Chicago District Golfer June 2011 by CDGA

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GUEST ESSAY By Vince Pellegrino

Our kind of town Playing the BMW Championship elsewhere on occasion doesn’t mean we love Chicago any less

hese days, as vice president of tournaments for the Western Golf Association, I am often asked, “Where is the BMW Championship being played this year?” My answer: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, Sept. 12-18. The question is natural in light of recent developments, namely the announcement last month that the 2014 BMW Championship (founded in 1899 as The Western Open) will be played at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver. The 2012 BMW Championship will be played at Crooked Stick Golf Club just outside Indianapolis, thus avoiding a conflict with the Ryder Cup, which will be played a couple of weeks later at Medinah Country Club. The 2008 BMW Championship was played at Bellerive Country Club, near St. Louis, while Cog Hill, our home since 1991, was undergoing extensive course renovations. As part of the PGA Tour’s postsummer FedExCup Playoffs series, the tournament is branching out to new markets. Nevertheless, Chicago always will play an important role in the WGA’s future. Located in the north suburb of Golf, the Western Golf Association is part of Chicago’s unique sports and educational fabric. It was founded here in 1899 and since 1930 has been operating the “caddies-to-college” Evans Scholars Foundation, one of the top private charities in the nation with more than 10,000 alumni and 860 current scholars in college. All proceeds from the BMW Championship benefit the Evans Scholars. This year, for the first time since 1928, all three prestigious WGA

championships (the Western Junior, Western Amateur and the BMW Championship) will be played in the Chicago area. A few years ago, the WGA returned the Western Amateur to Chicago on a long-term basis so it could be rotated among some of the area’s most prestigious and challenging golf courses. Chicago is a community with a tremendous golf history. We appreciate the many Chicago-area golf fans who have enthusiastically supported the BMW Championship/ Western Open over the years and, by extension, the Evans Scholars Foundation. Without our fans, literally thousands of high-character young men and women would not have been able to achieve their dream of acquiring a college education. It may come as a surprise to some, but the Western Open had always been a roving national tournament in the tradition of the U.S. Open and the British Open. Of the 58 Western Opens conducted between 1899 and 1961, only 16 were played in the Chicago area. Over the years, the WGA assembled the game’s greatest players as far east as New York state and as far west as Los Angeles. In 1962, the tournament settled in Chicago, where it would remain a mid-summer sports highlight for 45 years. The change to a playoff event conducted after Labor Day revived the earlier tradition of moving the tournament to different sites. With Cog Hill undergoing an extensive course renovation in 2008, the BMW Championship was played at Bellerive in St. Louis. The results were a revelation. Benefiting from the St. Louis market’s pent-up demand for PGA Tour golf, the WGA

Vince Pellegrino

nearly doubled our contributions to the Evans Scholars Foundation. In moving the BMW Championship to other markets, WGA also is able to deepen its relationships with other Evans Scholars supporters. St. Louis, Indianapolis and Denver all have clubs with Evans Scholars-related caddie programs and are located in states where the flagship universities have Evans Scholarship houses. Keeping that in mind, it isn’t just about how much money we take in. It’s about how we spend it. Given the relentless inflation in college tuition, it’s more important than ever that the WGA maximize its BMW Championship revenues. WGA Evans Scholars tuition expenses have increased nearly 50 percent in the last five years. That adds up when you’re putting 800-plus young men and women through college every year. The WGA is trying to navigate a very competitive golf market in challenging economic times for the purpose of advancing our key mission: sending needy and academically-worthy caddies to college. That may mean periodically taking the BMW Championship to other markets, but Chicago is our anchor. We’ve been here for 112 great years and we look forward to many more.

Comments are solely the opinion of the author and not necessarily those of the CDGA. Letters and opinions are welcome at info@cdga.org. JUNE 2011

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 5

OFFICERS

VO L U M E 2 2 , N U M B E R 2

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Matt Baylor

PRESIDENT Matthew L. Pekarek, Village Links of Glen Ellyn

VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE Steven S. Birky, Danville CC

GENERAL COUNSEL Sheldon Solow, Briarwood CC

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Keith Frankland, Village Greens of Woodridge

SECRETARY Alan J. Hunken, Bob O’Link GC

EX-OFFICIO Jerry Williams, Olympia Fields CC

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT David Haverick, Pine Meadow CC

TREASURER Michael J. Grandinetti, Calumet CC

Andrew Louthain Alli Ferguson EDITOR

Rich Skyzinski

GOVERNORS Thomas Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly CC William R. Buecking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large 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 Marianne Zito. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stonebridge CC

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Butler National GC 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 John C. Hoelscher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WeaverRidge GC James Hundman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Eagle GC Jack Ingold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake Bluff GC Betty Kaufmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Knollwood Club

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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 Lawrence Oakford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woodstock CC James J. O’Hagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Park Ridge 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

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Chicago • Robert A. Rose & Associates 312-755-1133 Publisher • Jason Redditt 407-342-5505 Associate Publisher • Jereme Day 913-499-7310 Southeast/Caribbean • Mary Dees 407-515-2601 Western • Mike Pinckes 619-507-5570 Hawaii • Loren Malenchek 808-283-7112 Southwest • Rachel Chandler 480-650-6705 Detroit • Flavin Associates Inc. 248-524-9000 East Coast Sales Manager • Henry Robinson 843-261-9008 CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER (ISSN: #1087-6502) is published six times annually by the Chicago District Golf Association, Midwest Golf House, 11855 Archer Avenue, Lemont, IL 60439. Periodical postage paid at Lemont, IL 60439 and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices are located at Midwest Golf House, 11855 Archer Avenue, Lemont, IL 60439. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago District Golfer, Midwest Golf House, 11855 Archer Avenue, Lemont, IL 60439. One-year subscription is $15. Copyright by Chicago District Golf Association. All rights reserved. The advertising space provided in Chicago District Golfer is purchased and paid for by the advertiser. None of the products or services are necessarily endorsed by Turnstile Publishing, the CDGA or its affiliates.

The listing of the CDGA professional staff is available at www.cdga.org.

6 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

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June 2011 | Vol. 22 No. 2

Features 28 THE WAIT IS OVER By Greg Stewart Elmhurst’s Mark Wilson, the only two-time winner through the first four months of 2011, made the most of his long-anticipated visit to the Masters 30 A WILD RIDE By Ed Sherman Kevin Streelman’s struggles early on are a distant memory now, and his road to success has certainly paid off

22 32 CAREER BUILDER By Greg Stewart Having now played in all four majors, D.A. Points wants to make his presence on golf’s grand stage a more regular occurrence 34 GOLDEN MOMENTS By Jim Owczarski For the Radix Cup, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it’s been half a century of unforgettable memories 38 HARD HABIT TO BREAK By Matt McKay Once Danny Seraphine, a member of the iconic rock band Chicago, got into golf, it did not take long to realize what he had been missing

40 WHAT’S NEW IN 2011 An equipment guide on the latest and greatest products of the year Departments GUEST ESSAY

Vince Pellegrino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 AROUND THE CDGA

Fit for Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Club Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Aces in the Crowd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ask the Docs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tournament Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SUNSHINE THROUGH GOLF FOUNDATION

2011 Camp Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FACILITY FOCUS

Kankakee Elks Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 DESTINATION

Northern Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 GEMS OF THE CDGA

The 17th at Kankakee Country Club . . . . . . . 42 RULES OF THE GAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

40 COVER: Mark Wilson (The Associated Press). CONTENTS (clockwise, from top): TimberStone (photo courtesy TimberStone); Boccieri Golf (photo courtesy Boccieri Golf); Kevin Streelman (David Cannon/Getty Images).

JUNE 2011

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 7

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» FIT FOR GOLF Benefits through AthletiCo for CDGA members ATHLETICO IS EXCITED about the upcoming golf season and is eager to provide a variety of services to CDGA members. Again this year, Tommy Asuma will be present at many tournaments throughout the season. Tommy has nine years of experience as a board-certified athletic trainer in addition to being a certified performance enhancement specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Be sure to keep an eye out for the AthletiCo logo on the tournament information page featuring events that will be covered during the season. Services provided include, but are not limited to, pre-event dynamic stretching, injury screens, and manual stretching techniques. As a CDGA member, you also are able to take advantage of a number of services at all AthletiCo locations. • 3-D swing analysis The 3-D swing analysis captures every nuance of human movement in three dimensions, including all of the

rotational speeds of the body. With small wireless sensors, it quickly, easily and in real time records and displays exactly what goes on in a swing. The swing technique is then matched with a player’s physical attributes to help build a more repeatable and efficient swing. For a limited time only, CDGA members get 15 percent off the regular price of the 3-D swing service, as well as other services offered below. • Group golf fitness training program This is an eight-week class that meets two times per week, combining fitness and instruction. The sessions consist of pre- and post- physical evaluations, three swing analyses, and 11 golf fitness sessions. • Individual lessons and training sessions In order to participate in the individual golf fitness training, first complete a biomechanical evaluation. Then, a golf fitness specialist will build a customized golf-specific exercise routine focused on improving your

swing. As workouts progress, the specialist will communicate with your golf professional, making sure the physical workouts are specific to what you and your golf pro are trying to change with your swing. • Massage A 30- 60- or 90-minute therapeutic massage with highly-skilled, licensed massage therapists. All AthletiCo locations offer complimentary injury screens for CDGA members and their families. Simply call the location that is most convenient, tell them what the issue is, and a licensed physical therapist or athletic trainer will complete an evaluation. They will then make recommendations on the proper treatment to aid in recovery or, if necessary, assist in making an appointment to have an injury evaluated by a physician. For more information, call AthletiCo at 630-572-9700 or visit the website at athleticogolfcenter.com.

