History
G.O.L.F. teed off in 1978 with a group of 27 buddies getting together for an annual round of golf. Along the way it became a non-profit organization that has raised over $3 million to send deserving students to college. Over the years, G.O.L.F. has grown in size and outreach to now include multiple generations and 4 events throughout the year, all with the same goal of giving back.
Founders JB Bambrick, Jim Burke, Steve Schulte, John Ostry
THE EARLY YEARS
The inaugural golf outing at Villa Olivia Golf Club in Bartlett, Illinois ultimately became the Greater Organization for the Less Fortunate and the annual Chicago Charity Classic. The number of players increased dramatically over the next 2 years, requiring a move to Renwood Golf Club in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, where the outing was played until 1984. We then moved to Chapel Hill Golf Club in McHenry, which was the home of the only hole-in-one in the history of G.O.L.F. On August 9, 1987, Tom Lally aced the 162 yard 8th hole with a self described soft 4 wood (Lynx) into a raging wind and won a 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet convertible donated by Jennings Chevrolet & Volkswagen. From 1992 to 1995, the event was played at Chevy Chase Golf Club in Wheeling,
A GLENVIEW GOLF TRADITION
In 1996, the Chicago Charity Classic moved to its current home at the Glenview Park Golf Club. In 2014, the Glenview Park Golf Club began renovations so the outing was held at the Wilmette Park District Golf Club and took advantage of a shotgun start for the first time. In 2015, we returned to Glenview with new tees, improved fairways, and faster greens.
Super Bowl raffle
In 2006, G.O.L.F. added a second fundraising event – Super Bowl Raffle – to support Cristo Rey High School graduates attending college. Cristo Rey is a Jesuit High School in Chicago’s Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood. Take a minute to check out Cristo Rey – www.cristorey.net - for even more information on the wonderful ways they are impacting students’ lives.
G.O.L.F. SHOWDOWN
The G.O.L.F. Showdown started in 2009 from a family basketball rivalry between Marquette and Wisconsin. The fun filled day includes a bar deal and raffle while we watch the Badgers and Golden Eagles square off for the Showdown title. The generous support received at the G.O.L.F. Showdown goes a long way towards funding the college scholarships of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School students and reaching our annual G.O.L.F. fundraising goals.
softball tournament
2019 marked the first year of the G.O.L.F. Softball Tournament! This is a summertime favorite for softball players and fans. Looking forward to 2024!