Getting To Know: Aldeen Golf Club

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Duncan Geddes who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Just off Interstate 90 on the northeast side of Rockford, you'll find the Dick Nugent designed masterpiece, Aldeen Golf Club. Given 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest Magazine's "Places to Play" guidebook, the Aldeen Golf Club is truly a must play course in the Midwest.

Aldeen Golf Club provides all the services and amenities of a fine private club, yet is an upscale operation designed and built for the public golfer. A unique and challenging golf course, state of the art practice facility and the best in professional services are combined to offer a complete and enjoyable golf experience. Aldeen's architecturally significant clubhouse provides patrons with one of the most beautiful views in Rockford whether they are seated inside the clubhouse or outside on the new 5,000 sq. ft. terrace.

The Course

Four sets of tees give players the choice of yardages ranging from 5,038 to 7,131 yards. You'll need every club in your bag to negotiate this course which presents water on 12 of 18 holes, 62 strategically located bunkers, 3 "beach bunkers", mogul filled roughs and the signature 8th hole with its island green. Throughout the course, expertly manicured bent grass greens, tees and fairways provide playing surfaces sure to please even the most discriminating of players.

The Practice Centre

The 26 acre Aldeen Practice Centre is unlike any in the area. Four large natural grass tee pads, two short game areas complete with sand bunkers and a 14,000 square foot putting green allow players ample room to fine tune and part of their game. The practice centre is lighted and is open until 10:00pm in the summer.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Aldeen is a complete golf facility offering an excellent course that will challenge players of any ability level and a practice facility that is second to none in the Midwest.

The clubhouse offers Noonan's restaurant with a casual "sports bar" feel inside and beautiful, peaceful terrace outside. "Burgers, Brews and Great Views" are always available. The Aldeen Golf Shop and its staff of golf professionals are always on hand to take care of all you golf needs.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
Keep the ball below the hole! Excellent turf grass conditions and speeds that typically run 10 to 11' on the stimpmeter will put a premium on shot placement on the large, rolling greens.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
Awards and Recognition


Top 50 Courses in the U.S. (with greens fees under $50) Golf Magazine, September 2004

4 1/2 Star Rating
Golf Digest Magazine's, Places to Play Guide, 2004


Site of the 2001 Illinois Men's State Amateur Championship
Chicago District Golf Association

Site of the 2004 Illinois Women's State Amateur Championship
Illinois Women's Golf Association


Top 30 New Public Courses
Golf Magazine, 1992


What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Aldeen's 8th hole is a island green par three that stretches out to 209 yards. Located right as players drive in the entrace to the club, this very challenging par 3 is our most talked about hole.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
The par 5, 6th hole is our strongest par 5. With a creek running through the fairway and hazard all along the left side and trees all along the right side, the 6th hole requires a good drive if a longer player wants any chance of making the green in two. Two well placed bunkers make a layup second shot difficult. This hole requires some decision making and that is the hallmark of a quality golf hole.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
The Judge Schmails Salmon!

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
Chris Beto holds the Gold Tee course record at 66. He shot that on the way to winning the 2009 Aldeen Cup.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7131
Slope: 139
Rating: 74.7

More Information
Aldeen Golf Club
1902 Reid Farm Road
Rockford, Illinois, 61107
1-888-4-ALDEEN x3
www.aldeengolfclub.com