Rockford-area golf season in full swing as Macktown opens

ROCKTON, Ill. (WTVO) – Macktown Golf Course opened Friday, April 18, officially marking the beginning of the 2025 golf season in the stateline.

“We are extremely busy today,” said Macktown starter Gary Sandine. “In fact, the first tee time open is 2 o’clock. So, we are busy all the way through.”

Macktown was opened in 1931 and attracts thousands of players each year.

“It’s the oldest course around here,” Sandine said. “It’s very hilly and tight. So, it’s a lot of fun. It’s not as long as some of the newer courses, but it works well.”

The beginning of golf season attracts a variety of players. The veterans are familiar with the courses. Beginners are just being introduced to the game.

“We know the lay of the land, what the holes are shaped like and stuff like that,” said Macktown regular Chuck Johnson. “It doesn’t make it any easier but at least you know.”

High school freshman Hunter Sopczak has hit balls at the driving range but Friday was his first time playing an actual golf course.

“Seeing Tiger Woods hit a golf ball is pretty interesting, so I guess I wanted to try,” he said.

Sopczak played Macktown with a group of classmates from Hononegah High School. They’ve all been taking advice from their friend, Bryson Lake, who’s on the golf team.

“You’ve got to just keep going,” Lake said about the advice he gives beginners.” Don’t get mad at yourself if you don’t hit good.”

Macktown, along with Ledges and Atwood golf courses, are open seven days a week through the beginning of November.

Rockford Park District courses—Ingersoll, Sandy Hollow and Aldeen—are also all open for the 2025 season.