Perseverance at the Preserve

Our season opener was given a 7% chance of completion during the week leading up to the event. As we tend to do, APT Chicago players refused to be deterred by an ominous weather forecast, and were rewarded with a great day!

After a rough start weather-wise, the rain broke and we were rewarded with a couple of hours of actual sunshine. Conditions were extremely difficult, but the players persevered and our last groups reached the clubhouse just before a Tornado Warning hit!

The Preserve at Oak Meadows, as always, was a fantastic track providing ample challenges and a beautiful layout. The staff is second-to-none and the course was in great condition.

In Division 1, John Katsikas (Chicago, IL) and Jack Dempsey (Buffalo Grove, IL) were dead even after 12 holes when Katsikas pulled ahead on the strength of back-to-back birdies on 13 and 14. Dempsey played strong down the stretch but could not catch Katsikas who finished with a 79 to win the opener.

Division 2 was another tight race between Ryan Zambon (Cary, IL) and Rick Philo (Monroe, NC). Both players had to battle through the tough conditions early and minimize damage on some difficult wind holes. Zambon grabbed a 2 stroke lead at the turn and then birdied 3 straight holes on 13, 14,15 to put pressure on Philo. Philo responded to that pressure with a 35 on the back (including a -2 on the last 4 holes), but fell one stroke short of Zambon's 77 that won the event.

The Division 3 race came down to two golfers who were playing in the same group. Ronald Greaves (Chicago, IL) and Rey Sapnu (Orland Park, IL) battled neck-and-neck all day and were tied going into the last hole. Greaves bested Sapnu by one stroke on 18 to finish with 89 and take home the trophy.

Flossmoor Golf Club

Our next tour stop is at Flossmoor Golf Club in Homewood, IL on Tuesday, May 10th!

Founded in 1899, Flossmoor Golf Club was one of the first clubs established in the Midwest. A classic parkland course that evokes memories of days gone by. Challenging for Bobby Jones, Chick Evans and Frances Ouimet, it still remains a true test of golf today.

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