CHICAGO — Golfing at Diversey has taken place in some form for 100 years.
A nine-hole golf course was built near the lakefront and Diversey in 1916. There were plans to expand it to an 18-hole course, but due to road construction and a growing city, it was renovated in the late 1940s into its current driving range and miniature golf facility.
The current "Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf" is hosting a "100th Anniversary" weekend from Friday to Sunday to celebrate the its golfing history.
“Diversey Driving Range is as popular today is it was when it was built in 1916,” said Alex Gelabert, General Manager of the Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf. Tens of thousands of golfers visit the driving range every year, according to Billy Casper Golf, which manages Chicago Park District golf courses and facilities.
The festivities include a ceremonial drive from junior golfers from The First Tee of Greater Chicago, and there will be discounts on driving range balls and mini-golf all weekend. For a full list of events, click here.
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“It’s amazing to see the unwavering support for Diversey Driving Range and Mini Golf through the years,” said Michael Kelly, Chicago Park District general superintendent
If you want to golf a 9-hole course, you can still get tee times nearby at the Sydney Marovitz course , which is on the lakefront between Waveland and Montrose.
An aerial view of the course and surrounding area. [Lake View Historical Chronicles]
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