Chicago District Golfer November 2011 by CDGA

WINTER TRAVEL A trio of winter getaways plus two destinations for your 2012 list

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GUEST ESSAY By Rick Jacobson

Getting defensive It’s perfectly OK that some tour professionals aren’t in love with the renovations at Cog Hill

ow that the dust has settled on the 2011 BMW Championship, it’s time to try to put into perspective the “golf course controversy” that dominated media coverage for much of the week at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour the property and take a closer look. My visit took place on a perfect October day, sun shining, no humidity, and a full tee sheet at Dubsdread. No matter what anyone may say, it’s evident Chicago golfers still love Cog Hill. Who could blame them? The natural topography of the course, the variety of its elevation changes, its stands of mature trees, and the original WilsonLee routing is an inspiring blend of nature and aesthetic vision. Initially, the renovation’s most noticeable feature is the number of deep bunkers positioned in front of almost every green. Many are 6-7 feet deep—or deeper. Several are located below elevated greens. These penal bunker positions means the average golfer has little option to bounce the ball onto the green and run it to the hole. Everyone has to play the ball “in the air.” This is no problem for tour professionals, but it does require the weekend golfer to drop a high-trajectory shot onto the putting surface—not exactly something he spends a lot of time on. Not that the average player seems to care. For many, the goal at any revered course is to break 100, or 90 or whatever number seems to be appropriate to their abilities. They seem as excited to play Cog Hill as they would be to run the bases at Wrigley Field or go out for a pass at Soldier Field. Walking the

hallowed ground where the pros play has a special appeal. It’s fun. And if they want an easier course to play, Cog Hill has three others right there on the property. The bunkers are one thing, but the real complaint by some tour pros is with the greens. Let’s remember the real reason the Jemsek family, legendary owners of the four-course Cog Hill complex, had a multi-million dollar renovation done by Rees Jones: to bring a U.S. Open to Dubsdread while preserving the integrity of the original design. This made sense, as Jones had earned the praise of the United States Golf Association for his public course renovations of such U.S. Open venues as Bethpage Black and Torrey Pines South. It’s also important to note that the USGA doesn’t seem to like to see a lot of under-par rounds at its U.S. Opens, notwithstanding Rory McIlroy’s popular eight-shot, 16-under-par victory this year at Congressional Country Club, near Washington, D.C. The USGA’s distaste for red numbers meant Jones had to make it tougher. The question is, how? Today’s golf ball technology makes the ball go farther and straighter than ever before. The Tour driving average now is 291 yards with more than 20 players averaging 300 yards or better. Recall that in 1991, John Daly was regarded as a freak of nature when he was the only player who routinely drove it 300-plus. Long driving means tour pros seldom have more than a 7-iron for their second shot to a par 4. And tour pros are deadly accurate with their short clubs. Moreover, summer in the Midwest— U.S. Open season—inevitably means

thunderstorms. Moist fairways effectively mean wider fairways, because balls don’t roll as much. Moist greens mean target practice for extraordinary skilled pros. Jones’ solution: “Make the players hit highly precise approach shots into the green.” To do this, Jones radically redesigned the original gently sloping and flowing greens into putting surfaces with distinct quadrants containing hole location zones separated by protruding ridges. Some ridges are more pronounced than others, a la U.S. Open difficulty. The ridges make it difficult for players to hit long putts from quadrant to quadrant as accurately as they could on more flowing greens. If players want to give themselves birdie opportunities, and guard against threeputting, they must hit their approach shots to the required quadrant of the green. So, now you know. The U.S. Open is supposed to be the toughest test in golf, when the USGA’s self-proclaimed mission is to identify the premier player in the game. For the last three years, the BMW Championship has been played on a U.S. Open-style course. Even with difficult playing conditions, 2011 champion Justin Rose didn’t mind. He shot 13-under par for the week and won by two. Rick Jacobson is the president of Jacobson Golf Course Design.

Comments are solely the opinion of the author and not necessarily those of the CDGA. Letters and opinions are welcome at info@cdga.org. 2 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

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NOVEMBER 2011

OFFICERS PRESIDENT Matthew L. Pekarek, Village Links of Glen Ellyn

VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE Steven S. Birky, Danville CC

GENERAL COUNSEL Sheldon Solow, Briarwood CC

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Keith Frankland, Village Greens of Woodridge

SECRETARY Alan J. Hunken, Bob O’Link GC

EX-OFFICIO Jerry Williams, Olympia Fields CC

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT David Haverick, Pine Meadow CC

TREASURER Michael J. Grandinetti, Calumet CC

GOVERNORS Thomas Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly CC William R. Buecking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Biltmore CC C. Daniel Cochran. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Biltmore CC David A. Esler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Sheep GC Charles E. Hodgson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrowhead CC Gary B. Koch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large James B. Madison, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illini CC Nick Mokelke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cog Hill G & CC Mike Nass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cantigny Golf Dennis A. Reed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pekin CC

Thomas H. Roth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inverness GC Don Schwarz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prestwick CC Lawrence W. Schweik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bartlett Hills GC Lorraine Scodro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midlothian CC Philip Shannabarger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Den at Fox Creek Gerald Skoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cog Hill G & CC Rebecca A. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chalet Hills GC Christine L. Stevens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cress Creek CC A. Glenn Stith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrowhead GC Robert J. Stracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northmoor CC

DIRECTORS Robert E. Allgyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shoreacres Richard Andre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ridge CC Philip Angelini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edgewood Valley CC Thomas R. Artz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportsman’s CC Guy Arvia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exmoor CC Randy Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winnetka CC Daniel M. Blouin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Village Greens of Woodridge Andrew Boling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chicago GC Mary Burgland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soangetaha CC Michael Camino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conway Farms GC Gordon L. Campbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Lake CC Frank Charhut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wilmette GC Steven L. Cherveny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Pines GC John A. Childers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elgin CC Michael J. Choate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Shore CC Michael E. Clark, D.P.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CC of Decatur Edward Clissold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Westmoreland CC Henry Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aldeen GC David Crockett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large Guy Crucil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medinah CC Robert J. Cunningham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indian Hill Club Robert L. Cunningham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Turnberry CC Ronald Davidson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Makray Memorial GC Anthony DeMarco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olympia Fields CC Michael J. Dickman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calumet CC Keith Dunkelbarger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunset Hills GC Jeffrey D. Echt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake Shore CC Anthony Ferino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrowhead GC William Finn, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Riverside GC Michael Forde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large Larry Fulgenzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Old Wayne GC Mary Garrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winnetka GC Thomas Gehr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportsman’s CC Thomas A. Gilley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flossmoor CC Kevin Gratkowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lost Dunes Michael Griem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exmoor CC Gregory Grygiel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heritage Bluffs GC Howard Haberkorn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boulder Ridge CC James J. Hager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake Barrington Shores GC Thomas J. Haggerty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Butterfield CC J. Loren Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blackstone GC Eugene N. Halladay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hinsdale GC John L. Hammond, II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evanston GC John Henderson, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CC of Peoria Robert Hinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Panther Creek CC Edward J. Hockfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grove CC James Hundman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Eagle GC Jack Ingold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake Bluff GC Betty Kaufmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Knollwood Club Peter Keffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aldeen GC

Karl Keller, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kankakee Elks GC Jack Kieckhefer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mauh-Nah-Tee-See CC William Kingore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly CC Bill Koeneman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large Daniel R. Krpan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boulder Ridge CC Laurence J. LaBoda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kemper Lakes CC Josh Lesnik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Glen Club R. Scott Malmgren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glen Oak CC John Mattson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Big Foot CC Christopher R. McClear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large Richard McCombs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oak Park CC Elston Mitchell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pontiac Elks CC David Mortell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balmoral Woods CC Thomas E. Mott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rockford CC Edward Mulcahy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midlothian CC Kenneth Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medinah CC Rudolph E. Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schaumburg GC H. Steven Nichols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Champaign CC Clay Nicolsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mistwood GC James J. O’Hagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Park Ridge CC Lawrence Oakford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woodstock CC John Ozag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rolling Green CC John Paladino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forest Hills CC Arthur W. Peters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Lake CC Roger L. Peterson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lincolnshire Fields CC Ronald Potter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Eagle GC D. William Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PrairieView GC John Rolfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northmoor CC Michael Rooney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Butler National GC James F. Rudwall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivanhoe Club Samuel M.Sallerson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryn Mawr CC Michael J. Scheer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LaGrange CC Brian Shahinian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foxford Hills GC James Siemers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steeple Chase GC Richard J. Skrodzki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LaGrange CC Laura Spring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Charles CC Darryl Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red Tail Run GC C. Nelson Strom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stonewall Orchard GC Mike Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bloomington CC James Troy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Tree G & CC Kenneth Urbaszewski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deerfield GC David A. Usiak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crestwicke CC Anthony M. Viola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Park Ridge CC Timothy Vola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harborside International Ben Waldie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Charles CC David A. Walters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lake CC Joe Williamson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Briar Ridge CC James E. Winslow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inverness GC J.C. Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plum Tree National GC

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 3

November 2011 | Vol. 22 No. 6

Features 10 HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR By Jim Owczarski It was a special day for a group of Sunshine Through Golf Foundation participants who played alongside several tour players during the annual Play with a Pro Day

12 ON TOP OF THE WORLD

42 FAR FROM SATISFIED

By Ed Sherman North Shore resident Luke Donald finds himself high atop the world rankings thanks to a focus on consistent hard work and improvement

By Tim Cronin Though each of 2011â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CDGA players of the year has now been honored multiple times, they all believe better times are ahead

Departments GUEST ESSAY Rick Jacobson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

AROUND THE CDGA Fit for Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Club Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Aces in the Crowd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

DESTINATION Five top choices for a golf getaway: Branson, Mo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Northeast Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Half Moon Bay, Calif. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Oahu, Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

CLUB CHAMPIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 COVER: Glade Springs Resort (courtesy Golfweek). CONTENTS (left to right): Luke Donald (AP photo); Johnson Wagner (Frank Polich/CDGA).

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» FIT FOR GOLF Off-season training improves golf game It’s hot. It’s cold. Whether this is a familiar description of your driver the last few golf seasons, a report of the weather this fall, or a post-round treatment regimen, one thing is for certain—for the typical Midwest golfer, we are in the midst of the “off-season.” According to Golf Fitness Magazine, the offseason is the perfect time to work on strengthening and improving flexibility as they relate to the golf swing, and also rehabilitate any injuries that may have been incurred. Proper flexibility and adequate strength are two essential factors. Furthermore, these two fitness components have a direct correlation on how far and how accurately a player actually hits the golf ball. Adequate strength and proper flexibility are important for several reasons. In addition to facilitating an effective golf swing that produces long and accurate drives, strength and flexibility also help to prevent many common golf injuries that result from overuse. These essential fitness components also enable the golfer to maintain proper posture throughout each golf swing through the duration of the round. Ultimately, adequate functional strength and proper flexibility improves the overall health and well being of the golfer. Two great exercises often utilized by golf fitness instructors at the GPC are the deep squat with weight and the forward lunge with a twist. Both exercises demand total body strength, particularly stability strength through the core,

IT’S HOT. IT’S COLD.

while working to improve flexibility in some of the common problem areas often exhibited by avid golfers. The AthletiCo Golf Performance Center (GPC) in Oak Brook is a one-stop shop to combat the extreme weather changes experienced in the Midwest, help fix the problem club in a bag, and offer a permanent solution to nagging injuries. No matter what the weather outside may be, the grass is always green and the pins are always in at the GPC. The state-of-the-art golf fitness facility features five hitting bays, chipping and putting greens, a private lesson area, as well as all the latest technology to help analyze each aspect of the golf game. In addition, AthletiCo’s experienced, professional staff is able to help players of all ages and ability levels get prepared for the upcoming golf season. Did you know that all AthletiCo clinics offer complimentary injury screens? Golf should not be physically painful. Find out if an ache or pain is something potentially more serious or an issue that can be resolved with stretching and a corrective exercise prescription. Remember to consult your physician before starting an exercise program. For more information, call 630-572-9700 or visit the website at athleticogolfcenter.com. — Tom Asuma

» CLUB CORNER The proper fitting for a belly putter belly putter are obvious: the length provides a pivotpoint, which guides the swing path of the putter head. This results in a more repeatable stroke. What isn’t so obvious is the process in which you get fit for a belly putter. The length of a belly putter is determined by first locating the correct pivot-point, which is where the butt of the grip meets your belly. Most commonly, that would be approximately one inch above the naval. Once that point is comfortably found, the length will then be shortened or extended until your eyes are just inside or above the ball. Finding the proper length allows a player to consistently make contact with the sweet spot of the putter. This

THE BENEFITS OF A

6 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

is important when it comes to distance control. After the proper length is found, the Science and Motion PuttLabTM is used to figure out the swing path that is made through the ball. This is to determine whether a player is making a straightback/straight-through path or a gateway path (which means the arc of the putting stroke makes a semi-circle as it goes back and then comes through). This helps figure out how face-balanced the ideal putter head should be. The SAM PuttLab also details how much loft and what lie angle a belly putter should have. The next step is to determine the proper weight. This is important because it fine-tunes distance control and tempo. Typically, belly putters require heavier

heads to give more control and feel due to the added shaft length weight and grip weight. Lastly, there is a decision between a paddle grip or a round grip. Paddle grips have a flat side like 95 percent of standard putters used today, however, keep in mind that two-piece paddle grips are illegal in tournament play. The decision to go round or paddle is purely based upon player feel. If you’ve been wondering whether a belly putter is for you, Club Champion carries multiple styles and brands to choose from and test. Visit www.clubchampiongolf.com for more information. — Joseph Jung

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Biddle makes match play at U.S. Amateur but loses to eventual champion

Bryce Emory

can say he lost to the best. He was one of two Chicago District players who advanced to match play at the 111th U.S. Amateur in late August at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wis. After winning two matches, Biddle played five extra holes before losing to Kelly Kraft of Denton, Texas, the eventual champion. Biddle, a sophomore at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, was the No. 2 seed following 36 holes of stroke play to determine the match-play participants. He shot 67-67—134, two strokes behind medalist Gregor Main of Danville, Calif. En route to his third-round match against Kraft, Biddle defeated Marty Jeppersen II of Ypsilanti, Mich., 5 and 3, and Peter Williamson of Hanover, N.H., 2 up. The other area player to make match play was Chicago’s Max Scodro, who, after shooting 5-under-par 139 to tie for 19th place, had the unfortunate draw of facing Patrick Cantlay in the first round. Cantlay, a sophomore at UCLA, is the No. 1 player in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Cantlay won the first three holes en route to a 5-and-4 win.

AT LEAST BLAKE BIDDLE

There also were a number of local players competing in USGA championships over the second half of the summer. • U.S. Senior Amateur At Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot, Va., Dave Ryan of Taylorville, Ill., was the only player from Illinois to advance into match play. He lost in the first round to Jack Vardaman of Washington, D.C., at the 19th hole with a bogey 5. Orland Park’s Ken Larney was the one player not to get one of the match-play spots as he was eliminated in a 9-for-8 playoff.

