Page 77 - 2018 Western Amateur Commemerative Program—Skokie Ridge Country Club

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SUNSET RIDGE CADDIE PROGRAM

and Club President from 2016–2017.
He and Kunkel attended grade school KUNKEL, BATTISTELLO IN THE CADDIE HALL OF FAME
together at St. Philip the Apostle in
The Western Golf Association example for others to follow and is
Northfield. Broccolo notes that Kunkel
inducted Greg Kunkel — longtime more than deserving of this honor.”
is and has always been a great
caddie manager at Sunset Ridge
ambassador for the club. “Whenever The WGA oversees the Caddie Hall
Country Club in Northfield,
a member plays away from Sunset of Fame, which highlights the rich
Illinois — into The Caddie Hall of
Ridge it is common for the staff and tradition and importance of caddying
Fame in 2015 for promoting caddying
membership of other clubs to inquire through recognizing individuals who
and mentoring thousands of caddies
about Greg and also compliment his have played a prominent role in the
over his 30-year tenure.
caddie program.” promotion of caddies as an integral
He became the second Sunset Ridge part of the game of golf. Past honorees
In 2014, Greg was diagnosed with caddie manager to enter the Hall of include Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
Stage 5 bladder and prostate cancer.
Fame, following his predecessor Tony
He was successfully operated on and Battistello, who was inducted in 1999. Those who have been inducted are
treated by Dr. Michael McGuire of either caddie administrators or
North Shore Medical Group. In an Kunkel has left an indelible mark on advocates, individuals who became
Sunset Ridge, its membership and, prominent caddies, or prominent
interview with the Chicago Tribune,
most of all, the caddies who so individuals who have used their
Dr. McGuire had this to say about
respect and admire him. caddie experiences as a stepping
Kunkel: “He has a huge network,
stone for future success.
I’ve never had a patient who so “Greg has helped shape the lives of
many expressed feelings for. He is thousands of Sunset Ridge caddies, Kunkel began his career at Sunset
universally loved.” Evans Scholars Alumni, four current Ridge Country Club in 1981 working
Evans Scholars, and another Sunset for Battistello.
Greg attributes his successful recovery
Ridge caddie who was awarded the
to the skill of Dr. McGuire, the care of Under Battistello — and later Kunkel —
Evans Scholarship to begin school this
his wife, Debbie, and the prayers of his Sunset Ridge has built a nationally
fall,” said Dennis O’Keefe, WGA
extended Sunset Ridge family. “I have renowned caddie program that has
chairman at the time of Kunkel’s
always been thankful for this job to be produced more than 30 Evans Scholars
induction. “He has truly set an
working for the greatest members, the since 1952.
best caddies and golf staff. Having
survived cancer, I am even more
Greg recalls that it wasn’t uncommon program, Greg Kunkel has set the
appreciative for all that I have. I am
to get a call from Jordan about teeing standard of excellence for over three
embracing and enjoying each day
it up at Sunset Ridge. “In the early decades. His Hall of Fame efforts and
more than ever — even the rain outs.”
mornings following almost every Bulls accomplishments are recognized
Articles and feature stories on Greg championship, Michael called and and appreciated not just by the
Kunkel and his venerable Sunset Ridge wanted to play at Sunset Ridge. He Sunset Ridge membership but by
caddie program have appeared in the loved the course and, sure enough, Kunkel’s caddies and thousands of
Chicago Tribune, Golfweek, The Country Jordan would show up early and play alumni loopers along with his
Club, Global Golf Post, Illinois Golfer as many as 36 holes just hours after colleagues in the golf community.
and other periodicals and sites. With he played in the final championship
Tony Battistello and Greg Kunkel will
thousands of followers on Facebook games. After his round, Michael would
forever be synonymous with Sunset
and social media, Kunkel is known as then go into the caddie house and
Ridge thanks to their unwavering
the “great connector,” not only linking challenge the caddies at ping pong.”
commitment, dedication and loyalty
caddies to golfers but also his notable
From training rookie caddies to having to making the club an enjoyable
friendships with Chicago Hall of
19 Evans Scholars (and counting!), to destination for generations of golfers
Famers ranging from Michael Jordan
fundraising and donating to the SRCC and caddies.
to Brian Urlacher to Blackhawks
Employee College Fund, to running
broadcaster Pat Foley.
the country’s most admired caddie
2018 WESTERN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP History of Sunset Ridge Country Club 75