Mistwood Golf Club in Chicago has completed its multi-million dollar course renovation project. Owner Jim McWethy has announced the course will reopen in June 2012.

The renovation was directed by Michigan golf architect Ray Hearn, Mistwood's original designer. A new learning centre is also being constructed, and plans for a future clubhouse are in the works.

“I am thrilled with the work that Ray performed in upgrading the course to an entirely new level with the aprons around the greens, the new bunkers, tees, and the changes to the third hole,” said McWethy.

McWethy closed the course last year in August to allow Hearn to begin the renovation. Construction on the 5,000 square-foot learning centre is scheduled to be complete by the time the course reopens.

McWethy said the decision to revamp the facility was not easy given the trying economic times, but that he wanted to create a destination experience for golfers from Chicago and throughout the Midwest. "By expanding, we ran counter to the rest of the golf world, but I feel it was worth it to stay competitive in this industry," he said.

“I could not be more pleased with the renovations my company has completed at Mistwood. The shot value, strategy, playability and beauty of each hole has been enhanced significantly,” said Hearn. “Even though by definition, Mistwood is not a links course, my renovation work will lend itself to a links-like feel. Every golfer dreams about playing links courses in Scotland and Ireland, and now with 18 stacked sod wall bunkers and flowing fescue grasses incorporated into the Mistwood design, golfers of all levels will have a unique experience unlike anything else in the Chicago area.'”

At the par five third hole, the green has been relocated to create space for the new clubhouse. The creek that used to be in front of the green is now behind it and has been expanded to a pond.