WGA_Program_2017_ebook

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WITH THAT.

Northern Trust is proud to support the Western Amateur Championship and the
Evans Scholars program. For more than 125 years, we’ve been meeting our clients’
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The George R. Thorne Trophy has been awarded to the winner of the Publisher & Editor
Western Amateur Championship since 1900.
J. Andrew Langan
Cover: Lee Wybranski’s cover depicts event posters. His portfolio includes
Gene Sarazen on Skokie’s 18th hole commissioned artwork for clients Design & Production
at the 1922 U.S. Open, where he ranging from the St. Andrews Links
two-putted for a winning birdie. Trust to Polo Ralph Lauren to the Innovative Design & Graphics
Lee Wybranski has been a professional National Golf Links of America.
artist since 1992. Since establishing Lee is perhaps best known for the SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB
Lee Wybranski Art & Design, posters he produces for the Major
Wybranski has completed numerous Championships, especially the U.S. President
commissioned artworks and published Open. 2017 marks the 10th year he will
editions related to the game of golf, be creating the official poster for the Stanley L. Ferguson
including landscapes, portraits, and National Championship. M
Vice President

Timothy J. Cawley

Tournament Co-Chairs

Thomas Mallman
Peter Mone

Golf Professional

Paul Bumbaco

Course Superintendent

Don Cross

General Manager

Charles Scupham

WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION

Chairman

David Robinson

Vice Chairman

Frank Morley

Chairman, Tournament Committee

Jason Kinander

President & CEO

John Kaczkowski

Senior Vice President, Tournaments

Vince Pellegrino

Director, Tournament Operations

Patrick Timson

Tournament Manager

Steve Prioletti

Lee Wybranksi live-painting the St. Andrews Links

2 M Commemorative Program Skokie Country Club

COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAM

115th Western Amateur Championship

July 31–August 5, 2017

Welcome to the 115th Western AmAteur 5
Skokie Country Club Welcome 6
Western Golf Association Welcome 7
Governor of Illinois Welcome 9
Skokie CC Western Golf Association Directors Welcome 10
Western Amateur Committee Welcome 11

IntroductIon 15
WGA History & Evans Scholars Foundation 17
Evans Scholars History 21
Meet Skokie Country Clubs’s Evans Scholars 24
Future Sites of the Western Amateur 27

Western AmAteur chAmpIonshIp hIstory 29
George R. Thorne Trophy 31
Past Winners of the Western Amateur 31
2016 Western Amateur Recap 35
Meet the 2016 Champion Dylan Meyer 39

hIstory of skokIe country club 43
Early Years 44
The Courses 44
National Tournaments 51
2010 Western Amateur 53
Additional Features in the History of Skokie 58

the chAmpIonshIp 61
Tournament Format and Schedule 63

Spectator Rules 63

About the course Insert
Course Map Insert
Hole Maps and Strategy of Play 65
Comments from Ron Prichard 100

skokIe country club professIonAls 103
& AcknoWledgements 105
106
General Manager Charles Scupham 107
Head Professional Paul Bumbaco 109
Course Superintendent Don Cross 109
Board of Directors 111
Skokie Country Club Volunteers 112
Championship Officials 112
Advertiser Index 112
Sponsors/Donors
Acknowledgements

2017 Western Amateur Championship Commemorative Program M 3



WELCOME TO THE
115TH WESTERN AMATEUR

WELCOME TO SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB AND THE
115TH WESTERN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Welcome to Skokie Country I want to take this opportunity to thank the
Club and the 115th Western members and staff of Skokie Country Club, as
Amateur. well as the staff of the Western Golf Association,
who have contributed to making this an
On behalf of the members and outstanding tournament. I especially want to
thank the members of our Tournament Committee.
staff of Skokie Country Club, They have devoted many hours over the past year
to ensuring that this championship will be a
I want to welcome the world-class experience for the contestants and
spectators. Everyone in the Skokie family is
contestants, their families delighted to renew our longstanding bond with
amateur golf by opening our Club and golf course
and friends, and spectators, to the best amateurs in the world.
Again, welcome! We hope you enjoy your
to the 2017 Western Amateur experience at Skokie Country Club.

Stanley L. Ferguson Championship. We are Sincerely,
President excited to invite the world’s
Skokie Country Club top amateurs to our Club and Stan Ferguson
President
to showcase our historic and Skokie Country Club

challenging golf course. We look forward to a

wonderful week of golf.

Skokie Country Club was established in 1897.
It was one of the original founding clubs of the
Western Golf Association, and has long been a
strong supporter of the Evans Scholars Foundation.
Skokie’s golf course is largely a combination of the
efforts of acclaimed course designers Donald Ross
(1914) and Langford & Moreau (1938). Following
a major restoration in 2001, today’s course reflects
all the elements of the classic era of golf course
design, including an exciting mix of holes of
different lengths and some of the most challenging
green complexes in the United States. Skokie
tests all parts of a golfer’s game, and this year’s
champion will have earned the title.

As you will read in these pages, Skokie has hosted
most of the world’s best golfers over the years.
Most notably, Skokie hosted the historic 1922
U.S. Open, which was won by an unknown
assistant pro from New York named Gene Sarazen.
His one-stroke victory over Bobby Jones vaulted
him to a career that reached the pinnacle of golf.
Skokie has hosted several other tournaments
through the years, most recently the 2010
Western Amateur.

