X-Golf opening in Orland Park
A new golf simulation facility will hold its grand opening this week at Lake View Plaza in Orland Park.
X-Golf, which got its start making golf simulators in Korea, will hold a lavish grand opening from 2:30-9 p.m. Thursday at 15876 S. LaGrange Road. There will be a marching band, inaugural tee off, golf pro lessons, closest to the pin contest, refreshments and visits from local dignitaries.
The ribbon cutting will take place at 3:30 p.m.
Co-owner John O’Malley, of Lemont, said in a release he has wanted to open his own venue since working as a young man at his uncle’s establishment, O’Malley’s Pub, on the Northwest Side of Chicago.
The business also plans to host competitions, leagues, lessons, memberships, corporate outings, events and more.
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The 8,000-square-foot facility offers eight indoor golf simulator bays that provide a virtual golfing experience using a combination of cameras, infrared lasers, impact sensors and advanced gaming software.
There also is a bar and lounge with specialty drinks and pub fare.
X-Golf Orland Park is co-owned by O’Malley and his wife, Cindy O’Malley, along with longtime Orland Park residents Ed and Marylou Parsons and Joe and Jessica Andrews. The three local families met at Crystal Tree Country Club in Orland Park and say they bonded over their love of golf and their communities.
X-Golf began developing simulators in Korea in 2005, first launching its American franchise operations in 2016 and now has 35 franchises in several states. The Orland Park facility will be the fifth Chicago area location and the first in the south suburbs.
Regular operating hours at X-Golf Orland Park will be Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hortons Lighting holds grand reopening
Hortons Lighting has reopened its outlet store in Orland Park after remodeling the store at 15846 S. Wolf Road.
The store has new fixtures and a new showroom.
Hortons has been providing lighting, furniture and accessories for more than 120 years.
Hickory Farms opens for holidays
Hickory Farms, the retailer who specializes in cheese and sausage gift sets for the holidays, announced its south suburban pop-up shop will open Saturday at Lake View Plaza in Orland Park.
The shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays at 15782 S. LaGrange Road.
The store is in the former OshKosh B’gosh clearance store that closed earlier this year.
Metra announces Harvey station remodel
The Metra Electric Line station at 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard in Harvey is going to get a $13 million face-lift. It will be the first major upgrade to the facility in more than 30 years.
The project, which is expected to take 15 months, is the first major upgrade to the facility since 1989. Metra officials said the existing concrete platform will be replaced with a longer-lasting composite material. The existing headhouse and passenger shelters will also be replaced, and a canopy covering most of the platform area will be added. The project will also add an elevator to the station, making it accessible to people with disabilities.
The 147th Street project also includes a number of street-level improvements, including a new entrance with a covered staircase. The existing gravel parking area near the station entrance will be converted to a kiss-n-ride and bicycle parking will be added. The project will also improve pathways to the main parking lot on the east side of the tracks, and new lighting will be installed on the platform and along the sidewalk under the tracks.
Elgin-based IHC Construction Companies was awarded the $13 million contract through a competitive bidding process. IHC has committed to subcontracting 25% of the work to minority and women-owned firms. The project is being 100% funded through the state’s Rebuild Illinois bond program.
Bob Bong is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at [email protected].