New managers warm up to Worth golf course

By Joe Boyle

Even snow flurries in April cannot alter the mood of the new management team at the Water’s Edge Golf Course in Worth.

Matt Roberts and Kevin Bollinger, representatives of Orion Management Solutions, based out of suburban Kansas City, Mo., told the members of the Worth Village Board Tuesday night that plans for the golf course are heading in the right direction.

“You didn’t bring the snow in with you,” joked Worth Mayor Mary Werner.

Both Roberts and Bollinger laughed. Roberts quickly added that the weather was going to be warmer later in the week.

“We are training some new people and working with the current staff,” Roberts said. “We had a few hiccups along the way but everything is going well.”

Orion became the official managers of Water’s Edge on Feb. 1. This is the third company to run the Worth golf course.

Board members have been impressed in what they have seen so far from Orion, which includes ownership installing a new computer system with improvements to the course and driving range.

Roberts said that all department managers are in place. Some new employees have been hired for the pro shop, Roberts added.

“The course conditions are pretty good, too,” Roberts said. “We are pleased at how it has come through the winter.”

The new management team is also introducing golf scooters to Water’s Edge. The device will allow golfers to insert their clubs in a two-wheeled scooter that they can drive through the course instead of utilizing golf carts. At this time, eight of the scooters will be made available each day for golfers, Bollinger said.

Roberts and Bollinger said they are determining a fee for golfers who want to use the scooters. The fee will be less for golfers who play nine holes.

The scooters were scheduled to arrive at Water’s Edge this week, Roberts said. Trustee Laura Packwood, who is the head of the golf committee, said they are the only golf course in Chicago and the suburbs that will have the scooters.

Trustee Brad Urban asked that if someone who has paid for nine holes with the scooter suddenly decided to play 18 holes without paying more, what would happen?

“They would just stop running by the 12th hole,” Robert said with a laugh. “If someone would call us when it stopped running, we would just check our file and inform them they can continue if they pay for 18 holes.”

Roberts further explained that the scooters are designed to only work when they are on the course. If someone tried to take one to the driving range, for instance, the device would just shut off.

The scooters are paid for by using an app. They will be activated through the app, Roberts said.

Roberts said the fish frys have been doing very well and will continue through Friday, April 29. He also said the senior league, which had about 12 participants last year, is now at 24.

The women’s league has drawn the interest of 12 participants. Roberts believes that total will reach as high as 20 in the future.

“With a little luck with the weather, I’m expecting a good April and May,” Roberts said.

Cruise Nights

Trustee Rich Dziedzic also mentioned that Cruise Nights, which features classic cars that are lined up in the Water’s Edge Golf Course parking lot, will return on Monday, May 2. The Cruise Nights will begin at 5 p.m. and will be held every Monday night into the fall.

The board voted against approving two ordinances to allow Wholesale Establishments from operating at 6856 W. 111th St. by a 5-0 vote. Trustee Tedd Muersch Jr. did not attend the meeting. The Real Estate Development Board had earlier voted against Wholesale Establishments from operating in the village.

Spring rummage sale

Items can be dropped off for the annual spring rummage sale at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St., on Thursday, April 28, and Friday, April 29.

Items that are in good condition that can be donated include toys, kitchenware, furniture, electronics (no tube TVs), small appliances, tools, books, DVDs, videos and clothing. More information can be obtained by calling the post, 708-448-6699.