6 M Welcome Skokie Country Club

WELCOME FROM THE
WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION

Since 1899, the Western Golf Association has David Robinson John Kaczkowski
proudly conducted the Western Amateur Chairman President & CEO
Championship, a world-class golf championship Western Golf Association Western Golf Association
as storied and challenging as any in the game.
housing college scholarships for deserving caddies
The Western Amateur consistently tests golf’s with financial need. Over the last 87 years, more
greatest amateur players in a rigorous format that than 10,000 caddies have earned their educations
separates the very best from the invitational field through Evans Scholarships. In 2016–17, 935
of 156. Following four rounds of stroke play, Evans Scholars were enrolled at 20 universities.
the top 16 players move on to four rounds of
match play over the next two days to Skokie boasts 24 Evans Alumni and eight current
determine the champion. Evans Scholars. We are grateful for the ongoing
support of Skokie and its members.
Legendary players Chick Evans, Francis Ouimet,
Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson We wish all of our competitors well this week,
all toppled fields of their peers en route to having and we offer a special thank you to Skokie
their name etched on the historic George R. Country Club for hosting the 115th playing
Thorne Trophy. More recently, Jordan Spieth, of the Western Amateur Championship.
Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed
and Adam Scott all qualified for the Western Best Wishes,
Amateur’s “Sweet 16” on their way to becoming
superstars on the PGA TOUR. David Robinson
Chairman
This week, we return to Skokie Country Club, Western Golf Association
one of the nation’s premier clubs with a proud
history that predates even the Western Amateur. John Kaczkowski
Originally formed in 1897, Skokie was one of the President & CEO
founding clubs of the Western Golf Association Western Golf Association
and has hosted several prestigious championships,
including the 1922 U.S. Open and, most recently,
the 2010 Western Amateur. This historic course,
originally designed by famed golf course architect
Tom Bendelow in 1904, then redesigned by the
legendary Donald Ross in 1914, and Langford &
Moreau in 1938, promises a stern test for this elite
field of the world’s best amateurs.

Skokie has a close relationship with the WGA
and the Evans Scholars Foundation, a nonprofit
scholarship organization supported by the WGA
that has been sending caddies to college since
1930. The Foundation funds full tuition and

2017 Western Amateur Championship Welcome M 7

DonaldRoss.com

July 27, 2017

2017 Western Amateur Championship
Skokie Country Club
500 Washington Avenue
Glencoe, Illinois 60022

Greetings!

As Governor of the State of Illinois, I am pleased to welcome the players, organizers, and spectators
gathering this week at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe for the 2017 Western Amateur Championship.

Founded in 1899 by 11 Chicagoland golf clubs, the Western Golf Association (WGA) has long been
considered one of the driving forces in the game. Headquartered in Golf, Illinois, the WGA conducts three
prestigious national golf championships, including the Western Amateur. First played in 1899, the Western
Amateur features a 156-player field that is among the deepest and strongest fields in amateur golf. It is the
world’s third oldest amateur championship, behind the British Amateur (1885) and the U.S. Amateur (1895).

This premier amateur golf championship not only showcases future golf stars, but also celebrates and
supports the nationally acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full tuition and housing
scholarships to caddies of modest means. Established by the WGA and famed amateur golfer Charles
“Chick” Evans, the Foundation has sent more than 11,000 deserving young men and women to college since
1930. This fall, 935 caddies are enrolled at 20 leading universities across the nation. I commend the work of
the WGA and Evans Scholars Foundation for their steadfast commitment to the community and scholarship
opportunities for caddies.

I hope those visiting our state this week can also experience some of the great attractions the Chicago area
and Illinois have to offer. On behalf of the people of Illinois, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and
memorable competition.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner
Governor, State of Illinois

WELCOME FROM THE
SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB WGA DIRECTORS

Left to Right: Christopher Boehm, Peter Mone, Mary Franke, Thomas Mallman, Josh Lesnik, Andrew Langan

The Western Golf Association Directors from Skokie Country Club
are proud to welcome the participants and spectators to the 115th
Western Amateur Championship, which is being conducted at
Skokie Country Club during the Club’s 120th year. Skokie’s net
proceeds from the Western Amateur will be contributed by the
Club to the Evans Scholars Foundation.

10 M Welcome Skokie Country Club

WELCOME FROM THE
WESTERN AMATEUR COMMITTEE

2017 is the 95th anniversary of a former caddie’s

victory in the 1922 U.S. Open at this historic

venue, Skokie County Club, founded 120 years ago.

Gene Sarazen was 20 years old and defeated amateur

Robert T. Jones Jr., also 20, after Sarazen’s caddie,

Anthony Dominico, convinced him to go for the

par 5 18th hole in two. The Squire then birdied the

hole to defeat Jones and John Black by one stroke.

When Sarazen returned to Skokie at age 95 for our

Centennial Celebration in 1997, he walked onto

the 18th green, pointed to the spot where the ball

had landed and exclaimed: “The trees sure have

grown!” We remain fortunate to have Sarazen’s

first major championship as a hallmark of the Peter Mone and Thomas Mallman, Co-Chairmen
Club’s golf lineage.

Skokie Country Club is very proud, as a founding
member of the Western Golf Association, to host the 115th Western
Amateur. We are dedicated to amateur golf and the Evans Scholars
Foundation, which since its founding by Chick Evans has enabled
over 10,000 Scholars to attend leading colleges and universities.
Play with spirit and excellence and demonstrate the good
sportsmanship which epitomizes this game we all love.

Our Committee expresses its profound appreciation to Skokie’s Head
Golf Professional Paul Bumbaco, Golf Course Superintendent Don
Cross, General Manager Chuck Scupham, Locker Room Manager
Manny Ibarra, and their staffs. Finally, as Co-Chairs of this event,
we appreciate the support of Club President Stan Ferguson and his
Board of Directors, and most importantly the work and cooperation
of over 200 volunteers from our membership, including those
members most responsible for the event program — Andy Langan,
Don Potter, Rob Bice and John Fraser.

Thomas Mallman
Peter Mone
Co-Chairmen

2017 Western Amateur Championship Welcome M 11

Your hard work is

building
futures.

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided
by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through a UnitedHealthcare company.
M56795 4/17 ©2017 United HealthCare Services, Inc.

We recognize the WGA and
Skokie Country Club for
their commitment to academic
success. Their dedication
is an inspiration to us all.

