Harborside International Golf Center

What Harborside International Golf Center does

Harborside International Golf Center is a Chicago-based public-access golf facility operating since 1995 at 11001 S Doty Ave East in the Calumet region, minutes from the Chicago Loop. The property features two Dick Nugent-designed championship courses (Port and Starboard), an award-winning driving range and practice facility, and a 24,000 sq ft Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style clubhouse housing The Pier at Harborside restaurant. The facility is managed by KemperSports Management, Inc., a Northbrook, Illinois-based golf course management company.

The business operates across multiple revenue streams: greens fees and cart rentals via dynamic pricing through the ezlinksgolf/GolfNow Business booking platform, golf lessons from three PGA/LPGA teaching professionals (Will Smith, Emanuel Worley, Erika Shavers) using V1 Sports video analysis and Trackman launch monitor technology, pro shop merchandise, the Anchor Club annual membership ($549 for the 2026 season), men's and women's league play, a full-service restaurant, and private events and weddings with capacity for 220-300 guests. The facility operates a mobile app via Gallus Golf and supports direct online tee-time booking up to 21 days in advance.

Customer segments include individual golfers (primary), corporate and group outings, private events and weddings, junior golfers through First Tee – Greater Chicago, PGA Junior League, and CDGA Youth on Course partnerships, and golf league members. The facility is continuously ranked among Illinois' top public-access courses, with Starboard at Golfweek's Best 2025 Illinois T#9 and the practice facility recognized as a Top 50 Public Facility by the Golf Range Association of America for 12 consecutive years. Headcount is reported at 51-100 with seasonal hiring for F&B, pro shop, and practice facility operations.

Name

Harborside International Golf Center

Legal name

KemperSports Management, Inc.

Website

https://harborsidegolf.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Harborside International Golf Center is a Chicago public-access golf facility operating since 1995 with two championship courses, an award-winning practice facility, clubhouse restaurant, instruction, memberships, and event hosting serving Chicagoland golfers, corporate outings, and weddings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Golf Facility and Recreation Services

NAICS

Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391), Golf Courses and Country Clubs (713910)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)

Keywords

• Public golf courses
• Golf instruction services
• Driving range facilities
• Golf event hosting
• Golf membership programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Greens Fees and Cart Rentals: Revenue from green fees for playing the Port and Starboard courses, cart rentals, and walking options.
2. Golf Lessons and Instruction: Private and group golf instruction from PGA professionals, with packages ranging from single sessions to multi-lesson programs.
3. Golf Shop Merchandise: Pro shop sales including clubs, balls, gloves, equipment, and apparel. Members receive 15% discount on golf shop items.
4. Restaurant and Catering: The Pier at Harborside restaurant serving classic American favorites, plus full catering services for private events and weddings.
5. Membership Programs (Anchor Club): Annual membership providing exclusive benefits including discounted green fees, guest vouchers, and pro shop discounts. $549 per membership for 2026 season.
6. Golf Outings and Events: Corporate and group golf outings, private events, and weddings hosted at the clubhouse.
7. Golf Leagues: Men's and women's golf leagues with weekly play and associated fees.
8. Practice Facility: Driving range bucket sales and practice facility access.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Harborside International Golf Center operates two championship public golf courses (Port and Starboard) designed by Dick Nugent, along with an award-winning driving range and practice facility in Chicago. The center provides tee time access, golf lessons from PGA/LPGA professionals, a full-service restaurant (The Pier at Harborside), private event and wedding hosting in a 24,000 sq. ft. Frank Lloyd Wright-style clubhouse, and the Anchor Club annual membership program.

Product overview

Harborside International Golf Center operates as a dual-course golf facility offering two championship courses (Port and Starboard) along with an award-winning practice facility. The product portfolio centers on golf experiences including tee time bookings, golf instruction with three teaching professionals (Will Smith, Emanuel Worley, Erika Shavers), and club fitting services. Ancillary offerings include The Pier at Harborside restaurant, the Anchor Club membership program, private event and wedding hosting, men's and women's leagues, junior golf programs through First Tee and PGA Junior League, corporate/group clinics, and a pro shop selling gift cards and lessons. The facility integrates with ezlinksgolf.com for online tee time booking and Gallus Golf for mobile app services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Anchor Club: Golf membership program offering exclusive access, special rewards, unique gifts, and various discounts on green fees, golf balls, equipment, and range buckets.
• The Pier at Harborside Restaurant
• First Tee - Greater Chicago

