The Royal Fox Country Club

Now accepting pre-orders for Super Bowl curbside!

Thank you GOLF CHICAGO MAGAZINE for their continued coverage in the FALL 2020 edition and their support of the renovations at Royal Fox! Read article here:

Golf Course, Clubhouse Renovations Highlight Majestic Renaissance at Royal Fox C.C....

Three years of painstaking renovation work, redesign and a multi-million-dollar investment has helped put the “Royal” back in Royal Fox Country Club in Saint Charles. The private club is nearing completion of a regal renaissance performed with the singular goal of upgrading every aspect of the facility including the golf course, the clubhouse, the restaurants and multiple amenities spread across the grounds. The vision by management and ownership was to make Royal Fox the premier country club and residential community in the western suburbs.

“Time is a precious commodity,” explained club general manager and PGA Professional Brian Tulk in a mid-summer interview. “When our members enter the club, they deserve a first-class experience whether that experience involves playing the golf course, relaxing with their family at the swimming pool or enjoying a great meal in the evening.”

The club’s centerpiece is a scenic, rolling 6,816-yard championship course that over the years has hosted seven Illinois PGA Opens and multiple CDGA qualifying events and has hosted the Illinois Senior Open for the last two years. While most of the original design remains intact, subtle enhancements were made to improve aesthetics and course playability. Phase One of the project involved back nine cart path pavement and grass replacement around the greens where multiple varieties had taken root. Phase Two incorporated sand bunker renovation, the addition of grass bunkers and waste bunkers, and the completion of new cart paths on the front nine. “The sand bunkers add strategy while at the same time increasing the course’s beauty,” said the club’s PGA Head Professional Alex Mendez, who joined Royal Fox after a long stint at Butterfield Country Club.

The Royal Fox golf course was built in 1989 by the late legend Dick Nugent whose credentials include Michigan’s five-star The Dunes Club and both Harborside courses on the city’s south side. At Royal Fox, Nugent utilized the property’s naturally rolling terrain to construct a challenging layout replete with sprawling sand bunkers that can make approach shots a test of nerves. One of the noticeable improvements made to the course is the use of fine white sand that glistens in the sun. Over 200 tons of this sand was brought in give the course a distinctive look. Matt Senatra, former director of grounds at Hilton Hotels Corporations Willowcrest Golf Club, was brought in to oversee the final stages of the course renovations as superintendent. Over $500,000 was spent to upgrade the property’s maintenance equipment.

Royal Fox’s two nines contrast and complement one another. The tree-lined and sand bunker-filled front nine gives way to a water hazard-laced back nine. Along with two spectacular par 3s, the front nine is highlighted by the challenging 416-yard (white tees) No. 9. Following a straight away tee shot avoid trees along the left side of the landing area, the hole veers diagonally to a large green made much tighter by large sand bunkers protecting its left and right sides. When the flagstick is placed near the front of the green, the long approach shot has to be carefully placed to avoid these strategic bunkers.

The layout’s final two holes are extremely memorable. The par-3 No. 17 calls for a formidable tee shot over a large pond to a large tiered green also protected by an L-shaped sand bunker on the back side. The 550-yd. No. 18 is an intriguing par-5 that provides a thrilling approach shot whether going for the green in two with a wood or using a short-iron on the third shot. The vast putting surface is protected by water, a large embankment and three snaking bunkers.

No visit to Royal Fox is complete without a stop inside the renovated clubhouse. The facility’s multiple dining areas offer both casual and fine dining options. Adjacent to the clubhouse’s oversized patio is an enclosed elegant outdoor swimming pool which recently underwent a $300,000 renovation. “After it reopened,” said Tulk, “the patio has become the club’s premier outdoor social gathering spot for our members. We can also expand that area with canopies to allow for larger occasions,” he added. Amenities at the patio include a fire pit, heaters and regularly scheduled live music.

The club maintains an active social calendar for couples, families and avid golfers. The Royal Fox Junior Coaching Programs are geared to juniors 6 – 13 and promote team building athletic skills (the program is open to members and non-members). Regularly scheduled events include holiday celebrations, summer soirees, “nine and dine” evening events geared toward couples, and golf clinics.

“Royal Fox Country Club is unique in the Chicago metro area,” said Tulk. “The club has a reciprocity program with the sister club The Grove that allows players to experience a second course.” Tulk pointed out that The Grove also has an active tennis program featuring two tennis instructors. “Both properties have amazing social environments that truly make members feel like part of an extended family. We offer lots of diverse programs and events geared toward every member of a family—even those who don’t play golf.”

Designed by Robert Bruce Harris, The Grove is an impeccably manicured course that stretches to 7,000 yards from the back tees but offers multiple tee options for all handicap levels. Harris is a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. His acclaimed designs include the Country Club of Florida, Illinois State University Golf Course and Lake Geneva’s The Brute at Grand Geneva Resort.

Along with outstanding championship golf, The Grove places emphasis on its dining experience. The club’s culinary team is anchored by two Chicago culinary legends: Joe Roireau, former corporate chef at Phil Stefani’s Signature Restaurants, and Luigi Garcia, former executive chef at Riva seafood restaurant on Chicago’s Navy Pier. “We wanted to provide a top tier food experience for our members and guests,” said Tulk. “With two of Chicago’s top chefs now on our staff, we are confident that goal has been realized.”

Regular membership at Royal Fox Country Club provides unlimited golf and amenity to access to members at their families to both Royal Fox and The Grove. Family membership includes the primary member, spouse and children under 25. Young Executive memberships (ages 35 and under) are available for individuals and families seeking a networking hub and social gathering spaces.

Thanksgiving ToGo now available! Don’t forget the wine....we have two great opportunities from Flanagan and Tamber Bey! Email Jake to place your orders: [email protected]

We still have a few 2021 Monday Golf Outing dates available! Let us make your event a success! Contact us for available dates: [email protected]

We are open for CURBSIDE PICKUP & ToGo orders!! Residents of Royal Fox, Majestic Oaks, Charlemagne subdivisions and surrounding areas are invited to order!

Hours:

Wednesday 3:00pm-7:00pm

Thursday 3:00pm-7:00pm

Friday 3:00pm-7:30pm

Saturday 3:00pm-7:30pm

This week’s Carry Out Family Meal Special:

Steak Fajitas $48 - Includes Peppers, onions, Flour Tortillas, Elotes, Spanish Rice (serves 4-5)


-All orders will apply to the 4th quarter F&B Minimum
-Delivery Available for orders placed in advance
-Contact the Saloon to place orders 630-584-4000, option 2 or EMail Jake: [email protected] to place

Congratulations to the 2020 Illinois Senior Open Champion, PGA Professional Dave Paeglow of Kishwaukee Country Club!

Illinois PGA Section - News

Tonight we welcome Mike Martin of THE WALLS Winery for an exclusive Members Only tasting from 6-8pm! RSVP to Jake at [email protected]

Thank you to Golf Chicago Magazine for the article in this month’s magazine! View the online edition here:

golfchicagomagazine.com

Join Us on Wednesday, July 29th for a special wine tasting opportunity with RASA Vineyards and Pasta Night!

RSVP today! Space is Limited. 630-584-4000, option 2

Join our sister course in Long Grove, The Grove Country Club...NO initiation fee until 7/15!