The CDGA, Troon, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department (CPD), Kids Golf Foundation, First Tee – Greater Chicago and Jackson Park Golf Association have collaborated to conduct two Play Like a Champion Youth Golf Days, with a third set to take place this month. The events aim to provide an opportunity for the city’s youth to learn more about the game of golf, while also giving CPD o icers, including Superintendent Larry Snelling, a chance to build stronger connections with local juniors. Activities include basic golf instruction, Starting New at Golf (SNAG) equipment, various inflatables and games for all ages. The first two iterations took place on June 7 at South Shore Golf Course and July 16 at Marquette Park Golf Course, with a final event scheduled for Aug. 6 at Columbus Park Golf Course. Scan the QR code for a Golf360 feature on the festivities.
Following the initial announcement chronicled in the April edition of Chicago District Golfer, visionary golf course developer and Chicago native Mike Kesier was formally presented the Bob Jones Award by the USGA on Tuesday, June 10 at Oakmont Country Club in advance of the U.S. Open. With Keiser on the mend from a broken hip, his son Chris Keiser (pictured, middle) attended the dinner to accept the award from USGA President Fred Perpall (left) and USGA CEO Mike Whan (right). The Bob Jones award is the USGA’s highest honor and has also been presented to the likes of Francis Ouimet, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Lee Elder and 2024 recipient Tiger Woods.
The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) named Shehbaz Singh, the CDGA's Director of Turfgrass Research, a recipient of the 2025 ASHS Professional Early Career Award for Industry and Consulting. Established in 1903, the ASHS is recognized worldwide as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. Singh, a native of India who earned his master’s degree at Oklahoma State University before starting with the CDGA in 2022, was formally honored during the ASHS 2025 Annual Conference in late July.
East Peoria native David Perkins claimed the PGA Tour Americas’ Explore NB Open in New Brunswick, Canada last month. The win vaulted the 2018 CDGA Amateur and 2022 Illinois Open victor to the top of the Fortinet Cup standings, which determines Korn Ferry Tour status for the ensuing year. Perkins played collegiately at Illinois State.