Ironwood Golf Course

Ironwood Golf Course in Normal, Illinois, opened in 1989 as a daily-fee facility designed by Roger Packard. The course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of central Illinois, with mature tree stands—including the ironwood trees for which it is named—framing many holes. Packard, who worked extensively with PGA Tour player Forrest Fezler during his career, created a layout that balances accessibility for recreational players with enough strategic interest to challenge better golfers. The routing makes use of natural elevation changes uncommon in this part of Illinois, and several holes play along or across drainage corridors that add both visual definition and hazard consideration. The course features bentgrass greens and a mix of bluegrass and ryegrass fairways. Water comes into play on multiple holes, typically in the form of ponds or creek corridors that require carries or influence approach angles. Bunkering is traditional in style, guarding greens and pinching landing areas on longer par fours and par fives. The layout includes a variety of hole lengths and shapes, with doglegs in both directions and par threes that range from short iron to mid-long iron depending on tee selection. Ironwood serves the Bloomington-Normal community and the surrounding area as a public course, hosting local tournaments and league play. The facility includes a practice range and short game area. Its location near Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University brings some collegiate golf activity to the property during the season.