Need Help Finding an Illinois Course

[golfgoob]

Several years ago I found a course on the net in Illinois that was under construction. I can't remember what the name of the course is or where it is or who designed it. I'm sure it is south of Bloomington. I remember construction pic of holes cut though a forest. I believe it was going to be a public course. If anyone can think of a course built in the last 10 years south of Bloomington that may sound like the one I'm describing, please post it. I know it may be far fetched but if you don't ask, you won't find. Thanks.

I also remember a lot of elevation changes too. I think the web site had pic of construction pics during the fall and winter. I know the site would have changed by now but any info I can give may help.

[cpriceAP2]

Prairie Vista is on the south side of Bloomington and has alot of elevation change. Not sure about the 10 years part though. There is also a new course in Decatur, which is about 45 - 60 minutes south of Decatur. It was designed by Raymond Floyd and is called Red Tail Run. Both are public and both are nice courses.

Drop AdamsStaffer2010 a note. He is the GM of Golf Discount in Bloomington, and my brother. he should be able to give you all the info you need in that area.

[birdieboy52]

[quote name='golfgoob' timestamp='1282516704' post='2655321']
Several years ago I found a course on the net in Illinois that was under construction. I can't remember what the name of the course is or where it is or who designed it. I'm sure it is south of Bloomington. I remember construction pic of holes cut though a forest. I believe it was going to be a public course. If anyone can think of a course built in the last 10 years south of Bloomington that may sound like the one I'm describing, please post it. I know it may be far fetched but if you don't ask, you won't find. Thanks.
I also remember a lot of elevation changes too. I think the web site had pic of construction pics during the fall and winter. I know the site would have changed by now but any info I can give may help.
[/quote]


Bloomington, IL and elevation changes? Surely you jest

How far south of Bloomington and was it SW, S or SE?

[golfgoob]

I just remember it was in the southern half of the state. I can't remember east or west. Red Tail Run looks promising but not for sure.

[birdieboy52]

[quote name='golfgoob' timestamp='1282521248' post='2655438']
I just remember it was in the southern half of the state. I can't remember east or west. Red Tail Run looks promising but not for sure.
[/quote]


That's a pretty wide swath. Possibly you are thinking of http://www.canyata.com/course_history.php

[Prairie Golfer]

[quote name='birdieboy52' timestamp='1282520335' post='2655407']
[quote name='golfgoob' timestamp='1282516704' post='2655321']
Several years ago I found a course on the net in Illinois that was under construction. I can't remember what the name of the course is or where it is or who designed it. I'm sure it is south of Bloomington. I remember construction pic of holes cut though a forest. I believe it was going to be a public course. If anyone can think of a course built in the last 10 years south of Bloomington that may sound like the one I'm describing, please post it. I know it may be far fetched but if you don't ask, you won't find. Thanks.
I also remember a lot of elevation changes too. I think the web site had pic of construction pics during the fall and winter. I know the site would have changed by now but any info I can give may help.
[/quote]


Bloomington, IL and elevation changes? Surely you jest

How far south of Bloomington and was it SW, S or SE?
[/quote]

I would like to thank the elevation change on hole #4 at Prairie Vista (and the 40 mph tailwind) for my first 300 yard drive.

Prairie Vista opened in 1991.

The Den at Fox Creek just to the west is an Arnold Palmer course that opened in 1997, but I don't think it matches what you're looking for either.

Red Tail Run in Decatur opened in 2006.

Piper Glen in Springfield opened in 1996.

Angus Links in Windsor (west of Mattoon-Charleston) that opened all 18 holes in 1999 might be it. It's hilly and has been hacked out of forest.

[run0036]

I believe you are referring to Illinois National GC, Petersburg, IL (springfield area).

This was to be the course of all courses in Downstate. Had a lot of hype.....And a very cheap website to go along with it.

With all the hype during construction, I was trying to keep an eye on things, although I do not live close.

Last year, I emailed a local sports reporter who did a piece on the course. Was referred to the Springfield area golf reporter, but the condensed version of the emails were the place had ridiculous elevation changes, and in the short time they were open, at least two serious accidents involving golf carts & injuries.

From the look of the website, when It was still up and running, is was a real estate project that never sold many lots. I believe they ended up having to open the course to get cash flow, and opened the course way too early, and folded soon after.

[JB57]

[quote name='run0036' timestamp='1284516866' post='2697261']
I believe you are referring to Illinois National GC, Petersburg, IL (springfield area).

This was to be the course of all courses in Downstate. Had a lot of hype.....And a very cheap website to go along with it.

With all the hype during construction, I was trying to keep an eye on things, although I do not live close.

Last year, I emailed a local sports reporter who did a piece on the course. Was referred to the Springfield area golf reporter, but the condensed version of the emails were the place had ridiculous elevation changes, and in the short time they were open, at least two serious accidents involving golf carts & injuries.

From the look of the website, when It was still up and running, is was a real estate project that never sold many lots. I believe they ended up having to open the course to get cash flow, and opened the course way too early, and folded soon after.
[/quote]


I played Illinois National a few months after it opened. I had read about it in a national magazine which was saying how great a course it was. My friends and I went due to this hype. I will say the routing of the course had potential, but the tees were uneven, some tees were built halfway behind trees so you had to play a major hook or slice. The greens had undulations that I have never seen on a course, 8 to 12 foot swells, unputtable. As for people getting injured, we almost lost both carts down an embankment while driving to the first tee. It was absolutely one of the worst courses I had played in my life.

[golfgoob]

Thanks for all the info guys. It sounds like Illinois National might be the course but not for sure. Some nice courses were suggested and will be kept in mind when and if I am in the area again.