About Rock River GAP

   

About Us

 

 

Rock River Gap, Inc. was purchased March 2010 by a local Dixon couple, John and Annette Lawrence. The 18 hole Golf Course was formerly Rock River Country Club which began in 1913. Now with many new updates and being OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, Rock River Golf and Pool invites you to enjoy all of the great things we offer.

If you’re looking for a simple meal to just relax in a casual environment or if you are looking for an elegant dining experience, we offer many areas of our building that let you fit right in to whatever mood you would like. Being open to the public offers everyone the chance to enjoy a great golf or dining experience. We look forward to having you here.

 

Team Bio:

AJ McDirtt John & Annette Lawrence
Owner
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In the spring of 2010, owners John and Annette Lawrence purchased and completely remodeled the old Rock River Country Club interior into a beautiful, open to the public, restaurant, pro shop, pool, and banquet venue.

John started and is the president and owner of A.J. McDirtt, Inc, an earth moving company.

The couple is from Dixon Illinois. They have 3 children (Joe, Charlie and Kate) and 4 grandchildren. They are very excited to have this chance to give the community a place for everyone from everywhere to come and enjoy.

Opening this former country club up to the public gives everyone the chance to enjoy the golf course, restaurant and banquet venue. Rock River GAP still offers an annual pass only area for those wishing to use the pool facilities, including a pool bar/table area. With the contemporary style, the facility offers so many options for seating. It is just right for any occasion.

Something the couple prided their design ideas around was to make a place where everyone is welcome and you can feel comfortable in the variety of environments. No matter what your style, come in your jeans or dress up for a night on the town, everyone will love the experience you have at Rock River GAP.

Another part of the renovations at Rock River Golf and Pool; Annette Lawrence commissioned area artists to design work for the interior walls. The art exhibition space shows just one more unique thing this couple has included in the plans to give everyone something extra to enjoy.


Darla Paone Darla Paone
Controller

Darla has worked for John and Annette for over 10 years. Starting with the beginning of A.J. McDirtt, Inc. in 2001. This is the earthmoving company that John is the President of and after a lot hard work has grown into an incredible company.

Throughout the growing process Darla has been in charge of the A/R and A/P department functions as well as marketing for the Company and along with many other tasks that have helped in the growth of the company. With her versatile knowledge of many sides of the business management tasks from the Bookkeeping, to the Marketing and many other projects.

Darla joined on from the first day with the creation of Rock River Golf and Pool and over sees all of the day to day operations of Rock River Gap, Inc. . Many of her tasks are behind the scenes so that she can ensure your time visiting Rock River Gap is a pleasant one. She and her husband TJ Paone (owner of Paone’s Blackhawk Lanes) work as a team to keep all of the POS Machines in the building up to date and user friendly, as well as creating the website you are currently on right now. TJ’s IT expertise and exceptional knowledge of programing and Darla’s creative side adds a unique tool for what it takes to keep the back end of Rock River Gap ready to run smooth. The great thing about it is that it allows our incredible staff to concentrate on serving your needs without worrying about the day to day tasks on the other side.

Her number one goal is for every guest that comes thru Rock River Golf and Pool to know they are walking into a place that takes pride in showing them a great experience each and every time.

 

Scott Pless 

Scott Pless
PGA Professional/General Manager

Scott Pless is a 1984 graduate of the University Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in Recreation Management and a minor in Coaching of Athletics.  Scott was the captain of his successful college golf team his Junior and Senior season, earning All-Conference honors.  Scott competed in the NCAA Championships as well several amateur events.  After turning professional in 1984 upon entering the PGA of America’s advanced training program, Scott has continued to compete on a professional level since that time.  Scott has participated in several Illinois Open Championships as well the Illinois PGA Championship over the years with considerable success.  Elected to membership by the PGA in 1988, Scott is approaching quite a milestone of entering the PGA’s Quarter Century Club for 25 years of service to the golfing population.

 

  Kyle Hil
Chef

Chef Kyle Hill He brings 18 years of experience and was trained with Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Chicago. He has also worked side by side with some great known Chefs in the Chicago area. He has even sculpted cakes for our President and Musician Billy Joel. Specializing in baking and pastry, Chef Hill is looking forward to tantalizing us with a great array of desserts that will go along with his great flair in preparing an entrée sure to please.

Kristen Cady Kristen Cady
Assistant Manager
Banquet & Event Coordinator

Kristen Cady comes to us with more than 15 years in the hospitality industry. She received her Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Hotel-Restaurant Management from College of Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Florida (now Lynne University). She has worked extensively in the business as Catering Manager, Food & Beverage Manager and Director of Catering & Convention Services, acquiring expertise in the field while working at Holiday Inn Chicago City Center, Holiday Inn O”Hare & Convention Center, The Elms Hotel in downtown Chicago; the Hyatt Lisle and Hyatt Oak Brook, as well as Holiday Inn Willowbrook, and Double Tree in San Diego. Kristen was raised in Naperville but moved to Rock Falls several years back. She is looking forward to being instrumental in making our Club one of the finest dining, golf, and event destinations around. Kristen is happy to be back in the hospitality business, especially so close to home! If you have any plans for a wedding, graduation, shower or golf outing event ...please contact her as she will be happy to help you plan your special day ..no matter what your budget.....she is full of ideas!!
Tammy Wolf Tammy Wolf
Office Manager

Tammy Wolf has worked for John and Annette for several years with A.J. McDirtt, Inc. and now from the day we opened Tammy is working hard to make sure that all of the day to day functions of our office run smooth. She had previously worked for a Local Real Estate Company for over 15 years. During that time, Tammy has had the chance to work with, talk to, and meet many people. Tammy’s customer service experience allows her to always work hard to make sure your needs are met. She is happy to assist you in answering any questions you may have about Rock River Golf and Pool. Tammy takes pride in meeting your needs, from making sure your dinner reservation is made, to getting out the pass holders monthly statements. She cares about seeing you get the kind of experience at Rock River Golf and Pool that you deserve.

 

   

 

 
   

Restaurant is Open:

Mon-Thurs
11AM to 8PM

Fri & Sat
11AM to 9PM

Sunday
11AM to 8PM
Breakfast Available All Day

 

 

   

 

   

Current Events

Check out the all new All Day Sunday Breakfast menu from 11 AM to Close


 

   

 

   
   

 

   

 

   
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