Frankfort Square Park District Golf Outing to Raise Money for Scholarships

Ask Bob Guler what the strong points of Square Links Golf Course are, and the course's supervisor will tell you that it's short and challenging, meaning recreational golfers can come out and play a round in about two hours in the evening, avoiding the heat of the day.

But on Saturday, July 16, the course's biggest strong point is that it will be raising money for college-bound kids with its sixth annual scholarship golf outing.

The last two years the outing raised $9,000 and provided nine $1,000 scholarships for students living within the boundaries of the Frankfort Square Park District, said Guler, who is the event's organizer.

Guler hopes to meet or exceed that total again this year, and registration is still open for the outing, which offers a 5 p.m. shotgun start (golfers all start on different holes so they finish at the same time). Golfers should finish between 7 and 7:30 p.m.

"We do prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive, and we give some trophies out," Guler said. "The winner is just the best combined two-person score. There are also door prizes with donations from local businesses, which have been great over the years." 

Golfers do not have to register with a partner, but most do, he added. The minimum age is 21.

The course itself is a 1,749 yard par 3 originally developed in the 1980s and operated under the name of Hickory Creek Golf Course. In 2002, the park district purchased the property and has been running it ever since. Improvements include a full 18-hole putting course (it's not mini-golf for kids, Guler said) and a driving range with both grass and mat hitting areas. According to Guler, the course sees 15,000-20,000 rounds of golf played each season.

"It's ideal for newer and older golfers, those who aren't concerned with having to hit the ball 300 yards," he added.

Guler's favorite hole is the seventh, which is a par 3.

"It has a pond on one side, and you have to go over a creek. There are large trees on the pond side. It's very challenging," he said.

Sixth Annual College Scholarship Golf Tournament

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, July 16
Where: Square Links Golf Course and Driving Range, 7861 W. St. Francis Road
How much? Golfers can still register in person at the course. The fee is $70 per two-person team and includes greens fees, a riding cart, a small bucket of balls, prizes and refreshments. 
More info: Call 815-469-1600 for more information.