Past Events
4th Annual JPGA 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
Thank You for Supporting Our Scholarship Efforts for Junior Golf!
FROM EXCLUSION TO INCLUSION
Celebrating African American Golf Pioneers and Charting a More Diverse Future
DuSable Museum for African American History
Illinois Black Legislator’s Auditorium
740 E. 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
For additional information call 773-358-1315 or email info@jpgachicago.com
Panelists are relatives, historians, and strong advocates for minority inclusion in golf.
- Peggy Rhodes-White and Tiffany White: Daughter and Granddaughter, respectively, of golf pioneer, Ted Rhodes
- Andre Stephens, Sr.: Great Grandson of Walter Speedy, known as the “Father of African American golf in Chicago”
- Dr. Michael Cooper: historian advocating for diversity and inclusion in golf for over 30 years
- Ron Skubisz: PGA Professional and General Manager of Pottawatomie Golf Club in St. Charles, Illinois
PROGRAM
JPGA Golf Exhibit
Opens at 6 PM
Documentary screening
6:00-6:45 PM
Panel Discussion
7:00-8:30 PM
FROM EXCLUSION TO INCLUSION
Celebrating African American Golf Pioneers and Charting a More Diverse Future
DuSable Museum for African American History
Illinois Black Legislator’s Auditorium
740 E. 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
For additional information call 773-358-1315 or email info@jpgachicago.com
Panelists are relatives, historians, and strong advocates for minority inclusion in golf.
- Peggy Rhodes-White and Tiffany White: Daughter and Granddaughter, respectively, of golf pioneer, Ted Rhodes
- Andre Stephens, Sr.: Great Grandson of Walter Speedy, known as the “Father of African American golf in Chicago”
- Dr. Michael Cooper: historian advocating for diversity and inclusion in golf for over 30 years
- Ron Skubisz: PGA Professional and General Manager of Pottawatomie Golf Club in St. Charles, Illinois
PROGRAM
JPGA Golf Exhibit
Opens at 6 PM
Documentary screening
6:00-6:45 PM
Panel Discussion
7:00-8:30 PM
JPGA African American Golf Exhibit
On display will be golf artifacts shared by individuals and members of Chicago’s golf leagues and clubs!
Uneven Fairways: The Story of the Negro Leagues of Golf
Screening of the 2009 documentary of the history of African-American golfers is based on the books: Uneven Fairways by Pete McDaniel, and Forbidden Fairways, by Dr. Calvin Sinnette, and directed by Dan Levinson.
2019 JPGA GOLF MEET, GREET, & EAT AND INVITATIONAL
MEET, GREET, & EAT
Torrential rains the day before didn’t stop our friends and supporters from showing up on 9/28/19 to fellowship! We had raffles, prizes, and lots of food from our caterer, Andrea Dillon of Bon Manger Catering.
2nd ANNUAL INVITATIONAL - RAIN DATE
The sky may have been blue without a cloud, but Chicago lived up to its namesake as the “Windy City”! It was a brisk 49 degrees Fahrenheit, but golfers braved the climate to crown the 2019 winners.
St. Mark Golf Club 2019 Men's Champion
JPGA Board Member, Pat awarding Anthony Williams the coveted trophy as he single-handedly won it for St. Mark! Kudos!
Repeat Champs - The Fairway Network
Diane receives the trophy on their behalf. Low gross medalist Robin Shoffner will have a beautiful trophy for her display and bragging rights!
MEET, GREET, & EAT - 9/28/2019
2ND ANNUAL INVITATIONAL - RAIN DATE 10/12/2019
YOU HELPED MAKE IT POSSIBLE
The Jackson Park Golf Association extends our sincerest gratitude to the 19 Sponsors for our 2019 Golf Invitational!
Your donations and contributions gave our guests fond and life-long memories at both the Meet, Greet, and & Eat and the 2nd Annual Invitational.
God Willing we will return next year!
