Information
Landmark: Hickory Point Golf CourseCity: Decatur IL
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Hickory Point Golf Course, Decatur IL, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Hickory Point Golf Course, a longtime favorite in Forsyth, Illinois, sits only a few miles from Decatur, its fairways stretching wide under the prairie sun.The Decatur Park District runs the course, a place with a friendly vibe, neatly trimmed fairways, and amenities that make both first‑time golfers and seasoned pros feel right at home.You’ll find the course at 727 Weaver Road in Forsyth, just a quick drive from Decatur, so it’s easy for both locals and out-of-towners to get here.Set in the suburbs, it offers a quiet, green escape, with tall, old trees casting shade over the neatly trimmed fairways.Course design and features by Larry Packard, the well-known golf course architect who shaped fairways as neatly as freshly raked sand.It first opened in 1971 and offers a public, 18-hole course with a par of 72-lush fairways stretching under wide blue skies.From the back tees, the course stretches 6,848 yards-a long, demanding walk past wide fairways and distant greens.Course rating is 70.6 with a slope of 121.Broad, level fairways welcome beginners and weekend players, yet the course’s long stretches and steady coastal breeze still keep seasoned golfers on their toes.Well-positioned bunkers and greens push players to think ahead, shaping every shot with precision-like threading a ball between sand and a sloping patch of grass.At Hickory Point, you can loosen up on the driving range or fine-tune your touch on the putting greens, with the crisp sound of a ball meeting the club echoing across the turf.The on-site golf shop stocks clubs, shirts, and other gear, and the staff are ready with expert tips-sometimes pointing out the perfect grip right as you try a new putter.You can rent a golf cart for about $20.25 for 18 holes or $13.25 for 9, so you can cruise the course instead of walking.Hickory Point welcomes the public with green fees that won’t break the bank-about $28.50 for an 18-hole round on weekdays and roughly $31.50 on weekends-plus discounted rates for seniors over 65 and juniors under 18, making it easy for golfers of every age to join in.Nine-hole rates run about $18.50 for adults, perfect for a quicker round when the sun’s still warm on the fairway.The course runs special deals like “Ladies Thursdays,” when you can cruise around a short course in a cart, hit a bucket of range balls, and pay less for the whole experience.At Hickory Point, golf education and community spirit come alive through programs like Junior Golf Clinics, where young players learn the basics, master the rules, and practice sportsmanship-sometimes with the crisp sound of a well-hit ball echoing across the green.Special events fill the calendar, from weekend matches for local leagues to charity tournaments that draw a crowd, along with friendly competitions for amateur golfers.Beyond the fairways, Hickory Point features a spacious banquet room that can seat up to 189 guests-perfect for everything from family reunions to evening receptions under soft, warm lighting.Swartz Pavilion offers extra room for up to 350 guests, perfect for big celebrations-from weddings and corporate meetings to lively social gatherings under its high, echoing ceiling.The venue boasts soaring cathedral ceilings, sweeping views of the green fairways, and sleek, modern touches that make it a standout spot for any event.The facility draws people in by pairing the lush greens of the golf course with versatile event spaces, making it a destination even for those who’ve never picked up a club.For accessibility or questions, call (217) 421‑7444.On the Decatur Park District website, you can book a tee time, check upcoming events, and see the latest rates and programs-right down to today’s green fees.Hickory Point Golf Course offers a thoughtful layout that’s easy to approach yet keeps seasoned players on their toes, with fairways that roll gently under the morning sun.The facilities welcome everyone-from weekend putters to seasoned golfers-and the warm, light-filled banquet halls draw crowds for weddings, parties, and more, making it a destination far beyond the fairways.Hickory Point keeps the local sports and community scene near Decatur thriving with its fair prices, steady upkeep, and a mix of programs-from weekend soccer matches to summer softball leagues.
