Unique to Central Illinois, Pine Hills golf course has been described as a Canyon Course complete with bluffs, valleys, hills and hundreds of trees. It is 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 Ottawa Country Club. It came to it's South Ottawa location in exchange for an original Naplate site purchased by Libby-Ownens-Ford in the 1920's.
Pine Hills golf course was designed by Thomas Bendelow and opened in 1924. It is well known for it's natural scenic beauty. Bendelow was the designer of many famous golf courses including Medinah and Olympia Fields in Illinois.
Mike "Pro" Sipula 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 at auction in 1943. In 1944, Sipula bought out his partners and renamed it Pine Hills Golf Club because of it's beauty and multitude of trees.
The original Club House 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 for irrigation.
Throughout the 1940's and 50's "Pro" played in professional tournaments winning the Peoria Open seven times and also the state PGA Championship. Mike and his wife, Ellawyn, ran the golf course and during the years had four sons who helped with the business.
In October of 2010, Pine Hills Golf Club was sold to Paul and Julie Pike of south Ottawa. Their daughter, artist and landscaper Adrienne, took the position of Course Superintendent and their son, Jeremiah, became the new Club Manager and Director of Golf.
Recreation- 9-hole golf course. Open year round., Dining -Restaurant & bar (bar opening April 1st, 2011 & full restaurant opening summer 2011), Shopping- Pro-Shop