Evans Scholarship: A Gift For Life - Getaway in the UP: Island Resort & Casino Gaylord's Golf 'Mecca' Roll Out! Best Push Carts of 2021 - Golf ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Chicago’s Premier Multimedia Golf Source & Authority Spring 2021, Vol. 25 No. 2 Evans Scholarship: A Gift For Life Getaway in the UP: Island Resort & Casino Gaylord’s Golf ‘Mecca’ Roll Out! Best Push Carts of 2021 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com
SCOTLAND’S NEWEST GEM 2019 NATIONAL
GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR
The Heather
BEST GOLF RESORTS
IN AMERICA
BOYNE Golf
— Forbes.com —
100 GREATEST
PUBLIC COURSES
The Heather #92, Links/Quarry #80
— Golf Digest —
EDITOR’S CHOICE
BEST GOLF RESORTS
Winner - IN AMERICA
Bay Harbor Golf Club
2021 Golf Development & Inn at Bay Harbor
of the Year Award — Golf Digest —
Golf Inc.
TOP 100 RESORTS
Buddies Trip
BOYNE Golf
Luxury
Bay Harbor Golf Club
& Inn at Bay Harbor
— GOLF Magazine & GOLF.com —
AS PURE AS IT GETS
A Clive Clark Design
Blessed with such an expanse of beach and water frontage, Dumbarnie Links is a true Premier
The time to book Northern Michigan’s Best is NOW!
Links course with a modern twist. The 18-hole course has been founded, developed and
designed by renowned course architect and Ryder Cup Player, Clive Clark. This incredible
piece of land is only minutes away from St. Andrews, the “Home of Golf”, and features a mile
Visit BOYNEgolf.com
and a half of sea frontage with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth. or call 877.393.4373
for more details.
Upper Largo, Fife, KY8 6JQ, Scotland | 1 833 691 0403 | dumbarnielinks.com
contents
Spring 2021 Vol. 25 No. 2 Opening Shot Todd Mrowice
We’re Everywhere!
Features
I’m not known for making many declarations in life, but I’m going to make We’re Everywhere!
20 The Best Push Carts of 2021
Departments one right now with the eyes of the world upon me. I’m declaring that it’s
A good walk (a little less) spoiled 5 Opening Shot summer! I don’t care what Tracy Butler or any other learned meteorologists
or fancy degree-holding scientists have to say. It’s May, baby! Breakout the Visit our
6 The Good Stuff
22 Evans Scholars
The program that continues to give and change lives, featuring
some amazing individual stories
Todd Mrowice Prowls
the Aisles
shorties, take the doors off of the Jeep (only if you own a Wrangler), and let’s
have ourselves a good old fashioned Chicago summer…while adhering to
GOLFChicago
Magazine
8 Fitness CDC and local guidelines, of course.
Jantzen Miserak with As a golfing public, we need this. We deserve this. Let’s keep all of
Fan Pages.
28 Island Resort & Casino
The drive worth making to experience the UP’s premier spot for
golf, gambling, and accommodations
The Golf Practice
10 Links Gems
Dave Lockhart Visits
this positive golf mojo going. Whether you purchased new clubs or you’re
dusting old ones off, get out and enjoy the fresh air. It’s a great time of the facebook
year to take some lessons or get your kids involved in the game if they aren’t
Kankakee Elks
34
already. Reconnect with friends that you didn’t play with last year because
Gaylord, Michigan 12 Sweet Home Chicago instagram
If you’re looking for a city that quite literally has it all, then this is of all of the COVID restrictions. Take a little road trip and experience a new
your place 16 Equipment golf destination (ideas below). However you choose to experience golf this
Chicago’s Best Head
year, make it fun. And hey, send us some pictures. twitter
Covers
Our cover for this issue features the amazing Evans Scholars Foundation.
18 Travel
Dave Silbar takes us down a road filled with captivating
Harbor Shores
individual stories that seize the essence of this program
40 GOLFChicago Map
and Directory and the tremendous work it has done, and continues to do.
How to Get There If you’re looking for a golf destination, Neal Kotlarek
45 On The Corkscrews gives you two undeniably great options in the state of
Add a Double Eagle to Michigan. The Island Resort & Casino, which is an Upper
Your Score Peninsula getaway, and a golf mecca in the city of Gaylord.
46 Final Putt Dave Lockhart delivers another “Link’s Gem” as he
Cover: L: Morgan Payne / River Forest Country Club / Senior, University of Illinois
Bet on it: Gambling takes us back in time to the Kankakee Elks Country Club
R: Patricia Perez / Glen Oak Country Club / Senior, University of Illinois Photo: Charles Cherney/WGA on Golf
,and Stephen Hawk will give you a great option to sip with
“On the Corkscrews.’’ Also, don’t skip Jantzen Miserak from
SUBSCRIBE TO Chicago’s Premier Multimedia Golf Source & Authority
The Golf Practice as he takes us through the importance of
GOLFCHICAGO Founder: Bill Daniels
Publisher: Dave Weretka
Editorial Inquiries
Todd Mrowice
golf strength and conditioning.
golfchicagomag@gmail.com All of that plus our “Good Stuff” to keep you informed on
Free Golf* with Your Editor: Todd Mrowice
847-917-4905
Art Director: Stephen Hawk
Paid Subscription Advertising and Marketing Inquiries
the latest and greatest products. We also put together a push
Senior Writer: Neal Kotlarek Dave Weretka cart feature for all the walkers out there. And if you’re a head
Chicago’s Premier dweretka@golfchicagomagazine.com
Instructional Staff: Jantzen Miserak, Andy cover connoisseur, you’ll enjoy some of the ones we’ve found
Multimedia Golf Source 815-741-8005
Mickelson, Andrew Ogata, and John Platt
& Authority Delivered at Chicago-area courses.
To Your Door Editorial Contributors: Stephen Hawk, Finally, “Final Putt” takes us through the freshly paved
Rory Hughes, Dave Lockhart, Greg Martin,
Visit and John Morrissett path of gambling on golf and all of the outlets available to
www.GOLFChicagoMagazine.com
Photography: GOLFChicago Staff make your wager.
for details
© Copyright 2021 As always, thank you to all of our loyal readers. We’re
looking forward to sharing the fairways with you this year.
4 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 5
THE GOOD STUFF Compiled by Todd Mrowice
If the Boot Fits...