Products and services

• Port Course Championship golf course at Harborside designed by Dick Nugent, ranked among Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play in Illinois. Open to public golfers of all skill levels via tee time booking.
• Starboard Course Championship golf course at Harborside designed by Dick Nugent, ranked #9 on Golfweek's Best 2025: Illinois' best public-access golf courses. Open to public golfers via tee time booking.
• Practice Facility / Driving Range Award-winning driving range and practice facility, named a Top 50 Public Facility by the Golf Range Association of America for 12 years in a row. Open to public golfers with bucket sales and practice access.
• Golf Lessons with Will Smith Hour-long golf instruction sessions with Teaching Professional Will Smith. Packages range from single sessions to 25-session bundles. Includes V1 Sports video analysis and Trackman launch monitor technology.
• Golf Lessons with Emanuel Worley Golf instruction for players of all ages, including adult, junior, and senior programs. Uses drills, visual pictures, and video analysis.
• Golf Lessons with Erika Shavers (Swing Easy Golf) Swing Easy Golf lessons by LPGA Teaching Professional. Packages include Par, Birdie, Eagle, and Albatross options with video analysis and on-course instruction for youth and adults.
• The Pier at Harborside Restaurant Restaurant located inside Harborside's 20,000 sq ft Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style clubhouse, serving classic American favorites with panoramic golf course views. Open to the public during golf season.
• Anchor Club Membership Annual membership program offering exclusive benefits including complimentary rounds, discounts on green fees (20% Mon-Thu, 10% Fri-Sun), 15% off shop items, 25% off range buckets, and guest vouchers. Priced at $549 for the 2026 season.
• Wedding Services Wedding venue and catering services in Harborside's 24,000 sq. ft. Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style clubhouse, accommodating up to 230 guests with panoramic views of golf course and Lake Calumet.
• Private Events Private event hosting including birthday parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and holiday parties. Full catering services with customizable menus, seating up to 220 or 300 for walk-around reception.
• Corporate/Group Golf Clinics Academy of Golf offerings including Pre-Round Warm-Up, Basic Fundamental Clinics, On-Course Video Analysis, and Beginner's Clinics for groups of all sizes.
• Club Fitting Days Golf club fitting events with major vendors including Callaway Golf, TaylorMade Golf, and Titleist.
• Women's Golf League Women's golf league running Tuesdays from May 19 through September 15, 2026. 18-week season with $115 initiation fee plus $50 weekly green fee. Various formats including scrambles, shambles, and Stableford scoring.
• Men's Golf League Men's golf league program at Harborside International Golf Center providing regular competitive play and social golf community.
• First Tee – Greater Chicago Youth Program Year-round, affordable after-school programs, summer camps, and golf lessons for kids and teens aged 7-18, run by First Tee – Greater Chicago with life skills curriculum.
• Junior Golf and Community Programs PGA Junior League Golf for ages 13 and under, Youth on Course membership for $5 or less rounds, and community engagement programs at Harborside International Golf Center.
• Gift Cards Gift cards available in $50, $100, and $200 denominations. Never expire and can be used for golf, dining, and pro shop purchases.

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• KemperSportscoreOthersHarborside International Golf Center is managed by KemperSports Management, Inc., a leading golf course management company. KemperSports manages the property's operations, including staffing, marketing, and overall business management. The relationship is a property management agreement where KemperSports operates the facility.
• First Tee – Greater ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity youth golf program partnership. First Tee – Greater Chicago offers year-round affordable after school programs, summer camps, and golf lessons for kids and teens aged 7 to 18 at the Harborside facility. The program integrates golf fundamentals with life skills curriculum.
• CDGA (Chicago District Golf Association) / Youth on CoursecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth on Course partnership providing affordable golf access for youth golfers age 6-18 at $5 or less per round. CDGA Foundation subsidizes participating courses to enable affordable youth access.
• PGA Junior League GolfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStructured junior golf league bringing Little League atmosphere to golf with teams of boys and girls age 13 and under. Features team-vs-team scramble format in a structured league setting emphasizing fun, recreation, and sportsmanship.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cog Hill Golf & Country Club: Major Chicago-area public golf complex managed by KemperSports, offering 36+ holes, practice facilities and events — directly comparable multi-course public-access peer in the same Chicagoland market.
• Ruffled Feathers Golf Club: KemperSports-managed public championship golf facility in the Chicago suburbs with practice, instruction, dining and events — analogous operating model under the same management umbrella.
• The Glen Club: Premier public-access championship course in Glenview, IL managed by KemperSports, with clubhouse dining, weddings and corporate outings — directly comparable Chicago-area KemperSports property.
• Bolingbrook Golf Club: Chicago-area public-access facility previously employing Harborside's head instructor; similar public-course, instruction, league and event offering across the Chicagoland market.
• Cantigny Golf: Multi-course public facility in Wheaton, IL (Chicago suburbs) offering instruction, leagues, events and youth-golf programs — directly comparable regional public-golf peer.
• Seven Bridges Golf Club: Public championship golf facility in Woodridge, IL with clubhouse, dining and events — comparable Chicagoland public-course competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Topgolf: National entertainment-golf venue chain offering food/beverage, games and tech-driven golf experiences that increasingly compete for casual and off-season golf entertainment spend.

Others

• Medinah Country Club: Iconic Chicago-area private club hosting major championships; not a direct competitor for public-access play but a regional golf benchmark for prestige and event-hosting capability.
• KemperSports (corporate): Parent operating company and largest US third-party golf-course manager; relevant for benchmarking Harborside's portfolio-level positioning and the Frequent Fairways loyalty ecosystem.

Regional players

• Eaglewood Resort & Spa: Chicago-area lodging property with its own golf course plus F&B and events, blurring the resort/golf boundary; adjacent competitive set for wedding and corporate event bookings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HarborsideInternational
• Instagraminstagram.com/harborsideinternational
• Xx.com/harborsidegolf
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/harborside-international-golf-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Harborside International Golf Center