• U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur At The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tenn., three players from the Chicago District qualified for match play and another lost in playoff. Kim Dickerson of Palatine had a T35 finish in stroke play, then managed to get as far as the second round before losing. In the first round of match play, she made back-to-back birdies at the 11th and 12th holes en route to a 3-and-2 win over Deborah Anderson of Rancho Mirage, Calif. She then lost, 6 and 5, to Pat Brogden of Garner, N.C., who, starting at No. 9, won five holes in a row and played that stretch in 4 under par. Losing in the opening round of match play were Laura Carson of Lake Bluff (5 and 4 to Mary Budke of Palm Springs, Calif.) and Mary Kay Thanos-Zordani of Chicago (1 up to Mina Hardin of Fort Worth, Texas). Carson shot 84-78 in stroke play to get into match play by one stroke; Thomas-Zordani advanced in a 9-for-6 playoff, where Lake Bluff’s Sue O’Connor was eliminated. • U.S. Mid-Amateur Winnetka’s Blake Johnson was the only player from Illinois to make match play at Shadow Hawk Golf Club in Richmond, Texas. After finishing T-13 in stroke play, he was eliminated in the first round of match play, 5 and 4, by Mike McCoy of West Des Moines, Iowa. • U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur At Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach, Va., Tanya Olsen of Naperville lost in the opening round of match play. She fell to Janet Moore of Greenwood Village, Colo., 4 and 3.

Aurora Emory, a junior on the Northern Illinois University men’s golf team, tied for third at the Georgetown Intercollegiate at The Members Club at Four Streams in Beallsville, Md. The third-place finish was a career best for Emory and his 73-71-72—216 total also was the best finish for a Huskie during the fall season. The team ended in seventh place with a 304-302-301—907. In the final round, Emory hit 14 greens and credited his solid wedge play for his top-five finish.

Max Scodro Chicago Scodro, a senior on the University of Notre Dame men’s golf team, was named Big East Men’s Golfer of the Month in September. Scodro notched three top-15 results during the month and finished as the top Notre Dame player at each. He tied for sixth at the Gopher Invitational in Minnesota with a 219 total, tied for 11th at the Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields Country Club with a 216, and finished fourth at the Fighting Irish Gridiron Golf Classic with a 213. Since then, Scodro also finished tied for seventh at The Invitational at Kiawah in South Carolina with a 216. For his career, Scodro has recorded 15 top-10 finishes and he has been inside the top five eight times.

Christian Thornton Chicago Thornton, 14, won the Boys Under-14 division at the International Junior Golf Tour 36-hole event at Hilton Head National Golf Club in Bluffton, S.C. He posted scores of 74-83— 157 to capture his first IJGT victory. Going into the second round, Thornton took the lead by eight shots and carried it through to the win. Thornton is a full-time student at Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Bill Watt Kenilworth Watt, 60, claimed three holes-inone within a 12-week span over the summer. The first, at Skokie Country Club, was on the 150-yard ninth hole during the club’s Red, White, and Blue tournament. The second, also at Skokie, was at the 210-yard 16th. The third of his season’s aces came at Olympia Fields Country Club, on the North Course’s 165-yard sixth hole. Watt, a 14 handicap, had previously made two holes-in-one, in 1981 and 1991.

Blake Biddle Aces In The Crowd recognizes noteworthy accomplishments by people in the CDGA coverage area. Prospective candidates for Aces In The Crowd may be submitted via e-mail to info@cdga.org or aparker@golfweek.com.

NOVEMBER 2011

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Around the F IT FOR G OL F

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Donald promotes fine wine collection

A new look for Mistwood Golf Club

IT STARTED WITH A GAME, and now, years later, the end result is fine wine. As an undergrad at Northwestern University, Luke Donald—an NCAA champion—was always looking for a match. Enter Bill Terlato, CEO of Terlato Wines in Lake Bluff. Terlato, a single-digit handicapper, was taking lessons from Northwestern coach Pat Goss and struck up a friendship with Donald. In 2008, Terlato and Donald took their relationship to a different level with the introduction of the Luke Donald Collection, a line of wines that the 33-year-old Donald said is more than just a name on the bottle. Donald’s interest in wine dates back to his youth growing up in England, as his parents were fond of French wines. Donald followed suit, and his claret is styled after those bordeauxes. “It seemed like a fun thing to do,” he said. “I know a few other golfers have done it but I didn’t want it to be a celebrity lending their name—it was more about being actually involved, learning

about wine, learning how to pair food with wine, learning about some of the intricacies.” Donald, currently the world’s topranked player, visited Cress Creek Country Club in Naperville on Oct. 12 to put on a putting clinic, followed by a Q&A and wine tasting with about 100 members. Terlato chose to bring Donald to the private club in Naperville due to its support of the LDC collection over the last year, a line that along with the claret, includes a chardonnay and possibly another white in a few months. Since rising to the No. 1 ranking in May, Donald has seen the interest in his wine take off around the Chicago area, as more restaurants are beginning to carry it. And, as a result, Donald tries to find time to promote the wine with events. “It’s something I’ve always enjoyed in terms of getting the wine out there,” Donald said. “It’s fun to go to Chicago restaurants and see the wine on the menu and get the brand expanding.” — Jim Owczarski

Hohenadel wins Illinois PGA Championship THE 89TH ILLINOIS PGA CHAMPIONSHIP was somewhat of a strange affair.

For one thing, Mike Small didn’t win. Frank Hohenadel, a comparative unknown in the IPGA ranks, did. And the lift, clean and place rule was in effect all three days on Medinah’s No. 1 Course, even with beautiful weather throughout. However, that unusual move did not lower scoring. Hohenadel, a 6-foot-6 left-hander in his second season as an assistant at Midlothian Country Club, posted a 6-under-par 207 score for 54 holes and won by four strokes over Glen Oak Country Club assistant Matt Slowinski, the IPGA Assistants champion. Small, who finished in a tie for third, had won the title a record eight years in a row and had nine wins in the previous 10 years, the only blemish coming in a playoff loss in his first title defense. Hohenadel, 28, had never played in the IPGA Championship, but he never trailed at Medinah en route to winning $12,000 for first place. Hohenadel played a practice round with Jordan Schroeder, a former Medinah assistant who now works at Barrington Hills. Schroeder gave him some advice on course strategy, and Hohenadel used it to shoot a 65 in the first round. He followed with a 70 in the second to build a two-stroke lead and hung on in the final 18 despite shooting 72. Slowinski caught Hohenadel with four holes to go but couldn’t overtake him. Hohenadel took command for good, thanks largely to a chip-in to save par at No. 15. — Len Ziehm

8 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

era in the golf business, Jim McWethy decided to swim against the current and bet on his club, his staff, and architect Ray Hearn in a massive, multi-million dollar renovation of Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. “We have a really fine golf course to start with but with what we‘re doing, it should make it into the realm of being one of the best courses in the Chicago area and not just one of the better ones,” McWethy said at the end of September, four weeks into the project. The club, host site of the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open, closed at the end of August to begin a threephase project that will allow Hearn to reshape bunkers, aprons and fairways to help counter a flooding problem, as well as increase strategic shot making. Every hole will be touched up in some capacity, and the third hole will be completely renovated. In phase two, a 5,000-square-foot year-round learning center is being created and will include heated bays that allow for hitting balls out onto the range. The construction of a new clubhouse with year-round dining options is the third phase, but the emphasis is currently on completing the first two phases for a spring opening. “It’s going quite well,” McWethy said. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed. Every day that goes by we’re a little bit more out of the woods with the real tough stuff, which is the excavation and the de-watering. We hope it will be mostly done this fall and a little bit more work in the spring with some grow-in, and if everything goes on schedule we’re hoping (to open) in mid-May. We’ll be fully open with no temporary (greens), the whole shootin’ match.” IN AN HIGHLY UNSTABLE

— Jim Owczarski

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ENJOY GOLF YEAR-ROUND

» BOOK REVIEW

COG HILL

Unconscious Putting By Dave Stockton, with Matthew Rudy (Gotham Books, $27.50) a reader learns from this book has nothing to do with grip, stance, how the putting stroke is made or what kind of putter in your hands. Even though a lot of players are stat freaks—they can tell you exactly how many putts they’ve taken in every round of the last 10 years—simply having that information isn’t enough to form a basis for improvement. Most of what Stockton preaches in the 90 pages is directed at the mental side of putting, so while it might be helpful to know how many putts a player requires, it’s equally important, if not moreso, to know why putts miss or go in. “Unconscious Putting” provides countless tips and practice drills for players of every ability, so it would be shocking if a player didn’t improve in some form or fashion. There are only two elements of putting—line and speed—and with relative ease Stockton explains how to attack both elements. The very first comparison he makes in the book demonstrates how simple he views this aspect of the game. He asks his students to sign their name on a sheet of paper, which, of course, is the most elementary of tasks. Then he requests an exact duplicate of the signature, a chore that, in virtually every example, made the students more aware of the smallest detail of the task rather than thinking about the final result. It is that example that he very successfully brings to the art of putting; quit worrying about the thousand details and possible mistakes you can make before ever taking back the putter. After “Unconscious Putting,” every reader will find it difficult not to race out to the nearest practice green.

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Winter Events Dec. 3: Open House Dec. 11: Frosty 3-Club Open March 11: 3-Club Leprechaun Open April 7-8: Spring Scramble Weekend

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Winter Events Dec. 4: Breakfast with Santa Jan. 8: Eskimo Open March 18: Leprechaun Scramble Mar. 31-April 1: Spring Scramble Weekend April 8: Easter Brunch

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HIGHLIGHT

OF THE

It was a special day for a group of Sunshine Through Golf Foundation participants who played alongside several tour players during the annual Play with a Pro Day By Jim Owczarski

PHOTOS BY FRANK POLICH/CDGA

t was fitting the Tuesday prior to the start of the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont was sun-splashed with a light breeze. Across the street, smiles were aplenty as the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation held its annual Play with a Pro Day on the Three-Hole Sunshine Course at Midwest Golf House. Not only was the day excellent for golf, but the mood was lively as Pekin native D.A. Points, Elmhurst resident Mark Wilson and fellow touring professionals Brendon de Jonge, Johnson Wagner and Jason Dufner made their way over to the Sunshine Course with wedge and putter in hand to play with eight athletes from the Foundation. The athletes were from Orland Park SRA, WDSRA, SEASPAR and NEDSRA. In less than 48 hours, the five players would be teeing it up with hopes of winning a FedEx Cup playoff event and securing a trip to the Tour Championship the following week—but their short time at the Midwest Golf House helped put not only

Caption

lose sight of how you can have honest fun out here. I played these three holes with no range finder, no glove, I grabbed two clubs and my putter and it was kind of like back when I was younger. I got my ball to the flag and tried to get it as close as I could and Sunshine Through Golf Foundation campers were joined that’s what these guys by PGA Tour players D.A. Points (above), Mark Wilson, were doing and that’s real Brendon de Jonge, Johnson Wagner (opposite page) and nice.” Jason Dufner (above right). For Wagner, who that tournament, but their careers, in played with Paul Bures and John Conroy, it was his first experience playing in the perspective. “It’s very obvious to see how much event and, like Points and de Jonge, they enjoy it and it’s honest, a very found himself under pressure to match honest way of showing how they enjoy the performance of his partners. “It’s amazing how well they can hit it it,” said de Jonge, who played with Randy Naberhaus and JoAnn Adamski. “It’s and how into it they are,” Wagner said, nice to see.” That theme carried through his wide smile never once leaving his the day for each pro, who came without face. “Paul just made a par on the last bags, agents or entourages, some without hole, which is pretty incredible. We tied. It’s wonderful to see them enjoying the gloves and all with a smile. D.A. Points, a University of Illinois game as much as they do.” For the athletes, the day was about alumnus who played with Kenneth Lindsey and Gerry Meyer, echoed de the game—not so much who they were Jonge’s sentiment that the day offered playing with—although Gary Anderson a look back for the tour pros, and made sure to break down his grip reminded them that at its core, golf is a change to Dufner on a chip to the first green. Dufner’s other playing partner, game to be loved and enjoyed. “Absolutely,” Points said. “I think Scott Wittmer, was sick prior to the we lose sight of that sometimes. I was event but wouldn’t miss it, battling it saying (out there) I used to have more out to play with the PGA Championship fun when I played amateur golf because runner-up. “To hear from them is great,” said it wasn’t quite as do or die if you will. I think we lose some of that out here Meyer, who received some putting tips trying to make a living and competing from Points. “They give you pointers, against the best players in the world. We they give whatever insight they can give NOVEMBER 2011

you. It feels great to play with the best players in the world.” The day was somewhat bittersweet for the staff and athletes on hand, as the BMW Championship begins its rotation away from Cog Hill next year. And, as controversy over the redesign of Dubsdread swirled, it seemed as though the tournament may not return across the street should it come back to the Chicago area. But, it just means some extra planning will have to go into setting up an event prior to the tournament— and it shouldn’t be hard considering how every player expressed a desire to participate and a will to come back. “It just puts things in perspective for them,” said Alex Nolly, manager of foundation administration. “It’s real special for (the athletes) and for us. It’s definitely the highlight of the year. “It’s bittersweet. A couple years ago when the BMW Championship was at Bellerive in St. Louis, we took a few athletes, so that is always a possibility. Crooked Stick in Indianapolis next year is only a few hours away, so you never know. We want to continue this event. It’s something that the athletes of the Foundation look forward to, so just because the BMW Championship is leaving our neighborhood for the time being, in the interim, we will do what we can, or go where we need to, in an effort to continue this great event.” Jim Owczarski is a sports writer for the Beacon News in Aurora. CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 11

On TOP of the WORLD North Shore resident Luke Donald finds himself high atop the world rankings thanks to a focus on consistent hard work and improvement By Ed Sherman

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Championship in February. He went on to post 14 top-10 finishes (six of those in the top 3) in 19 starts on the PGA Tour, including a win at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic where he claimed the money title. Donald’s game also flourished in Europe, where he bagged two victories. The highlight came in May at the BMW PGA Championship, the European Tour’s flagship event. He engaged in a terrific battle with Lee Westwood, eventually winning in a playoff. The victory came with an additional bonus. It allowed Donald to overtake Westwood as the No. 1-ranked player in the world. Donald’s consistent play will see him carry that lofty position into 2012. At age 33, he is enjoying his view from the top of the world. “It always brings a little more expectation, a little bit more media, a little bit more time commitment,” Donald said. “But I’m excited for the challenge. Since being No. 1, I’ve been able to hold on to it for a number of weeks now. I’m trying to draw on all the good things that got me to No. 1.” Yet for all the chatter about being the top ranked, Donald doesn’t dwell on it

