Golf Show season begins today

Writing from Chicago

Thursday, February 2, 2012

It's Groundhog Day, which, as all Bill Murray fans know, means repeating the same thing until you come to the last reel of the movie, or something like that. It also means the first golf show of the winter season, a new one. In contrast to the bigger shows at the Tinley Park and Rosemont convention centers, this one is focused on equipment, and is at a golf course.

Visit Cantigny Golf in Wheaton today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., where a number of manufacturers, including Titleist, TaylorMade, Nike, Cleveland, and Chicagoland-based Tour Edge and Wilson Staff, will be showing their wares for the 2012 season, less than a week after their formal introduction at the PGA show in Orlando. Admission is $10, which seems a bit steep, but prizes will be awarded every half-hour and someone will win a Cantigny foursome. Children 12 and under get in free.

– Tim Cronin

Erfurth, Heckel shoot age in PGA's senior series

Writing from Chicago

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Illinois Golf Hall of Famer Bill Erfurth and Steve Heckel, owner of Crab Orchard Golf Club in downstate Carterville, proved in the PGA’s recent Quarter Century Club Championship that age is only a number.

Heckel shot his age – 67 – by scattering six birdies in the opening round, and birdied four of his last five holes to close with a 71 for 138 at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Fla., to win the 65-through 69 division of the tournament.

Erfurth, ageless though his driver’s license says 82, totaled 151 thanks to rounds of 74 and 77 to share first place in the Half-Century competition with Nunzio Ciampi, of Palm City, Fla. Each had won the title before, Erfurth two years ago, and darkness fell before a playoff could take place. They were named co-champions.

Erfurth’s rounds also tied him with Paul Kelly for first in the 80-84 age bracket, that category earning him $415. Heckel’s haul was $3,100, while mini-tour founder Jerry Tucker, who got his start in golf when Heckel gave him a job at Crab Orchard, pulled in $3,300 for capturing the 60-64 bracket.

– Tim Cronin

Welcome to Illinois Golfer!

Writing from Chicago

Monday, January 30, 2012

A hearty welcome to Illinois Golfer, dedicated to coverage of the game in Illinois and beyond. While our name has the state in it, we're interested in all things golf, inside and outside the borders of the Land of Lincoln, and especially so when Illinoisans, either native or adopted, are involved.

Watch this website for much more in the days to come! And thanks for stopping by.

– Tim Cronin

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