» CLUB CORNER Maximize club head technology with the right shaft 2011 HAS BECOME a breakout year for club design. Many golf club manufacturers are offering the best performing and most technologically advanced club heads ever produced— particularly driver heads. Buyers can now purchase drivers that are equipped with adjustments that can change face angle, lie, and even loft. In the past, driver head adjustment technologies led to sacrifices in ball speed, but not anymore. Now, these complex drivers are producing the highest ball speeds attainable. However, players can only take advantage of the new head technologies if their shaft is the right fit. The finest driver head in the world equipped with an improperly fitted shaft will inevitably produce a golf club that is less than ideal. Adjusting face angle, loft, or lie will not overcome the negative effects of a poorly fitted shaft. Qualified fitters always address shaft choice first and head choice second. Shaft weight, length, bend profile and flex are the primary considerations when seeking a properly fitted shaft. Correct weight and length will ensure a repeatable swing plane that will allow a player to consistently strike the center of the face,

8 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

increasing ball speed and reducing shot dispersion. Weight also can be used to affect launch angle and spin rate, and help provide proper balance. The bend profile will affect a player’s ability to load and release the shaft properly, while flex will affect balance, dispersion, ball speed and flight shape. Bend profile describes the way in which a shaft reacts under load, and is a bit tricky. No two shafts models have the identical bend profiles, even if the weight, flex and length are identical. So different shafts can look similar on paper but can be worlds apart in performance and feel. Shaft manufacturers are offering more high-performance shafts than ever before and keeping pace in technology advances with their club head counterparts. With so many exceptional options available, it is essential that a player seek guidance from a qualified fitter to sift through the maze of shafts to find the shaft/head combination that will produce consistent and optimum results. For more information, call Club Champion at 630-654-8887 or visit online at www.clubchampiongolf.com.

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Luke Guthrie Quincy Guthrie, a junior at the University of Illinois, captured the Big Ten Championship individual title in Lafayette, Ind., just one week after tying for first at the Kepler Invitational in Columbus, Ohio. The wins were the second and third of his college career. With a 1-under-par 287 at the Big Ten Championship, Guthrie not only placed first but also helped Illinois to its third consecutive Big Ten title as well. Guthrie became the school’s first Big Ten medalist since 1999. At the 54-hole Kepler Invitational, Guthrie won with a score of 3-under-par 210.

Jeff Kellen

COURTESY BRIAN GREEN

Rockford Kellen, a senior at Illinois State University, took third at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship at the Club at Porta Cima in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. Kellen started the tournament with a 5-over 77, added a 2-over 74 in the second round and improved yet again in the final round with a 2-under 70, which moved him within one stroke of first place. He finished in sole possession of third place at 221. Illinois State finished the conference tournament in second place.

Brian Green (right) was honored for his environmental work at Sunset Valley.

Green receives top honor from the GCSAA SEVERAL GOLF AWARDS and honors announced during the offseason made their way to the Chicago area. Superintendent Brian Green and Sunset Valley Golf Course in Highland Park were named the overall winners of the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. “The 2010 ELGA winners highlight superior environmental stewardship on the golf course, as well as the environmental leadership of GCSAA members,” said GCSAA President James Fitzroy. “Golf courses can be compatible with the environment, and in many cases enhance it, as our winners demonstrate.” Five national winners were recognized at the GCSAA Education Conference in Orlando in early February. Judges selected winners in three national categories (public, private and resort courses) and an international winner, with an overall winner selected from those four.

JUNE 2011

Green, a 32-year GCSAA member, is a GCSAA-certified golf course superintendent at Sunset Valley, an 18-hole municipal course on Chicago’s North Shore owned and operated by the Park District of Highland Park. The entire property is within the Chicago River watershed and the golf course pumps storm and effluent water from the north branch of the river for irrigation, conserving between 7 million and 20 million gallons of potable Lake Michigan water annually. More than 70 percent of Sunset Valley’s 100 acres is floodplain and 12 acres of bioswales help collect flood waters and filter the overflow before it returns to the Chicago River. Green has created native vegetation buffers around ponds and he has helped Sunset Valley receive funding from the Illinois EPA for a demonstration of streambank restoration, effectively stopping erosion, filtering debris, and avoiding sedimentation of downstream areas.

Ryan Utter New Lenox Utter, a junior in high school, claimed medalist honors in the boys division at the American Junior Golf Association’s Preseason Junior at White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, Ind. Utter, who trailed by three strokes after the first round of the 36-hole event, won it at the last hole. Tied with the first-round leader, Utter managed to get up and down from a greenside bunker and made par to claim the victory by one shot. Utter finished at 8-over-par 152.

Ann Vrdolyak Flossmoor Vrdolyak, a junior at Loyola University of Chicago, claimed medalist honors at the Loyola Invitational at Evanston Golf Club in Skokie and helped her team to a second-place showing behind Western Illinois University. After tying for the lowest score with Claire Gursh of Western Illinois, Vrdolyak, who finished 75-76—151, won the tiebreaker on a match of scorecards. This was Vrdolyak’s fourth top-10 finish of the spring. She also was tied for 18th at the Horizon League Women’s Golf Championship.

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 email to info@cdga.org or aparker@golfweek.com.

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 9

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» ASK THE DOCS A golfer’s problem: Dealing with shoulder pain Question:

Over this most recent winter, I was experiencing pain in my left shoulder. The pain is not in the joint, but is rather on the outside of the shoulder, starting at the top and radiating down about 4 inches. There is also a very sore spot just under the skin in the center of my shoulder. Is there a problem with a muscle, tendon, or the joint? I had an X-ray a year ago and was diagnosed with arthritis. I’m hoping to get some help before golf season starts.

MORRIS

HOBART

Answer from Dr. Nikhil N. Verma:

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Shoulder pain is commonly felt along the anterior or lateral aspect of your arm from the top of the shoulder, extending sometimes down to the elbow region. It is uncommon for the pain to extend below the elbow level, however. It sounds as if your discomfort falls within this area. This pain is most commonly due to inflammation or irritation around the rotator cuff tendon, and it could indicate a rotator cuff tear if there is loss of strength. Unfortunately, it generally is difficult to provide a full recommendation without evaluating your shoulder. That being said, we most commonly recommend an initial course of conservative management. This involves ice and oral anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen or Naproxen), a course of physical therapy and, in selected cases, a cortisone injection into the shoulder. If your pain does not respond, or if there is significant weakness in the arm, an MRI scan may be required. Editor’s note: This information is intended only for general public education and is not intended to serve as a substitute for direct medical advice. It should not replace necessary medical consultations with a qualified orthopaedic physician. For more information about Dr. Verma and the sports medicine physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, call 877-632-6637 or go online at www.rushortho.com.

DEER VALLEY GOLF COURSE (630) 556-3333 www.deervalleygc.net

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» HONORS & AWARDS » NAMES IN THE NEWS BMW volunteer feted for 50 years of service MEL KREJCI OF LA GRANGE PARK was named the 2010 PGA Tour volunteer of the year for his longtime service to the BMW Championship. The 2010 event marked Krejci’s 50th year as a volunteer at the BMW Championship, which previously was known as the Western Open. He even traveled to Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis for the tournament in 2008. Krejci has served as the chairman of the ShotLink Scoring Committee since ShotLink’s debut in 2002 and was committee chairman in 2010. In addition to those duties last year, Krejci stepped in to serve as Tournament Scoreboard Committee chairman just one week prior to the event, due to an unforseen family situation with that committee’s chairman. • The 2010 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, earned an award for “best use of players” and was honored at the Tour’s annual Tournament Advisory Council Meetings. In what typically incorporates a celebrity, the event instead welcomed nine past champions of the John Deere Classic for the “Salute to Champions” dinner, with proceeds being donated to charity. Among those past champions were Deane Beman and Steve Stricker, the tournament’s first winner and defending champion, respectively. The John Deere Classic procured taped messages from 28 players earlier in the year, which resulted in more than 100 radio/television promotional spots for the 2010 John Deere Classic. Additionally, 12 players visited six John Deere plants for a “Brown Bag Lunch” session. Another way the John Deere Classic engaged the community was through its military appreciation clinic during tournament week.

JUNE 2011

Third time’s a charm for Small MIKE SMALL, head coach of the men’s golf team at the University of Illinois, won the points race to be named the PGA of America’s PGA professional of the year. It was the third such award for Small, 44, whose 2010 season included winning a record-tying third PGA Professional National Championship. He was honored in late January at the 58th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. The player of the year standings were determined based on a points system involving both national and PGA section competitions in 2010. Small’s yearly total of 1,453 points was 212 ahead of runner-up Sonny Skinner of Albany, Ga. Small won his third PGA Professional National Championship last June in French Lick, Ind., matching the mark of the late Larry Gilbert. He also won a ninth Illinois PGA Chamionship and

played in seven PGA Tour events, finishing tied for 17th at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Cancun, Mexico. “I’m honored to win this award for a third time, and I count myself very fortunate for lucky timing when it came to getting past injury to just be able to compete (in last June’s National Championship),” said Small. “. . . It is great to still be a player and someone who can help educate younger players to go out and enjoy success on the course.”

Mike Small

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ILLINOIS STATE PUBLIC LINKS

Point O’ Woods Golf and Country Club

Wright wins third Illinois State Public Links title

No. 18 at Point O’ Woods

OPENED IN 1958, Point O’Woods Golf and Country Club has been a fixture the past several years on the CDGA tournament calendar, traditionally being the site of the second Better Ball of Pairs event in May. Despite being in a different time zone (yet only a two-hour drive from the Loop), it’s no mystery why the event in Benton Harbor, Mich. is the first to sell out every year, as the club is a mainstay on Golfweek magazine’s top 100 courses in the nation. The Robert Trent Jones layout is no stranger to providing a challenge; it was the Western Amateur site for nearly 40 years. The course plays at 7,080

yards to challenge the best players, but has tees that meet the needs of all skill levels. The test of skill will be there from the first tee to the 18th hole, where the 423-yard par 4 may require some players to pull their best shots of the day out of the bag. The hole requires a long tee shot down the right side of the fairway for the best angle into a green protected by water on the left, a bunker No.right 18 at and Pointoverhanging O’ Woods on the trees on both sides. Should players successfully thread the needle to the green, par is not guaranteed, as the shadowing from the trees makes for a challenging read.

