100th Annual Elgin Open to Be Played at All Three City of Elgin Golf Courses
The 100th Annual Elgin Open golf tournament is scheduled to take place on Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4 at each of the three city-owned golf courses. The 63-hole event is open to all amateur golfers, regardless of residency. Defending champion and Elgin resident Eric Winters will be seeking his third victory in as many years.
The first nine rounds will be played at historic Wing Park, the oldest nine-hole municipal golf course in the state.
“The event originated at Wing Park so it is very fitting that it be added to the rotation of courses for this centennial event,” said Jim Vogt, golf professional at The Highlands. Then golfers will head out to The Highlands for the second round of golf while the third and fourth rounds will be played at Bowes Creek. Both The Highlands and Bowes Creek have been recognized as two of the best municipal golf courses in Illinois.
The format for the event will differ from previous years. Players will no longer be flighted based upon their handicaps. This year, players will be flighted based upon their scores in the first two rounds. Players will then compete within their respective flights for the final two rounds at Bowes Creek.
Lamp Incorporated, an Elgin-based construction company that was founded by Clifford Lamp in 1932, is partnering with the City of Elgin to host this event.
“We are very excited about our partnership,” Vogt said. “It is an established and respected company that has a reputation for its quality work.” Lamp recently completed a major portion of the renovation of The Grumpy Goat, The Highlands of Elgin golf course restaurant. “We are honored to have the opportunity to present an event with such great tradition and look forward to supporting our community for years to come,” said Steve Straub, vice president of Lamp Incorporated.
Entry deadline is Sept. 18. The $290 cost includes the tournament entry, daily green fees, cart fees at Bowes Creek and The Highlands, practice balls, tee prizes and a buffet lunch at the conclusion of the final round. The fee for Bowes Creek members and Highlands pass holders is $125. Additional information about the tournament is available online at either: www.highlandsofelgin.com or www.bowescreekcc.com. Applications for the event may be picked up at either The Highlands or Bowes Creek golf courses or downloaded from their websites.
