The tournament, which was last held more than 20 years ago, will be a 36-hole event starting with 18 holes at Wyaton Hills on Sept. 29, followed by 18 holes at Hunter’s Ridge on Sept. 30. It is open to anyone within the PHS District No. 500 or who is a member of Hunter’s Ridge, Wyaton Hills and/or Indian Hills Golf Course in Tiskilwa.
Max Halberg Jr. of Wyaton Hills said it’s all about promoting the game of golf and providing some competition at the same time.
“It was always a fun tournament. The idea is to play a little competition and play with other people,” said Halberg, a past champion of the tournament.
“It’s hard to tell how good you are until you play against other people. It’s always fun to play with your buddies and have your regular game, All of sudden you play with some other golfers, and it separates the men from the boys. It always makes it fun. You see what you need to work on your game,” he said.
Halberg said the tournament previously ran for about 10 to 12 years in the late ‘70s to early ‘90s, and in its hey day under the late Bureau Valley Country Club pro Ki Vandemore, it had 120 to 130 golfers. He said the tournament just kind of ran its course but believes golfers are up for the challenge again.
“I think it’s starting to pick up a little, and people are getting more into competition. I think some people like to see a tournament. There are guys who like playing a little competitive,” Halberg said.
Princeton golfer Egan Hicks, who presented the idea to Halberg and Hunter’s Ridge, said he is hopeful to get 80 to 100 golfers, men and women, and make it a big weekend.
“I thought it would be a great way to bring a little excitement into the area golf,” Hicks said. “I know a lot of golfers like to play with golfers they don’t normally play with. I felt this would also be a great way for golfers to play other courses in a competitive format. I think everyone involved is interested in promoting the game of golf, and for that, everyone benefits.”
