A lot of exciting things have been happening over the last few months! Projects are coming to completion and the Greens & Grounds team have been assembling staff members to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in the 2021 golf season.
After serving as the Assistant Superintendent from 2013-2016, Curtis Keller has returned to Illini Country Club to serve as the Director of Agronomy. Curtis was previously the Golf Course Superintendent at the Buffalo Ridge Course at Big Cedar Lodge Resort in southwest Missouri. He is originally from Indiana and provides a wide range of expertise and knowledge.
Second, we have Cody Hutcherson. Cody has spent the past 2 years as the Assistant Superintendent at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria, IL. Before that, he spent time interning at multiple Top 100 golf courses in the Southeast and Midwest. He joined the Illini team in March as the Golf Course Superintendent. Cody is originally from Orion, IL and is looking forward to helping Illini improve the overall golfing experience for its members and guests.
Third in line is Jason Herbert. Jason currently serves the Greens & Grounds team as the Assistant Superintendent. Jason began at Illini as a Groundskeeper and worked his way up the ladder. In total, Jason has 17 years of experience on the Illini property. Jason is originally from the Springfield area.
Next is Robin Brockmeyer. Robin is in her 19th year as Illini Country Club's Horticulturalist. Robin does a fantastic job keeping the plant material and landscape beds around the clubhouse and golf course updated and colorful. From planting annual flowers to installing fresh mulch, Robin is behind the beautiful landscapes our members have come to enjoy.
Also on the team is Mark Hammitt. Mark serves as the Crew Foreman. He joined the Illini team 7 years ago as a Seasonal Groundskeeper and has since been promoted into his current role. Mark does a little bit of everything; from operating the equipment used on the golf course to assisting in equipment repair and maintenance.
Lastly, we have our year-round Groundskeeper, John Millslagle. John has been employed with Illini since 2012. John is an integral part of our Greens & Grounds operation. Not only is John relied upon to operate the equipment used to manicure the golf course, he is also responsible for the yearly equipment cleaning and detailing that takes place throughout the winter in order to maintain the Club's assets.
We look forward to seeing all of the members and their guests out on the golf course this season and are excited for what the future holds as Illini continues to set itself apart as the premier private club in central Illinois.
- Illini Greens & Grounds Team