Rodney Dangerfield's quote from the movie Caddy Shack is continually proven wrong as golf continues to grow as one of the most popular participator sports in the United States today. In fact, golf is growing at such a fast rate it is suggested that we need to build a new golf course at a rate of about 400 courses per year to keep pace with the current demand.

The days of showing up at a golf course without a tee time are over as foursomes waiting to tee-up at daybreak have become commonplace. These brave souls will chance rain and cold, but what about snow? White Pines Golf Course, owned by the Bensenville Park District, is a regulation 36-hole, 13,044-yard golf facility located about 20 minutes west of downtown Chicago. Over the last several years, rounds played have numbered in the 95,000 to 100,000 range, and an average of 1,500 rounds played between Dec. 1 and March 15.

In 1988, White Pines embarked on a new program to keep one 18-hole course open year round to accommodate the pent up golfer suffering from cabin fever. Late in November, a shortened course of 18 holes is laid out with temporary tees and greens. A circular area with approximately a 25-foot diameter is cut in the fairway about 30 yards in front of the regulation green, and an oversized 8-inch cup with a permanent flag is cut in the center of the temporary green. The temporary tees are set in front of the regulation tees on the highest ground possible. The tees are marked with directional arrows to reduce confusion.

Records show the greatest amount of play occurs on sunny winter days with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees. Heavy snowfall limits the golfers' ability as no snow removal operations are performed, but to the pent-up golfer desiring to smack around that little white ball (orange during the winter season) these obstacles can be overcome. If the snowfall does get too heavy for the golfer. White Pines offers another option, cross country skiing. Golfers can opt to ski on the other course which is marked with a 11/2 K or 3K layout.

Ski rentals are available in the pro shop at minimal fees. A six-inch snow cover is required before the grooming of trails is performed. However, the cross country ski records are not as overwhelming as the golf records due to the limited spread of snow the past two years.

For the golfer who is not interested in braving the elements, new for the 1991-92 winter season will be an indoor driving range. The air-supported dome will consist of a 300-foot wide, 250-foot long area housing 35 hitting stalls. Golfers will be able to hit any club in their bag due to a net meshing surrounding the dome. The dome will be the first of its kind in the Chicago area, and expectations are high. It is anticipated that indoor temperatures at the hitting stalls can be maintained at 55 degrees, even on the coldest winter days.

About the Author
Michael B. Walger is Superintendent of Golf Operations at Bensenville Park District's White Pines Golf Course.