The National at Eagle Creek Findlay, Illinois
Eagle Creek Resort was opened in 1989 as one of the first destination golf resorts in central Illinois. Located at the Eagle Creek State Park and along Lake Shelbyville, the golf course is situated among mature hardwoods, natural ravines, and offers multiple views of the adjacent lake.
Over the past 20 years, the resort has prospered. However, during the summer of 2009 the resort lacked the maintenance needed for upkeep and was taken over by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources. In the spring of 2010 a new owner, BMDD Resorts, was selected to oversee day to day operations of the golf course and a 130+ room lodge and resort.
BMDD hired Michael J. Benkusky, Inc. during the summer of 2010 to review the golf courses bunkers. Since the State had taken over the course, maintenance of the bunkers stopped. Many of the existing bunkers were overgrown and the drainage was failing. MJB, Inc. completed an assessment and it was determined that eight bunkers would be rebuilt.
Plans were completed and work took place throughout July and August so the course could reopen in September. The entire resort is being upgraded and is scheduled to reopen during the spring of 2011. Once that occurs, planning will begin on a full golf course make over. One that has the goal to make The National one of the top public courses in Illinois.
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Member American Society of Golf Course Architects
MICHAEL J. BENKUSKY, INC - GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTURE
3813 Sonoma Circle
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
815.474.8385