Sweet Like Honey PUMA’s Ignite genre of shoe has become one of
The Queen B series from Bettinardi is a staple, and the B6 model is the the most popular in the game. Their new Fasten8
perfect marriage of blade and mallet. This re-engineered classic is turning Disc integrated webbing straps for a secure
heads in an all-new Rose Gold fit. A Flat-Knit Mesh structure and PWRFrame
PVD finish with a thinner topline TPU overlay make this shoe breathable with a
and softened round edges on one-year waterproof warranty. Also
the toe and heel. A single- available in a standard lace option
bend shaft provides an easier and in six colorways.
and precise setup at address. $120
The 2021 Queen B lineup cobragolf.com
offers four models in total.
$400
bettinardi.com
You Better Lock
it Up!
Time to ditch the
“popstroke” and
The Numbers Don’t Lie
lock up those
Everything is better in a bundle! Arccos wrists with the
Caddie is the uber intelligent AI platform that new WristLock
provides users with shot tracking, a slew of putter grip from
analytics, club averages, a GPS SuperStroke.
rangefinder, and shot advice Engineered to
on any hole in the world. eliminate any
Arccos Caddie Link allows unwanted motion
users to untether from their in your putting
phones while still obtaining stroke, this handle
all of these great stats. Arccos will get you on the
users average 4.2 strokes right track for a
gained in their first year! more consistent and
$179.99 controlled time on
arccosgolf.com the green. Includes
SuperStroke
patented No Taper
Technology for
even grip pressure
Here’s to Whiskey… in both hands.
Available in green,
In the Bobby Jones Clover Whiskey
orange, or black.
Collection, great whiskey meets one
$29.99
of the GOATs. These single barrel,
superstrokeusa.com
straight whiskeys are distilled
with excellence and integrity.
Much like Jones himself.
Available in straight bourbon,
straight rye, and Tennessee
straight bourbon, these small One Size Fits None
batches range from 90 to 92 Did you buy your suit from the rack? Didn’t think so. Edel
proof and lend themselves to brings truly custom-fit wedges to consumers with the new SMS
all palettes. wedges which feature three interchangeable weights to finely
$50 to $70 tune to your swing. Available in four grind options and seven
thecloverwhiskey.com lofts, these wedges are carved from Japanese 1025 carbon
steel and feature full face grooves for optimum spin.
$199.99
edelgolf.com
6 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 7
FITNESS Don’t Move Your Lips. COMFORT CARPETS
Jantzen Miserak Just Shake Your Hips. SHOP AT HOME
Professionally installed
ne quality oors, by
Mohawk, Shaw, all major
These attributes of fitness are all
F rom driving the ball a long distance to
having the touch to hit a delicate chip
shot around the green, golf is a game with
designed to help any athlete perform,
par ticularly golfers. Increased body
to essentially stretch the spine straight.
After finding a straight spine position,
“hug” your arms around you and begin
shots like a drop kick or thinned shots.
A more successful way of articulating
this to students, I’ve found, is to focus
brands and more!
many elements. As golfers we have been awareness and wrist and grip strength to rotate as much as possible from side on their entire torso turning at the same We Will Drench You in Comfort
taught that spending countless hours at the will allow golfers to swing the golf club to side while maintaining a straight spine. time to start the swing. Cueing students
practice facility searching for consistency will more efficiently, resulting in better ball Try to rotate further with each repetition to move this way allows them to move HARDWOOD • CARPET • LAMINATE • VINYL • CERAMIC
lead to lower scores. But fatigue is bound striking. Overall strength and conditioning to create a new range of motion. their thoracic spine in a bigger range of Our mobile showroom is ready with all the selections and brands that you
to set in after hours of practice and playing will help golfers maintain better posture With our hips and how they work in motion. need to make your choice. We realize that your options are endless and the
rounds of golf that could last a full afternoon. while swinging and walking during prac- the golf swing, I tend to mobilize and I really enjoy using a shaft extension decision can be overwhelming. Our professional ooring consultant is here
When your hips get tight and your lower tice and play on the course. work a lot of internal rotation of the hip on the end of a golf club to help blend to help you nd the best t to your lifestyle and home.
back starts to flare up, that is when we often So how can you begin? For starters, joint. Think of a track athlete jumping this thoracic rotation. Using your body
overlook an essential element of the game. let’s prime for movement. hurdles. The way their back leg has to to start the swing can make the club feel We Can Also Provide You Comfort for These Services:
Physical fitness. Spine and hip mobility are always rotate back to their body to get back in foreign, so I like having an extension to Interior & Exterior Painting • Drywall • Tuckpointing • Masonry
At the end of the day, our body is what two things I focus on with my students, stride after jumping a hurdle is generally connect students back to the club. After Windows • Roong • Commercial & Residential
swings the club. I’ve found that the better particularly in the gym before training the same motion of the hip we need in swinging back to a strong position, by SAFETY • QUALITY • PERFORMANCE
a golfer can be in tune with their body and sessions. My goal is to loosen up their our back swings as golfers. Internal rota- the time of impact you should be able Call Today for Your In-Home Appointment:
847-327-9910
how it moves, the better their ball striking thoracic spine and basic hip movements tion of the right hip for a right-handed to feel the extension on the target side
becomes. of internal and external rotation. For the golfer allows for stability and prevents hip and then stay connected into the
In the off season I coach a golf condi- spine, the thoracic is the middle portion shifting side to side while swinging into follow through. Or Text 630-675-8138
tioning class. This golf-specific program is of the spine most responsible for allowing the backswing. This same motion in the Give these movements a try. Prime smartstrand58@comcast.net | comfortcarpets.net
designed to develop students’ body, mind, you to maintain posture. Golfers that target side hip can create tremendous for more rotation in the spine, open up
and at the end of the day, their scores. More lack mobility in their thoracic spine can power in the downswing transition. those hips, and connect it all together
specifically we focus on: more often than not experience lower After mobility, I want the student with the help of a shaft extension. I hope
• Body awareness back pain in the lumbar spine. To avoid to feel success within that new range of this leads to a smooth and pain-free
• Mobility of joints this tendency I recommend looking motion. swing.
• Core strength in the mirror from a side view. Try to I think a lot of the time when golfers
• Power/Speed achieve a completely straight spine! are told to “swing more with their body,” Jantzen Miserak is Senior Coach and Junior
• Physical endurance Most golfers will need to “scoop” their they just fire their hips. This can cause Program Director at The Golf Practice
• Injury prevention hips under and then elevate their chest a very draw-biased swing or missed www.thegolfpractice.com
Situated on 166 rolling, wooded acres, The
Bluffs hosts an incredible 18 holes of
championship golf on a setting seldom seen
in the Chicago area. Located right off of
Interstate 55, two exits south of Interstate
80, The Bluffs is the best kept golf secret
in the Chicagoland area!