FEATURED PLAYER

ILLINOIS STATE MID-AMATEUR

Chadd Slutzky, Palatine

Mitchell coasts to third Mid-Am title

•

Flossmoor Country Club proved more than up to the challenge of the state’s best mid-amateurs in the 19th Illinois State Mid-Amateur Championship, yielding only six sub-par scores. Bloomington’s Todd Mitchell tallied half of those, capped with a final-round 70, to win for a record third time in the past five years. Mitchell easily distanced him from the field for a 13-shot victory. “I hit a lot of fairways and greens and put myself in the right position, which is what you need to do with the greens as fast and firm as they were,” Mitchell said. “This is such a good course. It’s hard and you have to hit it in the right positions.”

Dream foursome: Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. • Best golf moment: Attending the 2008 Masters. • Best part of his golf game: Long game

•

If you could play one course, what would it be?: Two, actually. Pebble Beach

Chadd Slutzky

AURORA’S JOHN WRIGHT carded a tournament-low 71 in the final round to win the 20th Illinois State Public Links Championship at Foxford Hills Golf Club in Cary. It was Wright’s third State Public Links crown, having previously won in 2000 and 2008. “I hit the ball solid all day and played well, but I made the mistake on 17 of asking where I stood,” Wright said. “I made my worst swing of the day on 18, but ended up being able to get up and down to save par.” First round co-leader and two-time CDGA Senior Player of the Year Dave Ryan of Taylorville, carded a 74 to finish tied for second with Thomas O’Bryan of Aurora and Palatine’s Chadd Slutzky. They finished two strokes behind Wright with a 146 total. Ryan’s fellow co-leader after 18 holes, Nick Robles of Crystal Lake, shot a final-round 77 in the day’s last group to finish tied for fifth. The victory makes Wright only the second player to ever win the State Public Links more than twice, joining Naperville’s Mark Esposito, who won the event in 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2007. “It’s such a treat to win this event and a great way to start the year,” Wright added.

and Pine Valley.

•

Why do you play tournament golf?:

I really enjoy the competition and the camaraderie with my fellow competitors.

14 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

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RYDER CUP TICKET RANDOM DRAW BEGINS JUNE 20, 2011

To apply for one of the most coveted tickets in all of sports go to

WWW.RYDERCUP.COM Sept. 25 - 30, 2012 Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Ill.

Sunshine THROUGH GOLF 2011 CAMP CALENDAR

he Sunshine Through Golf camp program brings joy through golf to T individuals with special needs. The camps are made possible through partnerships between PGA professionals, clubs, Special Recreation Associations (SRAs), private agencies, park districts and the Sunshine Through Golf Foundation. Listings include the SRA or other sponsoring organization, club, golf professional, dates, times and comment (where applicable). All times are p.m. unless otherwise indicated. For an updated camp schedule, visit www.sunshinethroughgolf.org. Aspire Oak Brook Golf Club Trey Van Dyke

Fox Valley SRA Phillips Park Golf Course Jeff Schmidt and staff

Wednesdays, May 18-June 15, 4:00-5:00

Dates TBD

Champaign-Urbana SRA Stone Creek Golf Club Mickey Finn

Freeport Park District Park Hills Golf Course Jeff Hartman

Tuesdays, June 14-July 12, 4:00-5:00

Tuesdays, Aug. 9-Sept. 6, 4:30-5:30

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

Gateway SRA Flagg Creek Golf Course Gateway staff

Tuesdays, June 28-Aug. 2, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesdays, June 28-Aug. 2, 11:00 a.m.-noon

Wednesdays, June 15-Aug. 10, 6:00-7:30

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

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association Foss Park Golf Course Patrick Byrne

Tuesdays, June 28-Aug. 2, 3:00-4:00

Thursdays, July 5-Aug. 9, 6:30-7:30

Clearbrook Mt. Prospect Golf Club Brett Barcel and staff

Heart of Illinois SRA Kellogg Golf Course Kyle Meger

Tuesdays, Aug. 23-Sept. 20, 5:00-6:00 Thursdays, Aug. 25-Sept. 22, 5:00-6:00

Wednesdays, May 25-July 6, 5:00-7:30

Dolton New Hope Center Lincoln Oaks Golf Course Lindsey Haines

Indiana Special Olympics Creekside Golf Course Nancy Bender Wednesdays, June 8-July 13, 6:00-7:30

Little City Foundation Inverness Golf Club Scottie Nield and staff Tuesdays, April 26-Wednesday, May 25, 4:00-5:00

Lincoln-Way SRA Prestwick Country Club Brandon Adair and staff Thursdays, Aug. 25-Sept. 22, 5:00-6:00

Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation Golf Center of Des Plaines Tom Portera and Justin Bentley Mondays, March 28-May 9, 6:00-7:00 Mondays, June 20-Aug. 1 (skip July 4), 6:00-7:00

Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation Golf Center of Des Plaines Tom Portera and Justin Bentley Dates TBD

Hope D. Wall School Phillips Park Golf Course The First Tee of Aurora staff Dates TBD

Tuesdays, June 21-July 19, 5:00-6:00

Fox Valley SRA Fox Bend Golf Course Kyle Rich and staff

Illinois River Valley SRA Oak Meadows Golf Course Glenn Mason Dates TBD

Thursdays, June 9-July 14 (skip June 16), 4:30-5:30

Fox Valley SRA Eagle Brook Country Club Eric Pratali and staff Thursdays, Aug. 4-Sept. 1, 4:30-5:30

Illinois Valley Industries Nettle Creek Country Club Kurt Nolan Mondays or Tuesdays, May 16-June 14, 5:30-6:30 Mondays or Tuesdays, May 16-June 14, 6:30-7:30

Misericordia North Shore Country Club Tim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal and staff Tuesdays, May 26-June 23, 4:00-5:00

Misericordia Bryn Mawr Country Club Terry Russell and staff Wednesdays, July 6-Aug. 3, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Northern Illinois SRA Bowes Creek Country Club Mike Lehman Thursdays, May 5-June 2, 5:00-6:00 Thursdays, May 5-June 2, 6:00-7:00

Northern Illinois SRA Makray Memorial Golf Club Don Habjan and staff Thursdays, July 7-Aug. 11, 4:30-5:30 Thursdays, July 7-Aug. 11, 5:30-6:30

Northern Illinois SRA Randall Oaks Golf Club Steve Gillie and staff Mondays, June 20-Aug. 1 (skip July 4), 5:00-6:00 Mondays, June 20-Aug. 1 (skip July 4), 6:00-7:00

16 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

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North East DuPage SRA Medinah Country Club Mike Scully and staff

South Suburban SRA Coyote Run Golf Course Brian Smith and staff

Mondays, April 18-May 23, 6:00-7:00

Tuesdays, May 3-May 31, 5:00-6:00 Tuesdays, June 14-July 19, 5:00-6:00 Tuesdays, July 26-Aug. 30, 5:00-6:00

North Suburban SRA Wilmette Golf Club Jamie Locke and staff Thursdays, July 7-Aug. 4, 4:00-5:00

North Suburban SRA Winnetka Golf Club Cortney Miller and staff Thursdays, Aug. 11-Sept. 8, 4:00-5:00

North Suburban SRA Lake Shore Country Club Bob Koschmann Dates TBD

North West Suburban SRA Twin Lakes Golf Course Travis Johns and Eric Pick Tuesdays, June 14-July 12, 4:00-5:00 Fridays, June 17-July 15, 3:30-4:30

South West Suburban SRA Midlothian Country Club Michael Knights and staff Thursdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 20, 5:00-6:00

Southwest Community Services Site TBD

The Sunshine Series The Sunshine Series, initiated d in 2008 with funds Association by the United States Golf A ssociation and Fortune Brands, provides individ individuals duals with special needs with their the opportunity to take ke the heir gol ggolff game ame to a more advanced level. The Th pprogram rogram rog ram is de designed for golfers who have alread ady pparticipated artici art icipat pa ed in a Sunshine Through already Golf camp. TThe he Sun unshi shine n Series es ppr ovides a forum to Sunshine provides better pr repare the at thle hlete t fo forr th the he S pecial Olympics off prepare athlete Special Illinoiss state gol olff comp ccompetitions ompeti etitio eti tio ons by offering one-on-on one golf one-on-one tra ain ining and occasions to play on th he golfl cours se. training the course.

