Hitting the ball in the rough can be a frustrating experience.

GOLF ... in JANUARY?

by Joe Herrity

Golfers in Crystal Lake, Illinois are a sturdy breed of homo-sapiens—perhaps more so than their counterpart anywhere else. During the icy-cold month of January, they have the distinguished honor to participate annually in a rather unique golf tournament.

Appropriately named the "Chill Open Golf Tournament," this golf classic is played on the frozen tundra of Crystal Lake. Some controversy surrounds the title of this event, perhaps because some golfers attest the golf tournament should be renamed the "Chilly Open." But whichever spelling is chosen by spectators or golfers, the key word "Chili" holds the secret to its rather unique beginning.

The Chili Open Golf Tournament grew from an idea of one of the community's local businessmen, "Doc" Haznow of Haznow's Restaurant in Crystal Lake. Doc, who joined the Crystal Lake Park District in sponsoring the event, aided the Chili Open into its beginning.

Galleries sure can make a golfer nervous on the tee off— let alone the cold.

The 9 hole, 1030 yard course is laid out on the ice and plowing of the snow is done to create beautiful snow banked fairways. With a 3 or 4 par per hole, this par golf course provides challenge enough for even the most skilled golfer.

Rubber mats, similar to those used in miniature golf courses, comprise the tees. Green Indoor/ Outdoor carpeting is used to simulate play on the green. The holes in the greens are made by cutting the ice with an ice auger.

Most golfers play the course with two irons and a putter, the latter often proving the most valuable. Some golfers, however, have been seen sporting their own secret weapon to complete the course —a snow shovel.

The general rules of golf and golf etiquette are followed throughout the tournament, but it is necessary at times to alter some of these standard rules. Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the entire tournament, lies in the special rules governing golf play.

One of the more pronounced differences lies in the usage of multi-colored golf balls. These multicolored balls, consisting of red, green, black, or yellow, are the official balls for the tournament. The old fashioned white golf balls are not permissible, as they afford little contrast for the golfers against the white snow.

Perhaps some of the more unusual course rules combine common sense and absurdity. Take for example the rule: "Everything not plowed, whether the ball lies in a snow bank or slush, is played as rough—literally." Or the rule, which everyone

Illinois Parks and Recreation 4 January/February, 1975

loves—"Replace all divots," has to rank as an all time favorite and is sure to disrupt any foursome.

Aside from these unusual course rules, the traditional hazards found on any golf course are ever present and constantly face the golfer. In addition to potential water hazards, snow traps, and doglegs, many other hazards are added to keep golfers honest.

Discarded Christmas trees, for example, have been used to mark off the fairways at times, and add to the sportiness of the course.

Approach shots require outstanding skill so as not to bounce over the green.

The Chili Open Golf Classic traditionally brings out the finest in ornamental plummage. One group of golfers, named the "Yellow Bellies," join the tournament annually. This group, attired in yellow long underwear with their names printed across the seat and letterman style numerals on the sleeves, provide one of the highlights for the tournament. As if this was not sufficient, the Yellow Bellies complete their outing with a medic patrol, followed by an outhouse pulled on a sled— all artistically done in yellow, of course.

Many verbal expletives have been uttered pertaining to the Chili Open, but none as complimentary as "Fun" or "I've never had more fun on a golf course in my life." Enjoyment, relaxation and frustration all contribute to this tournament, as one golfer was over heard saying, "I took a 10 on the first hole and after that, I just had fun."

Park Districts by their very nature are designed for relaxation, enjoyment and fun. At the Crystal Lake Park District we feel that we have offered to our residents the ultimate in all three by offering this very special event.

(Editor's Note: Joe Herrity is Superintendent of Recreation for the Crystal Lake Park District.)

Illinois Parks and Recreation 5 January/February, 1975