Bandits softball team to host local golf event

The Chicago Bandits will trade in their fastpitch softball bats for golf clubs in July when they will host the first "Chicago Bandits Golf Classic".

The event will tee off July 13 at Marengo Ridge Golf Club.

"Creating the golf classic allows our fans an opportunity to participate in a fun event alongside the players and staff," said Bandits general manager Aaron M. Moore. "It provides a unique environment away from the softball diamond."

Each hole at Marengo Ridge Golf Club will feature a different contest or challenge for the 18 holes of scramble-style golf. Check-in is scheduled for 8 a.m. with a shotgun start planned for 9 a.m.

Registration forms are now available for groups of four and also individual golfers. To golf with a Bandits player in your group, the foursome must pay an extra $125 (or only $31.25 extra a person). For $75 a person, golfers will experience a day of scramble-style golf and a golf cart, swag bag prizes, have the chance to earn on-course prizes and a lunch buffet after the round is complete.

Spots are limited to the first 144 golfers to register and a silent auction will be held during the dinner portion of the event.

Marengo Ridge Golf Club is located in McHenry County and features a front nine that confronts you with water, bunkers, environmental areas, and more. The back nine throws a more traditional style course your way with mature woodlands, gently rolling hills and numerous doglegs.

"Being built 25 years apart, the two nines are a contrast in design techniques reflecting the time and topography differences," said Jim Robinson, head golf professional at Marengo Ridge.

Ranked as one of the "Best Places to Play" in 2009 by Golf Digest, this course has played host to the 1999 U.S. Open qualifiers and earned a four-star ranking from Chicagoland Golf Newspaper as one of the top 30 public courses in Chicagoland.

For more information on the Chicago Bandits Golf Classic or to register by phone, call Andrew Phillips at the Bandits office at 877-722-6348. A registration form can be downloaded at chicagobandits.com and mailed to the Bandits at 72 South Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or sent in via fax at 224-629-4398.