Dates TBD

Chicago o Special S O Olympics lympics

SRA of Central Lake County Libertyville Golf Complex Tyler Wollberg

Mondays, June 27-Aug. 8 (skip July 44), ), 5:00-7:00 Mondays, August 8-Sept. 5, 5:00-7:00 00

Marquette Park Golf Course Juan Espejo

Thursdays, June 2-July 7, 6:00-7:00

Chicago Chica cago Special Olympics

Tri-County SRA Cog Hill Golf & CC Jeff Rimsnider

Robert A. Black Golf Course se The First Tee of Greaterr CChicago

Saturdays, June 18-July 30 (skip July 2), 3:30-4:30

Fox Valley SRA

Tuesdays, June 28-Aug. 28-Aug Aug. 2, 4:30-5:30

St. Charles Cou Country Club James Sut Sutherland uthherland and staff

North West Suburban SRA Palatine Hills Golf Course Dan Hotchkin

Warren SRA Libertyville Golf Complex Ron Klein

Wednesdays, June 15-July 13, 5:00-6:00

Wednesdays, April 6-May 25, 4:00-5:00 Wednesdays, June 15-Aug. 3, 4:00-5:00

SRA Heart of Illinois S RA

Western DuPage SRA White Eagle Golf Club Ryan First and staff

Wednesdays, July 13-Sept. 7, 5:00-7:30

North West Suburban SRA Palatine Hills Golf Course Dan Hotchkin Dates TBD

Oak Lawn SRA Stony Creek Golf Course Carol Rhoades

Western DuPage SRA Site TBD

Wednesdays, July 20-Aug. 24 24, 6:00-7:30

Orland Park SRA Silver Lake Country Club Gregg Tengerstrom and staff

Western DuPage SRA Glen Oak Country Club Danny Mulhearn and staff

Dates TBD

Wednesdays, May 4-June 1, 5:30-6:30

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

Western DuPage SRA Cantigny Golf Emily Barkuses

Thursdays, June 16-July 28, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Wednesdays, May 4-June 1, 5:30-6:30

Rockford Park District Ingersoll Golf Course Lloyd McWilliams

Western Suburban SRA Oak Park Country Club Rimmy Martin and Brian Anderson

Dates TBD

South East Association for Special Parks & Recreation Village Greens of Woodridge Brandon Evans and Prince Winbush Thursdays, May 5-June 9, 4:30-5:30 Thursdays, Aug. 11-Sept. 15, 4:30-5:30

Special Opportunities Available in Recreation The Links at Ireland Grove Jeff Hunt and staff Thursdays, May 12-June 16, 5:15-6:15 Thursdays, May 12-June 16, 6:30-7:30 Thursdays, Aug. 18-Sept. 22, 5:15-6:15 Thursdays, Aug. 18-Sept. 22, 6:30-7:30

Indiana Indian na Special S Olympics s

Creekside Golf Course Nancy Bender

Dates TBD

School District 54 Fox Run Golf Club John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

KKellogg ellogg Golf Course Kyle Meger

Wednesdays, May 4-June 1, 4:00-5:00

Tuesdays, May 3-June 7, 5:00-6:00

Mondays, April 11-May 16, 6:00-7:00 Tuesdays, June 23-July 28, 11:00 a.m.-noon

Wednesdays Wednes esddays May 11-June 8, 4:00-5:00

Thursdays, May 5-June 9 (skip May 26), 6:00-7:00

Western Suburban SRA Bushwood Practice Center Buswhood Golf staff

Bolingbrook Joliet Bolingbr rook SRA

Mistwood Golf Club ub Visanu Tongwari Tongwarin rinn Wednesdays, s, June June 15-July 20, 6:30-7:30 Kishwaukee Kishw hwaukee SRA

Buenaa VVista ista Golf Club Tom m Zeeh Mondays M ondays and Wednesdays, May 16-July 7, 4:3 4:30-6:00 Kishwaukee SRA

Buena Vista Golf Club Tom Zeeh Mondays and Wednesdays, Jul July ulyy 11-Sept. 10, 4:30-6:00 Lincoln-Way SRA

Sanctuary Golf Course Bob Schulz Sc & Kyle Mo Morris Sundays, Sunday Sun days, s, May 29 29-July 9-J -July 3 ((skip skip June une 19 19), ), 5:30-7:00 Lincoln-Way y SRA SRA

Thursdays, June 23-July 28, 6:00-7:00

White Mou Mountain Golf Course LWSRA RA Staff

Western Suburban SRA White Pines Golf Course Chuck Lynch

Sundays, Sun ndays, July 24-Sept.18, 5:30-7:00

Thursdays, June 23-Aug. 4 (skip June 30), 7:00-8:00

Western Suburban SRA Bushwood Practice Center Buswhood Golf staff Dates TBD

Zion Park District Site TBD Dates TBD

Northern rn Illinois SRA

Randall Oaks Golf Club Steve Gillie and staff Tuesdays, June 21-Aug. 2 (skip July 5), 5:00-6:00 Oak ak Lawn Law wn SRA

Stony Creek Golf Course Carol Rhoades Mondays, July 25-Aug.. 229, 5:00-6:00 River Valley SRA Riv

Alpine Hills Go Golf olf Course Dieter Jaehn Jaehn, n, Jr. Thursdays, Thursdays ys, Aug. 4-Sept. 8, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Orland Park SRA

Silver Lake Country Club Silver Silv Gregg G regg Tengerstrom and staff Dates TBD

JUNE 2011

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 17

FACILITY FOCUS

Kankakee Elks Country Club

FACTS AND FIGURES ADDRESS: 2283 Bittersweet Dr.,

St. Anne, IL 60964 PHONE: 815-937-9547 WEBSITE: elksgolf627.com GREEN FEES: Range from $21 (walking) on weekdays to $49 (with cart) on weekend mornings.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Tim Cronin

he sylvan acres of Kankakee Elks Country Club are tucked away, well off the beaten path. That’s fitting for a fraternal club with a golf course that opened in 1926, during the height of Prohibition. Even today, the course carries the name of Kankakee but is listed as being in St. Anne, and is actually a stone’s throw, across the Kankakee River, from Aroma Park, the closest hamlet to the southeast of Kankakee. But look on old maps and a hint of

18 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

SIGNATURE HOLE: The 380-yard, par-4 17th features an uphill second shot to a green perched on the knob of a hill. Don’t miss in any direction or double bogey is a good score. WHERE A BOGEY GOLFER CAN MAKE BIRDIE: A wide landing area and

big green makes the 412-yard, dogleg-left second an opportunity to make a birdie 3.

the club’s rich history appears. Match up the old names—River Valley, Kankakee Shores and Hieland Lodge– and the history begins to come to life. There was a golf course here for some years before 1926. That was River Valley, of which virtually nothing is known. Even the presumed opening date of 1901 isn’t verified. What is evident is this: The original owners had the same good sense as did those who invited William B. Langford and Theodore J. Moreau to design the current layout in

WHERE A SCRATCH PLAYER FIGHTS FOR PAR: The dogleg-left, 440-

yard 12th presents a difficult second shot to an elevated green that slopes away to the back left. Be happy with a 4. EXTRA BALL INDEX: 1 (on a 1-10 scale). The only pond guards the 18th green. A smart layup and good pitch and higherhandicap players can one-putt for par. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: With almost

every green elevated, the smart player takes one more club than usual. The alternative is to be chipping from in front of the green all day. — Tim Cronin

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PHOTO BY FRANK POLICH

The history at Kankakee Elks is a bit sketchy in places, but the golf course remains well-versed in the fundamentals of design

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CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 19

FACILITY FOCUS

Kankakee Elks Country Club the middle of the Roaring ’20s. Rolling land and fertile ground made for a perfect setting for a parkland layout. The facility was known as Hieland Lodge Golf and Country Club by the early 1940s, and that name–taken from Hieland Road, then and now the most direct route from downtown Kankakee to the club–might have fallen completely into the dust of history but for one thing. When golf was segregated, the course was an occasional stop for black golfers. That included the summer of 1947, when Ted Rhodes won the Chicago Open and a first prize of $500 for scoring 6-over-par 290 across four rounds. That was eight strokes better than runner-up Charlie Sifford, who collected $225. And they weren’t the most famous players on the grounds. That would have been Joe Louis, the famed boxer who fell hard for golf. Louis was in the concurrent amateur match-play tournament, but fell, 2 and 1, to Judson Grant.

The tale grew over the years to include Louis owning the golf course for a time. No proof of that can be found, but there was an extended boxing connection. By the late 1940s and the rise of the Chicago-based International Boxing Club, the club, also known by then as Kankakee Shores, a natural given its position adjacent to the Kankakee River, was a training center for some boxers. Ezzard Charles, for instance, used the club as the training center for his Comiskey Park showdown with Jersey Joe Walcott. The pre-fight weigh-in was even at the club. Louis also sparred at the club. The course was secluded then and it’s secluded now. The only sign on Route 17, a generic “Golf Course” sign, offers the barest hint. And the sign for the Big Kahuna Steak House, located within the Elks Lodge that serves as the course’s clubhouse, doesn’t mention the golf course. But when you find it by rolling

south down winding Hieland Road, and around one more corner onto Bittersweet Drive, you find a charming layout that has barely been revised since Langford and Moreau came by, and remains ahead of its time. At 6,430 yards, the Elks, open to both the public as well as the 120-strong golf membership of Elks Lodge No. 627, is a placement course, target golf before the phrase was coined. Treed but not really tree-lined, the course isn’t as open as it appears. Ten holes are significant doglegs, demanding proper placement of the tee shot. “You’ve got to hit the fairways,” said Andrew Harvey, the club’s head professional. The correct side of the fairway, to be precise. Most fairways offer large mounds from 6 to 8 feet tall that obscure the view of the green from one side or another. Placed where others might have planted cross bunkers, and far larger than the cop bunkers of 100 years ago, Langford’s mounds serve to narrow fairways significantly, and really make a player think on the tee. A big drive finishing on the wrong side of a fairway–say, for example, on the left side of the first–means a blind second shot to the green. The proper placement on the right side is rewarded with a relatively easy pitch. What’s also noticeable on the Elks is what isn’t there. The course has only eight bunkers, seven of them on the back nine. The only bunker on the front side is a fairway bunker on the right side of the fourth fairway. Add in Langford’s trademark elevated greens, and putting surfaces that undulate in grades ranging from subtle to severe, complete with false sides and backs, and it’s obvious that Kankakee Elks is a remarkable course, one that today’s architects could learn from. What there is not, is glitz. There’s no waterfall, nothing that screams to look what the architect did to get noticed. There is just golf, in abundance, and at Kankakee Elks, nothing else is needed. Tim Cronin is the golf writer for the Southtown Star.