HONOR CEREMONY FOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Congratulations gentlemen on your accomplishments…
Jackson Park Golf Association (JPGA) and Chicago Parks Golf Alliance (CPGA) honored south side youth Tim Arrington and Abdel Raoul who were awarded full scholarships for their golfing and caddie skills, Monday, April 29, 2019, at the Jackson Park Fieldhouse, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Tim Arrington, a senior at Kenwood High School, is a recipient of the Western Golf Association’s (WGA) coveted Evans Scholarship and will be attending Marquette University. The Evans Scholarship is a 4-year full tuition and housing scholarship, awarded by the Western Golf Association based upon criteria of work record as a caddie, financial need, academics and personal character. Tim is notably the first student to earn an Evans Scholarship working at Jackson Park since 1993. “The Evans Scholarship will fulfill my dreams of a college education, and advance desires to serve others through a career in the medical field, “stated Arrington. “Thanks to the Western golf Association, and all the Jackson Park golfers who encouraged me as a caddie, as well as in the classroom and community. there is no greater feeling than seeing my mother overjoyed with my success. I’m proud this scholarship eliminates the stress of tuition she wouldn’t be able to afford.”
Abdel Raoul, a senior at Mount Carmel High School, is the recipient of an Academic Scholarship as well as a Golf Scholarship to play as a NCAA Division 1 Golfer at Prairie View A&M University, where he’ll major in Mechanical Engineering. Abdel’s phenomenal golfing talents garnered him an opportunity to represent the First tee of Greater Chicago at the 2017 Pure Insurance Impacting the First Tee Golf Tournament in Pebble Beach. “Having the opportunity to represent Chicago in that great tournament was amazing!” declared Raoul. “The golfing opportunities, hard work, and courses I have played, along with the sacrifices from my parents, helped get me to where I am today. I am absolutely blessed to be recognized by Coach Jennings (Prairie View A&M Coach) as a golfer and student that can make a positive impact on his team.”
JPGA and CPGA members are extremely proud of these young men’s accomplishments. Not only are their caddie and golfing skills exemplary but their academics as well.
Several representatives of leagues/clubs as well as community leaders, family, friends, and of course golfers, joined us to celebrate the accomplishments of these extraordinary young men. They represent the best of what our community has to offer the City of Chicago and the nation.
WATCH THE SCHOLARS AND THEIR MOMS ON WINDY CITY LIVE, 5/14/19. Click the “NEWS” tab.
JPGA INVITATIONAL
"A great event! You must do this every year!" - Marcus Murray (The Shadows)
The inaugural invitational of the Jackson Park Golf Association was a huge success according to the greater than 100 golfers playing the historic Jackson Park Golf Course. There were 14 men and women leagues/clubs from all over the Chicago area that enjoyed not only clement weather but also delicious food and camaraderie among old and new friends!
Men Leagues/Clubs represented:
Chicago Park District
Coalition of African American Leaders
Divots
Jackson Park Men
St. Mark Golf Club
South Shore Men’s League
South Shore Regulars
The Shadows
Two-Seaters
Women Leagues/Clubs represented:
Chicago Women’s Golf Club
Ebony Ladies Golf League
Ladies on the Green
The Fairway Network
Women’s Jackson Park Golf Club (WJPGC)
The Chicago Park District sponsored the greens fees; the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance (https://chicagoparksgolfalliance.org/) sponsored the delicious food prepared by Andrea Dillon, owner of Bon Manger Catering; Mr. Robert Curry of the Divots Golf Club sponsored 20 golf carts; and Rev. Dr. Leon Finney sponsored the beautiful crystal trophies given to the Men and Women League/Club Champions.
We were honored to have among our guests, Andre and Terri Stephens, Sr., the Great-Grandson of Walter and Nettie George Speedy; Peggy Rhodes-White and Tiffany White, the daughter and granddaughter, respectively, of golfing great and pioneer, Ted Rhodes.
Also present, was RBS Drone Technologies, Inc. (http://rbsdronetech.com/) that photographed stills and video of golfers around the course.
Mr. Henry Taylor displayed amazing still photos of golf pioneers and historical facts about golf. For example, the inventor of the golf tee, Dr. George Grant, the first African American winner of a LPGA tournament, pictures of golf pioneers, and much more. Awesome history that must be shared!
