Decatur Dreaming - Shorts Weather in Mid-March Isn't That Far South!

I used to think the phrase "Ten 10 Day Forecast" was an oxymoron to the likes of "Jumbo Shrimp" and "Rap Music." But then I went to Weather.com and typed in Decatur, Illinios on March 8th. The Midwest Golf Show Season had just concluded and the boys of GolfTrips.com were getting restless and we needed to view a white ball heading down a fairway instead of the piles white snow surrounding our office in Menomonee Falls, WI. The forecast was for low 60's and the possible hint of 70's so we decided to make an impromptu trip 4 hours south to scratch the golf itch that had been bothering us since late November.

The drive from Milwaukee is all expressway and really flys when the thoughts of Spring Golf fill your head. The city of 150,000 people is home to three of the finest Park District Courses in the Midwest, including Red Tail Run GC, a Raymond Floyd design that opened to the public in 2006. Our 4-some is headed to Decatur later this week, below is our upcoming itinerary. You can wait for our complete feature story next week or you can jump in the car and join us!

Golf Course Previews

Red Tail Run

Designed by legendary hall of famer Raymond Floyd, Red Tail Run opened for play in May 2006. The course is named after the Red Tail Hawk, a majestic bird of the open country, frequently seen soaring overhead. This beautiful signature course is carved from the native prairie lands and features wide undulating greens, rolling fairways, and native grasses. Red Tail Run is designed for players of all skill levels. With five tee locations, golfers will find multiple angles to the green.

Course Information
Red Tail Run
520 West Grove Road
Decatur, IL 62521
217-422-2211

Scovill GC

Named one of the top 100 women-friendly courses in the United States by Golf for Women, Scovill Golf Course is the most visited Decatur Park District facility by out-of-town golfers. Sometimes called the shot-maker's course, Scovill offers manicured fairways surrounded by beautiful natural plantings. A member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, Scovill was first designed by Tom Bendelow, then redesigned in 1991 by nationally renowned architect, Dick Nugent. This target style golf course will test your composure as triple bogeys are as easy to come by as birdies and eagles.

Course Information
Scovill Golf Course
3909 West Main Street
Decatur, IL 62522
217-429-6243

Hickory Point GC

Home of the Tate & Lyle LPGA FUTURES Tour
Host of the IHSA Class AA Girls' State Tournament
Hickory Point Golf Course is enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. Its flat, wide fairways provide a foundation for learning, while long distances and the ever-present wind provide a challenge for more experienced golfers. Designed by leading golf course architect Larry Packard, Hickory Point features a lighted driving range and special six-hole short course for beginning and youth golfers.

Course Information
Hickory Point Golf Course
727 Weaver Road
Decatur, IL 62535
217-421-7444

Lodging Option

The recommended lodging option is the Country Inn & Suites in Decatur.

Country Inn & Suites
5150 Hickory Point Frontage Road,
Decatur IL 62526
Reservations: 1-800-596-2375
www.countryinns.com/decatur-hotel-il-62526/ildecatu

More Information

Decatur Park District Golf

Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau

Decatur Overview Video