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INTRODUCTION

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ABOUT THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION
AND EVANS SCHOLARS FOUNDATION

CHAMPIONSHIPS SINCE 1899 SCHOLARSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS SINCE 1930 Since 1930, the WGA has supported Since its founding in 1899, the
The Western Golf Association was the nationally-acclaimed Evans Western Golf Association has
founded in 1899 by 11 Chicago-area Scholars Foundation, which conducted more than 330
golf clubs. Today, more than 400 administers one of the nation’s championships for professional
member clubs in states throughout the largest privately funded college and amateur golfers from around the
nation support the WGA, which scholarship programs. The world. The three WGA-sponsored
conducts three prestigious national Foundation, established by famed tournaments have featured the
golf championships and supports the Chicago golfer Chick Evans, has nation’s top professional, amateur
Evans Scholars Foundation. provided college educations to and junior golfers.
more than 11,000 caddies.
WGA and the Evans Scholars THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP
Foundation are headquartered in Golf, This past year, 935 caddies attended This world-class tournament is the third
Illinois, which is also home to the college on Evans Scholarships. Most of four PGA TOUR Playoff events in
Glen View Club, host of the first Evans Scholars attend one of the 20 the drive for the FedExCup. The
Western Open and Western Amateur universities where the Foundation championship’s J.K. Wadley Trophy
championships in 1899. In 1914, the owns and operates a Scholarship has been engraved with the names of
Western Junior Championship, the House. The scholarships are funded nearly all of golf’s greatest legends,
first such national competition in the through proceeds from the BMW including Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer,
history of American golf, was added to Championship and contributions from Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Since
the WGA tournament schedule. more than 30,000 Evans Scholars 2007, the BMW Championship has
Par Club donors. raised more than $24.4 million for the
Evans Scholars Foundation.

Western Golf Association Headquarters Introduction M 17

2017 Western Amateur Championship

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ABOUT THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION
AND EVANS SCHOLARS FOUNDATION

Justin Thomas tees off at The Alotian Club during the 2013 Western Amateur in Roland, Arkansas

THE WESTERN AMATEUR THE WESTERN JUNIOR competitors ages 15 to 19 and a
The Western Amateur championship Established in 1914, the Western handicap of three or less eligible
showcases the rising stars of the game. Junior Championship continues to to apply.
It consistently ranks among the draw the finest junior players from
world’s top amateur tournaments. across the United States and the For more information,
The roster of past champions reads world. This is the tournament that visit www.wgaesf.org. M
like a “Who’s Who” of American separates the men from the boys — a
golf, including Jack Nicklaus, testing ground for the top players of
Curtis Strange, Ben Crenshaw, Phil the future. The tournament, the oldest
Mickelson, Tiger Woods and eight- national junior championship, is an
time winner Chick Evans, founder of invitational competition, with
the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Facts At A Glance • Comprehensive selection criteria — • More than 30,000 annual
• We host three of the nation’s most academic achievement, financial Par Club members
need, excellent caddie record and
prestigious golf championships good character • Program ambassadors include
more than 500 WGA Directors
• More than 330 championships held • Campus leaders in academic and nationwide
for professional and amateur golfers extracurricular activities
since our founding • More than $348 million in tuition
• Cumulative GPA is 3.2 and housing scholarships awarded
• Top 70 PGA TOUR players • Graduation rate is 95 percent all-time
compete in the BMW Championship • More than 10,400 Evans Scholars
• Average total value of an Evans
Scholarships Alumni Scholarship is $100,000 over
• 270 new full tuition and housing four years
Program funding
awards in 2017 • Nation’s largest scholarship program • Alumni contributed $10 million in
2016 and $114 million cumulatively
• 935 Evans Scholars enrolled at for golf caddies
20 universities for the 2016–17 • $17.6 million in tuition and housing
academic year expenses paid annually

2017 Western Amateur Championship Introduction M 19

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THE EVANS SCHOLARS FOUNDATION
Sending Caddies to College Since 1930

The Evans Scholars Foundation,
supported by the Western Golf
Association, is the nation’s largest
scholarship program for golf caddies.
The program provides full, four-year
tuition and housing scholarships to
deserving caddies, with grants valued
at more than $100,000 per Scholar.

Since the first two Scholars enrolled
at Northwestern University in 1930,
more than 10,000 young men and
women have graduated as Evans
Scholars. In 2016–17, 935 Scholars
were enrolled at 20 universities, most
living at one of 15 Foundation-owned
Scholarship Houses at top universities
throughout the country.

CHARLES “CHICK” EVANS JR. ESF Graduates
The Chick Evans Scholarship
Program was established by and scores, financial need and outstanding
named for Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., character and community leadership.
one of golf’s all-time greats. He earned
national fame in 1916 when he won PROGRAM GROWTH
both the U.S. Open and the U.S. The Evans Scholars program grew
Amateur, becoming the first golfer dramatically after World War II. In
ever to capture the two national 1950, only 84 Scholars were enrolled
championships in the same year. in school. By the end of the decade,
that number had increased to 440,
In his amateur career, which spanned and Evans Scholarship Houses were
six decades, he won 54 titles, established at Illinois in 1951,
including eight Western Amateur Michigan in 1952, Wisconsin in 1953,
championships, and all of the major Marquette and Michigan State in
championships of his day. He 1955, and Minnesota in 1958.
remained an amateur his entire life,
using his earnings to create a trust By 1970, 823 students were enrolled
fund to benefit deserving caddies. and Houses had been added at Ohio
State in 1962, Colorado and Purdue in
SELECTION CRITERIA 1967, Missouri in 1968 and Indiana in
Candidates must meet four primary 1969. Houses were established at
criteria to qualify for an Evans Miami of Ohio in 1974, Northern
Scholarship, including demonstrating Illinois in 1987 and the University
an excellent caddie record, a strong of Oregon in 2016.
academic record and national test

ESF Caddies

2017 Western Amateur Championship Introduction M 21

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THE EVANS SCHOLARS FOUNDATION

SCHOLARSHIP HOUSE LIVING Colorado Scholars
At 15 universities, Evans Scholars live
and work together in a Foundation-
owned Scholarship House. In this
environment, students develop
leadership and communication skills.
Most houses are coeducational. The
sense of community fostered through
group living enables each of the 15
Houses to rank at or near the top in
both academic and extracurricular
activities compared to other campus
organizations. Scholars pay an annual
housing fee, and all students take part
in House maintenance.

