30 hardy duffers give it a whack at the Chili Open in Des Plaines

The weather was frigid but the Golf Center Des Plaines was fairly crowded Saturday morning with hardy souls who weren't there to improve their games.

Instead it was camaraderie, endurance and tradition that brought 30 well-bundled golfers to the Par 3 course to compete in the annual Chili Open. And yes, it was that, as the minus 2 temperature felt colder.

"The sun is out at least and there's no wind," said Brian Panek, assistant superintendent of golf operations for the Des Plaines Park District. "It could be worse, (but) it could be better."

The event began in the mid-1980s at the district's Lake Park course but moved in 2012 to the Golf Center, which is open year-round and is known for its 80 lighted and heated practice stations. But that wasn't the point Saturday, although the extreme cold limited the turnout.

Participation was down from the 53 last year who battled through slush and well behind the 123 two years ago when the temperature was 53 degrees. But there were only four no shows Saturday. About seven first timers gave it a go although for the first time there were no female participants.

Golfers simultaneously started on different holes in a shotgun start, so they would all finish about the same time and be able to compare notes in the clubhouse over chili at Club Casa after the round, Panek said. Prizes were awarded for low score and closest to the pin as well as a one-year range membership if anyone made a hole in one on No. 9.

"I think it really comes down to, `Why not?'" said Des Plaines Mayor Matt Bogusz, who has been playing the event for several years. He was equipped only with an 8-iron.

"That's my strategy. It's easier to carry than a 9-iron," he joked.

Bogusz was in a group of nine that included first-timer Aji Olayemi of Chicago, who went to college with Bogusz' brother, Phil.

"I do not do well in the cold. I think it will be a struggle," Olayemi said. "My buddy's got hand warmers, which will be good."

The holes were shortened for the event and ranged from 60 yards to about 135 yards. There was no putting needed, as the "holes" were half garbage cans and golfers only had to hit the target. Many used yellow range balls with a hole drilled through them and green ribbon attached. They whistled when hit but were easy to find in the snow.

"We're regulars at the Chili Open," said Des Plaines resident Dan Norris, who played with his son, Garrett. "It's the coldest one we've ever done, but hey."

Panek said the event is a reminder that warmer days are ahead.

"Just something in the winter to get people started thinking golf," he said. "We're from five to seven weeks of it being our busiest time at the Golf Center."