Luke Donald AP PHOTO

he No. 1-ranked player in the world has lived in our midst since the spring. Have you noticed? Perhaps you saw him strolling down the aisle at Costco. He tweeted, showing off a year’s supply of paper towels in his cart. Maybe he was sitting at the end of your row at Wrigley Field, enjoying a nice summer’s day despite what was taking place on the field. You could have seen him at a restaurant or concert, or at the park with his wife and young daughter. Then again, you might not have noticed. CBS analyst/funny man David Feherty said it best when it comes to Luke Donald: “He’s got an invisibility cloak. He can wander down the street and people don’t know he’s a human ATM.” Indeed, the unassuming North Shore resident has managed to keep a low profile in his adopted hometown. But once Donald gets to a golf tournament these days, his “invisibility cloak” has been blown to bits. Northwestern’s very own has been the talk of golf in 2011. He started the season with a flawless display by winning the Accenture Match Play

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RANKING 1

J A N U A RY

F E B R U A RY

outside of interviews. In his 2 view, you can do better than being No. 1. 3 Indeed, Northwestern golf coach Pat Goss said it never 4 has been the mission of his 5 top pupil. The primary goal is all about winning majors. 6 “The No. 1 thing is somewhat irrelevant,” Goss said. 7 “Nothing would have changed 8 if he hadn’t gotten to No. 1. The goal would have remained 9 the same. He wants to win 10 majors.” In that regard, Donald took some steps in 2011, but there’s plenty of room for improvement. Donald had a chance at the Masters, but eventually finished in a tie for fourth. He also was in contention during the last round of the PGA Championship, but failed to muster the final kick, placing eighth. The Opens, meanwhile, were big disappointments. He finished T-45 in the U.S. Open and his short game struggles led to a shocking missed cut in the British Open. “The No. 1 goal at the beginning of this year was to try

MARCH

APRIL

M AY

Jumps from ninth to third by winning the Accenture Match Play Championship

to compete and be in contention for majors,” Donald said. “In that regard, I suppose it was somewhat disappointing. I had a chance in two of them, which was an improvement on previous years, but two of them weren’t that great. It’s something I’ll think about come the end of the year. The goal is always to try and peak for those events.” Donald, though, figures to have many more chances simply because of the way he plays. His consistency is vastly underrated. Even when he isn’t playing his best, more often than not, he usually finds a way to get himself on the leaderboard. A case in point was the BMW Championship at Cog Hill in September. An opening round 75 left him far off the lead. Donald, though, didn’t pack it in. He strung rounds of 66-6768 to finish fourth. “His ability to respond to adversity is unbelievable,” Goss said. “I don’t think there’s a tour player who plays with more pride than Luke. Week in and week out, he doesn’t allow himself to give up and finish 40th. His ability to grind it out and fight to the end is truly impressive.” It’s all about the work for Donald. He is fanatical about preparation. During a press conference he was asked when was the last time he went into a tournament unprepared. He flashed a sheepish smile and said: “It’s been a while. I take it pretty seriously.” Here’s why. “I think it’s in my nature to continually work hard,” Donald said. “I just feel like I don’t have as much talent as some of the other guys out here, and I have to work at it. For me, just not working hard enough isn’t an option.” Donald and Goss will put in the time and then some in the off-season. For all the talk about being No. 1 and winning majors, Donald’s focus has been on a simple thought: Constant improvement. “No. 1 isn’t what it’s all about,” Goss said. “His only goal is to get better. What do I have to do to get better? Each day we go out there, he’s always looking to improve.” The approach got Donald to the top of the world in 2011. It could take him even higher in 2012. Ed Sherman writes a golf blog for Crain’s Chicago Business.

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Vol. 8, No. 2, November 2011

Recognition, Inspiration and News from the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation

Guest Essay: Giving Back to the Game We Love By Tom Artz

Editor’s Note: Northbrook resident Tom Artz has been a member of the Chicago District Golf Association Board of Directors for six years, where he serves as the Deputy Chair of the Communications Committee. Every golfer from the touring pro to the high handicapper knows the sound, sight and feel of a great golf shot. The crisp click of club striking ball, the sight of the trajectory arching high and straight to the green, and the feeling of exhilaration as the ball lands softly and rolls toward the hole. Does it get any better than this? YES…when the excellent shot has been made by a participant in a Sunshine Through Golf camp, and you are there encouraging, assisting and congratulating them!

CONTENTS Guest Essay: Giving Back ... 15 Tending the Flagstick..........15 Friends of the Foundation...16 Sunshine Club ....................16 News & Notes .....................17

Artz (center) stands with M-NASR golfers As CDGA Blue Coats, we are encouraged to “give back to the game we love” in many ways. While I always enjoy being a rules official at tournaments, the demands of a full-time job and family time with my wife and six-year-old son limits the number of days I am available each summer.

A Great Big Thank You .......18

I find it convenient and very rewarding to spend an hour of my time each Monday evening at the Golf Center Des Plaines assisting with the Sunshine Through Golf camp for the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR). Continued on page 17

had such grandiose plans and … the Foundation gave us the ability to do all of it. They literally made the program happen.”

RevelationGolf began working with veterans in 2007 by providing year-round lessons to patients at the VA Hospitals in Illinois. As the program flourished, the organization envisioned expanding their scope to the Great Lakes Naval Base in Great Lakes, Ill. Donna Strum, RevelationGolf executive director, and Kathy Williams, associate director, came to the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation for support and a new type of summer program was born. In its inaugural year, the program included veterans in transition, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and Wounded Warriors program beneficiaries as well as active duty servicemen and their children. The Foundation played an essential role in allowing the organization to provide such a program at the base’s Willow Glen Golf Course. “We wouldn’t be able to do the summer program without the Foundation,” Strum said, “We

In each session participants and the type of instruction provided varied. Two PGA professionals were present to help golfers master the skills and techniques of the game, while a therapist was also available for golfers whose special needs altered how they approach golfing. Together, the teaching team provided each participant a lesson tailored to their mental and physical abilities. The lessons became a social outlet for active duty personnel, a place where the difficulties of a military career can be forgotten. For their children, it was a taste of a game they can carry with them when traveling to another base. For PTSD and Wounded Warriors golfers, the regularly scheduled time on the course provided them with something special to look forward to, a way to break up their day-to-day activities on the base. RevelationGolf has plans to continue the program in 2012 and aims to expand to include homeless veterans.

PGA professionals worked weekly with veterans one-on-one Knowing they have the support of the Foundation, Strum notes, allows them to continue to reach out to new populations at the base. “If I could say anything (to the Foundation) it would be thank you for standing beside us and allowing us to do what we’re doing. We are incredibly grateful.” RevelationGolf is part of the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation’s 2011 partner program. The organization uses golf to enhance and develop a meaningful quality of life and aims to provide an environment that promotes one’s uniqueness and encourages social, emotional and physical health while growing in the game of golf.

Sunshine Through Golf Foundation – 11855 Archer Ave. Lemont, IL 60439 – 630-257-2005 – www.sunshinethroughgolf.org

Unique Internship Experience In 2009, after his freshman year at the University of Michigan, Dan Kowalczyk, a Sunshine Through Golf camp program volunteer, was chosen from many applicants as the Foundation’s Wadsworth intern. For the past two summers, he has traveled to all 89 of the camp programs in the Chicago District as well as provided Foundation staff with administrative support. “I had an unforgettable experience working for the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation, both in the office and out on the golf course,” said Kowalczyk (left) stands with campers at the Kowalczyk when reflecting on his experiences Three-Hole Sunshine course. with the Foundation, “I think this is one of the most unique internships you can possibly have because you’re splitting your time between the office and the golf course; teaching and helping out with camps.” The Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2012 Wadsworth Intern. To apply, submit your resume to foundation@cdga.org.

A Fortunate Foundation The Sunshine Through Golf Foundation began its partnership with Lincolnshire-based Fortune Brands in 2004. Since then, the consumer products company has annually renewed its commitment to the Foundation. Each year, Fortune Brands provides campers with transportation and day-to-day access to the Three-Hole Sunshine Course at Midwest Golf House. The company also supplies golf equipment for use on the Sunshine Course and at camps throughout the District. In 2010, more than 1,000 sleeves of golf balls were distributed to campers courtesy of Fortune Brands. “The quality materials on the Sunshine Course and at the camps as well as our ability to transport golfers to the course are a direct result of Fortune Brands’ support. We have truly appreciated their dedication to the Foundation over the last eight years,” said Alex Nolly, manager of Foundation administration.

Paving the Way to Bring Joy Celebrate the holiday season with the golf enthusiast in your life by giving them a gift that will last a lifetime, purchasing a brick in the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation’s Commemorative Brick Program. Bricks are placed in the walkway at the Midwest Golf House Complex as a reminder to all visitors of the Foundation’s efforts to bring joy to individuals with special needs through golf. Bricks are available in two sizes; a paver is 8x8 with six lines of text and a smaller brick is 4x8 with three lines of text. Bricks are $150 for the 4x8 size and $500 for the larger, 8x8 paver brick. Visit www.sunshinethroughgolf.org/brickpaver.asp to download a brick program order form.

SUNSHINE CLUBS The following clubs and their membership suppor t the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation via an annual giving program and have earned the title of Sunshine Club in 2011. The Foundation is very grateful for their commitment to bringing joy to individuals with special needs through golf.

Beverly Country Club Bryn Mawr Country Club Butler National Golf Club Butterfield Country Club Calumet Country Club Conway Farms Cress Creek Country Club Crystal Lake Country Club Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club Evanston Golf Club Geneva Golf Club Glen Oak Country Club Glen View Club Hinsdale Golf Club Inverness Golf Club Kankakee Country Club Knollwood Club LaGrange Country Club Lake Shore Country Club Midlothian Country Club Naperville Country Club North Shore Country Club Old Elm Club Olympia Fields Country Club Ouilmette Golf Club Park Ridge Country Club Ridge Country Club Ridgemoor Country Club Rockford Country Club Ruth Lake Country Club St. Charles Country Club Stonebridge Country Club White Eagle Golf Club Becoming a Sunshine Club provides a way for clubs to collectively support a golf-related charitable cause. For more information about becoming a Sunshine Club, contact the Foundation at foundation@cdga.org or 630-257-2005.

Giving Back to the Game We Love continued from page 15 At first, I was a bit apprehensive, since I had no training or experience working with individuals with special needs or disabilities. I asked one of the Foundation staff members what I was expected to do and they said something like, “Smile, be helpful and do whatever you can to make it an enjoyable, safe experience for the participants.” That was great advice!

2012 CDGA Member Days

It helps that the M-NASR Senior Operations Manager M-NSAR athletes at the end of their camp program Kelly Damron and other staff members are always present young man who has difficulty walking. to supervise the evening’s activities and Follow the flight of the ball for a cheerful make sure each of the 10-15 participants woman who has vision difficulties. Make receives the proper level of challenge and sure that no one gets too close to a golfer reward. swinging a club. Remind eager golfers to wait their turn quietly. The GolfTEC teaching pros, led by Tom Portera and Justin Bentley, volunteer their As the session ends each week I try to time, patiently offering tips to help the confirm each participant has enjoyed participants with their grip, stance, swing the experience and then see if we can and attitude. The Golf Center staff does decide who gets credit for the longest drive, their part by giving the Sunshine campers closest shot to the hole, best putt and most use of prime hitting bays at the covered positive attitude. Everyone gets recognized driving range and the run of the practice for their success. facilities. Beginners and campers not ready for a course experience remain at the driving range where the automatic ball system and climate-controlled environment gives them an opportunity to swing a golf club. Others have graduated to the putting green and the short-game practice area where they can work on the basic skills, which are tested in Special Olympic competitions. Others have advanced to a level where they can improve their skills on the lighted 9-hole, par-3 course. They began playing a scramble-format taking advantage of the best shot from the three or four golfers in each group, but advanced this summer to each golfer playing his or her own ball. A great tee shot may be followed by four putts from four feet. Two whiffs may precede a chip shot from the fringe that flies the green and lands in the deep rough on the opposite side. What do I do for the hour? Whatever I can! Tee up a golf ball for a camper who can’t master the challenge. Carry clubs for a

I’ve come to know and appreciate each of the program participants: Danny who believes he runs the village of Des Plaines, Kathy who is a gracious and serious competitor, Steven who has numerous golf bags but prefers to carry his clubs in his hand, Michael who always is impeccably dressed and has his dad for a caddie, Chad who soldiers on come what may, little Billy who has a mighty swing, the ever-smiling Laura and quiet Megan who are most comfortable at the driving range, Edward, Jonathan and the others each of whom looks forward with great expectation to the eighteen Monday nights each year when Tee Time Golf is in session. They may not understand the nuances of the game of golf or realize that it is the donations of thousands of Chicago District golfers who fund Sunshine Through Golf Foundation and make this camp possible, but the campers, their parents and their caregivers know that this may be the most important and enjoyable hour of their week. It is for me, too.

More than 600 Association members played select District courses during the 2011 Member Day events. Returning for the fifth year in 2012, Member Day events will continue to provide a stress-free day of golf for CDGA members and their guests. A Member Day has no formal tournament aspect and consists of a round of golf, cart, tee prize and lunch, making it the perfect outing for Everyone Who Plays The Game. The 2012 schedule will be released in the spring at www.cdga.org/memberdays.asp.

2012 Golf Marathon A test of stamina and support, the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation 100 Hole Golf Marathon asks golfers to play 100 holes while raising $25 per hole. The fourth annual event will be held at Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge, Ill. on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

Sunshine Through Golf Foundation Outing The 12th Annual Sunshine Through Golf Foundation Outing provides golfers an opportunity to combine their passion with charitable giving. Information about the Outing will be available for interested golfers at www.sunshinethroughgolf.org in 2012.

Contact the Foundation For more information about any of the events hosted by or to benefit the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation, please contact the Foundation staff at foundation@cdga.org or (630) 257-2005.

A Great Big Thank You!

A great big thank you to the 2011 Sunshine Through Golf camp program hosts. The following organizations, golf clubs and golf professionals made 89 camp programs possible for more than 1,200 participants this year.

2011 Special Olympic State Qualifiers

A round of applause for the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation athletes who qualified for the 2011 Special Olympic State Games Golf Competitions at Hickor y Point Golf Course in Decatur, Ill. Mark Affetto Quaymai Allen Vidal Alonso Heather Andress Robert Bagdonas Sean Baldwin Cesar Beltran Heidi Bliss Tim Bodner Tim Brown Lavitta Callum Lizette Camacho Joe Camp Anthony Clark Sylvia Collazo Tony DiGregorio Alex Dmytrenko Greg Donis Joe Dus Deming Fanslau Sophia Feliciano Michael Fioravanti Kelly Fitzgerald Artist Fuller Jasmine Glover Paulina Golda Ellie Goldberg Nick Gonzalez Dan Gremo Julian Hawk Sandra Hernandez Matthew Holanagel 18

Sean Hurley Vanessa Jimenez Mary Joyce Mary Kloss Barbara Kozdron Paul Kozora Eric Krizizke Gustavo Loredo Herman Luken Kathy Maloney Lauren Massong Charles McDaniels Meghan McDougle Maria Mena Brad Miller Jack Minogue Carrie Nykiel Frank Olivo Danny Orlando Damarco Partlow Lisa Penkas Laura Price Fatima Roble Robert Serano Jacob Shimanek Katie Sicinski Chris Smolak Alex Tello Dulce Teresi Steve Weith John White

Aspire Oak Brook Golf Club Trey Van Dyke and staff

Joliet-Bolingbrook SRA Mistwood Golf Club Visanu Tongwarin and staff

Oak Lawn SRA Stony Creek Golf Course Carol Rhoades and George Benak

Champaign-Urbana SRA Stone Creek Golf Club Mickey Finn and staff

Kishwaukee SRA Buena Vista Golf Club Tom Zeeh

Orland Park SRA Silver Lake Country Club Gregg Tengerstrom and staff

Chicago Special Olympics Diversey Driving Range The First Tee of Greater Chicago staff

Little City Foundation Inverness Golf Club Scottie Nield and staff

River Valley SRA Alpine Hills Golf Course Dieter Jaehn, Jr.