Nearly two-thirds of the Scholars
maintain a 3.2. GPA or better, and
their graduation rate is 95 percent.

WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION Notre Dame Scholars
The Western Golf Association,
founded in 1899 to conduct national
tournaments and promote the general
interests of golf, supports the Evans
Scholars Program. It is one of golf’s
favorite charities, with more than
30,000 Par Club donors nationwide
supporting the Foundation. Aside
from the WGA Evans Scholars Par
Club, a primary source of funding,
all proceeds from the BMW
Championship benefit the
Foundation. M

Miami Scholars Scholars with Dustin Johnson

2017 Western Amateur Championship Introduction M 23

MEET SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB’S EVANS SCHOLARS

Skokie Country Club is proud to have Leon C. Garcia 1967 Arturo Vergara 2012
had more than 30 of its caddies earn University of Illinois 1969 University of Illinois 2013
the Evans Scholarship. 1971 2015
Philip N. Dahl 1972 Armando N. Barron 2016
Name Grad Year University of Illinois 1981 Marquette University 2018
Primary Education School 1985 2018
Joseph T. Zupec 1992 Edgar Herrera 2018
Louis R. Misantoni 1953 Marquette University 1994 Marquette University 2019
Northwestern University 1956 2003 2019
1958 Terrence D. Coradini 2006 Manual Frausto-Sandoval 2021
Paul C. Mundinger 1960 University of Illinois 2008 Northern Illinois University 2021
University of Michigan 1962 2009 2021
1962 Hugo E. Salazar Armando Avila
Kent J. Clancy 1964 Indiana University Marquette University
Northwestern University 1967
Peter S. Nicolazzo Jose D. Avila
James J. Haug Northwestern University Northern Illinois University
University of Michigan
Patrick R. Sundstrom Jonathan J. Munoz
John A. DeReu University of Missouri University of Illinois
University of Illinois
Rory J. Basovsky Jacqueline Luna
Julius C. Ptasienski Northern Illinois University University of Notre Dame
Northwestern University
Albert B. Akuamoah Daniel A. Roman
Frank R. Jarc University of Illinois University of Illinois
University of Michigan
Stephen A. Akuamoah Claudia Frausto-Sandoval
Kenneth J. Crepas Northwestern University Marquette University
University of Illinois
Gustavo Moreno Elizabeth Sandoval
Northern University University of Illinois

Eddy Herrera Marco Torres
University of Illinois University of Illinois

proudly supports

the

2017 Western Amateur Championship

and the

Evans Scholars Foundation

Jay Costley & Rick Lovett
Managing Partners

One North Franklin, Suite 1825
Chicago, IL 60606
312.755.8351

www.alliumpartners.com

24 M Introduction Skokie Country Club

COMMENTS FROM RECENT
SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB EVANS SCHOLARS

Claudia Frausto-Sandoval, Evans Scholar Elizabeth Sandoval, Evans Scholar Marco Torres, Evans Scholar
(Marquette University) (University of Illinois) (University of Illinois)

CLAUDIA FRAUSTO-SANDOVAL ELIZABETH SANDOVAL MARCO TORRES
Through caddying, I got the chance The Evans Scholarship is truly one Receiving the Evans Scholarship
to see the faces of success as I of the greatest blessings that I have made it possible for me to attend
interacted with an immense group received. Growing up, my father college without having to worry about
of individuals with different worked as a caddie and my mother as how my mother will make ends meet
backgrounds and personalities. a housekeeper and I watched as they while paying for college. The Evans
Throughout the years, these diverse sacrificed everything in order to has completely changed not only my
faces have given me the opportunity provide the best opportunities for my life, but my mother’s as well. I can
of taking into consideration the family. I knew that I had to follow in now go to college to become
wisdom I have gained through my their hardworking path but I also successful. One day I hope to not
hard work and listening to my advice; knew that college would be a huge only give back to my mother for all
furthermore, with all the different economic strain on my parents and she has done, but also give to those
personalities I have interacted with therefore sought a form of aid. who are in my shoes. I cannot thank
and observing the way people behave Receiving this scholarship is not only those who have helped and supported
after a good golf shot or a bad one, a form a validation for my efforts but me enough.
I have become highly interested in also for those of my parents.
learning more about the process that
goes inside their heads that makes
them act the way they do… caddying
has made my vision even more clear
as it opens a door to a world of
opportunity through the
Chick Evans Scholarship.

2017 Western Amateur Championship Introduction M 25

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FUTURE SITES OF THE WESTERN AMATEUR

2018 WESTERN AMATEUR 2019 WESTERN AMATEUR 2020 WESTERN AMATEUR
CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunset Ridge Country Club Point O’Woods Golf & Country Club Crooked Stick Golf Club

Northfield, Illinois Benton Harbor, Michigan Carmel, Indiana

2021 WESTERN AMATEUR 2022 WESTERN AMATEUR
CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP
Glen View Club Exmoor Country Club

Golf, Illinois Highland Park, Illinois

Skokie Country Club, 8th hole Introduction M 27

2017 Western Amateur Championship

The greatest
investments are
the ones that
grow over time.

William Blair is proud to support the
2017 Western Amateur Championship.
Through its work with the Evans Scholars Foundation
and its mission to foster scholarship, fellowship,
and leadership, the Western Golf Association truly
enriches us all.

WESTERN AMATEUR
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

Proud to
support the
2017 Western
Amateur
Championship.

At BMO Harris Bank, we take pride in our local
communities. That’s why, each year, through
various sponsorships and community involvement,
we are committed to providing our support.
bmoharris.com/commercial

Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval.
BMO Harris Commercial Bank is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC

George R. Thorne WESTERN AMATEUR’S
GEORGE R. THORNE TROPHY

The George R. Thorne trophy is
presented each year to the Western
Amateur champion. On the base of
the trophy are plates with the names
of all previous champions, and the
newest champion’s name is added
after the championship is concluded.
The trophy is permanently displayed
at Western Golf Association
headquarters in Golf, Illinois.
The champion receives a second
trophy for his permanent possession.

