Chili in more ways than one at annual golf tourney

Helping a city of more than 100,000 people dig out from a particularly severe winter is part of Elgin City Manager Olufemi Folarin's job.

But Folarin had an equally challenging task before him Saturday, when he and other city officials shot nine holes of golf for the 12th annual Chili Open at the Highlands Golf Course.

As Folarin quickly learned, the snow-covered hills and mounds of the Elgin golf course proved a stiff challenge for even the most experienced golfers.

Folarin whiffed his first shot, and the ball rolled back to his feet, said those who watched him tee off. His second shot went straight up in the air -- and he caught it, said Bill Eubanks, an instructor at the golf course.

"It's completely different and takes some getting used to," said Folarin about golfing in the snow. But he explained that his high tee shot was from a high placement of the tee on a mat, not the snow itself.

The city manager, who played on a team with Assistant City Manager Sean Stegall, Fiscal Services Director James Nowicki and City Council member John Walters, was one of 62 golfers signed up for the event.

The turnout wasn't a record, but organizers said it was good for the wintry weather.

"We've had more. We had a couple people, with the cold, back out this year," said Jane Gregory, community recreation supervisor and the event's coordinator. "This is still very good."

Teams of four gathered in the clubhouse drinking beer while awaiting their turn to play nine holes. After the golf ended Saturday afternoon, the golfers headed to Booker's Bar and Grill in South Elgin for a bowl of chili.

The winter golf and Booker's chili has brought Elgin resident Jim Eby back to the event at least 10 times.

"I think it's just a lot of fun to gear up and get out, the challenge of playing in the snow," Eby said as he waited for his turn to tee off. "It's more about the camaraderie and the fun than the golf."

Josh Brownfield of Bartlett said he golfs quite a bit during the warmer months, but Saturday was his first time hitting balls in the snow.

"They needed a fourth," Brownfield said about his friends, while sipping on Amstel Light in the clubhouse. "I'm sure I won't be good."