The temperature was creeping towards 90 degrees and the humidity was already above the comfort zone as the 42nd Senior Amateur Golf Tournament got underway last Saturday morning at the Marquette Park Golf Course.
Many of the players come back year after year for the event. One could feel the camaraderie as they approached the course. While waiting for their assigned tee times, some would call out to each other, some would be shaking hands. One thing was for sure – everybody was looking forward to a weekend of competitive golf.
It was 7 a.m. when the first golfers lined up their shots at the first tee. Marquette Park has been hosting the event since its inception in 1982. The historic course with its wide fairways, and challenging layout attracts some of the most seasoned golfers from all over the city and suburbs.
“I really like coming here. The course is in great shape,” said Ray Pauliks. “And these are great guys to play with.”
Last year’s winner, John Gollwitzer came all the way from Long Grove to play in the tournament.
“I’ve been playing in tournaments for years,” said Gollwitzer. “And when I was finally eligible to play in the senior tournament, I started coming here. It’s a really nice course.”
The tournament is a 36-hole stroke play event that spans two days. Golfers aged 50 and over are eligible to participate. This year there were two divisions: Ages 50 – 61 and 62+.
Taking first place in Division 1 was Mike Bibbey with a score of 146 and taking second with a score of 151 was Tom Ferguson.
First place in Division 2 was Dan Caporusso with a score of 146 and Thomas Govern took second with a score of 150.
“This year we had the most registered golfers since I’ve been here,” said General Manager Nick Pulido, who has been running the tournament for the past six years. “It was a great success. We are already planning for next year.”
And upon leaving, Albert Carrasquillo said to Pulido, “Really enjoyed myself. Thanks for all your hard work. Yourself and the staff are top notch.”