20 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

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DESTINATION

Fairs and Festivals | Northern Michigan

A grand state for golf No tour of Northern Michigan’s golf scene is complete without a stop at Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival By Len Ziehm NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL LOCATION: Traverse City, Mich. DATE: July 2 - July 9 WEBSITE: cherryfestival.org

— Amy Parker

ichigan, as any avid golfer knows, is loaded with great courses. While the golf season isn’t as long as it is in some other warmer weather locations, there’s an abundance of daylight in Michigan when its season is in full swing. The problem with Michigan is its wealth of riches. Most any part of the

22 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

PHOTO COURTESY MARQUETTE GC

TRAVERSE CITY, the cherry capital of the world, features a National Cherry Festival every year during the first week of July. Located downtown on West Grand Traverse Bay, visitors and locals alike stop by to partake in an abundance of activities and entertainment. Folks line up along the shore to see the annual air show held the first weekend of the event, and the fireworks show on the Fourth is just as popular. The midway carnival keeps the kids entertained with rides and games, while the concerts on the music stage entertain the older crowd. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a cherry festival without a cherry pie eating contest and a cherry pit spitting contest. Besides the usual carnival food, the cherry marketplace offers an assortment of local cherry goods. Be sure to grab a slice of cherry pie — with or without crumb topping — from the Grand Traverse Pie Company. You won’t find a better slice.

The Greywalls course at Marquette Golf Club

state has a notable golf facility — and that includes the Upper Peninsula. The UP isn’t Michigan’s most popular region for golfers, but it bears consideration. “When we do the golf shows we can tell that most people know about the UP if they’re skiers,” said Dave Douglas, director of golf at Sweetgrass Golf Club — the first of our stops in a sweeping tour of Michigan. “We’re so remote up here. From downtown Chicago it’s a five- or six-hour drive.” Like the rest of Michigan, though, the courses in the UP are firstrate and some of their organizers have established the “Perfect Four” package, which ties together three of the best. (The fourth in that slogan is the participating golfer).

Our venture with the “Perfect Four,” called for rounds at Sweetgrass, TimberStone and Greywalls (Marquette Golf Club) with two nights lodging required in between. Each course was distinctly different from the other two and the side attractions at each destination provided nice variety as well. There’s plenty of highway signage promoting the threecourse package. DAY ONE

A comfortable six-hour drive brought us to the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Mich. That’s 14 miles from the bigger city of Escanaba. While the casino is a major attraction, the Sweetgrass course definitely spices up the facility. WWW.CDGA.ORG

DESTINATION

Fairs and Festivals | Northern Michigan Sweetgrass got its name from history, with sweetgrass being the first grass to grow on mother earth. It’s one of four medicines used in ceremonies by the Potawatomi Indians. The course is only two years old and is the creation of Michigan architect Paul Albanese. This links-style course has generous fairways, almost 40 acres of them (most courses devote only about 30 acres to fairways). Given that the general facility is called the Island Resort, it’s almost mandatory that the course has an island green. It’s at the 15th hole. The 10,000-foot putting surface culminates a short hole, with the five tee placements allowing the hole to play anywhere from 102 to 164 yards. The most striking feature of the course, though, is the shared green for the Nos. 9 and 18 holes. Both fairways wrap around water that incudes waterfalls with the casino providing a backdrop.

For relaxation afterward, there’s always the casino and its array of restaurants, but the short drive into Escanaba will bring you to Stonehouse, which provided the best fine dining of the trip. WEB: sweetgrassgolfclub.com

islandresortandcasino.com stonehouseescanaba. com DAY TWO

A 40-mile drive from Sweetgrass brings you to TimberStone, in Iron Mountain. Sweetgrass and TimberStone have one thing in common: Albanese worked on both, but the long-respected Michigan architect, Jerry Matthews, was in charge of this layout. It opened at Pine Mountain Resort in 1997. TimberStone, cut through some beautiful forests, presents a much different challenge than Sweetgrass. One of the most pronounced is the elevation

changes. The vertical drop from the back tee on the 17th hole (the highest point on the course) to the lowest spot at the driving range, is 310 feet. The drops on the 17th (110 feet) and 18th (200 feet) present a spectacular finish to a round. Elevation changes shouldn’t be surprising since Pine Mountain also is a ski resort. In fact, it’s one of Michigan’s oldest with roots dating back to 1939. The 14th hole has eight tee placements, which also is extraordinary. WEB: pinemountainresort.com

DAY THREE

A 90-minute drive from Iron Mountain brings you to the lively college town of Marquette. The home of Northern Michigan University offers the 36-hole Marquette Golf Club, which was established in 1926. Its original course, the Heritage, was designed by William Langford and David Gill.

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DESTINATION

Fairs and Festivals | Northern Michigan

PHOTO COURTESY SWEETGRASS GC

Sweetgrass Golf Course at Island Resort and Casino

While Heritage is a scenic layout, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like Greywalls. This one is loaded with the wow factor, thanks to its views of Lake Superior. The first nine holes opened in 2004 and the 18-hole ribbon-cutting was in June of 2005.

Mike DeVries designed this 6,828-yard layout that has, for better or worse, plenty of blind shots, but it definitely is fun to play. Marquette has plenty of nice offcourse attractions, and two of its

restaurants are noteworthy. The Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery date back to 1883, and Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chop House, which is on the same block with lakefront viewing, provides more upscale dining. Unlike the first two stops on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Perfect Fourâ&#x20AC;? tour, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of lodging available in Marquette. Need something to top off the trip? How about a three-hour boat cruise? The Picture Rock Tour in nearby Munising provides some unusual scenic views as well as some interesting history of the region. WEB: marquettegolfclub.com

marquettecountry.org thevierling.com elizabethschophouse.com picturedrocks.com

Len Ziehm is a retired golf writer who covered golf and other sports for the Chicago Sun-Times.

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The Wait Is

OVER

Elmhurst’s Mark Wilson, the only two-time winner through the first four months of 2011, made the most of his long-anticipated visit to the Masters By Greg Stewart

ark Wilson’s Masters debut could have come several times before. Wilson, who was born in Wisconsin but now calls Elmhurst home, has a number of near misses when it comes to strolling the grounds of Augusta (Ga.) National Golf Club. Once offered a chance to attend the tournament with his father, Wilson said he wouldn’t go until he had qualified to play in it. That nearly came in 2007 when he won the Honda Classic, but at that time, a PGA Tour win was not an automatic invitation to Augusta. In 2009, after the Masters had changed its qualifications, Wilson won the Mayakoba Classic. But that event, played opposite the WGC-Accenture Match Play, also did

PHOTO BY STREETER LECKA/GETTY IMAGES

M Mark Wilson

on Tour last year in the 60s and finished T22 and alone in sixth to close the season. After that, he went to Florida to see his Chicago-based instructor, Cog Hill’s Dr. Jim Suttie. “I really feel that last tournament of 2010 helped me be in a good, confident frame of mind in the offseason,” Wilson said. “I took a two-day trip to Naples to see Jim, then got a good four days of work in before heading to the Sony Open. My putter was hot both weeks and that resulted in two wins.” Those wins, finally, earned Wilson his exclusive pass to get inside the gates at Augusta National. He said making the turn from Washington Road onto famed Magnolia Lane was his favorite part of each day. Though he was focused on the task at hand, Wilson made sure to take time to soak in the Thanks to two wins and high points standings, Wilson entire experience, to stop also is headed to the U.S. Open, British Open and PGA and smell the azaleas. Championship. “I really enjoyed the tournament rounds the with the super fast greens, the breaks are magnified tremendously,” he said of most,” he said. “That’s what I train for and love his Masters experience. “I took a bunch of notes on those putts that broke the most, when every shot matters. differently than they looked. It also But it also was interesting to see all the was great to see it play in tournament faces of golf there in attendance. It conditions and with the tournament seemed like if you had a place in golf, energy from all the people in attendance. you were there. I saw male legends It certainly is the best golf tournament I like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Charles Coody, but also female have ever played in. “I settled down the second day and felt legends like Nancy Lopez and Lorena very comfortable on the course, anxious Ochoa.” After all those years of waiting, Wilson for future cracks at the Masters.” Those future cracks, at the Masters clearly enjoyed his first experience and the game’s three other major at the Masters, one he shared with championships, are sure to come. fellow Illinoisans and Masters rookies Through the first portion of the 2011 D.A. Points and Kevin Streelman. “It is really cool to have the Midwest season, Wilson ranked No. 3 on the money list and the FedExCup points so well represented on Tour,” Wilson standings. Those credentials will qualify said. “Shows that you don’t have to him for the U.S. Open, British Open and come from the South to be a success on Tour.” PGA Championship. Wilson thought his fast start to 2011 actually started at the end of 2010. He Greg Stewart is a sports writer for the played seven of his final eight rounds Peoria Journal Star.

“It is really cool to have the Midwest so well represented on Tour,” Wilson said. “Shows that you don't have to come from the South to be a success on Tour.”

