The golf course got a $2M upgrade to its bunkers.
The $2M project was funded by donors.
ROCKFORD (WREX) — Aldeen Golf Club completed a $2 million bunker renovation, making it the only golf course in the region with the Better Billy Bunker system.
The project, which ran from August 2025 to April, was fully funded by donations from The Norris and Margaret Aldeen Foundation for Rockford and Rick and Lana Engen. The Better Billy Bunker system removes the need for traditional fabric liners, cuts maintenance costs and keeps bunkers playable even after heavy rain.
The renovation reshaped 77 bunkers and reduced total bunker space from 91,000 square feet to about 70,000 square feet. Workers filled all bunkers with fresh white sand and adjusted some fairways to match the new layouts.
“These improvements not only elevate the golfer experience, but they also strengthen Aldeen Golf Club as a regional destination that helps drive tourism and economic activity throughout the Rockford region,” said Chris French, PGA head golf professional at Aldeen Golf Club. “We are deeply grateful to the donors who believed in this vision and made this major investment in our community possible.”
The course, located at 1902 Reid Farm Road in Rockford, opened in 1991. To celebrate the renovation, Aldeen Golf Club will hold a Bunker Buster Discount Day on Wednesday, June 3.
Green fees with a cart will be $25 for that day only. Golfers can reserve tee times up to 14 days in advance at www.aldeengolfclub.com.
For urgent breaking news and severe weather updates – click here to download the 13 WREX News App and the 13 WREX Weather Authority App.