Chicago Special Olympics Marquette Golf Course Juan Espejo

Lincoln-Way SRA Prestwick Country Club Brandon Adair and staff

Rockford Park District Ingersoll Golf Course Lloyd McWilliams

Chicago Special Olympics Robert A. Black Golf Course The First Tee of Greater Chicago staff

Lincoln-Way SRA Sanctuary Golf Course Bob Schulz and staff

School District 54 – Special Olympics Fox Run Golf Club John O’Brien

Chicago Special Olympics South Shore Golf Course The First Tee of Greater Chicago staff

Lincoln-Way SRA White Mountain Golf Course LWSRA staff

South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation Village Greens of Woodridge Brandon Evans and Prince Winbush

Clearbrook Mt. Prospect Golf Club Jeff Langguth and staff

Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation Golf Center of Des Plaines (GolfTEC) Tom Portera and Justin Bentley

Special Opportunities Available in Recreation The Links at Ireland Grove Jeff Hunt

Misericordia Bryn Mawr Country Club Terry Russell and staff

South Suburban SRA Coyote Run Golf Course Brian Smith and staff

Misericordia North Shore Country Club Tim O’Neal and staff

South West Suburban SRA Midlothian Country Club Michael Knights

Northeast DuPage SRA Medinah Country Club Mike Scully and staff

SRA of Central Lake County Libertyville Golf Complex Tyler Wollberg

Northern Illinois SRA Bowes Creek Country Club Mike Lehman and staff

Tri-County SRA Cog Hill Golf & Country Club Jeff Rimsnider

Northern Illinois SRA Makray Memorial SRA Don Habjan and staff

Warren SRA Libertyville Golf Complex Ron Klein

Northern Illinois SRA Randall Oaks Golf Club Steve Gillie and staff

Western DuPage SRA Cantigny Golf Emily Burns

North Suburban SRA Lake Shore Country Club Zack Fidler

Western DuPage SRA Glen Oak Country Club Danny Mulhearn and staff

North Suburban SRA Wilmette Golf Club Jamie Locke and staff

Western DuPage SRA White Eagle Golf Club Ryan First and staff

North Suburban SRA Winnetka Golf Club Cortney Miller and staff

Western Suburban SRA Oak Park Golf Club Rimmy Dunlop and staff

Northwest Suburban SRA Palatine Hills Golf Course Dan Hotchkin

Western Suburban SRA Bushwood Golf Dome Bushwood Golf staff

Northwest Suburban SRA Twin Lakes Golf Course Travis Johns and staff

Western Suburban SRA White Pines Golf Club Chuck Lynch and staff

Dolton New Hope Center Lincoln Oaks Golf Course Mark Haines and staff Fox Valley SRA Eagle Brook Country Club Eric Pratali and staff Fox Valley SRA Fox Bend Golf Course Kyle Rich and staff Fox Valley SRA Phillips Park Golf Course Jeff Schmidt and staff Fox Valley SRA St. Charles Country Club Jim Sutherland and staff Gateway SRA Flagg Creek Golf Course Flagg Creek golf staff Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association Foss Park Golf Course Patrick Byrne Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association Kellogg Golf Course Kyle Meger and staff Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association Oak Meadows Golf Course Glenn Mason and staff Indiana Special Olympics Creekside Golf Course Nancy Bender and staff Illinois Valley Industries Nettle Creek Country Club Kurt Nolan and staff

Ahh! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Good To Be Back.

To our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; delight, somehow the uncertainty of the past several years missed The Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. Thanks to committed, stable ownership, our two PGA Tour tested golf courses are not only immaculately conditioned and maintained, but actually improved year after year. In addition, our Sports Club continues to provide our members with everything they need to achieve a healthy lifestyle. While others longingly reminisce about back-in-the-day, days at The Gallery are better than ever. For membership and golf information, contact Jennifer Price at (520) 744-4700.

gallerygolf.com

DESTINATION

Golf Getaways | Branson, Mo.

TUNE COURTESY BRANSON TOURISM

Silver Dollar City

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WWW.CDGA.ORG

Championship golf with spectacular mountain views is becoming a rising star in Branson, Mo., a tourism town noted for its country music shows By Craig Smith

NOVEMBER 2011

COURTESY THOUSAND HILLS

olf and music are in perfect harmony in Branson, Mo., a relaxing and welcoming tourism destination in southwest Missouri. What began as a country musicthemed locale more than 50 years ago has now blossomed into a family vacation spot that draws more than 7 million visitors a year. It’s not difficult to understand why Branson, affectionately called the “Live Music Capital of the World,” offers something for everyone, including championship golf. A new, privately funded airport in town (with direct flights from Chicago) is making it easier than ever to stay and play for a week or a long weekend. Four award-winning and affordable public or semi-private golf courses have opened since 1994, with well-known Tom Fazio among the designers. But until recently, Branson was focused on keeping strictly to the country music beat and the soft crooning of Andy Williams. Who would have guessed that smalltown Branson has had the top public golf course in the state for each of the past 11 years? Or that its newest course entries would rank among the nation’s best in 2009 and 2010? If there is a consistent theme for the courses, however, it might be a borrowed title from the Gerry Rafferty’s classic rock hit, “Right Down the Line.” Straight trumps far because of the penal nature of any off-line stroke, especially from the tees, since streams are plentiful and natural, sometimes-rugged terrain frames almost every hole. Pick the right set of tees and be careful not to be overly ambitious.

Thousand Hills

Branson still is a popular choice for the seniors who remember Williams’ chart-topping hits, but Mother Nature has blessed Branson with so much more. It boasts three vast, pristine lakes teeming with a bountiful array of fish to challenge the most seasoned of anglers. The uncluttered waters create the perfect destination for a variety of water sports and the more than 1,200 miles of shoreline are perfect for a romantic, moonlit stroll or sunbathing in the enviable Missouri climate. Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-style family amusement park that has been going strong since 1960. And the Branson Landing promenade offers a lively six-block river walk with shops, restaurants and pubs. But the town’s tourism was built on the entertainers who come out at night all across town with more than 50 theatre shows and more seating than on Broadway. The headliners span the gamut, from classically trained violinist Shoji Tobuchi to Merle Haggard. In Branson, many of the show’s stars are golfers, too. With plenty of starting times and modest green fees ranging from $30 to $80, Branson is an attractive

and affordable golf getaway. There seems to be something for everyone, as evidenced by the fact that Branson’s population grew by 50 percent in the decade between 2000 and 2010. WEB: golfbranson.com, explorebranson.com

Payne Stewart Golf Club

The charismatic Payne Stewart would have loved playing here. This golf course, opened in 2009, is just the latest reason to pack the clubs when headed for southwest Missouri. The 2-year-old club is a challenging, but fair, legacy to the late major champion and Springfield, Mo., native that has earned its place on lists of best new courses and best public facilities in the state. “Most people come off the golf course and say, ‘Wow,’ that beat the heck out of me, but I loved it,” said T.J. Baggett, director of golf. It’s stout enough at 7,324 yards to possibly be the site of a Champions Tour event in the near future. Amenities include a clubhouse that is adorned with memorabilia of Stewart, who won a PGA Championship (at Kemper Lakes in Kildeer) and two U.S. Opens. CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 21

No attention to detail has been spared; the tee markers are even cleverly shaped like Stewart’s trademark Tam o’ Shanter cap. WEB: paynestewartgolfclub.com

Branson Creek Golf Club

This Tom Fazio-designed golf course has been voted the state’s top public course for 11 consecutive years. In typical Fazio style, the layout is masterfully created to provide a challenge for the skilled player, and yet an enjoyable experience for the double-digit handicapper. The fairways are generous and the green complexes are massive,

with plenty of run-off chipping areas. The views of the Branson Hills countryside are especially beautiful on the back nine. There isn’t a weak hole in the bunch. “We have 18 signature holes,” boasts general manager Mark Ophoven.

carry to the par-3 green some 100 feet below, with a pond on the right and rock outcroppings behind the green. The make-or-break portion of a round begins there. Water comes into play on each of the last four holes and target shots have to be on the money. LedgeStone has the most dramatic elevation changes of the four and its layout has more riskreward shots than the others. Even a low-handicapper can feel his adrenaline pumping on some of the tee shots. “From the tee boxes, it can be intimidating,” says LedgeStone golf professional Jeff Walster. “But don’t be intimidated. Focus on where to hit the shots.”

WEB: bransoncreekgolf.com

LedgeStone Country Club

The oldest of the four must-play options, LedgeStone, which opened in 1994, has been labeled “a masterpiece of mountain golf architecture.” Golfers will be in awe of both the challenge and the views, especially from the tee at the postcard 15th, which calls for a 200-yard

WEB: ledgestonegolf.com

Murder Rock Golf and Country Club

Murder Rock takes its idyllic name from the folklore of an 1860s-area stagecoach robber, who is said to have buried treasures in the nearby hills. Today the mountaintop has been transformed into a rugged course, with steep-faced bunkering, bump-and-run options and blind tee shots. “The back nine is tougher because of the wind,” says Chris Meade, general manager since the club’s opening in 2007. “The front is more protected.” Golfweek recognized this gem by including it on its list of best new courses of 2010 and ranking it No. 4 in the state, shortly after it opened. The panoramic views from the course are stunning from the highest points in the Branson Creek development and views from the lounge in the clubhouse are just as beautiful. There are a couple of other ‘userfriendly’ golf options in town as well. Scenic Thousand Hills (1995) is located in the heart of Branson and is worth a look despite being a par 64. Parklandstyle Point Royale was the town’s first golf course development and an enduring choice for Williams and several other performing stars that live on property. WEB: murderrock.com

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PHOTO BY ROB PERRY

Payne Stewart Golf Club

Craig Smith, a former director of media relations for the United States Golf Association, is a freelance writer from Easton, Pa. WWW.CDGA.ORG

Visit Bogies Indoor Golf Club

â&#x20AC;Ś your winter golf home Weekday lunch special, eat lunch and play 9 holes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all in 30 minutes! Senior rates are available Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. Play more than 60 world class golf courses, including Pebble Beach, St. Andrews and many more. The BIGC Winter Teaching Academy has a number of lesson options available. Join our online International Two Person Team League and play against players all over the world. Register for a chance to win two tickets to watch Europe battle the U.S. in 2012!

Downers Grove 2091 West 63rd Street (630) 541-3235 Located on 63rd Street 3/4 of a mile east of I-355 in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center

Oswego 1501 Mitchell Drive (630) 554-7275 Located off Rt. 30 between Rt. 34 and Wolfs Crossing

www.golfbigc.com Please call ahead, tee times are strongly suggested.

DESTINATION

Golf Getaways | Northeast Florida

SOUTHERN COMFORT

The rewards are great for those who are willing to wander off the beaten path in the Sunshine State By Rich Skyzinski

I TPC-Sawgrass

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TPC-Sawgrass

Located just 30 minutes south of Jacksonville, this is the area’s golf Goliath. Just like a golfer who finds himself WWW.CDGA.ORG

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n Florida, most of the focus on tourism is aimed at the state’s largest cities, Miami and Tampa, and the world-famous theme parks in and around Orlando. To a large degree, the same is true when it comes to golf. Doral, Bay Hill, Innisbrook and PGA National are great Florida courses everyone knows. But there is outstanding golf in northeast Florida, along the Atlantic Coast, where there is a treasure of beautiful

courses that aren’t overpublicized or overplayed. Starting in the Jacksonville area, heading south and never needing to venture too far from Interstate 95, there is a long string of pleasant surprises that await. You’ll want to keep the camera nearby and follow the three cardinal rules of playing golf in the Sunshine State: Use sunscreen daily, don’t press your luck when bad weather approaches (Florida has more deaths and injuries from lightning than the other 49 states combined) and be extra careful in venturing into those areas where there might be alligators.

WEB: tpc.com/daily-fee-and-resort-course

World Golf Village

This 36-hole property is just half an hour south of Ponte Vedra Beach, which makes it an ideal doubleheader companion with TPC-Sawgrass. It depends on your stamina: 36 holes at each on back-to-back days is ambitious, or two days at each provide more opportunity to enjoy the sights. Bobby Weed designed the Slammer & Squire, and Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer collaborated to each design nine holes of the King & Bear. The best two-hole stretch on the property is the 15th and 16th at the King & Bear. A pivotal hole in a lot of matches, the 15th is a shortish par 4 with great risk/reward components, and there’s no such thing as a bad par 4 at No. 16, which requires a long approach to the toughest green on the course. The rates during off-peak periods are more than reasonable; in mid-October, $219 would get golfers one round at each course, which is more than one-third off the peak rates usually seen during prime tourist season of November-April. No visit to the site is complete NOVEMBER 2011

PHOTO COURTESY HAMMOCK BEACH

near the Monterey Peninsula wants to explore the possibility of playing Pebble Beach, so does a player who has the chance to tee it up in Ponte Vedra Beach, just down the street from PGA Tour headquarters. There’s no chance a player will return home without all the details of how he played the par-3 17th at the Stadium Course, certainly one of the world’s most recognized holes. That’s a story bound to be told over and over and over . . . There are 36 holes at Sawgrass, the well-known Stadium Course, home to the tour’s Players Championship for the last 30 years, and the Valley Course. Both were designed by Pete and Alice Dye, and it was she, says Pete, who first thought of the idea of building the lake to create an island green. The Stadium Course is the attentiongetter and it is priced accordingly. Expect to pay upward of $250 during most of the year; a decent rule of thumb is that the going rate at the Valley Course is lower by one-third to one-half.

