Little Friends prepare for annual golf outing

I'm no good at golf.

I've always been a better artist than an athlete.

That said, I'm OK at pressure putts.

On the only two occasions when I played 18 holes - both times in a foursome at a charity golf outing - I would have had to have taken an awful lot of strokes to hit the ball from the tee onto the green. My swing just didn't give the ball any flight. And when the ball did lift off the ground, it didn't go straight. So our group just kept moving.

Yet, playing the four-member scramble at the green, several of my putts were "best ball."

I'm likely too impatient for golf. I don't know how I'd find time for lessons in order to enjoy a game that has so many different holes. And imagine my surprise when I learned the holes are moved regularly - often daily - on every green!

When my youngest child took up golf as a teen at Springbrook Golf Course, he felt a special kinship to the game after reading "Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf." Though we've not linked any relation that we know, Jeff Penick helped sales and got a kick out of giving tips when he signed copies of the "Little Red Book" for some of his golf buddies on their 16th birthdays.

At any rate, I've never shared Jeff's passion for golf.

I simply aim to walk briskly for exercise and fresh air every day. Plus, as I'm reminded at the gas tank, walks can be combined with errands to save energy for trips to the post office or downtown Naperville.

So Wednesday when I ran into my former across-the-street neighbor, Tom Falcone, I was happy to hear that I wasn't needed in the Sixth Annual Little Friends Golf Classic slated for Sept. 15 at the Naperville Country Club. The charity golf outing is sold out.

Falcone is winding up his fourth three-year term on the Little Friends board of directors and for the past 12 years, he's been among the nonprofit organization's most enthusiastic promoters.

Five years ago, Falcone organized the Little Friends golf committee to host a charity golf outing for the private organization that serves children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

"This year's event is sold out for the golf," said Falcone. "But there's still room for 60 to 70 additional people for dinner, cocktails and the auction."

I mentioned that I'd stopped by Naperville's oldest country club, built in 1921, to see some of the changes in the landscape, the result of a yearlong renovation that has revamped and enhanced the 18-hole course. I stood near the first green by the commemorative clock where the striking view includes mature trees, ponds and creeks nestled throughout the rolling hills.

Falcone suggested contacting fellow Little Friends Board member Mike Krol, who knows a lot about the history of the Naperville Country Club and its renovation.

"Every green, every tee, every fairway, every bunker has been redone," Krol said. "The lakes are enlarged and the back nine now runs east and west, better using the contour of the land."

"Dave Tierney led the renovation committee," said Krol. "The clock is a gift from Donna and Dave Tierney."

Regarding Falcone, Krol added, "Tom may be going off the board- and he'll be missed - but I know he'll keep involved with Little Friends."

Falcone mentioned sponsorship opportunities still are available.

By coincidence, Thursday I received a news release stating that "sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000, with corresponding benefits at each level."

This year's outing features a brand new $125 sponsorship level, too. Friends of Little Friends Welcome Circle sponsors will receive signage placed in the welcome circle near the entrance of the club.

Once again, this year's Little Friends Golf Classic will be presented by Grants Appliances, Electronics & More.

Other "premiere sponsors" include Casey's Foods, Discover Network, Harris Naperville, Matsock Insurance and Financial Services and Park National Bank.

For sponsorships, call Vice President Kathleen Malecki at (630) 281-1816.

To reserve a spot for dinner and after-golf festivities ($75), contact Special Events and Volunteer Manager Cally Edwards at (630) 281-1882.

For more information about Little Friends, visit www.littlefriendsinc.org.

Stephanie Pemick writes about Naperville. Contact her at spennydh@aol.com.