Mr. Larry McCune of Cato Embroidery displayed his beautiful embroidered clothes and sponsored two gift certificates for the raffle drawing. Additional raffle items were a gift certificate for car service at Foreign Car Hospital, golf lessons from Coach Craig Bowen, golf bags, cash, apparel, and more! One of the highlights of the raffle drawings was the 50/50 drawing which collected $480 and paid $240 to Nicole Willis of The Fairway Network.
Contests winners battled it out for winning honors and in the closest to the pin for men the winning difference was less than one inch!
HOLE #6
MEN
Paul Beene, South Shore Men
WOMEN
Diane Meades, The Fairway Network
HOLE #13
MEN
Nelson Garrett, South Shore
WOMEN
Dianne Mister, Ebony Ladies Golf League
The longest drive winners swung easy to keep it not only long, but also in the fairway!
HOLE #14
WOMEN
Nicole Willis, Ladies on the Green
HOLE #15
MEN
Anthony J. Williams, St. Mark Golf Club
The pairings matched organizations and individuals pitting one against the other and yielded the best scores of dynamic duos:
MEN
Phil Smith (South Shore Men)/ Jeff Wilson 62
WOMEN
Nichole O’Conner (The Fairway Network)/ Linda Thomas (WJPGC) 76
Not only did adults have a great time, but so did our junior golfers, Donovan, Mathis, and Abdel. Donovan and Mathis attend Kenwood Academy and Abdel attends Mount Carmel. Donovan and Mathis were stationed on holes 12 and 8, respectively, challenging themselves to hit-the-green more times than the adults and earn tickets every time their ball was on the green. Called the “Junior Mulligan” Contest, prizes were awarded for first and second place based on the number of tickets collected. Donovan collected 14 and Mathis 10!
This is Mathis’ first year playing golf after he started the caddy program at Jackson Park in 2017! Donovan advanced to the Championship for CPS! Great job gentlemen, keep pushing and striving!
Abdel was stationed on hole 6 allowing his score to help golfers that needed a boost in lowering their score. Abdel is first bag at Mount Carmel and has played Varsity since his freshman year.
In the end, the league/club with the lowest gross score:
MEN
SOUTH SHORE LEAGUE
WOMEN
THE FAIRWAY NETWORK
Congratulations to both organizations for earning bragging rights for one year (unless of course, they repeat)!
JPGA Inaugural Invitational
JOIN JPGA AT THE 89th BUD BILLIKEN PARADE
Saturday, August 11, 2018 come out to celebrate the 89th Annual Parade celebration!
Come out and meet the Chicago Park District winners:
- 114th City Amateur Women’s: Miss Erica Jackson, North Carolina A & T University
- 46th Junior Amateur Champions:
- Boy’s: Abdel Raoul, Senior, Mount Carmel HS
- Girl’s: Raquel Simpson, Junior, Walter Payton Preparatory HS
Jackson Park Golf Association will march along with its members and junior golfers!
Bud Billiken Parade 2018
JPGA/CPGA April 2017 Town Hall Event
Jackson Park Golf Association and Chicago Parks Golf Alliance (CPGA) hosted a Town Hall on April 10, 2017 to discuss the Jackson Park and South Shore Golf Course Restoration Project.
In attendance were golf leagues and clubs that play the courses and community residents.
Mark Rolfing, NBC Golf Channel Analyst and President/Founder of CPGA, led the discussion to answer the many questions posed by the leagues and clubs that will be directly impacted by the project.
Jackson Park & South Shore Golf Courses
The century-old golf courses have a rich history in Chicago’s south side and the restoration of the two embodies “A Bold Vision Built on a Proud Past.”
JPGA Symposium 2017
Jackson Park Golf Association in conjunction with CPGA hosted a symposium November 6, 2017 to discuss the history and underrepresentation of African Americans in the billion dollar golf industry.
Theme: Honor the Past, Mold the Present, and Realize a Strong Future for African American Golf
Panelists: Pete McDaniel, Craig Bowen, Miljan Akin, Harry Gilliam, and Mark Rolfing