Big changes are coming to The Bluffs in
2021! Visit our website at
heritagebluffs.com/construction-updates to
stay up to date with everything happening!
(815) 467-7888 HeritageBluffs.com
8 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 9
LINKS GEMS
A Golden Oldie
Dave Lockhart
situations where you short-side yourself
O ne of the beauties of our sport is all of
the unique and wonderful land that we
play and compete on. The Kankakee Elks
or go over the greens.”
Langford and Moreau came along in
par-72 design with a slope of 124 and a
rating of 71.6 from the nearly 6,600 yard
back tees.
Club sounds more like a place to gather the golden age of architecture and their “I think the best thing here is the
than to play the game. Turn back the clock most impressive and popular course may value and the quality of the golf. I think
to the late 1920s when two of golf’s most be Lawsonia Links in Green Lake, Wisc. That if you come down here and play it once,
respected curators, William B. Langford course is a one of the top ranked in the you’ll want to come back many times to
and Theodore Moreau, devised a plan Land of Cheese and is truly a must-play enjoy the Langford design, it’s a beautiful
for a private course and getaway for the inland links layout. By the way, Langford course,” said Jim Webber, Kankakee Elks
high rollers of the day. Set alongside the was recognized for his entire body of County Club’s Director of Golf
Kankakee River, this semi-private facility work by being inducted into the Illinois Located just outside of Kankakee in
has been open to the masses for many Golf Hall of Fame in 2019. the town of St. Anne, Ill., this facility is
years, and boy are we lucky. Unspoiled and Kankakee Elks looks innocent and about an hour south of The Windy City.
quiet, the pure undulating landscape is a open at first glance, but the routing is Beat the crowds and take a trip over here
welcome change from the hectic, some- stellar. Once you get out there and tee to play this track. It is an incredible bargain,
times humdrum, courses of Chicagoland. it up, you will notice that to do well it’s coming in at only $28 on the Monday
Langford, a Chicago native, was quite a about positioning your ball for the best special, $35 on Tuesday through Friday,
player and brainiac back in the day. He angle to the pin. There is only one water and $45 on weekends and holidays.
excelled at Yale University, where he was hazard and only a handful of sand bunkers It’s an old-fashioned design that
captain of the golf team, and then con- that come into play. Back in the day, here won’t beat you up; however, you still have
tinued his education receiving a Master’s was an interesting quote from Langford, to employ ball position strategy and, of
degree in Civil Engineering from Columbia “Hazards should be placed so that a player course, putt your ball well to score well.
University. Moreau was the creative shaper can avoid them if he gauges his ability The bottom line is that you can’t re-create
,crafting subtle mounding throughout the correctly, so that they will make every the golden age of architecture, so get
layout, punctuated by fun and distinctive man’s game more interesting, no matter here and enjoy this step back in time.
elevated greens where most putts can what class player he is, and offer a reward Kankakee Elks is certainly a hidden gem
present a challenge. commensurate with the players ability.” and a true “Links Gem” for sure!
Dr. Karl Keller a longtime member This course was integrated into the
and Kankakee Elks Country Club Trustee land and not forced upon it. It was created Kankakee Elks Country Club
says this about the layout, “The biggest in the era before bulldozers, so this place www.elksgolf627.com
thing people notice when they first get has a natural and real feeling about it. 2283 Bittersweet Drive
here is the green complexes which are It’s like stepping back in time. You’ll be St. Anne, IL 60964
mostly all elevated. You don’t want to have sure to hit every club in the bag on this 815.937.9547
7th Hole
Photos: Andy Johnson of The Fried Egg 14th Hole
continued on page 11
10 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 11
Women’s Western Amateur with some returning Palmer Cup players in Julia Johnson scholarship program that has aided the children of disabled
Sweet
July 19 - 24, Park Ridge Country Club (Park Ridge) (Ole Miss), Gina Kim (Duke), Emilia Migliaccio (Wake and deceased veterans with more than 29,000 scholar-
With this event, the PRCC will host a Forest), and Latanna Stone (LSU). ships. The public golf course is located at the former Grand
Women’s Western Golf Association event The U.S. squad is rounded out by Ricky Castillo Haven G.C. but was redesigned as a dunes layout gratis
for the third time, but the first since 1944! (Florida), Pierceson Coody (Texas), Allisen Corpuz by Nicklaus. The legendary PGA Tour superstar and golf
Home
The field includes highly accomplished (Southern California), Rachel Kuehn (Wake Forest), Brooke architect oversaw the removal of over 2,000 trees to unveil
international amateurs, many of whom will Matthews (Arkansas), and Trent Phillips (Georgia). the dunes hidden underneath. The original golf course was
be seen at the collegiate and professional Competing in their first Palmer Cup are Sam Bennett owned by the Rooney family. The new property, which fea-
levels going forward. (Texas A&M), Jacob Bridgeman (Clemson), Nick Gabrelcik tures iconic images and boot prints of fallen U.S. soldiers,
womenswesternamateur.com (North Florida), Ryan Hall (South Carolina), Hanna will earmark all profits to the scholarship program.
Chicago
Harrison (Dallas Baptist), Lauren Hartlage (Louisville), Dylan
Western Amateur Menante (Pepperdine), William Moll (Vanderbilt), Trevor Jack Nicklaus enjoys the view of his inaugural tee shot
July 26 - 31, Glen View Club (Golf) Norby (Oklahoma Christian), Brad Reeves (Arizona), Erica at American Dunes G.C.
156 invited amateurs will vie to have their Shepherd (Duke), Benjamin Shipp (NC State), and Kate
name etched on the George R. Thorne Smith (Nebraska).
