With more than 110 years of history, the CDGA has an array of historical photo assets and documents pertaining to the organization and golf in Chicago. Each digital issue of Chicago District Golfer spotlights a different artifact and shares the story behind it in the “Backspin” section.
While most sports, including the NFL, MLB and PGA Tour, were understandably postponed in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, one event continued as scheduled - the LaSalle Bank Chicago Open.
Carrying on a tradition established during World War II of utilizing golf events to promote patriotism and raise funds in national times of distress, LaSalle Bank and the CDGA decided to run the event on its originally scheduled dates of Sept. 13-15, 2001 at Beverly Country Club. As seen in the adjacent images, American flags were incorporated throughout the course and play was suspended during the second round to allow for a moment of silence on the National Day of Prayer. Additionally, the CDGA and LaSalle Bank donated $25,000 to the September 11th Fund.
Minnesota club pro Don Berry (pictured) emerged victorious by two strokes over Richard Dukelow, who had just won the Illinois State Amateur Championship. Berry admitted to having “mixed emotions” following his triumph in the midst of turmoil.