First Annual Junior Golf Open at Lake Park Golf Course

Around 20 young golfers teed off at the first annual Des Plaines Park District Youth Golf Open on Friday, July 17 at Lake Park Golf Course. Most participants were from Des Plaines, while others traveled from Park Ridge, Northlake, Rosemont, and Chicago. Lake Park Golf Course is an 18 hole, par 3 course which attracts young golfers every summer. “Lake Park Golf Course is a perfect location for a youth golf open and we were excited to host this inaugural event,” said Brian Panek, Assistant Superintendent of Golf Operations for the Des Plaines Park District. Golfers were divided into two groups, 10 years and under and 11-17 years. Competitors were vying for best score over-all, plus there were additional hole contests for added incentive including: longest putt, closest to the pin and a hole-in-one challenge.

The over-all winner for the 10 and under division was Logan Amar, Declan Colleran finished second, and third went to Jacob Stubing. Top finisher in the 11-17 year old group was Ethan Lavaccare, Ryan Langer earned second, and Nick Nardella placed third.

Hole contest winners for 10 and under; longest putt, Declan Colleran and closest to the pin, Walter Szulcewski. For the 11 and over golfers, longests putt went to Sean Carroll and closest to the pin winner was Jack Shevlin. None of the golfers achieved a hole-in-one this year but all golfers are invited back next year to give it a try at the 2016 Youth Golf Open. The Park District hopes to continue this tournament and increase participation next year. “We hope to grow this event in the years to come as more kids are learning to golf and enjoying this great sport.” Panek concluded.

For more information about all Des Plaines Park District golf programs visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.

Photo: 1 Declan Colleran hits the long drive during the 2015 Junior Golf Open at Lake Park Golf Course July 17.

Photo: 2 Group one headed out to the course for the shotgun start at the Des Plaines Park District’s Junior Golf Open on July 17.

Photo: 3 Hector Guerra of Des Plaines lines up his shot at the first annual Junior Golf Open at Lake Park Golf Course.

Photo: 4 Swinging like a pro, Walter Szulczewski of Park Ridge having a great game at the first annual Des Plaines Park District Junior Golf Open on July 17.

Photo: 5 Jacob Stubing of Des Plaines concentrating on his short game at the Des Plaines Park District’s Junior Golf Open on July 17 at Lake Park Golf Course.

Photos: Colette Plantz