The Conservatory Course at Hammock Beach

without taking time to tour the adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame. Along with Golf House, located on the grounds of the United States Golf Association in Far Hills, N.J., this is one of the game’s two must-see stops for those with any kind of interest for golf history. The World Golf Hall of Fame is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Tuesday prior to the Players Championship, which is the date set aside for induction of new Hall of Fame members. WEB: wgv.com

Hammock Beach Resort

Chances are a player won’t hit a ball into the Atlantic Ocean, but the water occasionally is that close. This four-diamond resort (as rated by AAA) in scenic Palm Coast, Fla., offers two choices: the Ocean Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2000, and the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory Course, which came aboard six years later. The Ocean Course served as the site of a Champions Tour event in 2007 and ’08. The 18th hole on each course runs along the ocean in its return to the clubhouse, which overlooks the water and serves as a perfect location for post-round activities. This stretch of shoreline in Palm Coast is considered to be one of the most pristine in Florida. Stay-and-play packages at Hammock Beach are an affordable option for golfers of every budget; during fringe

and off-peak periods, an all-inclusive rate as low as $150 is not to be bypassed. WEB: hammockbeachgolf.com

Victoria Hills Golf Club

Located just off Interstate 4, about midway between Daytona Beach and Orlando, is Victoria Hills, which is set to mark its 10th anniversary next month. For a visitor who’s at all familiar with Florida, the first thing that’s noticeable upon arrival at Victoria Hills is that the geography has changed. It looks as though the property could be dropped into the North Carolina Sandhills; the flat-as-Kansas terrain has morphed into land that is far more aesthetically pleasing to the eye than what a lot of other Florida courses are able to offer. There are some long and strong par 4s at Victoria Hills, which has served as the home course for the golf teams at nearby Stetson University and host of the Atlantic Sun Conference Championships. What’s also pleasing about Victoria Hills is the value. After a string of higher-end experiences in Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine and Palm Coast, this Ron Garl design can be experienced for less than $40 throughout much of the year, which feels like an absolute steal. Let’s play two. WEB: victoriahillsgolf.com

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 25

DESTINATION

Golf Getaways | Half Moon Bay

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On a beautiful piece of land overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay has forged a reputation nearly as glowing as its location By Rich Skyzinski

n virtually every direction, the area in and around San Francisco is teeming with great golf. Located just 23 miles from the San Francisco International Airport, on a stunning waterfront site, Half Moon Bay might not have the caché of some of the more acclaimed golf destinations along the Pacific Coast, such as Torrey Pines or Pebble Beach to the south, or Bandon Dunes to the north, but no one leaves the bay disappointed unless it’s over the numbers that have been noted on the scorecard. The two courses are direct opposites but delightful in their own right. The hotel is first-rate. The service is impeccable. Exceeding the expectations of guests must be stressed in every Half Moon Bay employee orientation because the extraordinary quality of care cannot merely be achieved by coincidence. The weather?

26 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

on the coast It’s Northern California; it could be 55 in July or 75 at Christmas. The first course at Half Moon Bay opened in 1973 with 18 holes designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane— what now is known as the Old Course. Given its location so close to the ocean, it sounds disappointing to be presented with a course in which 16 holes are inland and bordered by homes. But the homes are out of play for everything except the wildest of shots, and because every residence that borders the course seems to have the touch of an English garden, it’s as though the golfer is playing through the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. But make no mistake: The Old Course isn’t a pushover. Hitting the green at the par-4, downhill eighth, the No. 1 stroke handicap hole for men, requires nothing but one of a player’s best shots of the day, and the 16th is as

good as any par 4 in the Bay area. It’s a less penal version of the magnificent eighth at Pebble Beach—minus the sensational view, of course—with a long approach off a downhill lie to a green perched on the opposite side of a wide, 15-foot-deep gully. The holes twist and turn over the undulating landscape, and though the finishing two holes are a radical departure from the rest of the golf course, that’s hardly a complaint since this is the spot where the views are most engaging. The 17th is a par 3 that plays toward the ocean, then the golfer makes a left turn and hugs the shoreline at the down-and-up, par-4 18th. The links-like Ocean Course, designed by Arthur Hills and opened in the fall of 1997, is virtually everything the Old Course isn’t. The greens appear to be half as large, it’s virtually

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at the practice putting green and then racing off to the first tee. Finally, a deserving word about the hotel: Wow. The sentry hotel stands as a memorable backdrop for the 18th holes of the two courses, and while some hotels simply strive to make customer satisfaction more of a priority than others, the Ritz-Carlton property at Half Moon Bay merits an A+. Forget the pampering the staff provides at the 16,000-square-foot spa; a similar, magnificent attention to detail is evident everywhere.

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PHOTO COURTESY HALF MOON BAY

impossible to encounter any kind of tree trouble and the ocean is almost never out of sight. After the first nine holes, which are separated from the beach only by the land on which the second nine was built, the golfer is dropped into the United Kingdom when arriving at the windswept 10th tee. Take that view and move it 6,000 miles to the east, to a bluff overlooking the Irish Sea, and it is a perfect fit. One noticeable drawback to the Half Moon Bay golf experience is the absence of a practice range. And while that precludes the site from having higher tournament aspirations, let’s face it, Americans have mastered the art of going from the parking lot to the golf shop, slowing for a two-minute pit stop

Even for such a mundane, commonplace scene that takes place virtually every minute of every day somewhere in America—a traveling executive sitting in a hotel lobby, checking his e-mail—hardly five minutes can elapse before a passing staff member politely inquires, “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” . . . “Would you like a bottled water?” Pass on those offerings. But do accept the homemade cinnamon rolls if they’re offered. Bet you can’t eat just one. WEB: hmbgolflinks.com

Ocean Course at Half Moon Bay

NOVEMBER 2011

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 27

DESTINATION

Golf Getaways | Oahu

There is a virtual unlimited array of options for islandbound golfers on Oahu, Hawaii’s most popular destination By Rich Skyzinski

FOUND hy wouldn’t you take the golf clubs to Hawaii? The average daily high temperature doesn’t vary even 10 degrees at any point of the year, and the golf settings available are virtually unlimited. Golfers can play in the spray of the Pacific Ocean, ensconced by dense tropical jungle, in the midst of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities or in a desolate nature preserve. A convenient and satisfying round of golf on Oahu—Hawaii’s most populous island—can be tough to find. If you’re staying in Waikiki, where most of the hotels are located, your closest choice is Ala Wai Golf Course, a busy municipal just blocks from Waikiki Beach, where rounds are sometimes scarce (due to demand) and can take a while to complete. If you’re willing to drive an hour or more, resort courses such as Hawaii Prince, Ko Olina (both Ewa) and Turtle Bay (North Shore) become accessible.

Makaha Resort and Golf Club

William F. Bell was one of the game’s most prolific golf course architects between the 1950s and ’70s. He is credited with designing more than 200 courses in his lifetime—all but one of them in the western half of the continental United States or Hawaii. His first course in Hawaii was the Makaha Resort, which opened in the late 1960s on the other side of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, and immediately was tabbed by Honolulu Magazine as Oahu’s best course. Others have followed with similar acclaim. Golf Digest has included it on its “best places to play” list and on its roster of the country’s best resort courses. It’s a good debate as to whether the top draw is its beauty or demanding nature of the course itself. It is rare that wind is not a factor here and the greens are big, well maintained and not without their share of roll. It helps to be a good iron player because many holes are well-protected by bunkers or water hazards.

PHOTO BY CHRIS CONDON/PGA

Turtle Bay Resort 28 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

WWW.CDGA.ORG

Ko Olina Golf Club

AP PHOTO

Ko’olau Golf Club

The course starts at the base of a valley, works its way into the mountains and then back down, but there are plenty of gorgeous ocean views. WEB: makaharesort.com

Ko’olau Golf Club

You’ve gone to Hawaii to enjoy yourself, but that might be a challenge if you start a round at Ko’olau and you’re unsure if you brought enough extra golf balls with you. One Hawaiian website has a suggestion: You should have as many golf balls with you as your handicap. Located just a 15- or 20-minute drive from Honolulu, this simply is one of the most demanding courses in the country. Even from the middle set of tees that play to approximately 6,450 yards, this is all the golf course a player could ask for. Don’t be shy; tee it forward. Great ravines cross many holes, creating several forced carries that, in many cases, make major contributions toward skyrocketing scores. The course was opened in 1991, built by Dick Nugent from some 1,500 acres of tropical jungle bordering the Koolau Mountain Range, so heavy rainfall is frequent. The views are nearly as outstanding as the finishing hole, which might be high on the list of most difficult 18th holes anywhere. Depending on which set of tees are selected, the drive is over an unforgiving ravine and requires a carry of 170 NOVEMBER 2011

All the plaudits should be convincing enough for any island visitor to put Ko Olina on their must-play list. Where to start? Voted best golf course in Hawaii by readers of Honolulu Magazine in 2010; recipient of the Honolulu Advertiser newspaper’s “best of the best” award as Oahu’s top-rated golf course; and included on the Golf Digest list of best new resort courses in the U.S. If that weren’t enough, the LPGA and Champions Tour previously played events here. Built on oceanfront property by Ted Robinson and opened in 1990, water comes into play on half the holes and wind is always a factor. Because the winds change depending on the time of the year, one of the most versatile holes is the par-3 eighth. Though it plays to approximately 190 from the middle tees, the shot can be as little as a 7-iron with the wind at your back or a fairway wood if the breeze is stiff and into the player’s face. Because of the tremendous number of hotel rooms within a few minutes, Ko Olina is a frequent inclusion in island golf packages.

yards at the least and perhaps up to 240. WEB: koolaugolfclub.com

Turtle Bay Resort (Palmer Course)

This is one of Oahu’s most popular courses, perhaps because the Palmer Course was the site of tour events for both the LPGA and Champions Tour. The Turtle Bay Championship was played on the Palmer Course seven times between 2001 and ’08; that event was the last in a long run of events that started as the Kaanapali Classic in 1987. The LPGA played five SBS Opens there from ’05-’09. Wind is virtually a constant presence, and because the first nine is somewhat open and rolling, the feel is quite unlike that of a tropical paradise. The second nine is completely different as it winds its way through a virtual forest of pine trees and the Punaho’olapa Marsh, so this will be a joy for players who are any kind of bird watchers. The most memorable hole is the 17th green because of all the bunkers that protect the drive zone and the green, which sits just a flip wedge from the Pacific Ocean. Golf Digest also has included Turtle Bay on its annual list of the country’s best resorts. As an aside, the restaurant at the course, Lei Lei’s, is generally highly regarded among the locals. WEB: turtlebayresort.com

WEB: koolinagolf.com

Ala Wai Golf Course

This isn’t new or flashy, but there’s no course that’s easier to get to from Waikiki or Honolulu’s prime tourist areas. For the longest time, Ala Wai had the reputation of being the busiest golf course in the United States, and in fact, still today, the county-owned facility is remarkably popular. It was the site of both of the USGA’s public links events; Verne Callison won the first of his two APL titles there in 1960 and Kelly Antolock was the WAPL champion at Ala Wai in 1983. Perhaps the best part of Ala Wai? It’s the least expensive 18 holes on the island. WEB: gohawaii.com/oahu/experiences/golf

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 29

DESTINATION

Golf Getaways | West Virginia

CLASSICS Stunning mountain scenery aside, a golfer can strike it rich with a quick tour of West Virginia’s best public courses By Rich Skyzinski

ost people might be surprised to learn that tourism is the thirdlargest industry in West Virginia. That’s a lot of people who show up just to see the pretty colors of the changing leaves, but there is an estimated 50 million people who live within half a day’s drive to The Mountaineer State. What’s convenient for the golfers in that group is that a circle including each of the top five public courses in the state is a snap to both plan and traverse. Here’s how to do it, using the state capital, Charleston, as an arriving and departing airport or a starting point for those driving from the Midwest.

The Resort at Glade Springs

Anything a visitor could want is located at Glade Springs in Daniels, W.Va., and three 18-hole courses are just the start. Golf course architect George Cobb, perhaps best known for his design of the par 3 course at Augusta (Ga.) National Golf Club, carved the Cobb Course out of rolling, wooded terrain that was blessed with pretty water features, which meander through the property. The greens on the Cobb Course are incredible in several respects. They 30 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

are immense—the 17th measures a staggering 54 yards from front to back—and they wander off to include all sorts of nooks and crannies. One of the enjoyable aspects of the Cobb is the number of impromptu challenges these greens present—I’ll bet you can’t get that putt to stop within 20 feet of the hole. Accept the challenge if you feel good about your chances on a cross-country putt that’s downhill all the way and also breaks 25 feet. “We’ve had quite a few tournaments here,” said director of golf Mike James, “and you’d be surprised the number of times it always comes down to 16, 17 and 18. I think it’s one of the best threehole finishes in West Virginia.” The other two courses at Glade Springs, Stonehaven and Woodhaven, are similarly enjoyable and challenging. The superbly conditioned Stonehaven presents numerous places to snap a few pictures and a wonderful variety of par 3s and par 5s. The 2-year-old Woodhaven is an attractive layout that is a good fit on rolling terrain. Golf aside, the nondescript Leisure Center is a must-see destination and perfect for a rainy day or aftergolf activities. It has something for everyone: a spa, 10-lane bowling alley, an indoor pool (with a separate sand beach entrance), a three-quarter-size basketball court, an arcade, indoor tennis court, cinema and hair salon.

The resort at Stonewall Jackson State Park Stonewall Resort

Cobb Course at Glade Springs

WEB: gladesprings.com

Greenbrier Resort

For nearly 250 years, the Greenbrier, registered as a National Historic Landmark, has been one of the world’s great resorts. The hotel in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., just down the road from Lewisburg, recently named the Coolest Small Town in America WWW.CDGA.ORG

COURTESY STONEWALL

The Greenbrier

COURTESY THE GREENBRIER

COURTESY GOLFWEEK

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 31

NOVEMBER 2011

the original Redan at North BerOHIO wick, Scotland; the Bairritz green 79 in France; the Roanoke 33 Alps from Prest2 55 wick Golf Club 92 79 in Scotland; and Snowshoe the Eden from the Charleston WEST Old Course at St. VIRGINIA 77 119 Andrews. Old White TPC White Sulphur Springs 64 Daniels has been the site of 77 a PGA Tour event, the Greenbrier Classic, for the last two years; Scott Stallings collected his first by Budget Travel magazine, is a PGA Tour victory in 2010 and this year, charming collection of classic architec- Stuart Appleby won with a final-round 59, matching the record for the lowest ture and extraordinary design. There are four golf courses at the 18-hole score in PGA Tour history. “The first year, we had to go out Greenbrier, which underwent a $50 million renovation that was completed and sell the event to players,” said in 2007. The gem of the group is Old tournament director Tim McNeely. White TPC, named for the hotel that “But the second year, the event sold stood on the grounds from 1858 until itself. Once the players came and saw everything that the Greenbrier had the early 1920s. The Old White course opened in to offer, players put the event on their 1914. The design is credited to two of schedules and also made it a point to the great names in early American golf, bring their families.” The Greenbrier Course, redesigned C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor, and some holes are modeled after the most by Jack Nicklaus in 1977, has been the acclaimed and revered designs in golf: site of both a Ryder Cup (1979) and a P E N N S Y LVA N I A

Solheim Cup (1994). The Greenbrier also has earned a unique place in American history. At the height of the Cold War, President Dwight Eisenhower set into motion the creation of plans to secretly construct a bunker that would serve as a temporary, self-contained headquarters for Congress in the event of a nuclear attack on Washington, D.C. The 112,500-square-foot bunker, not meant to withstand a direct hit by a nuclear bomb but nevertheless constructed with 5-foot-thick, reinforced concrete walls, was built under the highest levels of security; not even members of Congress knew the location of the facility that was completed in 1961 and maintained in complete secrecy until it was exposed in a story by The Washington Post in May 1992. A 90-minute guided tour of the bunker is a must for visitors. Cautionary note: This is not a stop for the golfer on a bare-bones budget. In-season rates for accommodations and golf typically exceed $300 for each, but on those times when money isn’t a primary concern, the step back in time is well worth it. WEB: greenbrier.com/golf

Snowshoe Mountain

Snowshoe Mountain is a welcome site, especially after the 30-minute,

COURTESY GOLFWEEK

Stonehaven at Glade Springs

32 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

WWW.CDGA.ORG

COURTESY GOLFWEEK

The Raven Course at Snowshoe Mountain

sometimes-harrowing drive along a series of switchbacks up to an elevation of 4,848 feet. In fog or drizzle, the ride is not for the faint of heart. Though Snowshoe Mountain is universally acclaimed as the site of West Virginia’s premier snow skiing facility, the Gary Player-designed Raven Course is worthy of its position as one of the state’s top public facilities. If it seems as though there’s a dramatic elevation change at every turn, that’s not far from the truth.

