Any big event needs a proper kickoff, and the 2026 Chicago Golf Show® was no different. For the 41st iteration of the Show, and the second year in a row, CDGA Town Square Opening Drive presented by Wintrust welcomed esteemed guests and VIPs on Thursday, Feb. 26. Upwards of 250 guests of the CDGA and CDGA Foundation were invited for the now-annual “sneak peek” of the 16,000-square-foot CDGA Town Square booth space. Armed with food and drink, key figures in the Chicago District golf community were allowed to take in unique show activations, including the CDGA Longest Putt Benefitting the CDGA Foundation and The Evans at Canal Shores, the in-person CDGA Member Golf Shop and a golf simulator in a more intimate setting. A silent auction and raffle, including a 2026 Augusta experience, also highlighted the evening.
This year’s event included a wide array of new features and attendees. Ahead of the 2026 iteration in September at Medinah Country Club, the Presidents Cup was present for guests to take photos with. As the CDGA continues to expand its adaptive golf programming, a unique putting experience provided invitees the opportunity to putt through 9 holes, each showcasing various Sports Classifications to get a feel for what challenges adaptive golfers face on the course. Representatives from Dunning Golf and the Greg Norman Collection, including creative directors Omar Jermaine (Dunning Golf) and Pete Bentivegna (Greg Norman Collection) traveled from New York City to provide unique insight on the newest CDGA clothing partner featured in the CDGA Member Golf Shop.
The marquee program of the evening included the announcement of a $25,000 donation by the Presidents Cup to the CDGA Foundation (pictured at top of page). Presidents Cup Executive Director Joie Chitwood was on hand for the presentation, which included a matching program to support CDGA Sunshine Programs. Joining Chitwood on stage were Tour Edge President Tim Clarke, Matt McIntee of Troon Golf and Matt McDevitt of Northway Golf, who provided remarks on the growing Chicago golf scene, as well as various matching donations to support golf programming that benefits veterans, adaptive golfers and local youth.
“For us, it’s a huge element, a core of what we do,” said Chitwood of the donation. “It’s a wonderful thing to go along with a global sports competition, but to leave something lasting in the community.”
See the video below for a recording of the CDGA Town Square Opening Drive Program: