Chicago’s Most Exclusive Golf Course – Bunker Hill Farms

If you play a lot of golf in the Chicago area — or more accurately stated — if you play a lot of golf with a lot of different partners in the Chicago area, chances are you will encounter a golfer who claims to have played “all” of Chicago’s exclusive golf clubs. This list usually includes Butler National Golf Club, Medinah Country Club, Old Elm Club, Shoreacres, Rich Harvest Farms, and Chicago Golf Club.

“Knowing who” or “knowing how” is usually more important than outright golf skill when it comes to getting the opportunity to play these fine courses. A friend, relative, or business connection with a membership at one or more of these clubs can open the door for you, or, if you have deep pockets to pay the entry fee for a charity golf outing or pro-am, this can be your ‘ticket in’.

Moving up to the national level, there are a fortunate few golfers who have played most or all of the country’s most exclusive clubs; golf clubs included on this list would be Augusta National Golf Club, Cypress Point, National Golf Links of America, Pine Valley, and Seminole GC.

But even those privileged and fortunate golfers who have played the creme-de-la-creme of both national and local courses most likely have not experienced Chicago’s truly most exclusive golf course: Bunker Hill Farms in Woodstock, IL.

Bunker Hill Farms is a property creation of Mike Domek, businessman, entrepreneur, and former owner of TicketsNow. After selling TicketsNow to Ticketmaster, Domek’s attention turned towards charity work and serving the local community.

The Charitybuzz.com website provides details about the secluded and spectacular estate known as Bunker Hill Farms. Located “one-hour northwest of Chicago, nestled within the gently rolling hills and verdant valleys lies a rare and hidden gem- Bunker Hill Farms. A spectacular private hideaway so perfectly tucked away, most locals don’t even know it’s there.

This private and exclusive setting opens itself to invited guests, and since 2013 the property has only been made available to charities for intimate golf experiences and executive outings. It originated in 2005 and totals 450 acres. As you play this truly one-of-a-kind course, designed by golf architect Harry Vignocchi, various wildlife, gardens, wildflowers, prairies, ponds and a lake surround you. This property has no memberships and less than 250 rounds are played on the golf course a year.”

Bhfarms.com states “Bunker Hill Charities is an Illinois Nonprofit Corporation founded on October 14, 2015 to affect societal change and improve the quality of living for Northwestern Illinois communities and neighboring areas. Before the official launch of Bunker Hill Charities in 2015, the Domek Family began sharing Bunker Hill Farms for charitable endeavors. Rockin’ the Hill, a private concert held in 2014, raised more than $70,000 for the United of Way of McHenry County. Additionally, 2014 marked the offering of eight person, one-of-a-kind golf outings as a Live Auction Items. These golf packages were featured in Chicagoland charitable events. In 2015, more than $130,000 was raised for Chicagoland charitable organizations through the live auction golf experiences.”

More about the course from Charitybuzz.com, “Bunker Hill Farms is an 18-hole, par-72 course rated by the Chicago District Golf Association with yardage totaling 6709 and a slope rating of 130. The greens are all bent grass and fairways are fine fescue. The property has been enhanced with the planting of over 15,000 trees and bushes; paying homage to the great courses such as Erin Hills and Bandon Dunes, it’s fine fescue fairways and bent grass greens incorporate influences from great links courses.”

A recent charity auction allowed those interested in playing Bunker Hill Farms the option to be the high bidder on this sports package offered at Charitybuzz.com. “You and up to three guests will enjoy a two night stay (September 13th – 15th, 2017) at Bunker Hill Farms, a private, invite-only luxury lodge 60 miles from Chicago. On the evening of September 14th, you will fly roundtrip via private helicopter to meet Joe Maddon with 4 field box seats and pregame batting practice passes to the Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Before or after the game, you may stop by the legendary Cubby Bear where you can enjoy drinks and food (up to $100).

This all-inclusive Bunker Hill Farms experience included your very own private 7,000-square foot luxury lodge, beverages, breakfast, lunch at the turn, and a private chef to prepare a four-course dinner paired with wine. The three-day agenda was customized based on preferences and the winners weres the only group golfing the championship-caliber course.

Bunker Hill Farms is a luxury experience that is not open or available to the general public. It is an exclusive, invite-only luxury lodge located one hour northwest of Chicago. There are no members, and fewer than 250 rounds are played on the golf course annually. The entire 450 acres will be yours and yours alone. Your party will be the ONLY guests, and your escape will be customized to meet your personal desires.

Imagine a championship-caliber golf course without any players on the course. You set the pace of play, with caddies and fully stocked golf carts. Each guest will get individual room accommodations; rustic elegance awaits with the luxury amenities of the 7,000 square foot lodge including over 7,000 square feet of decks, patios and terraces overlooking the private lake. Unwind in the entertainment room with stocked bar, pool table, ping pong, foosball, and Pac Man, or enjoy the outdoor whirlpool spa.”

A golf auction had these details and pre-conditions provided by Charitybuzz.com: “A $5,000 security deposit is required, to be charged separately at the close of auction. Deposit will be returned upon completion of experience as applicable. A waiver is requested to be signed by all guests, and a background check might be requested. We expect all winning bidders and their guests to conduct themselves appropriately when attending an experience won at Charitybuzz. Polite manners and respect for the generous donor and adherence to any rules or parameters are a must. This sports package cannot be resold or re-auctioned by the winning bidder.”

A round of golf in Chicago can’t get any better than this!