Page 65 - 2018 Western Amateur Commemerative Program—Skokie Ridge Country Club

WGA_Program_2018_V5__ 6/28/2018 3:43 PM Page 63

HISTORY OF SUNSET RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

TONY BATTISTELLO
In 1999, Tony Battistello was an
inaugural member of The Caddie Hall
of Fame that also included Chick
Evans. Battistello was Sunset Ridge
caddie manager from 1945 until
his retirement in 1986. During
his legendary 41-year career,
19 Sunset Ridge caddies received
Evans Scholarships.

GREG KUNKEL
Greg Kunkel succeeded Tony Battistello
in the fall of 1986 as only the second
caddie manager in Sunset Ridge’s
A 2018 renovation of the clubhouse included the addition of the Ridge Room.
history. He began caddying at Sunset
Ridge in 1981 and 2018 marks his From 2004–2018, just over $25 million On the south end of the driving range,
32nd year as caddie manager. During was invested by club membership in a comfortable and modern skeet lodge
his current tenure, 19 SRCC caddies renovation and improvements at was also completed in the fall of 2008.
have earned Evans Scholarships. Sunset Ridge. No other club in the
In 2017, The Sunset Ridge Board
Greg Kunkel was inducted into the Chicago area has invested so
approved a $6 million renovation of
Caddie Hall of Fame in 2015. significantly on major capital
the clubhouse’s informal dining area
projects during a similar period.
along with an upgrade to the golf
YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES After the major clubhouse and golf course irrigation system along with
The golf course is the crown jewel of course renovation in 2004–05, a new bunker replacement.
Sunset Ridge with over 18,000 rounds pool and expanded pool deck were
on average played per year, which is completed in 2006. During the same Sunset Ridge has also invested
one of the highest in the Chicagoland time, the pool and tennis locker substantially in its most vital asset:
area. The club is also a hub of activity rooms were remodeled for the first employees. In 2005 the club established
year-round thanks to vibrant paddle, time since 1977. the Sunset Ridge employee “For the
skeet, trap, tennis and swimming Kids” scholarship fund. Since its
During 2008, as a result of having one inception SRCC membership
programs.
of the most avid and growing paddle contributions have totaled over $1.1
and skeet programs in the Chicago million to this fund. Over 231 grants
area, SRCC invested $1.8 million for college have been awarded to the
(nearly $ 2.2 million in 2018 dollars) sons and daughters of full-time SRCC
to replace its existing paddle hut employees and also the club’s caddies,
and skeet house. waiters/waitresses, lifeguards and
other seasonal employees.
The new platform facility features
six state-of-the-art courts, improved The significant investment made in
outdoor lighting along with a both employees and facilities continues
contemporary paddle house that has a to distinguish Sunset Ridge as one of
bar, kitchen and lounge with flat-screen the premier private clubs on the North
TVs. Construction of the paddle facility Shore and the entire Chicago area.
began in March 2008 and was finished
in September with a grand opening
paddle party attended by over
200 members.

2018 WESTERN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP History of Sunset Ridge Country Club 63