By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
PGA Professional Brian Hilko has an extensive green grass background, with PGA Head Professional and Director of Golf Operations stints at Hinsdale Golf Club in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, where he spent more than 13 years, and Orchard Valley Golf Course in Aurora, Illinois, where he served for more than three seasons.
He says he’s a huge golf enthusiast and has always appreciated golf architecture, golf travel and special events. He tells us that he’d love to own a golf course or driving range someday but understands it might not be very realistic in an area like the Chicago suburbs. So, in 2022 he went all-in on a state-of-the-art golf entertainment venue that he built from the ground up and recently opened in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.
Brian and Michelle
Located within Cook County, just north of O’Hare Airport, The Golf Factory is “a place to gather with friends and family, compete, practice and just enjoy the game we love.” With the passion Hilko feels for the game of golf, it’s only fitting this endeavor is one he’s sharing with his wife, Michelle.
Where the typical golf course will tout its stellar views, fresh air and connection with nature, The Golf Factory tells you what you won’t experience – slow play, strict dress codes and warm beer. That’s enough to build a dedicated clientele right from the start. Oh, and you can play golf on hundreds of the world’s best courses in climate-controlled comfort.
Now in business for just more than a month, with a soft opening in early September and a grand opening celebration on October 7th, the Hilko’s offer 10 Trackman bays where local golfers can practice their skills using some of the best indoor simulator technology in the business, improve their skills with the mentorship of a seasoned PGA Professional like Hilko and even test those skills in league and tournament competition.
In fact, golfers are signing up for fall and winter leagues now. Hilko says he’s starting with Thursdays, and as that evening fills up, he’ll turn to other nights of the week, eventually crowning a champion of each night of the week and one grand winner. Either way, he wants the competition to be fun, laid back, celebratory and welcoming. “I want to make the game more accessible and get even more people into the game than we’ve seen since 2020,” he says.
“I always worked at these places during the cold winter months and felt someone with the enthusiasm for golf like I have could really do it right, and I think we’ve nailed it,” Hilko explained. “We pay homage to the game in a fun and different way. In fact, we take pride in being a high-end space, but with a staff that is wearing T-shirts and hoodies. We wanted to bring our brand to the masses and provide a setting that celebrates golf but also takes the edge off the traditional game. You can show up in basketball shorts and a T-shirt and no one will give you a second look. It’s just a comfortable place to hang out.”
The Golf Factory has a full bar, offers diverse and delectable menu options like boneless wings, mini hot dogs, specialty pizzas, chicken sandwiches and waffles and will host birthday parties, family gatherings, corporate events and charitable fundraisers.
Hilko really understands the importance of the social aspect of golf and he’s all about being welcoming and creating experiences in the game that his customers won’t soon forget. Get a hole-in-one or your first birdie perhaps and Hilko will have stickers that you can write on and place right on the wall of The Golf Factory to commemorate your feat.
In addition to the technology offered by Trackman, The Golf Factory has a putting green that looks like a pool table, as well as a small retail space. With logoed T-shirts and hoodies, he’s building a brand, and the TRUE linkswear Golf Shoes and flannel button-down shirts add to the eclectic feel of this innovative and unique indoor golf space.
Hilko boasted that his facility is family-built, with Michelle’s dad and uncle having aided in the actual construction of this new and exciting infrastructure, along with Brian’s father, as well. “We did all the framing and finish work and brought in plumbers and electricians to move the project along,” he adds.
Hilko mentioned that he’s looking for a young and energetic golf instructor who will help build their junior program and introduce the game of golf to an array of new golfers. Hit him up at info@golffactory.golf if you’re interested in breaking down boundaries and making the game more accessible!
