The Windy City Women’s Open, part of the Sapphire Golf Tour, will take place July 23–26 at Jackson Park Golf Course on Chicago’s South Side. The event is one of six on the 2026 docket for the developmental women’s golf circuit dedicated to Black women. A Welcome Reception will be held on July 23 at the South Shore Cultural Center before a junior golf clinic on July 24. The competition will be contested on July 25, before the weekend concludes with a women’s golf clinic and charity pro-am on July 26. The event will coincide with WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. More information can be found at SapphireGolfTour.com.
Former CBS Chicago Sports Director Ryan Baker was named First Tee – Greater Chicago’s new CEO on June 9. Baker, who enters the role following a 35-year career in broadcasting, will begin his new position on July 13. Jill Sylvester, who served as the organization’s interim CEO for a year following the departure of Lea Jesse, will assume the title of Chief Operating Officer. First Tee – Greater Chicago turned 25 in 2025, a year in which the organization supported more than 8,000 kids across 12 program locations and 25 schools.
Winnetka native and New Trier High School alum Carter Sichol (pictured, middle) won the Division III women’s individual national championship on May 22 at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California. The Carleton College senior finished the 72-hole event at 5-under overall, topping two Carnegie Mellon golfers by one stroke. Emory University repeated as the team champion, with Carleton finishing 11th.
The 27-hole Links at Carillon facility, located in Plainfield, was sold this spring to a regional golf course group headed by James Miller. Links Capital Advisors brokered the $6.8 million purchase. New ownership plans to continue to operate the property, which was designed by Greg Martin and opened in 1990, as a residential golf course community.
