Ladies only outing still fabulous after 10 years

During a decade marred by economic turmoil, property foreclosures and a high unemployment rate, the Clearbrook Women’s Classic has beat the odds and is now stronger than ever.

Indeed, this fun-filled outing created by women for women celebrates 10 years of growth and success as the dedicated advisory committee gears up for its annual event at Itasca Country Club, 400 E. Orchard St., Itasca, Monday, June 13.

While this private golf course is a new and improved venue for the Women’s Classic, players can expect the same level of detail they have come to know and love.

Mimosas, martinis and massages are just a few of the many concierge-style indulgences that await the women, ranging from the amateur who has never played golf before to the weekend warrior who indulges in the competitive sport at every opportunity.

But, no matter the players’ handicap score, they all have one goal in common — to raise money for children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services at Clearbrook.

“Sure, I love playing golf,” said Sue Duchek, co-owner and broker of Picket Fence Realty in Arlington Heights, who has participated in the Women’s Classic for the past six years as part of Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene J. Mulder’s foursome.

“A day on the course among friends and colleagues is relaxing, yet invigorating, and this outing is first class all the way. Golf is no longer only a men’s sport.”

It was this same sentiment that occurred to Clearbrook President Carl M. La Mell when he envisioned the Women’s Classic in 2000.

“I’m all about equality, and by offering a women-only golf outing to the community, I thought that it would level the playing field, so to speak,” La Mell said. “It was truly an idea ahead of its time.”

As such, he charged Clearbrook’s Development Department with locating a woman or two who enjoy the game — whether regularly or occasionally — to steer the organization in the right direction.

After a long search, the organization found Betsy Voyles, an avid golfer and owner of Chicago-based Body Balance for Performance, a company that helps improve one’s golf game.

She has been a revered leader and co-chair of the Clearbrook Women’s Classic since the get-go, helping to expand the advisory committee to the 10 females it is today. Voyles has also played a significant role in building the player base and enhancing the live and silent auctions.

According to Voyles, who received Clearbrook’s Special Recognition Award in 2008 for going above and beyond the call of duty as a volunteer, “It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the charge of the Women’s Classic Advisory Committee. I believe in giving back to the community and an esteemed golf outing like the Women’s Classic is the perfect vehicle for me to do it.”

Even players like Sue Duchek have parlayed their participation in the Women’s Classic into other areas of support for Clearbrook.

Duchek, for instance, has enjoyed her connection to the cause so much that she and her office staff at Picket Fence Realty now volunteer each year at Clearbrook Jelly Belly Days.

This year, they have adopted the intersection of Northwest Highway and Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights.

“The real reason I return to the Clearbrook Women’s Classic year after year is because it has a lot of heart,” Duchek said. “We’re there to support a common cause. Having fun is just a bonus.”

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