Signature Holes – Mistwood Golf Club

May 13, 2015

Few golf facilities nationwide hold themselves to the exceptionally high standards of Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. Originally constructed in 1998, the golf course received immediate accolades from local and national media. But instead of resting on their laurels, owner James McWethy invested millions into a major course renovation in 2011 to make the golf course even better. A spectacular Performance Center soon followed and a new clubhouse is currently under construction. But it was the course renovation that had golfers jumping for joy, improving the functionality of the course as well as its playability.

The spectacular par 3 14th hole is a fitting example of Mistwood’s beauty, strategy and drama. The 14th is 202 yards from the back tees with nearly all of that distance a forced carry over Loch St. James – one of the toughest in the Chicagoland area. To add to the challenge, four different bunkers are strategically placed around the putting surface.

Unless you’re a low handicapper, you might consider playing any of the three additional sets of tees that range in distance from 133 to 190 yards. A huge factor on this hole is club selection, especially if the weather conditions are anything but benign.

Played from an elevated tee, you’ve got to consider pulling an extra club if the wind is towards the tee box. If the wind is working from right to left, Loch St. James becomes a major threat, waiting to swallow up anything that comes near its shores.

Veteran golfers aren’t afraid to give this hole its respect and look to avoid posting a big number, especially if the weather is a factor. A birdie is still possible on the final four holes, so a par or bogey on the 14th is usually a respectable outcome.

It’s the attention to detail on this signature hole that makes it worthy of the Scottish water devil “Kelpie” that the 14th is named for. And it’s the commitment to constant improvement that makes Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville a top regional golf destination.