It’s not exactly Chicago (not even sure it’s “just outside Chicago”), but has anyone here played Sandy Pines in Indiana? It’s basically straight east of Kankakee but about 15-20 miles into Indiana.
I met some friends there on Friday and played it for the first time. The course itself is fine - good conditioning and big greens with some fun slopes (greens were more imaginative on the front nine than back). Plus lots of short grass around the greens so you could putt/chip/hybrid/etc. from almost anywhere to have some fun in the short game. Greens were quick too - lots of getting caught above the hole with a putt that was difficult to stop until it got 4-5 feet past. I was getting kind of excited after a couple of holes because I thought we might have found a semi-hidden gem. A couple of photos:
But then we started talking about how through the front nine we had probably seen more gigantic Trump banners on the houses surrounding the course than holes we had played. Which, whatever - not my preference but I accept that unfortunately in 2024 it’s a thing for whatever reason. And in rural Indiana I wasn’t exactly surprised. Usually displayed by a very modest house like this - full of economic anxiety i’m sure:
But what I was genuinely surprised about was seeing an actual Confederate flag on the 14th hole flown proudly by a house directly on the course. Clearly placed by the back fence so it had maximum visibility to every golfer. That’s right - in northwest Indiana. It was jarring.
My friend called the course afterwards and expressed his concern. The course manager basically said it was private property and they had no control, but would mention it to the investors. Which basically to me means - don’t expect it to change. And we told them we won’t be back as a result.
So just be warned - the Confederacy is alive and well in De Motte, IN at Sandy Pines Golf Club.
It was about 250 to clear the water and the trap to reach the right side of the fairway, so yeah probably about 280 or 285 to hit the green. There wasn’t a clear angle from the tee to go right at it, but with the right amount of slice you could get there.
And yes @ChiFFI - that’s the hole with the huge sign in the pond. I actually semi-shanked my approach and ended up in the rocks. My buddy was “kind” enough to take a picture of my chip and include the Trump banner:
I can’t remember if we posted the 2CGC LinkedIn group on the roll call but here is the invite link if you would like to join LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn
Have I failed to mention that there will be a drawing for a certain 12yr old Black Label spirit, starts with a “W”, ends with a “eller”? Every participant will have a chance at being drawn for this, after play completes… ye only need to come and have a good time, benefiting a great cause, exploring an awesome course.
Hello Second City crew - @bwolfe87 is looking to #getinvolved with 2CGC, however the discord link in the welcome email is old/broken - can you fine Windy City folks help get him sorted