JUNE 2011

PHOTO BY STAN BADZ/PGA TOUR

not qualify him. Later that season, he narrowly missed advancing from the BMW Championship in Lemont to the Tour Championship, which would have got him in his first Masters. Wilson would not be denied this year. He won the season’s opening fullfield event, the Sony Open in Hawaii, then, for good measure, was again victorious two weeks later at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. “It didn’t take me long to think about it,” Wilson said of his first Masters invitation. “It was probably five minutes after I made my final putt at the Sony. That night I already started to figure out when I would get to Augusta National for my first practice round. “I looked at the fine print and made sure, but I got goosebumps just thinking about it.” Once he knew he was in, Wilson said the buildup to the tournament was exciting. Nearly too exciting. “The anticipation was a lot of fun,” Wilson said. “I played at Augusta National on two Mondays during the Florida swing and that was important for me — to get a feel for the course layout and little things, like where the locker room is, etc. “As the tournament approached, I got pretty excited. It is a golf tournament, but the history that goes along with it is the thing that separates it from the rest. I was very fired up the first day, more nervous than I have been on the golf course in a long time.” Those nerves led to an inauspicious beginning for the four-time Tour winner. A bizarre four-putt from 10 feet resulted in a double-bogey 7 at the eighth hole, which led to a 4-over-par 76 on Thursday. Wilson ended up missing his second cut in 11 starts. “I learned how there are putts that do something different than expected and

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 29

A WILD Ride

Kevin Streelman’s career struggles are now a distant memory, and his road to success has certainly paid off

By Ed Sherman t’s not quite a rags-to-riches story,

PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

but the changes to his life that Kevin Streelman has witnessed over the last few years have been dramatic, if not profound. “It’s an amazing feeling coming from someone who was broke just a few years ago,” Streelman said. Even though the Winfield native retains strong ties to the Chicago-area, he now lives in the Phoenix area, which allows him the luxury of working on his game 12 months a year. He has access to an elite private club not far from the place he and his wife, Courtney, call a dream home. He tools around town in a BMW convertible, and also has been able to assist his family in various financial matters. Indeed, it has been quite a ride for Streelman. He has gone from having no status on any tour in late 2007 to a solid player looking to move up much higher on golf’s biggest stage. Streelman, 32, has earned more than $1 million in each of his three seasons on the PGA Tour. He cashed in nearly $1.5 million in 2010 on the heels of a tie for third place in The Barclays and a tie for ninth in the Tour Championship. The strong finish earned him his first trip to the Masters in April. Then on top of those earnings, Streelman won the $1 million first prize in the Kodak Challenge in 2009, a year-long competition in which scores are posted on a designated hole in a tournament.

“This is something you dream about,” Streelman said. “To have it happen is unreal.”

30 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

huge boost in confidence. He went on to make the cut in 15 of his next 16 tournaments, posting four top-10s. “Coming from the minitours, it’s intimidating,” Streelman said. “You’re playing for money you’ve never played for before and you’re playing on tough courses. You’ve got to perform or else you won’t stick around long. That (Open) was a great learning experience. I felt I belonged out here. I wasn’t going to be intimidated by anybody.” Streelman went on to cash his biggest paycheck in 2009. However, it didn’t come in one tournament. Instead, each tournament saw the pressure mount as he had to post a good score on the designated hole for the Kodak Challenge. Streelman did and walked away with a check that contained a 1 followed by six zeroes. “Some weeks I’d miss the cut, but if I made a birdie on the Kodak hole, it felt like a top 10,” Streelman said. “There was a lot of pressure. You had to keep on making birdies at the right time.” Streelman continued to post steady showings in 2009 and 2010. His play, plus his Chicago connections, attracted the attention of Wilson Golf. Actually, the feeling was mutual. When his endorsement deals expired with Cleveland Golf, Streelman said the first company his representative called was Wilson. “I wanted to align myself with a Chicago-based company,” Streelman said. “I knew they were making awesome irons and wedges. I wanted to see if we could make something work out.” Tim Clarke, the general manager for

He also signed a nice endorsement deal with Chicago-based Wilson Golf, which is featuring him in a commercial. “This is something you dream about,” Streelman said. “To have it happen is unreal.” The journey started when the Duke graduate, who had been bumping around on various low-money satellite circuits since college, finally broke through during the PGA Tour’s Qualifying School in 2007. However, like most q-school graduates, Streelman looked as if he might have a short stay when he missed the cut in seven of his first 13 tournaments in 2008. The turnaround came at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in suburban San Diego. He opened with a 68 to become the surprising “who is he?” first-round leader. Despite a 78 in the third round, which dropped him into a tie for 53rd, Streelman left that tournament with a

WWW.CDGA.ORG

Wilson Golf, was more than anxious to add Streelman to a small stable of elite players that includes Padraig Harrington and Ricky Barnes. “Kevin is entering the prime of his career,” Clarke said. “We couldn’t be more proud to have a native Chicagoan representing our Chicago-based brand on the PGA Tour.” Endorsements are a significant chunk of the bounty for a successful PGA Tour player. Streelman also has sponsorship deals with Mutual of Omaha, Hyatt, and Lemonheads. Playing at the game’s highest level provides a situation where money begets more money. For instance, Streelman qualified for the lucrative Cadillac Championship, a World Golf Championship event, in March. He tied for 15th, his best showing of the year up to that point, and earned $100,000. Yet for all the money he has earned, Streelman says he isn’t letting it go to his head. Apart from the Arizona house and car, he insists he and Courtney actually have a “frugal” lifestyle. It wasn’t that long ago that Streelman had to scramble to pay entry fees and travel cost to play in satellite events. Those memories keep everything in perspective. “We try to save as much as we can,” Streelman said. “You never know what’s going to happen. Golf isn’t like other sports. There aren’t any six-year contracts.” Ed Sherman is a retired golf writer for the Chicago Tribune.

JUNE 2011

PHOTO BY DAVID CANNON/GETTY IMAGES

Kevin Streelman

CAREER BUILDER

Having now played in all four majors, D.A. Points wants to make his presence on golf’s grand stage a more regular occurrence By Greg Stewart

P PHOTO BY DAVID CANNON/GETTY IMAGES

D.A. Points

32 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

laying in major championships is nothing new for D.A. Points. A product of the University of Illinois and a three-time Illinois State Amateur champion, the Pekin native had played in two U.S. Opens, a British Open and a PGA Championship prior to this season. In April, Points completed his personal grand slam. A victory at the AT&T National Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, where he partnered with Chicago-born actor/ comedian Bill Murray, was the first win on the PGA Tour for Points. And maybe more importantly, it got him into the one major tournament he had yet to play. “It took me a little longer than I had hoped,” he said of qualifying for his first Masters in his 10th year as a professional. “But it’s hard to get in the Masters. You

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PHOTO BY EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES

have to have done something really “I knew all my family and friends were spectacular to have this opportunity. going to be there,” he said. “It is tough “To play in the U.S. Open and the to treat it like any other tournament. I British Open, you basically have to play mean, it’s the Masters.” well one week during a qualifier. That’s In addition to his wife, Lori, and their also difficult, but it’s not the same as 1-year-old daughter, Laila, Points had winning a golf tournament to get in. I’m another very special person with him super excited about having played in all that week: his mother. four majors, but I want to play in all four A suggestion that Points ask Murray majors every year.” He’s on his way. The former college AllAmerican is enjoying a career year in his fifth season on Tour. Points, 34, started the season by making three cuts in a row on the West Coast swing, highlighted by a fifth-place finish at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego. “I didn’t take as much time off,” Points said of his offseason. “I wanted to be the most prepared D.A. Points and actor Bill Murray teamed up to win the AT&T I had ever been for Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. the West Coast. I had TaylorMade make me a lighter driver to work on getting up my clubhead speed. That really helped on the West Coast.” His big moment came the week before Valentine’s Day, when Points opened with a 63 and closed with 67 to win at Pebble Beach. That victory was sparked when he holed a wedge for eagle on the notoriously difficult 14th. Points followed Pebble by making the cut in four of his next five events and entered the Masters at No. 11 on to be his caddie for the Par 3 Contest the PGA Tour money list (a little more was briefly considered. But only briefly. than $1.56 million) and No. 10 on the “Somebody mentioned the whole Bill FedExCup points list (759). Murray thing and I thought about it “The best start of my career,” he said for a second,” Points said. “But I always simply. “Obviously, winning was a knew in the back of my mind I would dream come true. But finding out that I ask my mom. She would appreciate it also get to play in the Masters was huge. so immensely, that if I didn’t ask her, it I was so excited.” would hurt her feelings. For Points, the buildup to the “It meant a lot for both of us. She tournament was both a blessing and a has been a huge part of my golfing life burden. He did his best to get tickets for in addition to being a great mother. I all his family and friends who wanted wanted for us to share that occasion to attend, a Points posse that numbered together.” near 30 during the tournament. For anyone needing further evidence

that Points takes care of his friends and family, consider his daily routine to get to the golf course. Instead of using his courtesy car and parking in the player’s parking lot, he arrived at the tournament much like he did his entire junior career; He rode with his parents. “We parked across Washington Road all week so they could get in that lot,” he said. “It was also caddie parking. It made it easier for them, and my wife and daughter could use the courtesy car and park closer.” So, Points actually played in the Masters without driving down Magnolia Lane each day. Points almost certainly will get another chance at Augusta. The next time, he will draw on the experience from a week where he played or practiced with past champions Ian Woosnam, José Maria Olazabal, Larry Mize and Zach Johnson. He’ll draw from the experience of playing greens unlike any he had seen before. “I just have to be a lot more conservative,” he said. “Which is not always my game plan. The experience is knowing what not to do the next time I get here.

“That’s where you can make your career,” Points said. “Playing great in majors. I feel that’s what my game is suited for and I can be successful doing that.”

