Atkins Golf Club at The University of Illinois

URBANA, ILLINoiS

Program for Golf Course Improvements - 2020

Course Renovation - Completed in summer of 2021

DESCRIPTION

Formerly known as Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois, which was originally developed back in 1999, designed by Dick and Tim Nugent. The course has long been a centerpiece for the Stone Creek real estate community. But in June of 2020, the course was gifted to and turned over for immediate use and operation to the University of Illinois and Foundation by the Atkins Group. The course, once renovated, will become the home course for both the men's and women's golf programs at the University of Illinois, and going forward will be known as Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois.

In November of 2020 JDR was excited to be officially retained to lead the university in a much anticipated direction to heighten the course identity while addressing specific needs and opportunities that will improve the course playing experience. When complete, the course will be more well-suited as an asset to the Univerisity of Illinois golf teams and for public play as well.

Atkins Golf Club will become the next accent in terms of state-of-the-art facilities for the U of I golf programs, which already boast some of the most advanced golf practice facilities found anywhere in the US (Demerjian Indoor Practice Facility and the Lauritsen Outdoor Practice Facility). The next step is having their own championship caliber course and a venue worthy of hosting collegiate tournaments.

JDR will be working closely with the university golf programs (among the premier programs in the US) to develop the improved vision. According to U of I head men's golf coach, Mike Small, "This enormous gift will allow the Atkins Golf Club to transform itself into a nationally recognized collegiate facility, while also giving the local community access to a first-class golf experience."

JDR's initial assessment reveals opportunities to add length to the course with new tees and to create enhanced playing strategies through turf reduction and fairway realignments as well as a much improved presentation of the bunkering and resurfacing of the putting surfaces, among others.