Bolingbrook set to shine again as LIV Golf host city 

In the heart of Bolingbrook, Illinois, a vibrant community is ready to embrace LIV Golf Chicago for the second consecutive year at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

While speaking at LIV Golf Chicago media day, Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta and one of LIV Golf’s youngest players, Caleb Surratt, spoke about the excitement surrounding the event, which is set to take place August 8-10 at Bolingbrook. Mayor Alexander-Basta is particularly enthusiastic about elevating Bolingbrook into a stage for sport, entertainment, and community pride.

LIV Golf, which brings a festival-like energy that blends world-class golf with music and fan interaction unlike typical sporting events, will provide a great deal of excitement to the area.

The event, which will show fans superstars Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson by day, and the band Good Charlotte after the action, promises an experience that resonates far beyond golf.

“We are elevating Bolingbrook; that’s one of our tag lines,” Alexander-Basta declared. “LIV is a testament to that. We’re not the sleepy town we were back in the day. We are very proud to be Bolingbrook and everything that we have to offer in terms of diversity, accessibility, and so, yes, LIV is home in Bolingbrook.”

The mayor’s eagerness reflects the community’s embrace of LIV Golf’s distinct vibe. She recalled her experience at last year’s event, which she explained contrasted with the conventional golf she’s accustomed to. “It was an amazing experience for me,” she said. “It’s quite different from the golf that I see throughout the year, which is that quiet, shh, be careful, don’t get hit by a flying golf ball. This was full of energy, full of fun, dancing, partying on the holes. Completely different atmosphere than that which we were used to in regular golf.”

This lively atmosphere is attracting a new generation of fans to golf. Surratt, the 21-year-old Legion XIII player, recognizes how the LIV Golf format and atmosphere engages a younger demographic. “I appreciate how interactive the fans are,” Surratt said. “I appreciate seeing a lot more younger kids. That’s something that coming out of college I didn’t know if I would get to perform in front of at first. It feels like everybody that is at the event really wants to be there, and it provides a great environment to play in.”

Surratt, who in July of 2022 was ranked by Data Golf as the world’s top amateur golfer, says the music and crowd noise on LIV Golf doesn’t faze him. “As far as the noise goes on the course, I think the No. 1 goal for every player is just to go play as good golf as you can,” he explained. “Everybody is so motivated and driven and works so hard… it’s almost like you have such a tunnel vision that there’s stuff that you don’t notice.”

For Bolingbrook, hosting a LIV Golf event most definitely takes some logistical maneuvering. Mayor Alexander-Basta highlighted the challenges her staff faces in preparing for the event while also maintaining the daily operations of the golf club, restaurant, and banquet facility, which is booked solid with weddings and other events.

“The staff obviously is, one, very excited but very nervous at the same time,” she said. “We’re still running a golf club, trying to juggle getting ready for day-to-day operation of a restaurant, a course, a banquet facility where we’re sold out, and at the same time make sure that LIV has a top-notch experience. The staff is amazing. The staff can do it. Does it stress us? Yes. It does. Do we enjoy the stress? Some days a little less than others.”

Despite the stress, the mayor has pride in her staff’s ability to help prepare the property for a top-notch professional golf event. Last year, the staff rose to the occasion, and this year, they aim to raise the bar even higher.

“Year one, the staff was very nervous,” Alexander-Basta recalled. “They knew the bar was set very high, and they were working tirelessly to make sure that expectations—that we exceeded those expectations, and we did. But I do have to tell you that this year they’re trying to raise that bar even further and make the experience here that much greater.”

The tournament’s impact extends beyond the golf course, inviting visitors to explore Bolingbrook’s attractions. “Bolingbrook has a lot to offer,” Alexander-Basta enthused. “Whether you go to Promenade or the water parks for those coming from out of town, we have an aviation museum that’s phenomenal and not very far from here. Just enjoying Bolingbrook after or relaxing or even coming to our own town center and taking a stroll around the pond. Lots of activities, whether you stay in Bolingbrook or go in the neighboring surrounding areas.”

Surratt played amateur golf in Chicago and competed at the course for LIV Chicago last year and loves the city’s energy. “It’s got the best pizza. I had some today,” he said, adding, “It’s amazing. I love it here. Bolingbrook brought an amazing challenge last year. Definitely the top two or three hardest courses we play all year in my opinion. So it’s a great test, great way to finish the year.”

As the countdown to the tournament begins, Bolingbrook is ready to shine, blending world-class golf with a party-like atmosphere that welcomes fans of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, LIV Golf Chicago is set to deliver an unforgettable experience, with Bolingbrook at its heart.