Indian Lakes Resort: A New Hidden Treasure

Most golfers have heard of or at some time played the courses at Indian Lakes Resort in west suburban Bloomingdale during its first 35 years of existence. The majority of these players, however, have yet to experience its lush fairways since the multi-million dollar renovation a couple years ago.

Not only has Indian Lakes, the resort, re-invented itself, the golf has been given a new look and a vibrant new life. The spectacular new 18-hole Blackhawk Trace is proving to be a dramatic and entertaining challenge for area players, resort guests and golf outings.

Blackhawk’s Hidden Beauty

Now in its third season since the redesign, Blackhawk Trace, formerly the West Course, was the design brainchild of well-respected course architect Rick Jacobson, who dug up the entire course and created a totally refreshing and new golf layout. It now receives rave reviews from golfers and golf writers alike.

The strategic design philosophy was to provide a challenging and exciting golf experience for players at all levels.

“The Trace will establish itself as a premier golf amenity in the Midwest resort market,” said Jacobson. Who began the redesign by relocating and redesigning bunkers in an Alister MacKinze style, deep and shaggy-edged.

Jacobson then bulldozed the existing bluegrass tees and fairways as well as the original ponna greens replacing it all with the popular bentgrass. Fescue was strategically planted adding character. Oversized bunkers were reduced in size yet increased in number. Completing the package, a new irrigation and drainage system was installed.

Playing Blackhawk Trace, which measures just short of 7,000 yards from the tips, is simply a delight with a majestic feel from the very first straightforward hole, a 418-yard par-4. You get a taste of “Trace” right off the tee as you drive down the second fairway, framed by golden fescue, and approach the shaggy edged bunkers protecting the imposing second green.

The dogleg-right par-4 third, sets you up for a wonderful experience on the course’s fourth hole. Deceivingly short on the score card, the 161-yard par-3 features a shot over water and up a hill to a wind-affected green. The view from here gives you an idea of what is still to come.

Blackhawk’s par-4 eighth and par-5 ninth are deliciously challenging and scenic holes. Protected by water on the right side, the eighth is defended by heavy bunkering all around a sloped green. The par-4 ninth delivers the largest bunkers on the course making play tricky but fun.

Once you’ve made the turn to the back nine, you’ll be salivating for more. And, the “Trace” will not disappoint. The 13th is a 208-yard par-3, which is sand, sand and more fescue from tee to green, is a stunning test. The best test of golfing skills, however, comes up at the 554-yard 14th, which doglegs sharply to the right. But a warning…watch out for the sand traps if your shot is short and the water if you hit it long.

The16th hole, a 369-yard dogleg-left, is an easier play if you are comfortable with a narrow landing area. This leaves you with a short iron to a small, well-protected green. The final hole is a 464-yard giant, with high mounds of bunkering on the left, that finishes parallel to the pyramid shaped hotel. It is not uncommon to find a few guests forming a gallery, watching from their rooms.

Don’t Miss . . . The Good, The Bad & The Trailblazer

Golf Outings for business and charity have always been an integral part of Indian Lake’s tradition. In May, the resort hosted a collection of young and enthusiastic professionals at the Chicago area’s first National Golf Association (NGA) Tournament. NGA players and officials loved both the course and the resort ambiance.

Charity golf events are rewarding for both the resort and the charities. As a way to encourage more revenue opportunity and to make the event anything but ordinary, Indian Lakes offers great deals on guest rooms to charity outings when they stay over on a Sunday night. This has proven to increase attendance and can be booked by calling the sales office at 888-757-2537.

Two golf events open to area golfers are sure winners for avid golfers. The first is the world famous “Bad Pants Open,” a charity event slated for the first weekend in October. Dig into your closets for those outdated pants, or find an inexplicably colorful or just an ugly pair at a second hand shop. Then come out and have some fun. The winner of the “Bad Pants” Tournament has his pants enshrined in the Bad Pants Hall of Fame. Even CNN, ABC, ESPN and David Letterman have taken notice. And, after golf there is a big cookout with awards and prizes.

For more information Indian Lakes Resort, visit www.golfindianlakes.com or www.indianlakesresort.com or call toll free number to 866-32LAKES.

The Wright Stuff

On 300 of its own acres, the resort structure is one of the most unique architectural designs in the country, featuring 310 hexagon shaped guest rooms, most with vaulted ceilings, a collection of natural open spaces, a six story atrium, 28 function rooms for meetings and banquets welcoming groups from 10 to 1,000 back again and again. Among the most popular amenities is a 5,000-square-foot luxury spa and salon, Spa Vargas. In each room, high speed Internet, coffee makers, data ports, Web TV and mini-bars have been added.

Don Erickson, protégé to visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the resort’s buildings in the 1970s. First Hospitality Group Inc., owners since early 2001, invested $22 million into a renovation and returned the property to its original prairie style décor. On a recent tour, Erickson shared, “I am honored that the renovation is in keeping with my original design and concept, and I know that Mr. Wright would be as well.”

Indian Lakes is located at 250 W. Schick Rd. in Bloomingdale, just west of the Army Trail Exit off Toll Way # 355 and Interstate 290. The resort is 20 minutes southwest of O’Hare International Airport.