CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION

“The CDGA is proud to be a part of the growing adaptive golf movement,” said CDGA Senior Managing Director of Business Development Mike Gilligan. “We are excited to welcome the adaptive golf community back to Chicago, and we look forward to a great weekend at Fox Bend as well as making this event one that the entire Oswego community will want to support in some way, shape or form.”

HOST FACILITY – FOX BEND GOLF COURSE

Oswegoland Park District’s Fox Bend Golf Course is considered a gem of the western suburbs, located 45 minutes from downtown. Built in 1967, Fox Bend is a 6,900-yard, par-72 layout that appeals to all levels of play. With some of the most revered green complexes in the Chicago District, Fox Bend has hosted three Illinois Open Championships.

"We are thrilled to host the Chicago Adaptive Open at Fox Bend Golf Course, where athletes from all backgrounds and abilities can demonstrate their talent, determination and passion for the game of golf,” said Fox Bend General Manager Lou Ramadani, PGA.

In addition to hosting a first-class competition on the course, the Oswegoland Park District looks forward to sharing all that the local community has to offer.

“While we welcome the economic benefits of hosting this special event and spotlighting local businesses, the Chicago Adaptive Open will showcase the Oswegoland Park District as a community leader that values inclusivity and supporting athletes of all abilities,” said Executive Director Tom Betsinger. “We look forward to the lasting impact the Chicago Adaptive Open will have on our residents and community.”

NEW PRESENTING SPONSOR – ILLINOIS BONE AND JOINT INSTITUTE

New in 2025, the Chicago Adaptive Open will be presented by the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI). André Blom, the company’s CEO, saw a natural fit between the IBJI mission of supporting athletes and the CDGA’s efforts to grow the adaptive golf movement.

"IBJI is extremely proud to partner with the CDGA and the Chicago Adaptive Open. This exciting collaboration aims to support and empower athletes through their passion for golf,” said Blom.

EVENT FORMAT

Players in the event will compete across 15 different Sports Classifications based on their disability. Categories include lower limb impairments, visual impairments, short in stature and intellectual disabilities. Each Sports Classification will receive $1,000 of the $15,000 purse, with $500 going to first place, $300 going to second place and $200 going to third place. Purse funds will be reallocated if every Sports Classification is not represented. World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) points will also be awarded.

Competitive playing opportunities for adaptive golfers continue to expand across the country. In June 2024, the CDGA conducted the Inaugural Chicago Adaptive Open at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club’s Course No. 3 in Lemont. Arizona native Jarrett Fultz bested a field of 46 to claim the Overall Championship. Ryanne Jackson of Madeira Beach, Florida took home the Women’s Overall title and Kirk Holmberg of Hutchinson, Kansas earned Overall honors in the Senior Division.

In addition to conducting competitive events, the CDGA is committed to growing the game and increasing access for all individuals with disabilities. In partnership with Lemont-based United States Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA), the CDGA will provide more than 3,500 free adaptive golf lessons in local middle schools and high schools in 2025.

Registration for the 2025 Chicago Adaptive Open will go live at CDGA.org/AdaptiveOpen on Tuesday, March 4. A variety of opportunities for individuals interested in supporting the event will also be available, including volunteer positions, sponsorship packages and a charity Pro-Am at Fox Bend on Friday, June 20. For more information on these initiatives, please contact Mike Gilligan at mgilligan@cdga.org or (630) 685-2331 and Scott Tews at stews@cdga.org or 630-685-2343.