Trophy along with Woods, Mickelson, The Illinois tie-in for the International team is Adrien
Crenshaw, Nicklaus, and so many more. Dumont de Chassart, a junior at the University of Illinois and
The 156 gets cut to 44, then ultimately to the recently named co-Big Ten Golfer of the Year. The Belgian
“Sweet Sixteen” to compete in match play will be joined by teammates representing 14 countries
on Friday and Saturday. including Puwit Anupansuebsai (San Diego State/Thailand),
thewesternamateur.com Alex Fitzpatrick (Wake Forest/England), Yuxin Lin (Florida/
China), Ingrid Lindblad (LSU/Sweden), David Puig (Arizona
Where to Watch The Best in 2021 Ryder Cup State/Spain), Paulne Roussin-Bouchard (South Carolina/
Between the Chicago area and some short road trips, you September 24 - 26, Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wisc.) France), and Emma Spitz (UCLA/Austria), and Agathe
can get out and watch the best players in the world in The 43rd Ryder Cup was originally sched- Laisne (Texas/France). An F-16 pilot with three tours of duty, Rooney partnered
2021. Of course, all events and states will have their own uled for last year, but so were a lot of things. Competing in their first Palmer Cup for the International with four other investors to establish American Dunes LLC to
restrictions based around COVID-19, but if you’re up for it, On their soil, the U.S. will try to avenge a team are Penny Brown (Stirling/Scotland), Eugenio pay for the layout renovation. Nicklaus waived his standard
here’s what’s coming our way: 2018 loss to Europe where the Fleetwood/ Chacarra (Oklahoma State/Spain), Adrien Dumont de $3 million design fee to support the charity. Supported by a
Molinari pairing dominated. Steve Stricker Chassart (Illinois/Belgium), Isabella Fierro (Oklahoma 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, and a military plane fly-
Evans Scholar Invitational captain’s the U.S. (fitting for Wisconsin) and Padraig State/Mexico), Karen Fredgaard (Houston/Sweden), over, Nicklaus launched the inaugural tee shot down the first
May 26 - 30, The Glen Club (Glenview) Harrington leads Europe. Allan Hill (Maynooth/Ireland), Bo Jin (Oklahoma State/ fairway while hundreds of community members, patrons,
The Korn Ferry Tour’s rydercup.com China), Pontus Nyholm (Campbell/Sweden), Virunpat guests and celebrities applauded. Even prior to the course
Chicago stop is at one of Olankitkunchai (Maryland/Thailand), Joseph Pagdin opening following the ceremony, some 11,000 rounds have
our most respected public Arnold Palmer Cup Coming to Rich Harvest Farms: (Florida/England), Ana Pelaez Trivino (South Carolina/ been booked in support of Folds of Honor. For more infor-
courses in The Glen Club. What to Know Spain), Julian Perico (Arkansas/Spain), Emily Price (Kent mation and to initiate a tee time reservation, visit www.
Curtis Thompson won in Rich Harvest Farms is getting an State/England), Hugo Townsend (Boise State/Sweden), americandunesgolfclub.com
2020 with household name Will Zalatoris as a runner-up. encore as host course of the Arnold Beatrice Wallin (Florida State/Sweden), and Lauren Walsh
Scottie Scheffler won in 2019. Attendance is complimentary Palmer Cup. It’s the only club to have (Wake Forest/Ireland).
thanks to SERVPRO of Glenview. that distinction, aside from Mr. Palmer’s Rich Harvest Farms adds its second Arnold Palmer Cup
esinvitational.com Bay Hill Club & Lodge, as Jerry Rich’s to a growing list of hosted events including the 2017 NCAA
creation in Sugar Grove also hosted National Golf Championships. The club is consistently rec-
Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give the event in 2015. ognized on all major course ranking guides and is also
June 17 - 20, Blythefield Country Club (Grand Rapids, Mich.) The Arnold Palmer Cup takes place June 11 - 13 and is home to the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois.
If you want to watch the best women in truly one of the most unique events in golf as it showcases a For more information on the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup
the game you’ll have to make the short collection of the best young golf talent across the world. The visit arnoldpalmercup.com.
drive to Grand Rapids, MI. Plenty of structure of a United States versus International team com- For more information on Rich Harvest Farms visit rich-
golf along the way for yourself, too! This petition is nothing new to the game, but when teams are harvestfarms.com.
event has been a birdie barrage for Brooke Henderson as comprised of 12 men and 12 women, all at the collegiate
the defending champion and winner in 2017. level, that is what makes it polarizing. Nicklaus Opens Grand Haven’s American Dunes G.C.
meijerlpgaclassic.com Points are awarded based on each match with formats with a Bang
consisting of match play, mixed four ball, mixed foursomes, If Grand Haven, MI seems like an unlikely spot for a gala
John Deere Classic and singles. As in similar competitions, the most points after celebration, it is. This idyllic area abutting Lake Michigan in
July 8 - 11, TPC Deere Run (Silvis) four rounds takes the trophy with a tie going to the current southwest Michigan is known far more for tulip festivals and
Celebrating 50 years, the JDC is so much holder. In this case, that would be the International team as farmers markets than it is for golf royalty. But on the first Klein Creek to Host Folds of Honor Par-3 Event
more than a golf tournament. This event they won it in 2020. The United States is looking to end its Sunday of May, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus were joined by If you’re a great stick on par-3 holes and you love your coun-
raises millions of dollars annually with the drought as they haven’t won since 2018 despite owning the the likes of Nancy Lopez, Kid Rock, celebrated fighter pilots try, mark your calendar for Monday, June 14th. That’s the
Birdies for Charity program. In 2020, with a all-time series lead 12-11-1. Robert Pardo and Steve Wayne, country singer Lee Brice, date when Winfield’s Klein Creek Golf Club will host a very
canceled event, $12.2 million to 465 Quad In early May, members of both teams were announced and even the Budweiser Clydesdales to celebrate the grand special Par-3 Flag Day Tournament in which all 18 holes are
City-area charities! Dylan Frittelli is the defending champion with the state of Illinois having two representatives. opening of American Dunes Golf Club. set as par 3s, with $10,000 hole-in-one prizes on all holes
from 2019. Irene Kim, a sophomore at Northwestern and It was conceived in 2007 by former fighter pilot Lt. Col and where 18 finalists earn the right to participate in a $1
johndeereclassic.com Preseason Big Ten Honoree, will represent the U.S. along Dan Rooney as a funding engine for the Folds of Honor million shootout. Best of all, proceeds from the event will
12 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 13
benefit Folds of Honor—the charity started by Lt. Col Dan golf instructors who conduct the classes at the acade- Shavers. They also participated in a
Rooney which provides scholarships to families of America’s my. For more information on men’s, women’s and junior community service project at the Collier
fallen and disabled veterans. For a green fee of $250, play- classes (both spring and summer sessions available), call County Museum during their trip.
ers will receive lunch, a 1 p.m. shotgun start, 5 p.m. happy 630-771-400, ext. 4500 or contact Paul at bjpaul@boling- The First Tee is an international
hour, the $1 million shootout, and a 7 p.m. dinner. For more brookgolfclub.com. youth development organization intro-
details and registration, visit www.kleincreek.com/FOH. ducing the game of golf and its core
Naperville Junior Golfer Awarded Youth on Course values to young people. For more
Brown Named New Director of Golf at Grand Geneva Scholarship information about summer programs Where one great course leads to another
Grand Geneva Youth on Course, a run by the group, visit www.first-
Resort & Spa has non-profit dedicated to teegreaterchicago.org.
announced Ryan “opening doors, supporting
Brown (formerly dreams and transforming
at Eagle Ridge the lives of young peo-
Resort) as suc- ple,” announced its 2021
cessor to Dave scholarships which total
Hallenbeck as $296,000 to 20 recipi-
Director of Golf ents. Among those 20 is
at the popular Naperville’s Leland Pan. A It’s close to home... And, with 13 incredible courses at
Lake Geneva senior at Matea Valley High
resort. After 48 School in Aurora, Pan is
one unforgettable destination, it’s a golfing experience
years running heading to the University of you’ll treasure. You’ll spend less time traveling and more
golf operations, Photo: Buffalo Agency Illinois Urbana-Champaign time doing what you love to do... Playing tons of golf.
Hallenbeck has announced his retirement but will continue with an intended major of Ahmad Raoul Come PLAY and STAY with us. Book your Golf Trail
in a new role as golf ambassador at the property. political science. (left), Erika
Shavers and Getaway today. Visit GolfAtLakeOfTheOzarks.com.
“We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the Grand For more information on Youth on Course and the Mason Kim
Geneva team,” said Stephen Magnuson, managing director. opportunities the organization provides to help young
“He brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and expertise in people grow both on and off the golf course visit youthon-
golf marketing and the sport in general.” course.org.
Brown will oversee and manage daily operations and golf
initiatives at Grand Geneva’s two award-winning golf courses, Heritage Bluffs Initiates New Clubhouse Construction
The Brute and The Highlands. An 11-year PGA member, he Channahon’s popular Heritage Bluffs has unveiled designs
began his career working at Boyne Resorts in Michigan and on a new elegant clubhouse expected to open in 2022. The
was an assistant pro at Pine Lake Country Club in Detroit. club’s website showcases renderings of a new bar area, din-
ing room, and outdoor patio. All of which are a part of an
Paul Joins Bolingbrook Golf Academy approved design by the Channahon Park District Board of
BJ Paul has been named PGA Director of Player Commissioners from a board meeting this past January.
Development at Bolingbrook Golf Academy. The program As described on the club’s website: “With the mission
is based out of the panoramic Bolingbrook Golf Club. In of bringing people together in mind, the design is centered
accepting his role, Paul stated that his goal was to help around moments and the experience. Whether that moment
golfers locate “their true potential, on and off the golf is a round of golf and lunch on a Tuesday or a special
course.” Paul has been teaching golf for over 18 years and occasion, the hope is that everyone will leave the Bluffs
teaches all ages and ability levels. anticipating their return.”
The centerpiece of this 166-acre public facility just south
From left, Amanda, Sarla, of Joliet is an acclaimed championship golf course designed
Lois, and BJ Paul. by Dick Nugent. Recognized as one of the top 10 new pub-
lic golf courses in the nation by Golf Digest when it opened
in 1993, the course is characterized by sweeping sand bun-
kers, large greens, great views, and hilly topography.
Heritage Bluffs Golf Club is a Certified Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary with birds and wildlife sightings
readily available. The Zagat Survey lists the course as one
of the top 50 best values in the U.S. For tee times, visit
www.heritagebluffs.com
Raoul, Kin Earn First Place at First Tee Champions
Challenge
Two members of the Greater Chicago Chapter of the First
Tee won the 3-day Champions Challenge event played at
New for the 2021 season are spring training classes Quail Creek Country Club in Naples, Fla. Ahmad Raoul
that focus on the fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitch- and Mason Kim competed against 11 other First Tee chap-
ing and full-swing. Paul oversees other PGA Professional ters from around the country and were coached by Erika
14 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 15
EQUIPMENT
We’ve Got You Covered
Todd Mrowice
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
N ot all that long ago, head covers
were an afterthought. The manu-
facturer provided one with the club you
Lemont
How cool would this putter cover look
bought, it would get sun-drenched for in your “man cave”? The legendar y
a decade or two, and then you would Dubsdread layout being the focal point
inevitably lose it or just pitch it due with the club logo and course yardage
to it being unsightly. And that was if stitched into a sleek black cover.
you cared. We all know someone that
doesn’t seem to mind the incessant Schaumburg Golf Club
“clanking” in the back of the golf cart. Schaumburg
Or, even worse, someone that doesn’t The simplicity and functionality are
mind using an old sock. key here. SGC’s classic crest. which has
But in the present day, head covers been in place since 1989, is stitched into
are an extension of your golf bag. They a jet-black synthetic front. Very Gary
fall under the “look good, feel good, play Player-esque. The back is plush and is
good” mantra. And there are companies the type of cover you should travel with.
thriving with handcrafted, limited-run
offerings that can offer a subtle classic Olympia Fields Country Club
look, or can say just about anything you Olympia Fields
want on them. The regal clock tower is all you need to
Golf and country clubs all across know where this cover came from. Pretty
the U.S. have caught on to the trend, sure these covers smell like professional
and recognize that carrying a premium golf. The hard part? Old Glory or the
head cover in their golf shops is almost Four Stars.
a badge of honor that gets displayed
and played. Thankfully, Instagram has All photos provided by the listed clubs.
provided an easy outlet for clubs in the
Chicagoland area to show theirs off.
Arrowhead Golf Club
Wheaton
It is no surprise that one of the area’s
top public courses has a premium cover,
featuring the club’s signature arrow
design and script sprawled over your
choice of red, white, or blue.
Cantigny Golf Club
Wheaton
The iconic leaf logo that you’ll find on
most Cantigny merch, but incorporating
the Chicago flag (driver cover) or your
choice of the Stars and Stripes or Chicago
flag on the mallet covers.
Chicago Highlands Club
Westchester
The bluebird, the skyline, Harry Caray,
Chicago Fire Dept. shield, Wrigley mar-
quee, Navy Pier, and the Chicago flag.
If you’re lucky enough to play here, why
wouldn’t you get one?
16 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 17
FIND WHERE
travel
The Harbor Shores Experience
THE GRASS IS
Neal Kotlarek
W hen it comes to escaping city life for a
golf adventure, Chicagoans are blessed
to be a short drive away from some of the
Following the war, the town evolved into a
vibrant manufacturing center through the
coastal dunes of Lake Michigan. When we
reached holes 7 through 9, we knew we
GREENER.
1960s, only for it to slowly devolve into a had reached hallowed ground. Nicklaus PLAY UNLIMITED GOLF STARTING
best courses in the country across Michigan cycle of poverty and crime over the ensuing strategically routed these holes through AT $110 PER PERSON PER DAY.*
and Wisconsin. Whether it’s up the sunrise two decades. By the early 2000s, a plan was the sand dunes adjacent to the revitalized
side (Wisconsin) or the sunset side (Michigan) desperately needed to level empty facto- Jean Klock Park. Someone in our group
of Lake Michigan, an endless variety of ries, remove millions of tons of industrial cleverly referenced this stretch as “Golden
award-winning championship golf awaits. materials and contaminated soil, and find Bear Dunes.”
For those looking to avoid a long drive, a new source of jobs and hope for Benton The back nine brought more beauty and
a two-hour jaunt out of the city to the south- Harbor’s future. challenge around wetlands and the Paw Paw
west corner of Michigan fits the bill perfectly. Our foursome checked into the resort and River. The 10th hole serves up a 20,000 square
A few exits into Michigan, take the exit to secured one of the property’s new Champions foot green which was the site of one of Jack’s
Benton Harbor and enjoy a short lakeside Villas, conveniently located along the first greatest shots ever. Do yourself a favor and
drive toward Harbor Shores Resort. fairway next to the clubhouse. Golf luxury is search for the video to watch the greatest
When my foursome drove across Benton the best way to describe this 2,000 square golfer ever sink one of the most unlikely putts
Harbor, we immediately noticed the revitalized foot, 4-bedroom/4-bath unit equipped with imaginable. The course appropriately finishes
areas and multi-purpose developments that a full kitchen and open living space. It was a with a great par 4 which runs directly along
have sprung up over the last decade since spacious accommodation for our group as the river. Not too long ago, this body of water
the opening of Harbor Shores. The marquee the villa can host as many as eight. was contaminated. Today, it is a popular spot
attraction of this expansive property is a We couldn’t wait to get to the first tee for canoeing and is now home to over 30
Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course the next morning to experience the course species of fish.
which, since 2012, has hosted the KitchenAid where some of the Champions Tour’s leg- In addition to the villas, another major
Senior PGA Championship every other year, endary golfers have played. Nicklaus tabbed component to the development, comple-
which returns in 2022. the layout as one of his 18 favorite designs menting the golf experience, is The Inn at
The course is a treat for many reasons, of all time. It was built largely on what was Harbor Shores. A 92-room luxury hotel on
most critically: the layout’s scenic location, once polluted land crowded with factories. the St. Joseph River, The Inn also features 14
including one hole towering above the In fact, Nos. 4 and 5, a fun challenging par luxury suites, two top-floor condominiums, a
blue waters of Lake Michigan; the course’s 3 and par 5, were once a dumping site for rooftop meeting space, and a wide selection
challenge featuring strategic bunkering and a company that made automobile brakes. of dining options.
water hazards abutting many greens; and Holes 14 and 15, two of the most scenic holes As we drove away from the property, our
the property’s historic transition from blight now on the property set along the Paw Paw group unanimously approved a return visit.
to championship golf venue. River, were a former Superfund site once The resort’s Champions Package was perfect
More than 75 years ago, Benton Harbor occupied by a company that used radium and included two nights lodging, unlimited
was a booming industrial town when local and mercury to manufacture components for golf and, yes, unlimited food and beverage
Whirlpool plants and factories were trans- fighter planes. Through singular engineering for the four of us. To book the package or
formed into Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s and vision, the course now runs across four find more information on Harbor Shores
arsenal of democracy as it transitioned to remarkably diverse and beautiful terrains Resort, visit www.harborshoresresort.com
building components for fighter planes. including a photogenic setting along the or call (269) 927-4653.
Great golf happens on great courses. And courses don’t get better than the ones on
Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. With 11 locations, 26 courses and more than
400 championship holes, the toughest challenge may be deciding which one to play first.
CUSTOM PACKAGES AVAILABLE » To learn more, visit rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444.
*Specials cannot be combined with other discounts and must be paid in full and booked with Reservations at least 48 hours prior to play. Valid at Ross
Bridge starting at $165 per person per day. Specials do not include play at Lakewood Golf Club. Specials do not include tax or lodging. Not valid with
previously booked packages. There is a $10 surcharge for each round on the Judge at Capitol Hill. Some restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change.
18 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 19Clicgear Model 8.0+ Bag Boy Nitron MGI Zip Navigator
Our only featured model with four One step is all it takes to quickly And here you’ve been pushing this
wheels, the Model 8.0+ from Clicgear is deploy the Nitron from Bag Boy whole time?! The Zip Navigator
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its the ultimate in stability. This cart has with assistance from Nitro-Piston from MGI is lavish. It’s (by far) the
toll on just about every facet of our a patented slide-to-close mechanism Technology. This cart has a compact most expensive featured here, yes.
making for an easy collapse. A front brake folded design and features Top-Lok But it has a full directional remote
lives. Thankfully for those of us that lever powers dual front-wheel brakes and Technology, a patented bag-to-cart control which allows you to roam free from
has accessory mounts for all of the cool attachment system. Includes an extra the fairway to the trees. Automatic downhill
love this crazy game, we had an option Clicgear extras. Available in three colors. large accessory space and umbrella speed control, Lithium 24v 380w battery,
to escape, even if it was for nine holes. Weight: 22 lbs. | $319 holder. Available in seven color options. and so many jealous onlookers.
clicgearusa.com Weight: 16.75 lbs. | $259.95 Weight: 34.96 lbs. | $1,495
We worked around pool noodles and bagboy.com us.mgigolf.com
not having beverage carts and we’re
coming out stronger on the other side.
With riding cart restrictions, many
took to retailers near and far to find
themselves a push cart. If you were
lucky enough to score one it was like
winning the lottery. Manufacturers
could never have prepared for the
onslaught of demand that came their
A Good Walk (a Little Less) Spoiled
way. With production carrying through Todd Mrowice
the winter months, you can now find
yourself a trolley if you so desire. As BIG MAX Auto Fold FF Sun Mountain Speed Cart GX Walker Trolley Cape Model 1.5
we look back on how the pandemic
Europe’s leading trolley company is making Since 1999, the Speed Cart from Sun Mountain There’s a push cart for just about everyone.
changed our golf practices we’ll find big strides in the U.S., particularly with their has had numerous installments, each bet- The space conscious, the new-age, and even
that it created a renewed love for Autofold FF model. Flat Fold technology allows ter than the last. The new Speed Cart GX the tech savvy. But what about the purists?
this unit to fold in a matter of seconds and, comes with a mesh basket and a standard The Cape 1.5 might look like a throwback,
taking our courses in, step-by-step. you guessed it, super flat. Thus, the Autofold size drink holder. Improved upper and but the materials are sheik. Waxed canvas,
FF fits easily into your trunk lower brackets allow for easier bag leather, and anodized aluminum. It’s like
Here are some of our favorite push or wherever you store it adjustment and it folds in two steps. pushing your clubs in a Rolls Royce.
carts for this year. for the winter. Available Available in eight colors. And yes, those are air-filled rubber
in four colors. Weight: 17.85 lbs. | $249.99 tires. It even holds up on rainy days
Weight: 17.41 lbs. | $329.99 sunmountain.com as the bottom storage area has a
us.bigmaxgolf.com drainage feature.
Weight: 19 lbs. | $429
walkertrolleys.com
20 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 21I
t would have been easy for
Daniel Shkembi to have buried his
head in the sand when his father
From Grant
passed away in 2016. At the time,
Daniel was an eighth grader in the
midst of applying to several northside
Letter to
college preparatory schools.
Instead, he continued to bury his
Offer Letter
head into his schoolwork and landed
his first job, as a caddy at nearby Oak
Park Country Club. Shortly thereafter,
he received some overwhelmingly
good news: admission into prestigious
How earning an Walter Payton College Prep.
Evans Scholarship “I was playing basketball when my
is a gift for life. mom opened the acceptance letter
and she came out crying, she was
so happy,” Daniel recalls. “When
Dave Silbar
I learned why she was crying the
emotions swept over me. I was so
happy. We were both standing there
sobbing.”
The son of Albanian parents, Daniel is
one of eight Oak Park Country Club
caddies who received the covet-
ed Evans Scholarship for academic
excellence this year. The takeaway:
full coverage of his college tui-
tion, most likely to either Purdue
University or the University of Illinois in
Champaign, and a sense of relief for
both himself and his mom, who works
as a personal caregiver.
22 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 23“My dad always wanted me to succeed aca- “With six brothers and sisters, I knew I needed advice and there were
demically, and I wouldn’t have been doing the to get out of the house and find a job if I wanted so many who were will-
right thing had I sat around and moped every day to go to college,” recalls Lancaster. “I was going ing to meet with me. I
(following his death) so I continued to get good to have to pay for college but had no idea that wasn’t asking them for
grades and continued to try my hardest in school the Evans Scholarship existed.” a job, but so many had
and everything else that I did,” recalls Shkembi. Eight years later, Elijah’s life has come full influential roles with
Like most Evans Scholars, Daniel’s story is as circle. He is an Evans Scholar finishing up his col- some big companies
unique as it is inspiring. Born the 4th of July, 2003, legiate career at the University of Colorado in and were willing to talk
his summer days are spent working at the club Boulder. A double major (finance and account- to me. It shows you the
from sun up until sundown, oftentimes arriving at ing), he will begin his professional career in the type of fraternity Evans
6 a.m. and not leaving until 9:30 p.m. fall working for consulting giant RSM in Denver. Scholars truly is.”
“I knew about the Evans Scholarship when For Elijah, the caddy learning curve was fairly Elijah’s Niles West
I started and knew I had to work my hardest to severe at first, especially considering he didn’t teammate Desmond
earn it,” he says. “I can’t believe I’m going to know anything about the game. “When I first O’Shaughnessy, also
say this, but I feel as if the Evans Scholar accep- an Evans Scholar, will
started, I recall seeing a fellow caddy pull out a
tance letter meant even more to me (than being graduate this year from
rangefinder and had no idea what it was,” he
Northwestern University
accepted at Payton College Prep). Getting a full laughs. “I caddied really hard that first year and
He played all four years at Niles West, his final and is equally as thankful for the opportunity. A
ride to college to further my education means so at the year-end awards ceremony got my own
two seasons as a member of coach Mitch Stern’s triplet, the Evans Scholarship meant that there
much to me. I know my dad is watching over me rangefinder as a prize. I was working about 60
varsity team. “Elijah may not have been our best was one less college tuition bill Desmond’s par-
and that he is so proud.” hours a week, biking several miles to and from
player, but he was always dedicated to his team ents would be receiving.
The Evans Scholarship is named for Chicago work; I would leave home at 5:15 and stay at
and always determined to work on improving his A math and economics double major,
amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. and is the club the whole day. Since there was a ton of
game,” his coach remembers. “I was confident Desmond worked last year for the Northwestern
administered by the Glenview-based Western caddies, I had to set myself apart. A lot of times
that Elijah would be successful in whatever path Global Poverty Research Lab, a research center
Golf Association. Criteria for winning the scholar- I would get two loops per day and some of the
his career would take him following high school.” for development and economic and other disci-
ship is based on a strong caddy record, excellent others I wouldn’t get any.”
Maximizing his Evans Scholarship was a goal plines. In the summer of 2019, he received a grant
academics, demonstrated financial need, and Evanston Golf Club also gave Elijah the
that Lancaster set well before he ever stepped from the Department of African studies and stud-
outstanding character. An estimated 300 schol- encouragement he needed to learn how to play.
foot in Boulder. “I will have secured a double ied Swahili for two months in Zanzibar.
arships were awarded
major as well as a minor in education, which will An Evans Scholar via Ridgemoor Country Club,
across the country for
be helpful when I enter the business world this O’Shaughnessy started caddying during his soph-
the class of 2021.
fall,” he notes. “I’ve always wanted to be in a omore year of high school. “The Evans Scholarship
Unlike Daniel, Elijah position of leadership, whether working as a pas- has been the most important part of my four years
Lancaster knew noth- tor in a church or a leader in the business world. here at Northwestern,” he says. “It’s cool in a lot
ing about the Evans The Evans Scholarship has allowed me to really of aspects because it takes a bunch of different
Scholarship and even set myself up well for after college.” caddies who are like-minded in work ethic and
less about the game of The scholarship also paid dividends during we have to learn to come together in order to
golf when he showed up Elijah’s search for his first post-college job. COVID- all get along and kind of form our own culture.
on the steps of Evanston 19 has made finding a job much more difficult for It’s been a great alternative to regular Greek Life
Golf Club looking for a graduating seniors as they are now competing because it brings together a lot of people from a
job back in 2012. As an with a large chunk of the American workforce diverse background with different interests, and
8th grader getting ready who have found themselves jobless due to the I’ve benefited enormously from that.”
to attend Niles West pandemic. “Since the beginning of our Program in
High School in Skokie, “The alumni have been incredible through- 1930, the Evans Scholars Foundation has had a
Lancaster is the oldest out my job search,” adds Elijah, who estimates life-changing impact on young caddies who
of seven children, with he sent more than 200 resumes to companies have financial need,” said WGA Chairman Kevin
three of his siblings being across the country. “I reached out to a lot of Buggy. “These students put in years of hard work
adopted. Evans Scholars alumni on LinkedIn asking for both on the golf course and in the classroom
24 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 25to qualify for the Evans Scholarship. They have Serving as President during 2017 and 2018 Introducing and creating first impressions with lots urbs. Betsy Solaro joined Bryn Mawr long after Mary
shown dedication, commitment, and sacrifice, for the Evans Scholars Leadership Council, Mary of new people, the scholarship gives me automat- had left the club, but after hearing Mary’s story got
and we are honored to help them pursue their has played an integral role in helping young pro- ic credibility.” in touch and invited her to play in the 2019 Member-
dreams of a college education.” fessionals expand their networks and get more Aside from what it has meant for her profes- Guest tournament.
For Chicagoan Mary Dunne, it was the peo- involved in the Evans Scholars program as emerg- sionally, Mary adds: “Putting the scholarship aside, “I thought this woman was either a little crazy or
ple skills learned via the Evans Scholars program ing business and civic leaders. caddying as a job makes you a more confident incredibly generous and of course it was the latter,”
that have enabled her to successfully work her A former co-chair of the Evans Scholars young woman. It introduces you to a variety of per- recalls Mary. “She invited me back to the club to
way up the corporate ladder. The oldest of three Chicago Young Alumni Committee, Mary played sonality types; in life you’ll have to work with lots of play in the tournament and we actually won! Now
sisters—all caddies and all Evans Scholars by way a vital part in helping provide a forum to connect different people, and being a caddy allows you understand, we had never met face to face and
of Bryn Mawr Country Club—Mary is an adver- Evans Scholars through various events and activ- to read people better and to also learn how to be that she only knew that I was a Bryn Mawr caddie
tising executive for media giant Viacom/CBS. A ities, creating long-lasting alumni bonds, and more empathetic. If someone has a bad shot and and Evans Scholar. It was such a cool experience.”
2012 graduate from Marquette University, Mary’s encouraging continued commitment and contri- gets agitated, it may be more than just golf that’s There are currently 1,045 Evans Scholarship
story is yet another in a long line of unique Evans bution to the future of the Foundation. on his or her mind and it teaches you how to read recipients enrolled in 19 universities throughout the
Scholars folklore. people better.” country, and more than 11,320 have graduated as
Along with sisters Margaret and Annie, Mary Because I was one of the She admits that once she was able to overcome Evans Scholars since the program was founded.
(whose maiden name is Moran) grew up on the her own mental barriers when she started at Bryn Adds WGA Chairman Buggy, “Once students
near north side. When her grandmother was
only girls, it was a little lonely Mawr, everyone was very welcoming. Many had graduate from college, our alumni stay connected
diagnosed with dementia when Mary was in 3rd at the beginning, but was written wonderful recommendation letters for her as to the program. The lessons they learn from cad-
grade, the Moran family moved her into their a great opportunity for me she was beginning the Evans Scholars application dying and earning the Evans Scholarship have a
home. Mom left her job as a nurse at Swedish process and that’s something she’ll never forget. lasting impact and provide a foundation for success
Covenant Hospital and dad left his as an accoun-
because I was so shy when She recently had an experience with a Bryn for the rest of their lives.”
tant at Misericordia to take care of grandma. I was younger. Hanging out Mawr member she had never even met, but
“It was a huge sacrifice that my parents made with guys in the caddie yard who had heard about Mary through the Fairway Dave Silbar is President of Silbar Public Relations and
but they somehow made it work,” recalls Mary. “I Network, a lady’s golf league in the city and sub- a Certified Personal Coach at GOLFTEC in Oak Brook.
never felt like I was missing out, though, and saw it
shaped my career and taught
as a blessing in disguise because my parents were me to be a more confident
around all of the time throughout my whole child- woman in the workplace.
hood. A lot of Evans Scholars aren’t as fortunate.
I never felt like my parents were absent because “Every couple of years I take on a new role
they were around all the time.” and get little volunteer promotions, but the schol-
Gaining acceptance into Loyola Academy arship will be with me the rest of my life. These
in Wilmette, Mary would rely on a CTA train and people will always be my tribe,” she says.
two buses for nearly all four years to get to and And while it may have helped her come out
from school every day. Thanks to a recommen- of her shell as a young lady, the Evans Scholars
dation from a neighbor, Mary landed her first program has helped Mary throughout her pro-
job as one of only a handful of female caddies fessional career path. In fact, she says that each
at nearby Bryn Mawr. And while her sister would job she’s had since graduating from Marquette
eventually follow in her footsteps, Mary really has in some way been fostered by her employer
helped pave the way. knowing about Evans Scholars.
“Because I was one of the only girls, it was “The credibility of the scholarship has been
a little lonely at the beginning, but was a great incredible,” she says before chuckling, “Nearly
opportunity for me because I was so shy when every position I’ve held in terms of internships
I was younger,” she laughs. “Hanging out with and jobs is somehow linked back to the Evans
guys in the caddie yard shaped my career and Scholarship. It’s funny, but someone knowing what
taught me to be a more confident woman in the the scholarship was during my interviews made the
workplace. And that has gone well beyond just rest of the rounds of interviews kind of melt away.”
the office environment and has extended into “Being in sales, I’m always meeting new
my extracurricular activities with various Evans people and hands down the best thing the
Scholars programming.” Evans Scholarship taught me was people skills.
26 GOLFChicagoMagazine.com Spring 2021 27You can also read
