For a highly acclaimed golf course that opened in 1998, Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville has shown an unprecedented commitment to constant improvement that few facilities in the country can match. After a complete renovation of the golf course two years ago, Mistwood also added a new golf learning center that was immediately proclaimed among the best in the country by Golf Range magazine. Next on owner Jim McWethy’s to-do list is a spectacular new clubhouse.
Demolition of the previous clubhouse began in August and the new accommodations are expected to open next June. The new facility will consist of two buildings that will have the same stone architecture and Scottish farmhouse theme as the current Mistwood Golf Performance Center. Together, the three buildings and surrounding landscape will have the look and feel of a Scottish village.
“It’s going to be spectacular,” said Jim McWethy, who has owned the facility since 2003 after being one of the original investors when the course opened in 1998. “Almost nothing will be as innovative, creative and attractive as this will be. We want a place where people who might not even be golfers can come and have a great meal”
Mistwood has been the host course since 1999 of the Illinois Women’s Open, which is a three-day, 54-hole state championship of golf. The tournament has consistently attracted some of the top professionals and amateurs from around the world including Nicole Jeray, Aimee Neff and 2014 champion Emily Collins of Colleyville, TX.
Mistwood’s owner admits admits that his extensive facility improvements are not the norm in today’s challenging economic climate. “The economy has been struggling, and golf is an activity that is being challenged,” said McWethy. “But, it goes back to my fundamental belief that if you do a good job with every aspect of it, there’s still enough business out there. There’s still a lot of people playing golf.”
“You need to build a great golf course, which I think we’ve done, and we have a Performance Center without peer,” said McWethy. “The clubhouse facility is the third piece of the puzzle and I believe we will have one of the finest golf facilities in the Chicago area.”
Acclaimed golf course architect Ray Hearn designed Mistwood Golf Club when it opened in 1998 and returned in 2012 and 2013 to manage the course renovation. Upon completion of the renovation, Golf Magazine listed it as one of the Best Renovations You Can Play in January, 2014, and one of its top Renovations of the Year in the world six months later.