34 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

There’s a drop of 100 feet at the par-3 third, but that’s nothing compared to the next hole, where the tees at the 400yard dogleg right appear to have been placed on the edge of the world. Drives soar majestically against the backdrop of a forested hillside and take forever to fall to the fairway some 150 feet below. The Raven offers two shots a player will be hard pressed to forget: the second at the terrific par-4 seventh, where the green is perched along a thin landing halfway up a mountainside;

and the third at the par-5 13th, where, if the layup is not struck to a precise distance, leaves a wedge that must clear a stand of 60-foot-high spruce trees. Cautionary note 1: Snowshoe Mountain is within a federal government-mandated “quiet zone” as its location is inside a 30-mile radius of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. As such, there is only minimal cell phone service here. Cautionary note 2: Because of its elevation, golfers are encouraged to double-check the weather before setting out to Showshoe. In October, resort officials were awaiting 2-3 inches of snow the evening following a day in which the high temperature was in the mid 70s. WEB: snowshoemtn.com/golf

Stonewall Jackson State Park

First, erase whatever back-woods, country-bumpkin, desolate, log-cabin

WWW.CDGA.ORG

The Old White TPC course at The Greenbrier

the par-4 17th, a golfer has been asked to hit virtually every shot imaginable. There are at least two greens that sit some 40 feet above fairway level, but a ball seems to take forever to land at the par-3 16th, where the tees are perched high on a hilltop that provides stunning views of Lewis County. The playing corridors are a bit on the tight side; on average, there’s probably no more than 10 yards from the edges of fairways to reach

3-foot-high, unmaintained wilderness, so spray hitters are best served to try to sacrifice distance for accuracy. Elsewhere on the stunningly pristine property, there is a 375-slip marina, a 22,000-square-foot conference center, a 198-room Adirondack-style lodge, 10 elegant lakeside villas, an award-winning spa and more than 45 campsites. WEB: stonewallresort.com

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COURTESY THE GREENBRIER

connotations that might come from the term state park. This is a state park the same way the Concorde was just an airplane, as evidenced by the menu at Stillwaters restaurant, where creamy wild mushrooms in a phyllo cup and a sassafras-glazed pork chop are among the offerings. Stonewall Jackson State Park is one of the great natural settings in America: a four-diamond property as rated by AAA set on a 26-mile-long, picture-postcard, manmade lake that serves as the centerpiece of an 18,000-acre wildlife management area. The Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, which turns 10 next year, is every bit the grand equal of the property. It has received all of the acclaimed national magazine honors —best courses you can play, best new course, best resort course, etc.—and annually holds down the No. 1 spot as West Virginia’s best public course and is conditioned as such. Long before the signature hole,

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WINTER GOLF When the weather turns chilly, head west and leave your winter gloves behind. Golfers can indulge in the ultimate winter golf getaway, from a Southern hot spot to amazing desert locales, these warm-weather destinations are sure to turn up the heat. Hole 18 at The Classic Club

T HE C L A S S I C C L U B Set beneath the stunning Little San Bernadino Mountains in Palm Desert, Calif., The Classic Club is a striking departure from a typical desert course. Beautiful rolling terrain, a focus on environmental preservation, challenging golf, and warm weather make it easy to see why it continues to be a top winter golf getaway year after year. Designed by Arnold Palmer and managed by Troon Golf, The Classic Club is an exceptional 7,322-yard layout that is completely free of palm trees, instead allowing players to tee it up amid an extraordinarily stunning landscape of stately pine, olive and pepperwood trees. Thirty acres of lakes and streams, flowering bushes and pine straw-covered ground further enhance the beauty of this incredible track to create an organic golf experience that is beyond compare. A challenge for golfers of all skill levels, The Classic Club was the site of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic from 2006-2008. The club also was named a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

Hole 12 at The Classic Club

Program for golf courses. To receive this honor, a course must demonstrate it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, and outreach and education. Other honors bestowed upon The Classic Club include being named to Golfweek’s Best in State list among numerous other accolades. New to the course is its recently opened three-story 63,000-square-foot, Mediterranean style clubhouse. It is a

spectacular spot for any event and also features Bellatrix restaurant and the Desert Grill. Exciting golf, stunning views and beautiful year-round weather — The Classic Club offers the perfect winter golf getaway. For more information on an exciting desert golf getaway, call 706.601.3600 or visit www.ClassicClubGolf.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILLER

A PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE

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OB SP OR T S AmAZing golf . . . whether it’s a quick round during a family winter vacation or an annual trip with friends, OB Sports offers the best in Arizona golf getaways. From the red rocks of Sedona Golf Resort, to the jaw-dropping views of Eagle Mountain to the newly-enhanced Raven Golf Club-Phoenix and McDowell Mountain Golf Club, OB Sports features a number of highlyacclaimed courses that keep visitors coming back. Other top Arizona golf gems include Longbow Golf Club, ASU Karsten Golf Course, Palm Valley Golf Club and more. All clubs offer best rate guarantees on their websites, advance booking offers and exciting stay and play packages. For those looking for an entertaining trip with friends, OB Sports Golf Vacations offers a package called the “Hungover in Scottsdale Package.” It includes a

Hole 16 at Longbow Golf Club two-night stay at The Hyatt Place in Old Town Scottsdale, three rounds of golf, complimentary breakfast, VIP access at local Scottsdale nightclubs and more. Prime season packages start at $270 per player, per day, and $540 per player for the total package. For more information on an exciting Arizona golf getaway, call 866.561.4653 or visit www.OBSports.com/Chicago.

Hole 14 at Eagle Mountain

GET TO ARIZONA AND BEAT THE COLD-WEATHER EAGLE MOUNTAIN GO

LF CLUB

BLUES?

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PALM VALLEY palmvalleygolf.com/chicago 623.935.2500

RAVEN - PHOENIX ravenphx.com/chicago 480.243.3636

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C O R DIL L E R A R A N CH Nestled amongst the rolling countryside with stunning views of the Texas Hill Country lies one of the state’s grandest gems — Cordillera Ranch. Boasting endless recreation, the seven clubs of Cordillera Ranch provide a wealth of outstanding amenities and Texas’ top ranked golf course community. Cordillera Ranch reigns as Texas’ ultimate lifestyle for your winter/vacation home. The remarkable experience begins on the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Rated a top course in Texas, the 7,464yard track offers 25-mile views of the Guadalupe River valley and winds through rugged, oak-covered terrain featuring limestone canyon walls and cascading water in rock bottom creeks. The 40,000-square-foot clubhouse features the Social Club, constructed in classic Hill Country style featuring native limestone and timbers. Other clubs include: the Spa and Athletic Club, with a fitness center overlooking the 18th green; the Equestrian Club featuring a 26-stall stable and access to miles of trails; the River Club for fishing, canoeing and kayaking; the Tennis and Swim Club; and the Rod and Gun Club with a 10-station sporting clays circuit. For more information about Cordillera Ranch’s exclusive lifestyle, including membership, real estate and “lock & leave” Villas, call 830.336.3570 or visit www.CordilleraRanch.com.

Clubhouse at Cordillera Ranch

Hole 16 at Cordillera Ranch

Lock-And-Leave Luxury

Live-And-Love Golf

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Hole 17 at Silver Rock Resort

SILV E R ROCK RE S O R T Amid stunning rocky outcroppings with a charming clubhouse renovated in regards to the former working-ranch hacienda, Silver Rock Resort stands against the beautiful backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Here, golf is more than just a sport; the resort’s Arnold Palmer Classic Course sets the scene for challenging golf in a magnificent location. Owned by the city of La Quinta and

Hole 16 at Silver Rock Resort managed by Landmark Golf Management, the 7,578-yard Arnold Palmer Signature course sprawls across more than 200 acres marked by native bunkers and stunning water features. It’s no wonder it’s the home course of the Bob Hope Classic (2008-2011). The natural beauty of the mountains looms in the distance as golfers take on the challenge of the course. Plans are underway for 36 holes of

golf, a world-class practice center, a retail village, luxury and boutique hotels and a convention center. Located in La Quinta, California, there couldn’t be a more perfect destination for a winter golf getaway. For more information on this exciting destination, call 760.777.8884 or visit www. SilverRock.org. ❍

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Superstition Mountain Clubhouse in February

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PLAYERS OF THE YEAR erfection is impossible in golf. Success itself is hard enough to come by. Witness the thoughts of this year’s three Chicago District Golf Association Player of the Year award winners, Brad Benjamin, Todd Mitchell and Dave Ryan. Each captured a title for at least the second time, but their pride in achievement is not accompanied by complete satisfaction. Each sees room for improvement in their games in 2012. That’s a lesson for all of us.

Brad Benjamin

CDGA GA PLAYER P OF THE YEAR BRAD BENJAMIN, Rockford

Par is always a meaningful score in the U.S. Open. For Brad Benjamin, scrambling for par on Congressional Country Club’s 18th hole early on Saturday of the U.S. Open—the conclusion of the second round having been delayed by weather— meant he made the cut by a stroke. “The U.S. Open was a perfect way to start my summer,” Benjamin said. “I got to play with Retief Goosen on Saturday, and played practice rounds with Rickie Fowler and Jim Furyk one day and with Anthony Kim on another. “I felt I learned a lot. I realized those guys aren’t much different from me. They’re not a whole lot longer. But they know what to expect out of themselves. Consistency is the hardest part of being a great player.”

Far from

TISFIED

Though each of 2011’s CDGA players of the year has now been honored multiple times, they all believe better times are ahead By Tim Cronin

GETTY IMAGES

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Advancing to the U.S. Open’s final 36 holes after a mostly-sleepless night and hitting his tee shot dead right also meant collecting 200 more points than for just making the Open field. And that, after the rest of the season was played, brought the Rockford-born, 25-year-old the CDGA Player of the Year title for the second time in three years. He finished with 600 points, 85 more than runner-up Blake Biddle of St. Charles, who advanced to the Round of WWW.CDGA.ORG

CDGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1.

Brad Benjamin (Rockford)

Blake Biddle (Saint Charles)

Todd Mitchell (Bloomington) . . . . . . . . .

Andy Mickelson (Joliet)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

Dave Ryan (Taylorville)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

. . . . . . . . . . 600 . . . . . . . . . .515 440

16 in the U.S. Amateur, and went five extra holes before falling. Bloomington’s Todd Mitchell (440) was third. “It means a lot to me to come out ahead of guys like Blake Biddle and Todd Mitchell,” Benjamin said. Benjamin, the foundation of whose 2009 award was winning the U.S. Public Links Championship, planned to turn pro last fall, but didn’t get out of the first stage of PGA Tour qualifying school, and so was eligible to give the amateur circuit one more whirl. Making the cut in the U.S. Open brought one more benefit: He was slotted into the second stage of Q-school. That prompted him to move to Hilton Head, S.C., and play for money. He discovered the difference in his first mini-tour start. “Playing for money instead of a trophy, if you’re an amateur and 15th, nobody cares,” Benjamin said. “But as a professional, there’s incentive.” Benjamin made $760 in that first goaround as a professional, a tune-up for Tour school. “You’ve just got to find your way,” Benjamin said.

made. “I made a mistake. Until this year, I hadn’t finished out of the top eight in the State Am. Now, I have a disqualification to go with it.” Happier days came earlier in the year, when the 32-year-old businessman won the Mid-Amateur at Flossmoor, his second straight triumph in the tournament and third win in four years. “I was playing pretty well then,” Mitchell said. “Some tournaments later in the year, I wanted to finish a

little better in, but that’s why we play golf.” Mitchell qualified for the U.S. Amateur and was exempt for the U.S. Mid-Amateur, an achievement in itself, and appears to be a force to contend with for many years to come. Asked how his game has improved over the years, he turned the question around. “Everybody’s improved,” Mitchell said. “I don’t know that I’m doing anything really different.”

Todd Mitchell

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR TODD MITCHELL, Bloomington

Todd Mitchell kick-started his season by winning the Illinois State Mid-Amateur. Then he kicked himself for a disqualification at the Illinois State Amateur because of an incorrect scorecard. The former started him on the road to a fourth straight Central Illinois Player of the Year title. The latter cost him the points needed to win CDGA Player of the Year. “It was a dumb error,” Mitchell said of failing to notice that his marker had a lower score on one hole in the final round than he had NOVEMBER 2011

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Todd Mitchell (Bloomington) . . . . . . . . . Dave Ryan (Taylorville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Miler (Kewanee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kyle English (Bloomington) . . . . . . . . . . .

John Ehrgott (Peoria)

1. 2. 3.

440 365 320 300

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 43

SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR DAVE RYAN, Taylorville

For Dave Ryan, this Senior Player of the Year thing is becoming old hat. He scored his third straight title by scoring points in six different tournaments or qualifiers for them. But to Ryan, the thrill was in matching Joel Hirsch, the first three-time winner of the title. Hirsch’s big senior seasons were 1996, 1998 and 2001. “I’ve joined some good company,” Ryan said. “I’m in tall cotton with him.”

44 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

FRANK POLICH/CDGA

Dave Ryan

Ryan’s consistency showed in the number of tournaments he scored in, including advancing to the match-play portion of the U.S. Senior Amateur in Virginia, and making it to the U.S. Senior Open. “I struggled with my game this year,” said Ryan, whose personal standards are high, “but any time you’re an amateur and qualify for two USGA events, you’ve had a good year. You try to set goals every year. For me, one was making the Radix Cup team again, and the other is always

Dave Ryan (Taylorville)

Tom Miler (Kewanee)

Tom Studer (Joliet)

Dirk Anderson (Rolling Meadows) .. . . .