JUNE 2011

It’s not necessarily about hitting it close. It’s about not hitting it in trouble. I’m not a huge fan of that, but that’s how you have to play.” And he will most certainly draw on the experience of playing in yet another major championship. “That’s where you can make your career,” Points said. “Playing great in majors. I feel that’s what my game is suited for and I can be successful doing that.” Greg Stewart is a sports writer for the Peoria Journal Star. CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 33

GOLDEN

MOMENTS

For the Radix Cup, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it’s been half a century of unforgettable memories By Jim Owczarski

34 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

The professionals maintain a 32-15-2 advantage over the amateurs, but since 1970 the record is 23-13-2. The amateurs “won” their first decade from 2000-2009 with a 6-4 mark. “Now, since the college players are competing in events during summer, we’re competing against guys that are playing a lot of golf,” said Plum Tree National professional Bryan Luedtke, who will be playing in his 11th Radix Cup this summer. “When it comes to June, (pros) might not get a real good chance to practice. But the amateurs are definitely getting better.” A former president of the CDGA and member of the National PGA Advisory Committee, Radix began the competition between the state’s best amateur and professional players, and set up a fund to allow its continuation long after his passing in 1965. It has become one of the most prestigious events on both the amateur and IPGA schedule. “It showed you were one of the best players in Illinois,” said Gary Groh, a PGA Tour winner who played in 15 Cups. “That’s nice to know and it kind of defines your career a little bit. This is one of the things the better players strive for.” The event remains at Oak Park Country Club, where Radix was a member. A private facility in River Grove that features a Donald Ross design (renovated by Rick Jacobsen in 2006), it remains a test of ball striking and nerve, especially when a match is on the line. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful golf

Gary Hallberg was part of several victorious amateur teams in the 1970s.

course,” said Rick Ten Broeck, a veteran of 14 Cups. “It’s more difficult and better now. It’s got the beautiful clubhouse. It was a wonderful venue to play at.” The competition consists of four-ball matches between two-man teams of professionals and amateurs. “We like all these guys, we know them all, but we want to beat them just as bad as they want to beat us,” said Ivanhoe professional Jim Sobb, who has qualified for 25 Cups. “It’s like our Ryder Cup.” Despite the amateurs’ recent run of success, the 1970s is when the Radix Cup came of age. The pros dominated WWW.CDGA.ORG

GETTY IMAGES

t was the summer of 1978, and 20-year old Gary Hallberg looked across the tee box on the first hole at venerable Oak Park Country Club to see Bob Zender, a six-year PGA Tour veteran and two-time defending Illinois PGA champion. Hallberg already was one of the best amateurs in the state and a star in waiting at Wake Forest, but going head-to-head with Zender, with 10 top-10 finishes on the Tour, was a nervewracking experience. Especially since Hallberg was representing 11 other amateurs, including partner David Huske, in the CDGA amateur team’s bid to win an unprecedented fourth straight Harry E. Radix Cup from the IPGA. “I’m just a kid and we ended up beating him,” Hallberg said. “It was huge.” Hallberg and Huske defeated Zender and Mike Harrigan, 3-0 (one point each for winning the first nine, the second nine and the total), but the professionals recaptured the Cup, 8-6. It’s a moment that remains bright in Hallberg’s memory, long after winning on the PGA and Champions tours. “I eagled the first hole, par 5,” he said. “That was a big event in our state and I was very proud to be a part of it.” The decade of the 1970s, of which Hallberg was a central part, was the turning point in Radix Cup history. It’s an event that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, on June 8.

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Jim Sobb qualified for 25 Cups as a professional.

the event from 1962-1973, but the gap had begun to close before the amateurs broke through with a 9-5 win in 1974. That team included future PGA Tour player Lance Ten Broeck and future twotime Senior British Amateur champion Joel Hirsch. Hallberg joined Ten Broeck in 1975, along with another future PGA Tour player in Mick Soli. They were the lead horses on teams that featured a dozen distinguished players over a period of time that proved Illinois was not only home to noted professionals, but one that could produce world-class amateur players. “All of a sudden, some very good players were developed in Illinois,” said Hirsch, who played in 22 Radix Cups. “We had more beef in front with the Hallbergs of the world. That was fun.” In the amateur victories in 1975 and 1976, Hallberg recorded victories over Jim Hardy, a professional at Exmoor who also was on the PGA Tour. He is now a world-renowned instructor who has taught Mark O’Meara, Brad Faxon and Dave Stockton, among others. “When they put me in a grouping to play against him, I was excited and I played really well and the team won,” Hallberg said. “At the time it was a huge thing for us. It was a big deal back then.” How good were those amateur teams in the late ’70s? They didn’t even need David Ogrin to win. Ogrin, who won the Illinois Open and was a medalist at the U.S. Amateur Public Links in 1980 before embarking on a 16year PGA Tour career, never participated. “I have no idea (why),” he said. “I either 36 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

didn’t qualify, didn’t make it, wasn’t eligible or something. It was Bill Hoffer at Elgin, (Lance) Ten Broeck at Beverly and Joel Hirsch, who at the time was at Ravisloe. It was those guys that broke through. I don’t know what the deal was, but I never played.” For years, the professionals would roll out the likes of Bill Ogden, Emil Esposito, Earl Puckett, Hubby Habjan, Tour veterans Hardy, Zender, Groh and Gary Pinns and section members that played in multiple Tour events and major championships, such as Mike Small, Marty Schiene and Roy Biancalana. It took some time before the amateurs could match that firepower, beginning with the emergence of Hirsch in the mid1960s and the influx of talent with Rick, Jim and Lance Ten Broeck, Hallberg, Soli and even Zender himself. “Back in the ’50s and ’60s, the best amateurs were older, successful businessmen with never a thought of being a professional,” Hirsch said. “It wasn’t until the ’70s and ’80s where there was so much more money in golf. If you were a top player, you had to give the tour a shot. That changed the complexion of the amateur.” Fast forward 30 years, and now it’s the professionals looking back on matches with amateurs in much the same way Hallberg remembers taking on Hardy and Zender. In 1998, Sobb teamed with Doug Bauman to bring down D.A. Points and Erik Ciotti, 2-1, in a victory for the professionals. In 2001, Luedtke recalls pairing with Jonathan Sielsky in a 3-0 win over the duo of current PGA Tour member

and former Illinois Open champion Joe Affrunti and Mike McLoone. For all its playing history, its litany of Illinois Golf Hall of Famers, state champions and Tour winners, the Cup’s lasting legacy remains within the walls of the stately clubhouse. “It was never a matter of winning or losing. It was a matter of camaraderie and fellowship, a time to meet one another’s wives or significant others, to showcase Oak Park Country Club,” Hirsch said. “It was about the dinners, just how the pros conducted themselves on and off the golf course. That’s really what I admired about the event.” Jim Owczarski is a sports writer for the Beacon News in Aurora. 2011 RADIX CUP MATCHES

Oak Park Country Club, June 8 (Illinois PGA players-blue; CDGA amateurs-green) 12:30 p.m.

TRAVIS JOHNS (Twin Lakes GC) and RICH DUKELOW (Cantigny Golf) vs. TODD MITCHELL (Crestwicke CC) and STEVE SAWTELL (Skokie CC) 12:40 p.m.

JIM SOBB (Ivanhoe Club) and CONNIE DEMATTIA (Cantigny Golf) vs. RYAN DORNER (Glenview Park GC) and JOHN WRIGHT (Oak Brook GC) 12:50 p.m.

FRANK BRUNO (Oak Park CC) and DAVID PAEGLOW (Kishwaukee CC) vs. JOHN EHRGOTT (Arrowhead CC) and ANDY MICKELSON (Joliet CC) 1:00 p.m.

JORDAN SCHROEDER (Barrington Hills CC) and BRYAN LUEDTKE (Plum Tree National GC) vs. BLAKE JOHNSON (Exmoor CC) and DAVE RYAN (Piper Glen GC) 1:10 p.m.

BILLY ROSINIA (Flagg Creek GC) and ERIC ILIC (Flagg Creek GC) vs. JUSTIN SMITH (Oak Park CC) and BRIAN ATKINSON (Big Run GC) 1:20 p.m.

KYLE SANDERS (Chicago GC) and MATT SLOWINSKI (Glen Oak CC) vs. VANCE ANTONIOU (Butler National) and TIM SHEPPARD (Lick Creek GC

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CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 37

TEEING OFF WITH

Danny Seraphine

Hard habit to break Once Danny Seraphine, a member of the iconic rock band Chicago, got into golf, it did not take long to realize what he had been missing By Matt McKay THE SHORT GAME WITH

Danny Seraphine BORN: August 28, 1948, Chicago HANDICAP: 15 BEST 18-HOLE SCORE: 79

KNOWN FOR: Original drummer and co-founder of the band Chicago. CURRENT OCCUPATION: Musician,

producer, author. HOME COURSE: Moorpark Country Club, Thousand Oaks, Calif. CAREER SHOT: 30-foot chip-in for birdie on

the 18th hole at the Palmer Private Course at PGA West; his 72nd hole of the 2011 Bob Hope Classic. PLAYERS TO FILL OUT FOURSOME: Alice

Cooper, Peter Cetera, Matt Kuchar.

anny Seraphine already was deep D in the throes of golf’s retentive allure before he flipped in a 30-foot birdie chip on the final hole of his first Bob Hope Classic in January. As he was congratulated by celebrity teammate Alice Cooper and the rest of his group, his glowing smile was a telltale sign 38 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

while in Colorado and continues to pursue both with vigor, saying the two sports go hand in hand. He’s recently begun to play drums for CTA again—but this time around, it’s the Southern California-based California Transit Authority. The Bob Hope Classic celebrity selectors became aware of his new band, not to mention his growing affection for the game, and invited him to participate in the 2011 event. He drew a premium pairing and played with Cooper in all four rounds of the celebrity competition. He also was involved in the tournament’s renowned “Jam Session,” where he provided the drums for an all-star band that included Booker T. & The MG’s

PHOTO COURTESY THE BOB HOPE CLASSIC

EQUIPMENT: Callaway

that suggests it’s only the beginning of what he wants to feel forever. Seraphine, drummer and co-founder of the groundbreaking band Chicago (originally Chicago Transit Authority), which took its name from the members’ hometown, grew up on the west side in an area known in the late 1950s and early ’60s as “New Little Italy.” So, golf wasn’t a big part of his childhood. Even after moving to Southern California with the rest of the band members in 1968, he still had not delved into the game because of its reputation as an elite sport and the financial barriers that came with it. “Growing up, (golf) was not even an option, so to speak. I wish it was and I’d be a better player today,” said Seraphine, now 63. “Growing up in the city like that, golf was considered a country club sport. That was back in the days when the people who played golf were, especially in Chicago, in the suburbs mostly, and their parents belonged to a country club. That certainly wasn’t my case. We were lower middle-class Italians.” It actually wasn’t until 1995 when it all began to make sense for the then 47-year-old Seraphine. While living in Colorado, he was coaxed into a round by a friend in the broadcasting business, the golf connection clicked, and he “went crazy with it” after realizing what he’d been missing. Since then, he’s been making up for lost time. He’s whittled his handicap to a 15 while playing at Moorpark Country Club in his adopted hometown of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and has even managed a career-low round of 79. Seraphine also picked up fly fishing Danny Seraphine

