Dedicated duffers golf classic

Golfers in Crystal Lake, Illinois are a sturdy breed - at least 216 of them are! Every winter for the past 14 years they have participated in a unique golf tournament in this Northwestern Illinois Community.

Dubbed the "Chili Open" this golf classic is played on the frozen surface of Crystal Lake in sometimes subzero weather. This comical classic was the brainchild of local restauranteur Frank (Doc) Haznow and Crystal Lake Park District's Director, Jim Oerkfitz. With the affair generating so much interest its initial year, the originators have made the Chili Open an annual event.

The 1082-yard course on which the tournament is played is developed and laid out by Director Oerkfitz and his seasoned park staff. Beginning when the lake is frozen enough to hold the equipment, the staff clears the fairways regularly to keep the course open for the January golf classic.

The dedicated duffers use brightly colored red, blue, green and yellow golf balls which help to cut down on the number of lost balls.

Most of the golfers pack two irons and a putter with which to play the nine hole course. Tees are improvised with rubber mats, and pieces of carpet being used for the greens.

The proper use of a snow wedge!

Fun over form!

Golfers are required to pre-register and pay an entrance fee at which time they are allowed to pick their tee-off time. Tee-off times start at 8:30 a.m. and then every 8 minutes until 3:34 p.m. All together there are 54 tee-off times available.

Although a St. Bernard dog with the usual cask around his neck might be more traditionally in keeping with the weather, hot chili is served to each golfer along with Doc Haznow supplying a proven popular panacea to each in the effort of combating the subzero temperatures on the lake golf course.

Some unusual course rules are printed on the special score card designed for the "Chili Open" which read:

1. Fairways will be marked with designated colors and markers.

2. Fairways extend to outer snow banks on each hole.

3. Everything not plowed is played as rough -literally.

4. All shots must be played as in bounds, excepting soft ice or slush area.

5. Ball in soft ice or slush, no penalty, free drop from point of entry.

6. Replace all divots.

7. Allow faster players to play through.

8. Lost ball - one stroke penalty. New ball may be placed on fairway at point where ball left fairway.

9. Ball in wrong fairway must be played as rough - no drop is allowed.

10. All play is governed by the Chili Open Golf Chairman and committee.

To help make the golfers feel more at home, discarded Christmas trees and bushes are used on the

Illinois Parks and Recreation 28 January/February 1982

fairways to supply that "Country Club" look. And, as Director Oerkfitz says, "These golfers will never have more fun on a golf course in their lives"

Personnel of the Crystal Lake Park District have drawn up a list of recommendations that should prove helpful to any group interested in organizing a similar golf tournament.

1. Set up the course early - before the first snowfall, if possible.

2. Plow the course regularly - particularly after each heavy snow.

3. Make up golf cards early and number each one consecutively.

4. Set the date for the "ice golf" tournament as far in advance as possible, and make sure it doesn't conflict with important local events, or the telecast of the Super Bowl or other popular affairs.

The Park District's large recreation hall serves as the clubhouse where the chili is served, scores are posted, and the award ceremony is held. Awards consist of golf bags, leather covers, golf ball, golf gloves, golf hats and knitted head covers.

Other uses of the tournament besides fun are also possible. Akron, Ohio has adopted this event to help raise money for their local Mental Health Vocational Center.

This unique and extraordinary event could be adopted and implemented by any Park and Recreation Agency to provide their local community with a new recreational outlet for the winter months.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 29 January/February 1982