Shepherd’s Crook Golf Club Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

Opened in August 1999, Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course in Zion, IL, is now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Both the modern and the traditional name for this milestone is the “silver anniversary”.

Designed by Keith Foster, who has designed some of the most interesting courses built in the last 10 years, it is a links-style course that creates a feeling of playing Ireland’s Ballybunion or Waterville courses. Shepherd’s Crook’s design reflects the golden era of golf course architecture from the 1920s and 30s, with bentgrass fairways, tees and greens.

Shepherd’s Crook Patio

Foster, himself, has stated “Shepherd’s Crook is routed with classic and strategic design principles that cut features naturally to the terrain. The vision of Shepherd’s Crook returns golfers to the game’s past.”

Whether their customers consider themselves to be modern golfers or traditional golfers, Shepherd’s Crook has presented a pleasing and challenging experience each and every round, year after year, for a quarter-century for all types of golfers.

How has Shepherd’s Crook evolved and flourished over the past twenty-five years? Refusing to remain static and stagnant, and perhaps recalling the motto of King Arthur’s round table to ‘adopt, adapt, and improve’, in 2016 Shepherd’s Crook installed the first of two indoor golf simulators. The initial simulator was a Fullswing, followed by a Trackman simulator.

Shepherd’s Crook Golf Simulator

Relaxing, dining, and viewing were the objectives of building the wrap-around patio in 2020. Extending around the entire length of the rear and south side of the clubhouse, the patio features cushioned seating, a fire-pit table, and large sunscreen awnings. The patio is situated merely a few steps from the restaurant and offers great views of the 9th and 18th greens, as well as the practice putting green.

On Saturday, September 2, 2023, the new practice green at Shepherd’s Crook was unveiled and it can be described as immense, measuring 90 yards long by 30 yards wide. That area’s total is more than 23,400 square feet. Mimicking the Crook’s eighteen real greens, the practice green has multiple ridges and undulations with an elevation change of 8 feet. Conveniently located adjacent to the south end of the clubhouse, the practice green is a mere step or two from the cart path leading toward the hole number one tee.

Shepherd’s Crook Practice Putting Green

Whether it is warm-up and acclimation before the start of your round, a post-round need of fine-tuning or complete re-tooling, or a stand-alone practice session, the Crook’s new half-acre practice green can help you on your way to an improved short game.

Listening to suggestions offered by their customers, Shepherd’s Crook has just recently created a hybrid / combo set of tees with a given distance of 5378 yards (65.1 / 112).

Golfers’ choice of tees are:
Silver – 6769 yards (72.1 / 130)
Black – 6272 yards (69.5 / 124)
Gold – 6002 yards (67.9 / 120)
Hybrid / Combo – 5378 yards (65.1 / 112)
Green – 4901 yards ( 62.9 / 107)

In celebration of Shepherd’s Crook’s 25th anniversary, tee time rates will reflect a special 25% discount on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, August 27-30. In addition, logo ball and poker chip giveaways will be occurring during this period. And finally, a ‘Closest to the Pin’ contest will be available on all Par 3s for a chance at a $25 gift certificate.

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