The interesting history of Old Elm goes back to its original design, a layout envisioned by touted English architect H.S. Colt. What is interesting, however, is that the construction of the course was administered by then budding Scottish architect, Donald Ross (then at age 40). Ross took over when Colt returned to the U.K. in 1913 to administer on-going design efforts there. Colt only made two visits to the US, and his departure in ’13 would never produce a return. Though the accounts are limited as to how the work was carried out, there appeared to be a mutual respect and a collaborative spirit between the two architects – two of the most celebrated in golf.

There will be one professional purse awarded to the top 30% of the field competing on Monday, October 17, and one professional purse awarded to the top 30% of the field competing on Tuesday, October 18.

As this championship is NOT being contested as a 36-hole event, no 36-hole purse will be awarded. In addition, 36-hole Senior Player of the Year points will not be awarded.

18-hole points will be distributed upon completion of Monday's 18-hole competition, and an additional allocation of 18-hole points will be awarded following the completion of Tuesday's competition. Upon completion of the two-18-hole competitions, the Illinois PGA Senior season will be complete and the Illinois PGA Senior Player of the Year will be named.

This “championship” will be contested as two separate 18-hole individual stroke play events contested over two days. The top 30 players on the Errie Ball Senior Player of the Year points list are invited to compete on Monday, October 17th. The entry fee for this 18-hole competition is $158. The top 30% of this field will be eligible for a professional purse made up of the entry fees into this competition only. Upon completion of this round, 18-hole Senior Player of the Year points will be allocated to this 30-player field.

After the allocation of Monday, October 17th’s 18-hole Senior Player of the Year points has been distributed, the top 15 players on the Errie Ball Senior Player of the Year points list will be automatically entered into the 18-hole competition on Tuesday, October 18 (eligible players’ credit cards will be automatically charged). The entry fee for this 18-hole competition will be $83. The top 30% of this field will be eligible for a professional purse made up of entry fees into this competition only. Upon completion of this round, 18-hole Senior Player of the Year points will be allocated to this 15-player field.

Open to eligible Illinois PGA Members or Registered Apprentices age 50 and over. Members in Retired and Inactive Classifications, or those that are Class F are not eligible to participate. All players must meet eligibility requirements by the tournament date.

The field will be selected based on the top 30 on the Senior Player of the year points list.

Kevin Marion
(847) 432-6270.