The trophy honors George R. Thorne,
the WGA’s first treasurer in 1899
and the WGA’s second president in
1900–1901. Mr. Thorne, president of
Montgomery Ward and Company,
founded Midlothian Country Club in
1898. A year later the club became
one of the original 11 member clubs
of the WGA.

Mr. Thorne was so delighted by the
success of the first Western Amateur,
he donated $500 to buy the Western
Amateur trophy that today still carries
his name. M

George R. Thorne Western Amateur Trophy

WINNERS, 2016–1899 Score 2010 2&1 2002 6&5
Runner-up David Chung Gregor Main John Klauk Adam Rubinson
Year
Winner 2009 3&2 2001 6&4
John Hahn Zach Barlow Bubba Dickerson Trip Kuehne
2016 3&1
Dylan Meyer Sam Horsfield 2008 4&2 2000 2&1
Danny Lee Erik Flores Michael Kirk Ben Curtis
2015 20 holes
Dawson Armstrong Aaron Wise 2007 1 up 1999 2&1
Jhared Hack Alex Prugh Steve Scott Andy Miller
2014 2 up
Beau Hossler Xander Schauffele 2006 2&1 1998 1 up
Bronson La’Cassie Pablo Martin Michael Henderson Shawn Koch
2013 3&2
Jordan Niebrugge Sean Dale 2005 3&2 1997 19 holes
Jamie Lovemark Chris Wilson Danny Green Andy Miller
2012 1 up
Chris Williams Jordan Russell 2004 19 holes 1996 2&1
Ryan Moore James Nitties Joel Kribel Brett Partidge
2011 1 up
Ethan Tracy Cheng-Tsung-Pan 2003 3&2 1995 2&1
Chris Botsford J. J. Jakovac Patrick Lee Robert Floyd

2017 Western Amateur Championship Western Amateur Championship History M 31

PAST WINNER HIGHLIGHTS

NOTABLES OF GOLF HISTORY Ryan Moore Justin Leonard
Since its founding in 1899, the Western (2004) (1992–93)
Amateur has tested the legends of the
game and served as a proving ground for Tiger Woods Phil Mickelson
the future stars of golf. Twenty-three (1994) (1991)
past Western Amateur champions —
including icons like Jack Nicklaus,
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson —
have won major championships.

Since the Western Amateur adopted
the format featuring 16 match play
qualifiers in 1956, 32 players advancing
to the Sweet Sixteen have won 79
major professional championships. M

…continued from previous page 1979 1 up 1963 5&4
Hal Sutton Mike Gove Tom Weiskopf Labron Harris, Jr.
1994 2&1
Tiger Woods Chris Riley 1978 2 up 1962 1 up
Bobby Clampett Mark Wiebe Art Hudnutt Melvin Stevens
1993 6&4
Justin Leonard Danny Green 1977 2&1 1961 4&3
Jim Nelford Rafael Alarcon Jack Nicklaus James “Billy” Key
1992 2 up
Justin Leonard David Howser 1976 3&1 1960 Default
John Stark Mick Soli Tommy Aaron Bob Cochran
1991 2&1
Phil Mickelson Justin Leonard 1975 1 up 1959 7&5
Andy Bean Randy Simmons Ed Updegraff Charles Hunter, Jr.
1990 4&2
Craig Kanada Greg Griffin 1974 20 holes 1958 3&2
Curtis Strange Jay Haas James “Billy” Key Mason Rudolph
1989 2&1
David Sutherland Tony Mollica 1973 4&3 1957 9&8
Ben Crenshaw Jimmy Ellis Ed Updegraff Joe Campbell
1988 1 up
Chris DiMarco Bill Lundeen 1972 1 up 1956 6&4
Gary Sanders Gil Morgan Mason Rudolph Jack Parnell
1987 3&2
Hugh Royer III Craig Perks 1971 1 up 1955 37 holes
Andy North Barney Thompson Eddie Merrins Hillman Robbins
1986 3&1
Greg Parker Robert Huxtable 1970 4&2 1954 37 holes
Lanny Wadkins Charlie Borner Bruce Cudd Philip Getchell
1985 1 up
Scott Verplank Dave Peege 1969 3&1 1953 8&6
Steve Melnyk Howard Twitty Dale Morey Richard Norton
1984 3&2
John Inman Rocco Mediate 1968 3&1 1952 3&2
Rik Massengale Kemp Richardson Frank Stranahan Harvie Ward
1983 2 up
Billy Tuten Kent Kluba 1967 3&1 1951 7&6
Bob Smith Marty Fleckman Frank Stranahan James Blair III
1982 5&3
Rick Fehr Tommy Moore 1966 1 up 1950 7&6
Jim Wiechers Ron Cerrudo Charles Coe Robert Goldwater
1981 2&1
Frank Fuhrer Curt Byrum 1965 19 holes 1949 5&4
Bob Smith George Boutell Frank Stranahan Walter Cisco
1980 4&3
Hal Sutton David Ogrin 1964 3&2 1948 3&1
Steve Oppermann Ed Updegraff Skee Riegel James T. McHale

32 M Western Amateur Championship History Skokie Country Club

Scott Verplank Ben Crenshaw Tom Weiskopf
(1985) (1973) (1963)

Hal Sutton Andy North Jack Nicklaus
(1979–80) (1971) (1961)

1947 1 up 1929 37 holes 1913 4&3
Bud Ward Frank Stranahan Don Moe Gilbert Carter Warren Wood E. P. Allis

1946 1 up 1928 4&3 1912 1 up
Frank Stranahan Bud Ward Frank Dolp Gus Novotny Chick Evans Warren Wood

1943–45 1927 2&1 1911 8&7
No tournament due to World War II Bon Stein Eddie Held Albert Seckel Robert Gardner

1942 7&6 1926 6&5 1910 2&1
Pat Abbott B. McCormick Frank Dolp Bon Stein Mason Phelps Chick Evans

