Glen Ellyn Recreation Director to Retire After 47 Years With Village

Glen Ellyn Recreation Director and General Manager of the Village Links Golf Course, Matt Pekarek, has announced his retirement after 47 years of employment with the Village of Glen Ellyn.  

Director Pekarek’s last official day will be June 23.

He started at the Village Links, just days before the golf course opened in 1967. He was hired full-time after college, and was promoted to General Manager in 1984. 

During his tenure, the Village Links developed a rich history that includes the planting of thousands of trees, the development of popular events like the annual “Have One On Us”, and the nationally recognized “Keep Pace” program. 

The Village Links became known as a venue for top competitions, regularly attracting major events including the Illinois Open, Western Open Qualifying and U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying. The 3.5-million rounds of golf played at the Village Links during this time prompted numerous facility expansions. 

The Grounds Maintenance Facility was modernized and expanded in 1995 and the 18-hole golf course was rebuilt in 2004. In 2013, the driving range and clubhouse were expanded for the third time in Village Links history, including a new destination restaurant and banquet facility, Reserve 22.  

Over the years, the Village Links has received widespread local and national recognition for innovative golf programs, quality service and environmental management.

Matt is a respected leader within the golf community and throughout the Village of Glen Ellyn, and has been an extremely dedicated manager and leader for the Village over the last half century.