From the GM’s Desk
Chef’s Corner
Upcoming Golf Events
Pro Shop News
Superintendent’s Update
KemperCollection
FROMTHEGM’SDESK
Dear Members,
WELCOME BACK!
With the arrival of spring just around the corner, we are excited to welcome everyone back for what promises to be another outstanding season at McHenry Golf Club We hope the winter months have treated you well and that you are looking forward to returning to the club for great golf, exceptional dining, and the camaraderie that makes MGC such a special place.
As we prepare for the 2026 season, there is a great deal happening around the club. From a full calendar of golf and social events to continued improvements throughout the clubhouse and golf course, our team has been working diligently throughout the offseason to elevate the overall member experience
Below are a few updates and highlights as we look ahead to the season
2026 Golf Events
The 2026 golf calendar is packed with a wide variety of events designed to offer something for every member. From our traditional championships and competitive tournaments to fun social formats that bring members together on the course, the upcoming season promises plenty of opportunities to enjoy the game while building camaraderie with fellow members
We encourage you to take a moment to review the full schedule and start planning your season
The 2026 Golf Guide is now available CLICK HERE to view.
Food & Beverage Updates
If you have stopped by the club recently, you may have noticed some of the exciting progress taking place in the clubhouse Renovations to the main bar and dining areas are well underway, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere for members and guests New dining chairs and barstools have been installed, and we are also putting the finishing touches on the soon-to-be completed Heritage Room, which will provide another great space for dining and private gatherings.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen has also undergone significant improvements, and we are thrilled to welcome Executive Chef John Argentari to lead our culinary program this season. Chef Argentari is joined by F&B Service Manager Meriyanna Santiago, Special Events Coordinator Katie Sutton, and F&B Consultant Sean Wade, all of whom are working together to elevate the dining experience at the club
We are currently targeting the first week of April for the opening of the MGC restaurant Additional information regarding hours of operation and menu offerings will be shared soon
FROMTHEGM’SDESK(CONT.)
Preparing for the Season
While many members have been away enjoying the offseason, our team has been hard at work preparing every aspect of the club for the year ahead
Over the past several months, our focus has included:
• Completing several offseason clubhouse projects
• Implementing new club software systems, including tee sheet and point-of-sale platforms
• Planning and scheduling the upcoming golf event season
• Preparing the golf course for daily play and tournament conditions
Our Agronomy Team, led by Bob, Ben, and their staff, has been diligently working throughout the winter months to ensure the course is in excellent condition for opening day With a little help from Mother Nature, we are hopeful to have the golf course open including pins in the greens during the first week of April. We will continue to keep members updated as conditions develop.
Membership Growth
As McHenry Golf Club continues to grow and strengthen its membership, we are also preparing to introduce a new Member Referral Program This initiative will provide an opportunity for current members to help introduce friends, family, and colleagues to the club while continuing to build a vibrant and engaged membership community
More details on the referral program will be shared in the near future.
We are incredibly excited for the upcoming season and look forward to seeing everyone back at the club soon. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and for being such an important part of the McHenry Golf Club community
Here’s to a fantastic 2026 season ahead
Play well, play fast, and enjoy.
Rick Sutton, PGA General Manager / Head Professional McHenry Golf Club
We are pleased to introduce and welcome our new Executive Chef, John Argentari, to McHenry Golf Club.
A Chicago suburban native, Chef John was born and raised in Mundelein and brings with him over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry He began his culinary journey at local favorites Journey’s End Restaurant and Greg’s Frozen Custard, building a strong foundation in guest service and kitchen operations. Over the course of his career, he has further developed his expertise within well-respected restaurant groups including Ruby Tuesday, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, and Blanco Cocina & Cantina.
Chef John currently resides in Wauconda with his wife, Sophia, and their two children, Alexis and Giovanni.
What excites Chef John most about joining McHenry Golf Club is the opportunity to build something new and inspiring within a club that carries over a century of rich history He is eager to enhance the dining experience for our membership while embracing the character and tradition that make the Club so special. As a local resident, he also appreciates the beauty of the McHenry area—especially its scenic riverfront—and looks forward to enjoying the Club throughout the upcoming summer season
While it has been some time since he last picked up a golf club, Chef John is looking forward to getting back out on the course—and welcomes any tips from our seasoned players along the way.
Please join us in giving Chef John a warm welcome He looks forward to meeting each of you and creating memorable dining experiences throughout the season.
Along with Chef John we welcome our other key personnel who will be spearheading the F&B operation listed below Be on the lookout for more details regarding these individuals in the near future.