WWW.CDGA.ORG

co-founder and Stax session guitarist Steve Cropper, former Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and Tommy Thayer, the lead guitarist for Kiss. Golf offers a lot of opportunities, and participating in the Bob Hope wasn’t one Seraphine anticipated, but clearly enjoyed. After each round he fielded interview requests and signed autographs, taking time to appreciate the opportunities the game of golf had brought into his life, albeit later rather than sooner. “This is a real treat,” he said. “Yesterday I played with Justin Leonard, and I’m teamed up with Alice Cooper, who’s an old friend. We’ve known each other since 1969. But I’m still nervous, and he’s helping me along because I’m not used to playing with a gallery. This is the real deal.” He was a long way from those days in Chicago in the late ’50s and early

JUNE 2011

’60s when he grew up as a product of his environment. For whatever reason, children of that era were far more likely to pick up a musical instrument, or at the very least a baseball rather than a golf club. And like many of his peers, not only in the band but in his general age group, golf was considered a byproduct of high society. And however erroneous or accurate the assumption, it’s an image the game has battled and still struggles with to this day. But Seraphine said the same elements that have drawn players into the game from the beginning are the same ones that eventually pulled him in. The social aspects, health benefits and outdoor communion converted him into a golfer—something he wouldn’t have even considered as few as 20 years ago. While he hasn’t eclipsed Cooper’s level of passion for the game, he’s gotten to the point that he doesn’t leave home

without his clubs in tow. He’s even brought his sticks back to his old hometown on several occasions, where’s he’s notched rounds at courses like Old Elm, North Shore and a few others he’d wouldn’t have dreamed of playing as a kid. Despite being based in Southern California and the American West for nearly 40 years, Seraphine still considers himself a Chicagoan, Bears fan and all, and says that will never change. One major thing that has changed is Seraphine’s relationship with golf. And, as time goes on, he realizes just what it means to him. “I love Chicago. I’ll always love Chicago, and it’s always going to be my hometown,” he said. “But I like it here too. I don’t think I’ll leave.” Matt McKay is a freelance writer based in Palm Springs, Calif.

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 39

WHA T’S

NEW in 2011

With the golf season well under way, it’s a good time to try out the latest and greatest equipment. With countless products to choose from, these items were among those that caught the attention of Chicago District Golfer.

TITELIST 910D2 AND 910D3 Titleist’s first fully adjustable driver, the 910 allows golfers to change the trajectory and shot shape through a series of adjustments made with a torque wrench. Under the name SureFit, Titleist is describing it as a “Tour Van in a hosel” because separate loft and lie adjustments offer a choice of higher or lower shots, with more draw or fade. The D2 model is 460cc with low-mid spin, while the D3 model is 445cc with low spin. The D2 and D3 designations are carried over from Titleist’s 909 driver. The center of gravity in the 910 has been moved back slightly for more stability. MSRP:

O D Y S S E Y D . A . R . T. The new D.A.R.T. putter features the latest in alignment technology to ensure better accuracy and to promote consistent strikes for distance control. The alignment system consists of two lines that come together at a focal point directly behind the point where the putter face contacts the ball. The putters are available in mallet and blade models. MSRP:

$149

callawaygolf.com

$399

titleist.com

WILSON DI11 The new Di11 model, a fifth generation of the Di iron, features a lower center of gravity along with a wider sole. The Di11 also utilizes a widetip technology to aid in off-center hits. Wilson claims the irons also have the largest sweet spot compared to all competitive irons tested. MSRP: $599 (eight irons, wide-tip steel); $799 (eight irons, wide-tip graphite)

wilsonstaff.com

40 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

WWW.CDGA.ORG

TAY L O R M A D E R 1 1 The R11 features three adjustability technologies, so the golfer can tune the club to a precise degree in terms of loft, face angle and flight path. The white head and black clubface allows for easy alignment, and the adjustable sole plate is what enables golfers to change the face angle without altering the loft or lie. The R11 line includes drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. MSRP: $399

BOCCIERI GOLF Boccieri’s lines of heavy putters and wedges have been hits. Now the bag is complete with a full set of irons, a driver and four models of fairway woods and hybrids. The company claims the weight distribution in the driver creates a club with one of the highest moment-of-inertia measurements on the market. MSRP: $160 for the hybrids, $200 for the fairway woods, $400 for the driver, $750-$900 for the irons (depending on shafts).

boccierigolf.com

taylormadegolf.com

PING TOUR-S RUSTIQUE The Rustique model has been engineered to optimize spin for improved control to hit shots precise distances around the green. Used by British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, it has a golden bronze finish and is available in lofts of 52, 56 and 60 degrees. According to Ping, the Tour-S Rustique and the standard stainless steel Tour-S produce a slightly higher trajectory than the Tour-W wedges. MSRP: $129

ping.com

D AV E K It’s bad enough that you run into rain during your round, but it only adds insult to injury when an umbrella goes tumbling down the fairway while you’ve gone to play a shot. Davek has solved that problem with a screw-out, reversible handle. The metal anchor spike goes into the turf, ensuring that the umbrella will be exactly where you left it. Davek claims the umbrella with withstand winds up to 60 mph. T OUR EDGE EXO TICS XCG-4 Tour Edge’s new line of Exotics fairway woods, the XCG-4, is quite popular. There are several options: 13 degrees (strong 3-wood), 15 degrees (3-wood), 16.5 degrees (4-wood), 18 degrees (5-wood) and 21 degrees (7-wood). The XCG-4 also features the new Boomerang face design, which maximizes the spring effect from more contact points. MSRP:

MSRP:

$99

davekny.com/umbrellas_golf.htm

$299

touredge.com

JUNE 2011

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 41

GEMS OF THE CDGA

No. 17 at Kankakee Country Club Kankakee, Ill. he green at the par-5 17th T at Kankakee Country Club isn’t reachable in two by a large majority of players, but that doesn’t make the tee shot any less important. Because it calls for a draw, a shot that most (right-handed) amateurs are unable to produce on demand, the pressure is on right from the start. There is a row of scattered trees that run along the river’s edge, on the left, and only a player with a strong fade should attempt a bold tee shot over the trouble on its way back to the fairway. A slightly elevated tee box is shared with the 15th hole, and for some events, the tees on No. 15 are moved up, so the tees on 17 can be moved back even more. The tee itself is part of a landfill that juts into the Kankakee River and runs the length of the hole on the left side.

42 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

PAR 5 YARDS

TEE

532 532 462

Black White Red

There are two water crossings, one at 295 yards from the back tees, and the other fronts the green. The area between the crossings is called "the island" and rarely do players get home in two shots. The second shot is a mid-iron to the island, followed by a short iron or wedge to the green. There are bunkers left and right of the green, with the river next to the one on the left. "The 17th hole is the most revered hole in Kankakee," said recently retired head professional Paul Reinking. "It requires precision shots off the driver, to the island and into the green. The hole plays into the prevailing wind and, late in the day, the setting sun." Kankakee was designed in 1916 by Tom Bendelow as a nine-hole course. The additional nine holes were added in 1963 by John Darrah, including the 17th. — Rory Spears

WWW.CDGA.ORG

FRANK POLICH/CDGA

JUNE 2011

CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 43

RULES OF THE GAME

Back to basics

A primer on water hazards and lateral water hazards

es, the rules of golf might, at times, be complicated. But often, players make it worse by failing to know some of the basics and then compound the problem by proceeding incorrectly. In 2011, Chicago District Golfer will return to the basics—explaining some fundamental situations that players frequently encounter during a round. This month: much of what every golfer should know about water hazards (yellow stakes and lines) and lateral water hazards (red stakes and lines). First, these kinds of hazards need not have water in them. While this perhaps is more common in desert climates, where the terrain customarily is dry except after sudden downpours, this is important to know because a golfer always has the option of playing the ball as it lies. One common misconception is that a player

44 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER

must take a drop and add a penalty whenever a ball has been hit into a water hazard or a lateral hazard. That’s not so; if a player wants to try to play a ball from inside a hazard, that is permissible. When deciding how to proceed after a ball has been hit into a water hazard or lateral water hazard, it is important to know where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard. The margin of the hazard is not where the water begins; it is the yellow or red line painted between stakes. The reason why the margin of the hazard is not represented where the water begins is that, in the cases of shifting tides and fast-moving water, the level could be dramatically different within minutes. The first thing to determine is, did the ball cross a line denoting a water hazard (a yellow line) or lateral water hazard (a red line)? • To proceed where a water hazard is involved, there are three options for a player and three options only. 1) With no penalty, play the ball as it lies (Point B in the diagram at left). 2) Under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (Point A). (Note: In the rare case where a player hits his ball into a water hazard or lateral hazard from a stroke taken on the green, the ball must be placed, not dropped.) 3) Under penalty of one stroke, drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard (Point C) directly

E C B A D between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped. • To proceed where a lateral water hazard is involved, a player has two more choices in addition to the options presented previously. 4) Under penalty of one stroke, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard. (Point C in the diagram above). 5) Under penalty of one stroke, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole (Point E). Of course, the easiest way to deal with hazards is to avoid hitting into them. But as we all know, that’s easier said than done. WWW.CDGA.ORG

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