Unique to Central Illinois, Pine Hills golf course has been
described as a "Canyon Course" complete with bluffs, cliffs,
valleys, hills and hundreds of trees. It's a challenge to both
the beginner and the seasoned golfer, and is recognized by many
players as one of the finest 9-hole facilities in the country.

The course began as the Ottawa Country Club. It came to its
South Ottawa location in exchange for an original Naplate site
purchased by Libbey-Owens-Ford in the 1920's.

Pine Hills golf course was designed by Thomas Bendelow,
(designer of many famous golf courses including: Medina and Olympia Fields, Illinois),
and opened in 1924. It is well known for its natural scenic beauty.

Mike "Pro" Sipula began his long career in the golf industry as
a caddy at the tender age of 8. He took over the pro shop in 1930
and when the club was troubled by the Depression and World War II,
he bought it with two partners in an auction in 1943. Sipula then
bought out his partners to become the sole owner in 1944.
He renamed it Pine Hills Golf Course, because of it's beauty
and multitude of trees.

The original Club House (pictured above) was situated on a bluff 80 feet above
the first fairway. It is the only change in the original design
with today's number one tee and Club House at the bottom of the bluff.
The original Club House still stands, and is now a private residence.

The course, always progressive, improved year to year.
It was one of the first area courses to have major watering
systems to irrigate the grass. This project was completed in
the 1980's. Throughout the 1940's and 50's, Pro played in professional
tournaments winning the Peoria Open seven times. He won the
State PGA Championship and many other professional tournaments.

Pine Hills is the home of the Mike Sipula Memorial Invitational
Tournament which features top amateur golfers. It is a renowned
tourney with a yearly full field. To register for this tourney
click below. Remember, you must have a handicap of 5 or less.

He and his wife, Ellawyn ran the golf course and during the years
had four sons: Mike Jr., John, Jim and Bill. All of his children
helped with the course and running the business. Today, Jim is Head
Professional and General Manager. Youngest son Bill, is the
Club House Manager. John Sr., Assistant Golf Course Superintendent.
The entire family exemplifies golf!

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