period course. A few bunkers and a small water feature are the only obstacles on the course. Rental clubs are available and tee times are recommended, especially on the weekend.

For more information, contact Mike Lehman, city of Elgin director of golf operations, at 847-931-6195.

SOURCE: city of Elgin news release