John Argentari
Executive Chef
Mark Andrisani
Sous Chef
Sean Wade F&B Consultant
Meriyanna Santiago F&B Service Manager
Katie Sutton Special Events
UPCOMING GOLF EVENTS
APRIL
Registration OPENS for:
April 3 – Cepulis
April 10 – Member Guest Invitational
April 26 – Cepulis Registration
Deadline
April 29 – Cepulis Brackets
Published
JUNE
June 6 - Irish 4-Ball
June 8 - MCJGA Event
June 12 - Mizuno Fitting Day
June 19 - Evan’s Scholar
Outing
June 26 - Taylormade Fitting Day
June 27, 28 - Member / Member
June 28 – Cepulis Rd. 2
Deadline
MAY
May 3 - Opening Day Scramble
May 15 - Friends and Fathers
Outing PM
May 16 - Men’s / Women’s
Individual Scrambles
May 22 - Taylormade Fitting Day
May 25 - Memorial Day Classic
May 29 - Callaway Fitting Day
May 29 - MCH Heat, Plumb, Excav.
Outing PM
May 31 – Cepulis Rd. 1 Deadline
JULY
July 4 - Independence Day - Heaven or Hell Event
July 9, 10, 11 - Member / Guest Invitational
July 24 - XXIO Fitting Day
July 25 - Nine and Dine
July 26 – Cepulis Rd. 3 Deadline
July 30 - Ladies Club Championship
Rd. 1
July 31 - Men’s Club Championship
Rd. 1
July 31 - Men’s Club Championship
Rd. 1
Dear Members,
Golf season is right around the corner and I’m looking forward to getting things started. I am eager to start seeing the orders placed over the winter begin rolling in and to get some new merchandise on the floor This was my first full offseason working in the shop, and much time was spent preparing for the upcoming season. While many of the club’s renovations have been taking place in the restaurant and out on the course, I took the chance to reorganize and refresh the shop so we are ready for a great year ahead.
Attending the PGA Show this winter was an incredible experience and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be there. Meeting dozens of people, from vendors to golf professionals to pro shop managers like me, and seeing the wide range of products available in the golf retail world, was truly eye opening. The experience gave me valuable insight into the industry and inspired new ideas and resources that I’m excited to execute in the shop here at McHenry.
Along with some returning favorites, you’ll see several new brands on the floor this season New to the shop this year are Stitch (menswear and golf travel gear), Roosta’s (belts for Men), BlueTees (rangefinders/speakers), Maui Jim Sunglasses, Shade Headwear, and Asics shoes for both men and women. Swannies has been a loved brand in the shop, and this year the whole family will be able to rock some MGC gear! I’m especially looking forward to seeing how the Father/Son and Mother/Daughter outfits I selected come together Straight Down and Puma will be returning this season, joining with our staple brands such as Levelwear, Adidas, Tail, and FootJoy! I can’t wait to see how it all comes together and am looking forward to an exciting 2026 season!
Stay tuned for an upcoming email regarding a Squares board for The Master’s Tournament!
See you soon,
Anna Spatol Pro Shop Manager
Dear Members,
As the 2026 golf season approaches, our grounds team has been using the winter months to prepare the course for another great year. I’d like to share a brief update on several projects underway to enhance both playability and the natural beauty of the property.
During the offseason, our team has focused on important tree maintenance across the course. This work improves sunlight and airflow around greens and tees, refines sightlines, and helps restore elements of the original course design while also removing damaged or overhanging limbs for safety We’ve been careful to balance necessary maintenance with preserving the course’s natural character. Members should notice improved turf conditions and clearer visibility on several holes this spring.
Tree Trimming and Maintenance
In partnership with Eddie’s Landscaping, we’ve pruned and removed select trees to promote healthier turf, better sunlight exposure, and improved airflow
Tee Renovations
Several tee boxes are being leveled and re-sodded to improve alignment, consistency, and overall playability.
Green Expansions
A few greens are being slightly expanded to restore original pin locations and add variety to approach shots.
Cart Path Improvements
Sections of cart paths are being repaired and resurfaced to improve comfort and appearance
Maintenance Facility Updates
We have also upgraded equipment in our maintenance facility, including the addition of a new Foley precision reel grinder. This investment will help us maintain our equipment fleet and continue delivering high-quality playing conditions.
Thank you for your patience as this work continues We look forward to welcoming you back this spring to a refreshed and well-prepared course.
Warm regards,
Benjamin Ludwig
Golf Course Superintendent
