Puttshack to open in Chicagoland at Westfield Old Orchard
Puttshack is about to open its second location in Illinois, and it’s a high-profile one.
The entertainment concept that combines tech-driven mini-golf with food and drink has opened a 30,000-sq.-ft. location at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. About 20% larger than the average Puttshack, the inew venue is located in an empty space that formerly housed Lord & Taylor.
Last year, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield entered into a partnership with the residential developer Focus that will add 400 luxury apartments and 15,000-sq.-ft. of additional retail fronting a park at what has long been one of URW’s prime properties.
A year ago, URW moved Maegan Akers, general manager of its Westfield Fashion Square in Los Angeles, into the GM role at Old Orchard to help transform it into a residential, commercial, and cultural center in Chicago’s northern suburbs.
Puttshack will be joining a refreshed brigade of retail, dining, and entertainment tenants that include Louis Vuitton, Bloomies, Bar Siena, and Pottery Barn.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue our growth in the Chicagoland area,” said Puttshack COO and CMO Susan Walmesley. “Chicago isn’t just where our headquarters are based — it’s a city we’re deeply connected to. We love the energy, the people, and the innovation that defines this region. Expanding in our home market is always special.”
The Old Orchard venue will also be the second location to feature one of Puttshack’s mini-golf innovations — Challenge Hole suites. It’s a private mini golf experience that can be rented to groups for 90-minute sessions and full-service dining. Skokie will have five of these suites available for booking.
Puttshack’s food and beverage team has also imbued its Skokie menu with a taste of Chicagoland, offering Chicago Tailpipes — fried spring rolls filled with Italian beef and giardiniera served with horseradish and au jus for dipping.
“Puttshack is an exciting and welcome addition to the Westfield Old Orchard family,” said GM Akers. “As the center continues to evolve into a vibrant hub for living, working, and playing, Puttshack adds a whole new level of energy and engagement.
