Current Events
2021 Invitational
The climate for late summer, early autumn, was extremely pleasant for Chicago with clear skies and a cool lake breeze upon arrival at Jackson Park Sunday morning, 9/19/21! The 78 golfers playing in the 4th Annual Jackson Park Golf Association Invitational patiently waited for the shotgun start to begin their round and claim the crown of “Chicago’s Best!”
In the field, many of Chicago’s leagues and clubs were represented by the 78 participants comprising 20 different organizations. The organization list for 2021 consisted of new and returning competitors:
Returning Competitors
Women’s Jackson Park Golf Association
Chicago Women’s Golf Club
Ebony Ladies Golf League
Ladies on the Green
$27 Group (2019 & 2020 winner)
Chicago District Golf Association
Divots
Shadows
Two Seaters
St. Mark Golf Club
COAL (Coalition of African American Leaders)
Legends Leaving Legacies (Cliff Levingston)
New Competitors
We Play2
Project Brotherhood
Obama Foundation
Hackers Unlimited, Ltd.
Covenant United Church of Christ
Texas Southern University Chicago Chapter Alumni
Tee Birds
Hipe Media (Roger Steele)
Many thanks to Project Brotherhood for donating the coveted JPGA crystal trophies and sponsoring a foursome.
It was wonderful to have former Chicago Bull, Cliff Levingston, return and receive the honor of “Honorary JPGA Board Member” from Board of Directors member, Bonnie DeShong. Not only was he surprised by the gesture, but he was also very thankful.
Thank you to Mark Lowry for providing a historical perspective of JPGA’s origins in the early 1990s, which instituted significant upgrades to the golf course. Chicago Park District (CPD) representative, Alonzo Williams, supported the remarks noting CPDs continued support of JPGA’s efforts and the Park District’s continued efforts to make sure the course is playable, affordable, and accessible.
Thank you to Michael Strautmanis of the Obama Foundation for participating and supporting the efforts to renovate Jackson Park Golf Course and revitalize Chicago’s South Side.
Roger Steele not only played, but he also sponsored some of his Trap Golf products for the raffle.
Thank you to Phat Katz Catering, Inc. (www.facebook.com/PhatKatzCateringInc) for the personalized and reusable lunch bags! The sandwich choices varied to meet the needs and palates of all golfers! And Give Me Some Sugah located at 2234 E. 71st St provided scones and muffins that melted in your mouth!
Thank you to the volunteers that helped with the registration process and collecting money for the hole-in-one challenges! Although there were no winners for the BMW 4 Series (hole 13), Hawaii trip (hole 8), Las Vegas trip (hole 12), or Srixon irons (hole 6).
AND THE 2021 WINNERS CROWNED “CHICAGO’S BEST” ARE…
Men Shadows
Women Ladies on the Green
Contest winners:
Men’s Closest to the Pin Marquis Miller Hole #12
Men’s Longest Drive Joel Brown Hole #14
Women’s Closest to the Pin Gabrielle Lott-Rogers Hole #8
Women’s Longest Drive Sidney Dillard Hole #15
Additionally, there were teams of individuals competing for a prize as well. The winning non-league/club for 2021 was “Team Dillard” led by the parents of Mulbe Dillard, IV, recipient of a JPGA 2021 Sponsorship for turning pro this year. The team consisted of Mulbe Dillard, III, Sidney Dillard, Marquis Miller, and Mark White.
CONGRATULATIONS to All and THANK YOU!
See you in 2022 for the 5th Annual JPGA Invitational!
JPGA BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 2/24/21
JPGA WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 3/31/21
JPGA 3RD ANNUAL GOLF INVITATIONAL
Glorious day for golf…
On Saturday, September 19, 2020, the Jackson Park Golf Course and Jackson Park Golf Association hosted 15 of Chicago’s finest Leagues and Clubs for the annual showdown of determination and grit to crown CHICAGO’S BEST LEAGUE / CLUB 2020!
The morning began with cool lakefront breezes, not a cloud in the sky, and warmed to ideal weather for golf! Golfers arrived early to warm-up at the range, practice putting, meet and greet teammates and competitors. Everyone eagerly awaited the 9:00 AM shotgun start.
Gifts included a JPGA washable mask, golf key chain with inspirational message, Luster product for men, glove from sponsor Wilson, and individual hand sanitizer bottles supplied by Chicago District Golf Association.
Boxed lunches were catered by Bon Manger Catering, LLC and owner Andrea Dillon scored big points once again serving our guests with delicious and nutritious fare!
The raffle table overflowed with items to satisfy both men and women and included golf clubs, caps, and gloves from Wilson; gift basket from The First Tee of Greater Chicago; jewelry; handbags; golf lesson certificates; and so much more!
Each par 3 had a Hole-In-One challenge featuring the following:
Hole 6: Srixon Iron set
Hole 8: $1000
$25 gift card from pro shop
Trip for 2 to Hawaii
Hole 13: X3 BMW
Hole 12: Trip for 2 to Las Vegas
Contest winners:
Longest Drive Men: DENNIS REED (CDGA)
Longest Drive Women: ROBIN SHOFFNER (FN)
Closest to the Pin Men: BRIAN HOGAN (CPGA)
Closest to the Pin Women: GABRIELLE LOTT-ROGERS (WJPGC)
AND WITHOUT FURTHER ADO…THE WINNERS ARE:
MEN 27 DOLLAR GROUP
WOMEN FAIRWAY NETWORK (three-peat!!!)
LOW GROSS MEN BRIAN HOGAN (Chicago Parks Golf Alliance) – 73
LOW GROSS WOMEN ROBIN SHOFFNER (Fairway Network) – 87
Many thanks to Foreign Car Hospital for sponsoring our coveted crystal trophies this year.
LEADERBOARD
1 27 DOLLAR GROUP 83*
2 LATIN ROMANS 83
3 CHICAGO PARKS GOLF ALLIANCE 86
T4 THE BOSSES 88
CELEBS
DIVOTS
5 CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOC 91
6 SHADOWS 92
7 FAIRWAY NETWORK 93
T8 EBONY LADIES GOLF LEAGUE 97
WOMEN’S JACKSON PARK GOLF CLUB
9 ST. MARK’S GOLF CLUB 101
10 WALTER & NETTIE GEORGE SPEEDY FDN. 104
T11 LADIES ON THE GREEN 107
SOUTH SHORE LADIES GOLF LEAGUE
CHICAGO WOMEN’S GOLF CLUB
* Scorecard playoff
MEET THE WINNERS
CHICAGO'S BEST 2020 MEN'S GOLF GROUP
27 DOLLAR GROUP
Anthony Williams
CHICAGO'S BEST 2020 WOMEN'S GOLF GROUP
FAIRWAY NETWORK
Diane Meades
2020 SPONSORS