1941 3&2 1925 3&2 1909 1 up
Bud Ward Harry Todd Keefe Carter Russell Martin Chick Evans Albert Seckel

1940 3&1 1924 1 up 1908 6&5
Bud Ward George Victor Harrison R. Johnston Albert Seckel Mason Phelps H. W. Allen

1939 2&1 1923 6&4 1907 5&4
Harry Todd Larry Moller Chick Evans W. H. Gardner H. Chandler Egan Herbert Jones

1938 1 up 1922 5&4 1906 37 holes
Bob Babbish M. McCarthy Chick Evans George Von Elm Daniel Sawyer Warren Wood

1937 1 up 1921 3&2 1905 3&2
Wilford Wehrle Chuck Kocsis Chick Evans Rudy Knepper H. Chandler Egan Walter Egan

1936 2&1 1920 5&4 1904 6&5
Paul Leslie Bob Frazer Chick Evans Clarence Wolff H. Chandler Egan Daniel Sawyer

1935 5&3 1919 2&1 1903 1 up
Charles Yates Rodney Bliss Harry Legg R. Bockenkamp Walter Egan H. Chandler Egan

1934 4&3 1918 1902 37 holes
Zell Eaton Spec Goldman No tournament due to World War I H. Chandler Egan Walter Egan

1933 3&2 1917 1 up 1901 6&5
Jack Westland Rodney Bliss Francis Ouimet Ken Edwards Phelps Hoyt Bruce Smith

1932 5&4 1916 7&6 1900 1 up
Gus Moreland Ira Couch Heinrich Schmidt Douglas Grant William Waller William Holabird, Jr.

1931 9&7 1915 7&6 1899 6&5
Don Moe M. McNaughton Chick Evans J. D. Standish, Jr. David Forgan Walter Egan

1930 4&2 1914 11 & 9
John Lehman Ira Couch Chick Evans J. D. Standish, Jr.

2017 Western Amateur Championship Western Amateur Championship History M 33

3KRQH‡)D[‡QHOVMRKQVRQWUHHFRP

2016 WESTERN AMATEUR RECAP
Illini’s Meyer wins 114th Western Amateur

Sweet 16 with WGA Chairman David Robinson “There was no point I felt like I had
total control, because anything can
By Matt Harness/WGA Meyer secured the 3-and-1 win by happen in the championship match,”
said Meyer, who had just finished his
Not until Dylan Meyer, of Evansville, hitting a 4-iron onto the par-3 green, sophomore year at Illinois. “Going to
Indiana, stood on the 17th tee box did while Sam Horsfield, of Manchester, 17 tee box, I felt like I had a pretty
he let himself think about winning England, missed his tee shot to the good chance.”
the 114th Western Amateur at right. After Horsfield’s third shot —
Knollwood Club in Lake Forest, a chip from the left side of the Meyer’s first lead of the final came
Illinois. green — sailed past the hole, he with his birdie at the par-5 10th. He
conceded Meyer’s par putt. stayed in front with a 20-foot par save
from the fringe on No. 11. It was one
of many lengthy par putts Meyer made
during the final match.

“I’m going to short-game-to-death the
golf course,” he said. “I was rolling the
rock this week, and the putts were
falling. It was my week this week with
the short game.”

Horsfield, the event’s medalist, gained
an early advantage with a birdie at
No. 2. He extended his lead to 2 up
with a par at No. 5. But Meyer saved
par from a greenside bunker to win
No. 6 and got even with Horsfield
with another par at No. 7.

Sam Horsfield Dylan Meyer putts on the 13th hole at Knollwood Club.

2017 Western Amateur Championship Western Amateur Championship History M 35

Winston & Strawn
is proud to support

The 2017 Western Amateur
Championship and the
Evans Scholars Foundation

North America Europe Asia winston.com

2016 WESTERN AMATEUR RECAP

2016 Western Amateur medalist Sam Horsfield with WGA Chairman David Robinson. Fields Country Club/Fighting Illini
Invitational his freshman season.
“I didn’t play bad at all, and Dylan If there was any question to where this Now, Meyer’s name is forever listed
played great,” said Horsfield, a victory ranks, Meyer called the alongside golf greats such as Jack
freshman at Florida. “It’s a game of Western Amateur win the biggest of Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and
inches, and I was close. I had a couple his career. His other significant Phil Mickelson on the Western
of bad breaks here and there and had a victory came at the 2014 Olympia Golf Association’s George R.
couple of lipped out putts. That’s all it Thorne trophy.
was. … He played his butt off. Hats off
to him for winning. You have to be on “It’s an honor, and I haven’t let it
top of your game all week, and the totally sink in yet,” Meyer said.
best player wins.” “It’s still kind of brand new.”

Meyer thanked his hometown and its
golf courses for putting him in
position to compete and win at
the highest level of amateur golf.

“I want to give a good shout out to
those guys,” he said. “If it wasn’t
for the city of Evansville and the
support I have back home, this
wouldn’t be possible.” M

While Horsfield finished 15 under to
win the 72-hole stroke-play portion of
the tournament by nine shots, Meyer
posted rounds of 71-72-70-71 to tie
for 12th at even par. He survived a
six-player playoff for one of the final
five spots into the Sweet 16.

Meyer opened match play with a 1-up
win over Michael DeMorat, of Merritt
Island, Florida. He defeated Doug
Ghim, of Arlington Heights, Illinois,
5 and 4, in the quarterfinals before
beating Will Gordon, of Davidson,
North Carolina, 4 and 2, in
Saturday’s semifinals.

Dylan Meyer hits a tee shot during the final match of the 2016 Western Amateur against Sam Horsfield of
Manchester, England.

2017 Western Amateur Championship Western Amateur Championship History M 37

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MEET DYLAN MEYER
Defending Western Amateur Champion 2016

There was no doubt in Dylan Meyer’s Dylan Meyer after winning the 2016 Western Amateur.
mind that, when he stepped to the
first tee for the final match of the The broadcast team covering the at the 2017 John Deere Classic and
2016 Western Amateur, few among event hyped the rematch, not that the 2018 Valspar Championship. The
those who had gathered to watch either player needed a reminder of latter came by way of his win at the
thought he had any chance to win. what transpired earlier that month. 3M Augusta Invitational in April.