Charles Travis (Hinsdale) . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 175

to qualify for a USGA event. They’re a lot of fun. You meet neat people and form friendships.” Ryan took his first-round match in the U.S. Senior Amateur to the 19th hole before losing, but said he struck the ball better there than at any other time this season. “That’s the breaks of the game,” Ryan said. “To be honest, I’m still learning how to play it. And it’s fun to play with the kids.” Especially when you’re beating them, as Ryan, who was also runnerup to Todd Mitchell for Central Illinois Player of the Year, often does. Tim Cronin covers golf for the Southtown Star.

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2011 CLUB CHAMPIONS Antioch Golf Club

Bob O’Link Golf Club

Cantigny Golf

Cress Creek Country Club

Ted Zillmer (Men’s) Alice Zyks (Women’s)

Jay Dempsey (Men’s)

Greg Denman (Men’s) Jamie Wellemeyer (Women’s) John Blumenshine (Men’s Senior)

Adam Placko (Men’s) Debbie Walizer (Women’s)

Zach Hoffman (Men’s) Teresa Sokolowski (Women’s) David Lee (Men’s Senior)

Cardinal Golf Club Jim Huntington, Jr. (Men’s)

Doug Krynicki (Men’s) Diana Atkins (Women’s) Dave Mead (Men’s Senior) Chris Stevens (Women’s Senior) Bryson Vargas (Boys’ Junior) Taylor Arenson (Girls’ Junior)

Arrowhead Country Club

Bonnie Brook Golf Course

Cary Country Club

Crestwicke Country Club

Don Denecke (Men’s Senior)

J.T. Whipple (Boys’ Junior) Meredith Hazinski (Girls’ Junior)

Greg Murphy (Men’s)

Bolingbrook Golf Club American Singles Golf Association

Boulder Ridge Country Club

Larry Gullick (Men’s)

Mike Matthews (Men’s) Joey Lang (Women’s) Mike Matthews (Men’s Senior) Jennifer Pacha (Women’s Senior)

Ralph Brown (Men’s) Pat McGough (Women’s)

Champaign Country Club

Crystal Lake Country Club

Peter Black (Men’s) Betsy Bradley (Women’s) Karl Muster (Men’s Senior) Mike Braverman (Boys’ Junior) Kelsey Gallivan (Girls’ Junior)

Mike McLoone (Men’s) Barb Dowling (Women’s) Dirk Anderson (Men’s Senior) Ethan Farnam (Boys’ Junior)

Aspen Ridge Michael Blair (Men’s) Bernie Hinrich (Women’s) Duane Denault (Men’s Senior)

Chalet Hills Golf Club

Aurora Country Club

Bowes Creek Country Club

J.P. Bryan (Men’s) Lynn Simantz (Women’s) Nicholas Huggins (Boys’ Junior)

Travis Walters (Men’s)

Brassie Golf Club, The

Tony Ross (Men’s)

Scott Woods (Men’s) Mary Pomeroy (Women’s) Chuck Welter (Men’s Senior)

Barrington Hills Country Club

Briar Ridge Country Club

Andy Gabelman (Men’s) Sally Douglas (Women’s)

Terry Werner (Men’s) Kay Torrenga (Women’s) Jim Kasprzyk (Men’s Senior)

Balmoral Woods Country Club

Bartlett Hills Golf Club Greg Goerger (Men’s) Kathy Braun (Women’s)

Larry Elbaum (Men’s) Martha Glass (Women’s)

Brookhill Golf Course

Bryn Mawr Country Club

Paul Borg (Men’s) Patti Petersen (Women’s) Bill Bell (Men’s Senior) Dylan Freytag (Boys’ Junior) Julie Muskat (Girls’ Junior)

Scott Kaplan (Men’s) Angela Berman (Women’s) Earl Holtzman (Men’s Senior)

Black Sheep Golf Club

Patrick Becker (Men’s) Janyce Dorr (Women’s)

Don Knoll (Men’s) Carol Richards (Women’s) Daryl McClendon (Men’s Senior)

Michael Affeldt (Men’s) Daryl McClendon (Men’s Senior)

Nancy Sullivan (Women’s) Brendan O’Reilly (Boys’ Junior) Sarah Renehan (Girls’ Junior)

Brett Springer (Men’s) Debbie Toler (Women’s) Rand Campbell (Men’s Senior)

Dayton Ridge Golf Club Clinton Country Club

Don Batistini (Men’s)

Chad Walker (Men’s) Vickie Harbach (Women’s)

Deer Park Country Club Andy Buck (Men’s)

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

Scott Rowe (Men’s) Reggie Timson (Women’s) Mike Friedlander (Men’s Senior) Matt Garrity (Boys’ Junior) Kim Stafford (Girls’ Junior)

Butler National Golf Club Country Club of Decatur Larry Osborne (Men’s) Holly Barding (Women’s) Larry Osborne (Men’s Senior)

Country Club of Peoria

Calumet Country Club

Ryan Cusack (Men’s) Cheryl Cuppler (Women’s) A.J. Rassi (Men’s Senior)

Tom Studer (Men’s) Lou Pisano (Men’s Senior)

Coyote Creek Golf Club

Bloomington Country Club Mike McNeely (Men’s) Kathy Long (Women’s)

Danville Country Club Chicago Highlands

Conway Farms Golf Club

Butterfield Country Club Nick Schenk (Men’s)

Bob Carroll (Men’s) Therese Youel (Women’s)

B.J. McCullough (Men’s) Char Daehler (Women’s)

Ric Pedersen (Men’s)

Blackberry Oaks Golf Course

Crystal Woods Golf Club

Steve Daly (Men’s) Charlotte Delaney (Women’s) Brad Kinsey (Men’s Senior)

Chris Beyer (Men’s) John Leonard (Men’s Senior)

Bull Valley Golf Club Travis Wiersma (Men’s) Katie Lopez (Women’s) Taylor Ganzer (Boys’ Junior)

Chicago Golf Club

Buck’s Barn Golf Resort

Mark Tortorella (Men’s)

Biltmore Country Club

Steve Thompson (Men’s) Renee Poppie (Women’s) Dan Pollock (Men’s Senior)

Paul Dalbey (Men’s)

Big Foot Country Club

Billy Caldwell Golf Course

Tim Meister (Men’s) Sierra Myerscough (Women’s)

Briarwood Country Club

Beverly Country Club Tim Harrigan, Jr. (Men’s) Molly Gilmartin (Women’s)

Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club Charleston Country Club

Deerpath Golf Club Tom Boetccher (Men’s) Sue Mangin (Women’s)

Deerpath Golf Course Chris Amato (Men’s) Dawn Saarva (Women’s)

Dunes Club Larry Kolinski (Men’s) Mindy Rubin (Women’s)

Eagle Brook Country Club Doug McCoy (Men’s) Sue Erwin (Women’s) Gary Kolbe (Men’s Senior) Mary Ellen Adkins (Women’s Senior)

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa Jim Tracey (Men’s) Karen Fitzgerald (Women’s)

Mark Greskoviak (Men’s)

NOVEMBER 2011

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 45

Edgewood Golf Club

Glen Oak Country Club

Hughes Creek Golf Club

Kenosha Country Club

Mark Baker (Men’s) Barb Long (Women’s)

Ron Dolak (Men’s)

Dave Wente (Men’s) Martha Medvesz (Women’s)

Edgewood Valley Country Club

Don Gaspar (Men’s) Janet Tuscher (Women’s) Tim Delaney (Men’s Senior) Jim Giblin (Boys’ Junior)

Jim Lynch (Men’s) Val Metcalf (Women’s)

Glen View Club

Effingham Country Club Anthony Barrett (Boys’ Junior) Miranda Rohlfing (Girls’ Junior)

Ian MacKenzie (Men’s) Bridget Schroeder (Women’s) John Stevens (Men’s Senior)

Glencoe Golf Club El Paso Golf Club John McGrew (Men’s) Gail Mickelson (Women’s) Trent Zielsdorf (Boys’ Junior) Morgan Henkelman (Girls’ Junior)

Ralph Houck (Men’s) Patti Stone (Women’s) Dave Harmon (Men’s Senior) Samuel Reategui (Boys’ Junior)

Idlewild Country Club Jeff Lizee (Men’s) Barb Smith (Women’s)

Alan Schuermann (Men’s) Nichole Inkel (Women’s) Sam Funderburg (Boys’ Junior) Grace Luker (Girls’ Junior)

Chris Sinnott (Men’s)

Jeff Miller (Men’s) Kate Johnson (Women’s)

Glenview Park Golf Club

Indian Oaks Country Club

Michael Sabo (Men’s) Young Chung (Women’s) William Moore (Men’s Senior)

Alex Bremner (Men’s) Jacki Johnson (Women’s) Al Rickert (Men’s Senior) Pokie Zitka (Women’s Senior)

Golf Club of Illinois Gary Hanson (Men’s)

Innsbrook Country Club

Green Acres Country Club

Dan Vidimos (Men’s) Marsha Rigg (Women’s)

Flossmoor Country Club

Sumeet Arora (Men’s) Linda Couch (Women’s) Mark Gallaugher (Men’s Senior) Josh Schuberg (Boys’ Junior) Courntey Williams (Girls’ Junior)

Fox Lake Country Club Bill Shapcott (Men’s) Malita Jackson (Women’s) Bill Penkava (Men’s Senior)

Fox Run Golf Links Andy Bischoff (Men’s)

Mark Sider (Men’s) Lynne Madorsky (Women’s) Jeff Golman (Men’s Senior) Ben Udell (Boys’ Junior) Amelia Morris (Girls’ Junior)

Greg Devine (Men’s) Nancy Ross (Women’s)

46 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

Steve Peake (Men’s) Jill Christiansen (Women’s) Mike Harms (Men’s Senior) Charlie Netzel (Boys’ Junior)

Russ Fitton (Men’s) Liz Rodney (Women’s) Charlie Kaye (Boys’ Junior)

Gary McCullough (Men’s) Janet Nave (Women’s)

Lake Barrington Shores Golf Club

Geoffrey Homer (Men’s)

Bill Fates (Men’s) Leslie Page (Women’s)

Mike Ujiki (Men’s) Dolores Rood (Women’s) Tom Palmer (Men’s Senior) Laurie Feldman (Women’s Senior)

Bruce Cunningham (Men’s) Marsha Gritton (Women’s) Bruce Cunningham (Men’s Senior)

Ivanhoe Club

Lake Geneva Country Club

David Passaglia (Men’s) Amanda Browning (Women’s)

Hawthorn Woods Country Club

Jacksonville Country Club

Kent Taubensee (Men’s) Ann McNeill (Women’s) Gary Jouris (Men’s Senior) Knox Montgomery (Boys’ Junior)

Kevin Rafferty (Men’s) Monica Coleman (Women’s) Dan Jones (Men’s Senior) Max Kozak (Boys’ Junior)

Jim Costello (Men’s) Pat Foss (Women’s)

Lake of the Woods Golf Course

Harrison Park Golf Course

Highland Park Golf Course

Joliet Country Club Chad Arsich (Men’s) Tana Gray (Women’s)

Highlands of Elgin Golf Club, The Michael Sainz (Men’s)

Hinsdale Golf Club Kevin McClear (Men’s) Linda Moran (Women’s) Ray Powers (Men’s Senior) Lois Brown (Women’s Senior) Tommy Concklin (Boys’ Junior)

Hubbard Trail Country Club Michael Davan (Men’s) Judy Lee (Women’s)

Kyle Hoch (Men’s) Cheryl Easter (Women’s) Gerald Hearnley (Men’s Senior)

Lake Shore Country Club Kankakee Country Club

Glen Flora Country Club Mark Palmer (Men’s) Jacqui Melius (Women’s) Justin Schwab (Boys’ Junior)

La Grange Country Club

Lacon Country Club Inverness Golf Club

Mary Zook (Women’s)

Glen Club, The

Jack Burke (Men’s) Charmaine Comerford (Women’s) Dave Mullen (Men’s Senior) Charlie Marshall (Boys’ Junior)

Itasca Country Club

Geneva Golf Club Jim Whitley (Men’s) Barb Lewis (Women’s) Bob Shiffler (Men’s Senior) Kathleen Smith (Women’s Senior)

Knollwood Club

Harborside Int’l. Golf Center

Foxford Hills Golf Club Chuck Malak (Men’s)

Klein Creek Golf Club Mike Belford (Men’s)

Casey Magner (Men’s) Jan Douaire (Women’s)

Fox Bend Golf Course

Grant Goltz (Men’s) Bobbie Cesarek (Women’s) Gino Piriano (Boys’ Junior) Maggie Russell (Girls’ Junior)

Indian Creek Golf & Country Club

David Augle (Men’s)

Charles Schenck (Men’s) Nancy Ahitow (Women’s) Greg Underwood (Men’s Senior) Jack Mulligan (Boys’ Junior)

Kishwaukee Country Club

Indian Hill Club Gleneagles Country Club

Tom Coomes (Men’s) Pat Erickson (Women’s) Tom Dammrich (Men’s Senior)

Tom Miler (Men’s) Steve Reeder (Men’s Senior)

Illini Country Club

Elgin Country Club

Evanston Golf Club

Kewanee Dunes

Joel Brock (Men’s) Connie Kendziorek (Women’s) Joe Panici (Men’s Senior) Kathy Romary (Women’s Senior)

Kankakee Elks Country Club

Ben Strobel (Men’s) Alison Salzman (Women’s)

Lakeside Country Club Alan Bardwell (Men’s) Kathy Niepagen (Women’s) Mark Dehner (Men’s Senior)

Damon Jensen (Men’s)

Lakeview Country Club Kemper Lakes Golf Club

Dale Hendershot (Men’s)

Scott Rech (Men’s) Diane Ferron (Women’s) Hudson Luthringhausen (Boys’ Junior)

Lansing Country Club Mike Kosich (Men’s) Melissa Kerr (Women’s)

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Lick Creek Golf Course

Medinah Country Club

Oak Springs Golf Club

Plum Tree National Golf Club

Tim Sheppard (Men’s)

Doug Auw (Men’s) Monte Kushida (Women’s)

Eric Zeedyk (Men’s) Darla Casey (Women’s) Jay Buckley (Men’s Senior)

Tom Sweetwood (Men’s) Tim Martin (Men’s Senior)

Lincoln Oaks Golf Course Pete Cialkowski (Men’s) Monica Cialkowski (Women’s)

Merit Club Martin Carmody (Men’s)

Tim Murray (Men’s)

Dave Gibson (Men’s) Cindy Warren (Women’s)

Old Wayne Golf Club

Pottawatomie Golf Club

Chris DeLarme (Men’s)

Kathy Mehl (Women’s) Kim Lahti (Men’s Senior)

John Woods (Men’s) Barbara Lyon (Women’s) Gregg Hague (Men’s Senior) Connor McCadam (Boys’ Junior) Darby Crane (Girls’ Junior)

Onwentsia Club

Prairie Isle Golf Club

Guethner Hehn (Men’s) Mary Pendergast (Women’s)

Joseph L. McGowan III (Men’s) Linda Steers (Women’s) Joseph L. McGowan III (Men’s Senior) Chase Wheatley (Boys’ Junior)

Aaron Yates (Men’s) Drew Gustafsson (Boys’ Junior) Robin Manarik (Girls’ Junior)

Mistwood Golf Club

Palatine Hills Golf Course

Bill Seitz (Men’s)

Matt Shipley (Men’s)

PrairieView Golf Club

Morris Country Club

Bryan Benishek (Men’s) Kim Dickerson (Women’s) Reese Van Balen (Boys’ Junior)

Grant Whybark (Men’s) Cheri Russell (Women’s)

Panther Creek Country Club

Lincolnshire Country Club

Midlothian Country Club

Bill Beechin (Men’s) Jill Williams (Women’s)

Joe Rundle (Men’s) Sue Hennessy (Women’s) Gene Wagner (Men’s Senior)

Olympia Fields Country Club

Links Golf Course, The Mark Strain (Men’s) Greg Neff (Men’s Senior)

Lockport Golf & Recreation Club

Minne Monesse Golf Course Brand Dulin (Men’s) Oliva McCormick (Women’s) John Brindley (Men’s Senior)

Drew Anderson (Men’s)

Mission Hills Country Club Long Beach Country Club Brian Hogan (Men’s) Peg King (Women’s) Bill Luegers (Men’s Senior) Billy Nondorf (Boys’ Junior) Lucy Caplice (Girls’ Junior)

Lost Dunes John Smollen (Men’s) Patty Rees (Women’s)

Pontiac Elks Country Club Old Elm Club

Prairie Landing Golf Club

Mt. Hawley Country Club

Jake Marriott (Men’s) Diane Paoli (Women’s) Dale Blankenship (Men’s Senior) Diane Paoli (Women’s Senior) Matt Mosley (Boys’ Junior) Olivia Zeigler (Girls’ Junior)

Chuck McDonough (Men’s) Colleen MacArthur (Women’s)

Adam Angst (Men’s) Judy Simpson (Women’s) Matthew Fahel (Men’s Senior)

Manteno Golf Crs. and Learning Ctr.

