Tiger Woods, Mayor Rahm Emanuel on board for South Side golf mecca
For decades, Chicago's golf impresarios have wondered if it would be possible to recast Jackson Park and the lakeside South Shore into a dazzling course that could host a premium PGA Tour event such as the BMW Championship.
Finally, the answer is yes.
The Tribune has learned that Woods has committed to be the lead designer. In a statement released by TGR Design, Woods said: "This project can create incredible possibilities for the community on the South Side. We want to design a course that everyone will enjoy."
And on Sunday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel will announce the formation of the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance (CPGA), a nonprofit charged with improving Chicago Park District courses and golf facilities, expanding youth golf programs and, most significantly, raising money to make the Jackson Park/South Shore project a reality.
Groundbreaking on the $30 million renovation is aimed for the spring, with hopes to complete the 18-hole championship course, plus either a short course or par-3 course, in 2020.
Jackson Park will remain open in 2017 and 2018, and the yet-to-be-named championship course will remain public, with discounted tee times for local residents.
The CPGA will partner with the Western Golf Association in two important ways: to promote caddie programs that could yield college scholarships and to customize the property so it's well-suited to host a tournament such as the 2021 BMW Championship, a FedEx Cup playoff event.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...216-story.html
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