Downers Grove Golfer Competes in Invitational National Finals

Al Rugienius of Downers Grove is one member of a Chicago-area foursome that will compete in the Liberty Mutual Insurance Invitational National Finals in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Also on the team are Howie Ludwig of Lemont, Tom Murphy of Oak Brook and John Ratkovich of Lemont.

The finals take place Feb. 26 to March 1 at TPC Sawgrass, where 240 amateur golfers will compete in the national event, according to a news release. More than 75 charity golf tournaments in 2014 raised about $7.2 million for local and national charities leading up to the finals.

Rugienius and his team qualified for the finals by winning the Liberty Mutual Insurance Invitational in May 2014.

“This foursome represents 12,000 golfers who generously supported more than 60 charities through our series of amateur golf events, and we look forward to celebrating at TPC Sawgrass their invaluable contributions to their communities,” said John Coombe, vice president of brand management and sponsorships at Liberty Mutual, in a statement.

Curtis Strange, honorary chairman of the Liberty Mutual Invitational and two-time U.S. Open Champion and World Golf Hall of Famer will be present at the finals to interact with players and conduct an exclusive clinic, according to the release.

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