Who could blame them? Meyer “It was fun to see that matchup come “The idea that I’m going to be playing
narrowly qualified for the event’s up,” Meyer said. “People were … in a PGA TOUR event hasn’t really
match play rounds, having survived a talking about it like it was a chance hit me yet,” he said. “I feel good that
six-player playoff to nab one of the for Sam to get revenge for what it was an exemption that I earned
final five spots in the Sweet 16. happened at the Western Amateur. because of my play. This isn’t like
I went into that match determined writing a letter to a tournament
His opponent, Sam Horsfield, had to prove that what happened at director to ask for a sponsor’s
been dominant all week. Winner of Knollwood wasn’t a fluke.” exemption. It feels like I earned this
the 2016 Phil Mickelson Outstanding opportunity because I was truly the
Freshman Award, Horsfield breezed Meyer again got the better of best player that week.”
through the stroke play portion of the Horsfield, this time winning in
event, drubbing a stacked field of 19 holes. A loss in the following This summer, Meyer will seek to
collegiate All-Americans and budding round did little to stymie the buzz become the first player since Justin
international stars by nine strokes. surrounding Meyer and his game. Leonard in 1992–93 — and just the
He had arrived. seventh player ever — to successfully
Taking in the scene at the first tee at defend his Western Amateur title.
Knollwood Club, Meyer didn’t feel The momentum from the summer
intimidated or nervous or even antsy carried into Meyer’s junior season Regardless of the outcome, Meyer said
to get underway. at Illinois. One of the few upper he will forever be proud to have his
classmen on coach Mike Small’s team, named mentioned alongside Tiger
He was ready. Meyer notched three wins in three Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jack
consecutive starts, including a Nicklaus as a past champion of one
“I was really excited to play Sam,” first place finish at the Big Ten of the oldest and most prestigious
he said. “I was ready for the challenge, Championship, and was later named amateur championships in the world.
and I wasn’t going to back down from the conference’s player of the year.
it. That’s just who I am. I don’t care “The Western Amateur is one of our
if I’m playing Dustin Johnson, I’m Meyer’s stellar spring helped earn him majors,” Meyer said. “This event has
going to go out there and stick to an exemption into the Lincoln Land helped launch the careers of so many
my game plan and do what I do.” Charity Championship on the great players, and I’m honored to be
Web.com Tour and spots in the field part of that history.” M
Meyer pulled off the upset, beating
Horsfield 3 and 1, to notch the first
major amateur championship victory
of his career. The win put the
Evansville, Indiana, native and
University of Illinois standout on the
map and catapulted him into the top
10 in the world amateur golf rankings.

Less than two weeks later, Meyer’s hot
play — and even hotter putting — put
him back in contention at the 2016
U.S. Amateur. He advanced to the
round of 16 where a familiar and
formidable foe awaited — Sam Horsfield.

2017 Western Amateur Championship Western Amateur Championship History M 39

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HISTORY OF SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB

HISTORY OF SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB

— By Donald W. Potter, member of Skokie Country Club

conception of the World’s Fair in
Chicago, were simultaneous.”

Skokie CC was founded by ten men

in 1897 representing the diversity of

business and industry that made up

late nineteenth century Chicago.

They were also avid sportsmen in

their own right. The founders sought

a club whose objective was to be a

family-oriented social and recreational

Skokie’s original clubhouse venue with a membership of high-

THE EARLY YEARS character and good humor. Skokie

Skokie Country Club’s history is like THE CLUB AND ITS FOUNDING Country Club was to be a place of
that of a great, iconic Broadway In 2017 Skokie Country Club where members with a broad range of
theater. The club and its golf course, celebrates its 120th anniversary. The interests could gather and enjoy each
like New York’s Winter Garden Club dates back to October 27, 1897 other’s company. This quest continues
Theater, or the Schubert, or the when its corporate charter was filed to this day and is a major part of the
Booth, form a stage upon which great and approved. At that time, there Skokie Creed (adopted in 1979) to
athletes have performed their craft. were only four other private golf which all new members are asked
And just as a Broadway show needs courses in the Chicago area: Chicago to adhere.
producers, directors, actors and
choreographers to bring its story to Golf (1893), Onwentsia (1894),
life, the same holds true for Skokie
Country Club. Exmoor (1896) and Glen View THE COURSES OF
(1897). Some argue that it was SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB
Skokie features a Championship Chicago’s hosting of the World’s
caliber course with holes, as its stage, Columbia Exposition in 1893 that THE LESLIE ROUTING
that has stood the test of time. It’s jump-started the growth and The land upon which the initial
been fortunate to have had a number popularity of golf in Chicago, for it course routing was laid was formed
of the great golf architects (directors attracted some 28 million attendees during the Ice Age leaving a series of
and choreographers) contributing to
its routing and landscape. And, it that year to our city — including moraines, bluffs and marshes called
has staged some memorable events
over the years featuring some of the many people from across
greatest players (actors and actresses)
in the game that only added to the the Atlantic, especially
script. And, when you bring it all
together, and overlay its membership Scotland and England.
and staff (the cast), you create a
history like one of those legendary Many who visited the
Broadway theaters housing a “hit”
replete with awards and longevity. Exposition from those
But this history, Skokie’s history, is
enviable in the realm of golf — and locations never left
not just on Chicago’s North Shore,
but nationally as well. Chicago, instead staying

here seeking employment

while also bringing

knowledge of the game to

our shores. The golf

evangelist from Chicago,

Charles Blair (C.B.)

Macdonald, stated,

“Extraordinary as it may

seem, the birth of golf in

the states, and the

Leslie routing

44 M History of Skokie Country Club Skokie Country Club

the Skokie Lagoon. While there are traveling the country and
varying historical accounts about the lay out golf courses thereby
name and meaning of “Skokie,” the popularizing the growth of
one most prevalent aligns with the the game. Nicknamed
Potawatomi Indians who occupied the today as “The Johnny
land for many years and called it Appleseed of Golf,”
Chewab Skokie (or “big wet prairie”). Bendelow would go on to
Given the land, rivers and lagoons design over 650 courses in
that the Club’s first architect, George the United States and
Leslie, had to work with, it seems Canada. Some of his most
almost natural to call the course, “The notable work includes
Links of Skokie” and that is exactly Medinah and Olympia
what the members did. However, this Fields here in Chicago. But
was a bit of a misnomer, as C.B. he also performed original
Macdonald would say that no course is routing work for such other
truly a “links” course unless it sits next notable courses as
to a body of water. But, given the Milwaukee CC (1894),
wetness of the land and its proximity Bellerive (1897), and East
to Lake Michigan, it’s likely the Lake (1908).
founders thought an exception to the
“links” definition could be made. The Skokie course that

The first course was a “sporty” nine Bendelow routed was
hole course that measured over 3,000
yards and contained two par 5’s, two completed in 1905. It was
par 3’s and five par 4’s. Given the
popularity of the club in the an 18 hole course measuring
Winnetka and Glencoe area, and the
growth of club use by its membership, 6,125 yards and playing to
Skokie’s Board immediately set out to
acquire more land to expand the a challenging par of 75.5. Bendelow routing
golf course. Some of the holes played at

THE BENDELOW ROUTING a fractional par given their
By 1904, through a series of real-estate
transactions, enough land had been length and difficulty. Yet Skokie’s THE DONALD ROSS ROUTING
secured by the club to allow for
expansion to an 18 hole test. rolling pasture land and the thick By 1913, improvements in the golf
Skokie’s Board, wishing to maintain
a top-flight golf course for potential green grasses were such that the ball and club manufacturing had made
competition, hired the noted golf
architect of the day, Tom Bendelow, to popularity of the routing skyrocketed Skokie less challenging. The members
create a new, more challenging course.
Bendelow was, at the same time, also — locally and nationally. It was said desired an even tougher layout. With
working for A.G. Spalding and his
growing sporting equipment company. that Skokie possessed “the best greens the club just having completed a new
It was his job to assist Spalding by
in the West” and that notoriety clubhouse (which still stands today)

earned Skokie its first national and with land and housing

tournament, the 1909 Western Open. development growing at a

At that time, only the British and considerable pace around the village

U.S. Opens were considered to be of of Glencoe, the members sought to

higher stature in the game, so hosting improve its fine asset by acquiring

such a prominent tournament early in additional property adjacent to the

its career put Skokie on the map of club, thus offering both protection

“must play” tournament venues. The and space. The acquisition enabled

Bendelow course was a very fine test. the club to improve its course and to

Yet, today, only SCC’s 8th hole do so, Skokie hired, arguably, the

remains as a testament to the finest golf course architect of all time,

challenge of his routing. Donald Ross.

2017 Western Amateur Championship History of Skokie Country Club M 45

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HISTORY OF SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB

Ross routing routing with his greens still being used Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
on holes 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, and 18. Many within the forest preserve that abutted
During the period of 1913–1914 Ross say this qualifies Skokie as a “Donald club property created a pond that
was undertaking several projects in Ross course.” could be used by the club for water
the Chicago area, especially on its reclamation purposes. This
North Shore. While working on It was the 1915 course which earned construction, on land at the southwest
Skokie Ross was also remodeling Skokie great recognition culminating portion of the course, strongly
Exmoor (1914) and building Indian with the 1922 United States suggested to the members that Skokie
Hill (1914). Following his work at (“National”) Open. Not only was the should expand its footprint in this
Skokie, in 1916–18, Ross would go on event competitive and memorable (as southwest corner to further enhance
to touch other North Shore courses noted later) but some of the greatest and protect the golf course.
such as Bob O’Link, Evanston and names in the history of golf rose to the Acquisition of additional land was
Northmoor. For Ross, Chicago was top of the leader board — names like secured in 1936, and in 1938 the club
a major center of activity. Sarazen, Jones, and Hagen. The retained William Langford as its
reputation of the golf course was course architect to “rearrange” the
To fashion his Skokie masterpiece, considerable — especially back East. Ross design. Langford, at the time, was
Ross took the original routing from in partnership with Theodore (“Ted”)
Bendelow, used some of the newly THE LANGFORD/MOREAU ROUTING Moreau, as his construction supervisor.
acquired land, and fashioned a brand All stayed quiet at Skokie CC — even The team of Langford & Moreau
new course by reversing many holes through the Great Depression — until would become, over time, as
(Bendelow greens became tees and his 1938. Following the U.S. Open, renowned as other famous course
tees became greens!). In this way Ross Skokie’s members continued to seek design teams as Macdonald / Raynor
created a routing that used the land protection from continued land or Mackenzie / Hunter.
with its subtle rolling undulations, development going on around the
especially around the upside-down club. Skokie acquired or exchanged Within the fraternity of golf course
bowl-shaped greens where challenging more property near and around architecture, William Langford is
pitching areas were formulated. When the course. quite well-known, but to many on the
completed in 1915, Ross’s course outside Langford’s name is not
played at a par 70 over 6,340 yards. In 1934, at the height of the mentioned as frequently as Ross,
Today nine holes (1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 14, Depression, work performed by the Macdonald, Tillinghast, Flynn or
15, 17, and 18) remain from the Ross Mackenzie. Yet Langford was quite
accomplished and was held in high
esteem by his peers. Perhaps his most
recognizable achievements — besides
Skokie — include Lawsonia Golf
Links (Green Lake, WI), Ozaukee CC
(Mequon, MI) and Wakonda Club
(Des Moines, IA). What is interesting
about Langford and Skokie is that in
1905 he was playing on the Yale Golf
Team while Tom Bendelow was laying
out Skokie’s first 18 holes, and in 1922
he played Skokie in the qualifying
rounds for the U.S. Open. Langford
was not only a good player, but he
was also familiar with Skokie and
its terrain.

2017 Western Amateur Championship History of Skokie Country Club M 47

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