IDNR announces new management for Eagle Creek golf course

Course now open to public

[April 12, 2014]  FINDLAY — Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller approved a contract with Green Golf Partners to maintain and operate the Eagle Creek golf course, on the shore of Lake Shelbyville. The agreement, which will keep the course open for public play, marks the first time that operations of the Eagle Creek course will be led by an experienced golf course management firm.

"Finding an experienced golf course manager is an important first step for the future of Eagle Creek Resort, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to the Lake Shelbyville area and the people who have been waiting patiently for the resort's reopening," Miller said.

"I appreciate the initial step taken by the Department of Natural Resources to get the golf course operational, " said state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet. "I look forward to meeting later this month with the department to plan for the future of the Eagle Creek Resort."

Green Golf Partners has nearly 20 years of professional golf course management experience, with a strong presence in Illinois. The Danville, Ind.-based company currently manages several Illinois courses, including both University of Illinois golf courses in Savoy and the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer.

"All of us at Green Golf Partners are excited for the opportunity to get to work quickly and give the public a great golf experience at Eagle Creek. The course is in good shape, and we look forward to welcoming golfers," said Matt McIntee, CEO of Green Golf Partners.

Now that a golf course manager has been secured, the IDNR will quickly turn its attention to the future of other facilities at the Eagle Creek Resort.

"Local input is very important moving forward, and I expect to meet with local and state officials for input before submitting a new request for proposal to find an experienced resort management company to take over resort renovations," added Miller.

The previous leaseholder recently walked away from its lease and the Eagle Creek Resort project last month.

[Text from Illinois Department of Natural Resources file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

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