Mt. Prospect Golf Club

Kyle Bukowski (Men’s) Barb Riesebeck (Women’s) Jack Gorham (Men’s Senior)

Dan Caporusso (Men’s) Karly Grouwinkel (Women’s) Jim Graves (Men’s Senior)

Marengo Ridge Golf & Country Club

Naperbrook Golf Course

Mark Davis (Men’s) Clara Hellemann (Women’s) Lennie Haines (Men’s Senior) Mike Kruse (Boys’ Junior)

Phil Whittles (Men’s)

Kevin Buggy (Men’s) Lisa Simpson (Women’s) Ted Zillmer (Men’s Senior) Jack McGuire (Boys’ Junior) Katie Krall (Girls’ Junior)

Naperville Country Club

Pekin Country Club

Sean Murphy (Men’s) JoAnn Thurston (Women’s) Robert Larsen (Men’s Senior) Joe Minik (Boys’ Junior)

Tim Saurs (Men’s) Diane Reali (Women’s) Ron Juricic (Men’s Senior) Mitch McCafferty (Boys’ Junior) Brittany Hill (Girls’ Junior)

Makray Memorial Golf Club

Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, The Eric Burch (Men’s) Cindy Jacobson (Women’s) Al Bjork (Men’s Senior) Carol Loucks (Women’s Senior)

McHenry Country Club Joe Schmidt (Men’s) Char McLear (Women’s) Paul Wray (Men’s Senior) Jordan Hahn (Boys’ Junior)

Meadows Golf Club of Blue Island Tim Roberts (Men’s) Sara Nessel (Women’s) Dave Jenner (Men’s Senior) Lauren Catinella (Women’s Senior) Brendan Ryan (Boys’ Junior) Colleen Sakovich (Girls’ Junior)

NOVEMBER 2011

Park Ridge Country Club

Dan Cameron (Men’s) Carla Leddy (Women’s) Joe Gianneschi (Men’s Senior) Brady Szuminski (Boys’ Junior)

Prestwick Country Club Frank Montro (Men’s) Janice Larson (Women’s) Bob Stuart (Men’s Senior) Danny Olivieri (Boys’ Junior) Abby Olivieri (Girls’ Junior)

Railside Golf Club Mark Glascock (Men’s) Emily Spangler (Women’s)

Ravinia Green Country Club

Redtail Golf Club Neil Golyshko (Men’s)

Northmoor Country Club David Ascher (Men’s) Jill Selati (Women’s) David Ascher (Men’s Senior)

Michael Fields (Men’s) Karan Schneider (Women’s) Richard Ravin (Men’s Senior) Jake Krugman (Boys’ Junior)

Pheasant Run Resort Susan Carlton (Women’s)

Renwood Golf Course Herving Sanchez (Men’s)

Pheasant Valley Men’s Club Oak Brook Golf Club Jamie Blyth (Men’s) Wendy Youngman (Women’s) Tim Creighton (Men’s Senior) Myeong Chi (Women’s Senior)

Pete Weiand (Men’s) Jack Pettit (Men’s Senior)

Ridge Country Club

Phillips Park Golf Course

Ridgemoor Country Club

Josh Gorzney (Men’s)

Stanton Kapka (Men’s) Virginia McGathey (Women’s) Rich Blaine (Men’s Senior)

Oak Park Country Club

Pigbodies Golf Association

Gerard Downey (Men’s) Nancy Hanson (Women’s) Bill Snyder (Men’s Senior) Teddy Economos (Boys’ Junior) Lizzy Mavrogenes (Girls’ Junior)

Art Taylor (Men’s)

Rob McGowan (Men’s)

River Forest Country Club Pine Meadow Golf Club Mark Schneiderman (Men’s) Kim Dickerson (Women’s) Steven Jacobs (Men’s Senior) Ryan Prince (Boys’ Junior)

Mike Heffner (Men’s) Karen Cushing (Women’s) Ho Yu (Men’s Senior) Quinn Gaughan (Boys’ Junior)

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 47

Riverside Golf Club

Shoreacres

Sunset Valley Golf Course

White Deer Run

John Maentanis (Men’s) Eileen Van Selow (Women’s) David Alderman (Men’s Senior) Jack Kemper (Boys’ Junior)

Chris Burke (Men’s) Robin Donnelley (Women’s) Web Browning (Men’s Senior)

Frank Mixter (Men’s) Cindy Dixon (Women’s)

R.G. Francis (Men’s) R.G. Francis (Men’s Senior)

Tamarack Golf Club

White Eagle Golf Club

Rob Bice (Men’s) Charlotte Delaney (Women’s)

James Yu (Men’s) Carl Keller (Men’s Senior) Bernie Sims (Women’s)

Soangetaha Country Club

Thunderhawk Golf Club

Brien Hodgeman (Men’s) Sandee Sundeen-Radgowski (Women’s) Ron Potter (Men’s Senior) Jack Carter (Boys’ Junior) Victoria Theodorou (Girls’ Junior)

Jim Wetherbee (Men’s) Jaclyn Thompson (Women’s) Jim Wetherbee (Men’s Senior) Hunter Nesselroad (Boys’ Junior) Taylor Thompson (Girls’ Junior)

Steven Fussell (Men’s)

South Side Country Club

Traditions at Chevy Chase

Luke Highley (Men’s) Melanie Binder (Women’s) Randy Richardson (Men’s Senior) Eldon Potts (Boys’ Junior)

Scott Cluff (Men’s) Sue Webber (Women’s)

Sumeet Arora (Men’s) Carol Hammerle (Women’s) Tim Gierhart (Men’s Senior)

Turnberry Country Club

Wilmette Golf Club

Kirk Immens (Men’s) Carol Henke (Women’s)

Brad Inguagiato (Men’s) Fred Watson (Men’s Senior)

Twin Orchard Country Club

Winnetka Golf Club

Todd Block (Men’s) Linda Weinstein (Women’s) Michael Sigesmund (Men’s Senior) Noah Fishbein (Boys’ Junior)

Brent Brouse (Men’s) Mary Schreck (Women’s) M.J. Jiaris (Men’s Senior) Jack Haberkorn (Boys’ Junior)

University of Illinois Golf Course

Wolf Creek Golf Club

Mike Merrick (Men’s) Judy Tennant (Women’s) Mike McNeely (Men’s Senior)

Rob Dietzen (Men’s) Betty Pintar (Women’s) Joe Elliott (Men’s Senior)

Dan Brown (Men’s) Alison Bassetto (Women’s) Nick Ranchero (Men’s Senior)

Urbana Country Club

Woodbine Golf Course

Ronalde Johnson (Men’s) Laura Schmitt (Women’s)

Tim Staley (Men’s)

St. Andrews Golf & Country Club

Village Links of Glen Ellyn

Greg Hodge (Men’s) Merritt Cook (Men’s Senior)

St. Charles Country Club

Dan Dempsey (Men’s) Janet Moore (Women’s) Ward Miller (Men’s Senior) Will Lear (Boys’ Junior)

Terry Bachner (Men’s) Chris Kluck (Women’s)

Wedgewood Golf Course

Skokie Country Club Rochelle Country Club Andy Wilkinson (Men’s) Phyllis Roe (Women’s)

Rockford Country Club Dana Kiley (Men’s) Pam Keeling (Women’s) Ray Paul (Men’s Senior)

White Hawk Country Club Timber Creek Golf Club Joel Kipping (Men’s) Mimi Boysen (Women’s)

Rolling Green Country Club Jim Malik (Men’s) Stelly Reichel (Women’s) Jim Malik (Men’s Senior)

Royal Country Club of Long Grove Jason Price (Men’s) Lori Israel (Women’s)

Whitetail Ridge Golf Club

Sportsman’s Country Club

Tim Hughes (Men’s) Jennifer Nicholas (Women’s)

Nick Jan (Men’s) Meeun Yu (Women’s) Mark Hinken (Men’s Senior) Colin O’Neill (Boys’ Junior)

Royal Hawk Country Club

Spring Creek Golf Course

Jim Shipman (Men’s) Carrie Settles (Women’s)

Fred Steele (Men’s) Kathy Potthoff (Women’s) Alex Harrison (Boys’ Junior) Nicole Washelesky (Girls’ Junior)

Royal Fox Country Club

Royal Melbourne Steven Feldman (Men’s) Deb Kermisch (Women’s) Steven Feldman (Men’s Senior) Mary McCarthy (Women’s Senior)

Springbrook Golf Course

Ruth Lake Country Club Matt Lawton (Men’s) Sandra Prisby (Women’s)

Woodlawn Country Club

Sanctuary Golf Course Gerard Walsh (Men’s) Kathy Kazmar (Women’s) Patrick Flynn (Men’s Senior) Kathy Kazmar (Women’s Senior) Ryan Conversa (Boys’ Junior) Claire McKinney (Girls’ Junior)

Sand Creek Country Club Bob Jacobs (Men’s) Sandra Teal (Women’s) Bob Home (Men’s Senior)

Steeple Chase Golf Club John Pierpont IIII (Men’s) Audrey Moyna (Women’s) Mike Scardina (Men’s Senior)

Stonebridge Country Club

Glenn Przybylski (Men’s)

Andrew Van Eekeren (Men’s) Brenda Brazik (Women’s) Bob Carlson (Men’s Senior) Kathy Fitzgerald (Women’s Senior)

Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course

Stonewall Orchard Golf Club

Dan Latondress (Men’s)

Tim Stodder (Men’s)

Shewami Country Club

Sunset Ridge Country Club

Charles Hopkins III (Men’s) Barb Swain (Women’s)

Chris Broccolo (Men’s) Pam Lungmus (Women’s) John Alexander (Men’s Senior) Brendan Gallagher (Boys’ Junior)

Seven Bridges Golf Club

Barry Bowhall (Men’s) Jen Vinovich (Women’s)

Justin Ernst (Men’s)

Woodstock Country Club Walter Leucht (Men’s) Jane Vite (Women’s) Walter Leucht (Men’s Senior) Lok Yan Fick (Girls’ Junior)

Chuck Surina, Jr. (Men’s) Amy Blish (Women’s) Chi Kovel (Men’s Senior)

Wyaton Hills Golf Course

Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club

Wynstone Golf Club

Justin White (Men’s) Jana Petersen (Women’s) Paul George (Men’s Senior)

David Goldrath (Men’s) Michelle Pethley (Women’s) Penelope Knopik (Women’s Senior)

Westmoreland Country Club

Youche Country Club

Tom Wiscomb (Men’s) Holly Armour (Women’s) Will Connelly (Boys’ Junior)

Adam Vandercar (Men’s) Nancy Forsythe (Women’s) Jim Olszewski (Men’s Senior)

Michelle Coble (Women’s)

Whisper Creek Golf Club

48 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

Angelo LaMantia (Men’s)

WWW.CDGA.ORG

L AY E R S A R E N ’ T J U S T F O R YO U R G O L F B A L L Layers keep you warm. Vests keep your core warm, pants and long sleeves take care of the rest. Put on leggings and ﬂeece, and play on the chilliest of days. Add in a wind-proof jacket, gloves and a hat, and thanks to today’s tech fabrics you can swing freely in late November. Players know that fall is the best time for golf. Dress for it and play through.

60°

30°

50° 40° warmer

cooler

Visit Our Chicago Locations For Tour-Level Club Fittings and Repairs Performed by PGA/LPGA Professionals and Certiﬁed Club Fitters Naperville

Vernon Hills

1931 Glacier Park Ave. Naperville, IL 630.416.3772

555 East Townline Rd. #9 Vernon Hills, IL 847.549.1675

Glenn Sowizrol PGA Professional

John Mueller PGA Professional

Orland Park

Schaumburg

15756 LaGrange Rd. Orland Park, IL 708.364.0374

950 East Golf Rd. Schaumburg, IL 847.882.3828

Ken Buss PGA Professional

John Gagliano PGA Professional

Downers Grove

Skokie

1306 Butterﬁeld Rd. Downers Grove, IL 630.916.9425

4831 Golf Rd. Skokie, IL 847.324.0890

Chris Robertson PGA Professional

Robert Jan PGA Professional

VALID THROUGH 1/31/12

$20 OFF TAKE

YOUR NEXT PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE Limit one coupon per customer. Minimum purchase of $100 before sales tax. Total amount of coupon must be redeemed at one time. Cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons or used for previously purchased merchandise. Coupon valid on in-store purchases only. Not redeemable for cash, gift cards or store credit. No reproductions or rain checks accepted. Returns or exchanges where an Advantage Club Golf Reward Certiﬁcate or other discount was applied may result in an adjusted refund amount. Excludes Under Armour, PING, FootJoy DryJoys Tour, electronics, select new release Callaway Golf, Cleveland, Odyssey, Titleist, Mizuno, Cobra, TaylorMade, Nike Golf, ecco and FootJoy merchandise. Some additional exclusions may apply. See store for details. Valid through 1/31/12.

P00004173