Writing from Glenwood, Illinois
    Monday, April 29, 2013

    The world has circled around the sun two dozen times since Carol McCue told your correspondent that holding a junior golf tournament would benefit the Southtown Economist in numerous ways.
    That was the case for 24 years, from 1989 through last year, when the SouthtownStar Challenge was, as always, held at Glenwoodie Golf Course.
    This year’s 25th edition will be at Glenwoodie as well, on Tuesday, June 18, but there’s one change on the entry sheet.
    It’s now the Illinois Golfer Challenge Junior Golf Championship.
    The new moniker comes about partly because of cutbacks at the SouthtownStar – the local office in Tinley Park has been closed, and staff that loyally supported the Challenge no longer work there – and out of a desire to broaden the tournament field. While anyone of the proper age could always enter the Challenge – a lad from New Mexico in the area on vacation played in an early edition – the turnout has generally been from the south and southwestern suburbs and that area of Chicago, mirroring the circulation area of the Southtown under its various names.
    Through various means, including the good offices of the Illinois Junior Golf Association, the renamed Illinois Golfer Challenge is expected to draw a wider field in 2013.
    With 156 places available and play conducted in four divisions, the field could fill up fast.
    The quality of play will most certainly be fast, if the previous 24 years are any indication.
    That’s why it’s wise for players to enter early, using the entry blank available here.
    The four divisions are split between boys and girls. They’re for players 13-to-15 and 16-to-18. Trophies are awarded for the top three finishers in each bracket. Sudden-death playoffs are used to determine first place if there’s a tie; for second and third, duplicate trophies are awarded.
    Participants get not only a place in the field, but lunch after their round, plus goodies upon registration.
    The entry fee is $35, one of the better bargains in junior golf.
    The fun to be had, win or lose, is priceless.
    Entries are open now. The field will be set on June 7. Enter now. To delay may mean to forget.
    We hope to see you at Glenwoodie!
    – Tim Cronin