Page 8 - 2018 Western Amateur Commemerative Program—Skokie Ridge Country Club

WGA_Program_2018_V5__ 6/28/2018 3:41 PM Page 6

WELCOME TO SUNSET RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB AND

THE 116TH WESTERN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

On behalf of the members and 31 tournament wins over her illustrious career.
staff of Sunset Ridge Country During 1936 Sunset Ridge was the destination of
Club, I want to welcome the the Western Junior Championship won by Sid
contestants, their families and Richardson. In 1961 Sunset Ridge had the privilege
friends and golf fans to the of hosting the Women’s Western Junior Golf
2018 Western Amateur Tournament won by Ann Baker.
Championship. We are
In 1972, Sunset Ridge hosted many of the world’s
thankful for the opportunity
most famous professional golfers for the Western
to invite the world’s top
Open. This was the last major professional golf
amateurs to our club and to
event played on the North Shore and the last PGA
Kevin M. Flynn showcase our golf course. We
President TOUR stop on Chicago’s North Shore until the
Sunset Ridge Country Club look forward to hosting this recent BMW Championships held at Conway
esteemed amateur event and
Farms Golf Club. Chick Evans attended the 1972
to an exciting week of golf.
Western and presented Champion Jim Jamieson
Sunset Ridge Country Club was established in 1923 with his trophy. A picture of that moment is
by a group of young men all in their thirties. In proudly on display in our club.
May 1923, the property was purchased and I want to take this opportunity to thank our
construction began. On July 4, 1924, the first members and staff at Sunset Ridge Country Club,
foursome consisting of Forest Lowrey, Club as well as the staff and many volunteers of the
President; Howard Walton, Vice-President; Western Golf Association, who have contributed to
Bob Pirie, Head Golf Professional; and William continuing the tradition of making this one of the
Diddel, who designed the golf course, teed off to most prestigious amateur golf events in the world.
officially open the golf course. Special recognition should be given to the members
Sunset Ridge has been a strong supporter of the of our Tournament Committee. They have devoted
Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars many hours over the past year to ensuring that this
Foundation since its inception. We are proud to championship will be a world-class experience for
have 38 Evans Scholars (32 Alumni, 6 Active) pass the contestants and spectators.
through our caddie program. Our club began its
We are delighted to renew our longstanding bond
tradition of hosting competitive amateur events
with amateur golf by hosting this event. Welcome,
early on. In 1925, Sunset Ridge hosted the Big Ten
and we hope you will enjoy your experience at
Golf Championship, which was won by The
Sunset Ridge Country Club.
University of Chicago over Michigan. In 1935,
our Club hosted the Women’s Western Open. The
contestants included famed Olympic gold medalist Sincerely,
Mildred “Babe” Didrikson. Although Didrikson
Kevin M. Flynn
was defeated in the semifinals in the 1935 Western
President
Open, she went on to win that event four times in
Sunset Ridge Country Club
addition to her 10 LPGA major championships and

6 Welcome SUNSET RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB