| by: Press Release - 4/20/2009 7:58:58 PM |
| Homewood, Illinois – It’s no April Fool’s joke.
On April 1, 2009, the storied Ravisloe Country Club will reopen…as a public golf course operated by Chicagoland-based GolfVisions Management, Inc.
It’s a win-win scenario for Chicago-area golfers and the Village of Homewood, which retains 160 acres of green space just steps from its Metra station in the heart of downtown.
“I’m absolutely delighted that the Ravisloe property is to remain a golf course and a public golf course at that,” comments Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld. “Ravisloe has been a longstanding asset to the community in that it is an oasis of green space, provides water retention in times of heavy rain, and harbors a variety of wildlife. Now, as a public course, this focal point of our Village will be even more of a magnet to draw people to the Homewood community as well as to our shops and fine restaurants. And Ravisloe affords our golf-playing citizenry and residents of neighboring communities open access to a world-class, championship-caliber course.”
Ravisloe Country Club boasts a rich, 108-year history as one of Chicago’s finest private clubs, an iconic Spanish Mission-style clubhouse, and a reputation for diabolical greens, expansive fairways framed by mature trees, and distinctive bunkering. A classic, parkland-style course originally designed by Theodore Moreau and James Foulis, Ravisloe is registered with the Donald Ross Society for the legendary architect’s indelible imprint on the layout during a 1918 renovation. In 2001, Dave Esler completed an acclaimed restoration of course features consistent with Ross principles. Ravisloe’s new owner, Dr. Claude Gendreau, looks forward to making this South Side treasure available to the golfing public.
“When I first learned the property might be available and drove out there, I was awestruck by how beautiful the land was and how majestic the clubhouse building,” remarks Gendreau. “I felt I could not leave to chance the future of this park-like property and would like to be associated with its future.”
The next thing that impressed him was the appeal of the surrounding community and of the nearby downtown area. He also valued the proximity of the Metra station, providing public transportation to and from Chicago. Ravisloe is 161 acres of groomed open land, almost like a European garden that is an island in the middle of an urban area. “It’s a jewel that needs to be preserved as long as feasible, and we hope the golf operation can sustain our goal of retaining this as open space for years to come,” Gendreau says.
Gendreau, an acclaimed veterinary surgeon, is an innovator in his field, one of the first such specialists to practice outside the university setting. Indeed, he founded what is now the leading veterinary referral center in the Midwest. As an ardent advocate for eco-responsibility and
sustainable living, Gendreau views preserving Ravisloe as an ideal situation to enact these values and make a difference. While he is not himself a golfer, he understands and appreciates Ravisloe’s unique heritage. His excitement in opening the course as a public venue is palpable.
“I feel more people need to have the opportunity to have access to an environment like this,” says Gendreau. He regards Ravisloe as a public amenity that should be enjoyed by everyone.
To operate Ravisloe as a public facility, Gendreau has enlisted GolfVisions, which manages via contract or lease eight other courses in the metro area and one in Florida. Tim Miles, Sr., president of GolfVisions, shares the new owner’s enthusiasm for the endeavor.
“GolfVisions is pleased and honored at this unique opportunity to bring a truly delightful Donald Ross course to all golfers,” Miles says. “Ravisloe is a very special place that has stood the test of time. It encompasses 160 acres, which was a large tapestry for courses designed during the Gilded Age of golf. The clubhouse provides a glimpse of a bygone era of opulence and grace.”
More than a history lesson, however, Ravisloe offers a spectacular golf experience. “The 2001 restoration by David Esler pays homage to both Foulis and Ross at their best,” remarks Miles. “Ravisloe’s intriguing design embodies the true values of the game. Here, there is a premium on shot-making skill and mental strategy.”
Jim Wright, a lifelong Homewood resident and unofficial Village historian, calls Ravisloe “the jewel of our community” and points to the longtime affinity between the Club and the Village. Adds Mayor Hofeld, “Not only the immediate neighbors, but the entire community, welcome the purchase of Ravisloe and the plan to retain it as open space with the golf course and other amenities available for public enjoyment.” |
