2009 GGO Postponed

As you may or may not have heard, my baby daughter Ava requires surgery, and it has been (re-)scheduled for July 31. Therefore, the 2009 GGO is postponed, and likely not to be re-scheduled for this year.

The 2010 GGO is likely to be in a completely different, and therefore more exciting, format.

2009 GGO is Set for August 1

The GGO Competition Committee hereby invites you to the 18th Open Championship.The “Gross,” as it has been come to be known, is named for the Cubs outfielder/pinch-hitter of the mid-late 1970s who shares batting side (left), first name (Greg), and birthday (August 1), with the tournament director. For more info on Greg Gross, click here.

UNBREAKABLE RULES:

All players must attend the post-tournament Awards Ceremony, to be held again this year at nearby Grandpa’s Place in Glenview.

The low scorer must wear the coveted “Pink Visor” on the course, and the high scorer must wear same for the first round of cold, frosty beverages.

Ties for first or last place MUST be broken with a playoff hole, that is, if the tie is discovered on the course.

Apparel typically worn on nice golf courses strongly discouraged. Ditto for spikes.

Don't invite jerks to play.

Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification, a lifetime ban from future Greg Gross Opens, and in some cases, death.

This year's event will again be held at Anetsberger Golf Course in Northbrook, with two sets of nine holes, and a cut after the initial nine holes. Those that miss the cut will carry around the cooler and alternately cheer, heckle and taunt those in competition. No caddies, no carts, but plenty of parking. This is a “competitive” tournament, but the main point of this event is to have fun, not show off your prowess.

• WHEN: August 1, 2009 Approx. 10:00 a.m.

• R.S.V.P. GregGrossOpen@hotmail.com

For weather conditions at the course, please click here.

The Tournament is always looking for additional corporate sponsors to award prizes for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, etc. We thank Botek, BikerStuff4U, and the Company Peter Works For for its fine support in the past and look forward to working with these and new corporate sponsors in the future.

I hope to see all of you there.

Very truly yours always sincerely,

Gregory F. Kelly
Tournament Director

2008 Greg Gross Open Recap

Unseasonably temperate weather for early August greeted the eighteen golfers in 5 groups that gathered at Anetsberger Golf Course in Northbrook for the 2008 Greg Gross Open. As we have done for last few Opens held at Anetsberger, there was a cut after nine holes, with 12 golfers moving on to the back nine.

The weather meant (for most) a leisurely eighteen holes of somewhat competitive play. Tradition was thrown out the door, however, as those that missed the cut, in lieu of acting as gallery and carrying the coolers, instead retired to the Cypress Inn for a light lunch and what could be later described as a verbal dustup with a tattooed 23 year old. Another player that missed the cut, Kevin Kelly, decided to leave the event entirely, in hopes of triggering a lifetime ban. He should be so lucky. Thanks also to Rene Bernier, who missed the cut but provided fresh beer to most, and sandwiches for the cranky in the group.

The other tradition thrown out due to exhaustion of competitors was the first place tiebreaker. Instead of playing it off, the tie was broken by playing “Guess Today’s Cubs Attendance.”

The Awards Ceremony at Grandpa’s Place was changed slightly with the opportunity for players to steal others prize a la the White Elephant game. No one really took advantage. Special thanks to all that provided prizes.

T-1st Scott Gillman 32-32-64 (won playoff)
T-1st Stan Kitzinger 34-30-64
3rd Troy Navarra 36-33-69
T-4th David Dreckmann 37-33-70
T-4th Chris Libby 36-34-70
T-6th Frank Murtha 35-37-72
T-6th Scott Strangberg 33-39-72
T-8th Craig Lederer 36-38-74
T-8th Michael Dreckmann 37-37-74
10th Bob Lumicao 38-40-78
11th Burke Seeberg 37-42-79
12th Greg Kelly 37-48-85

Tim Seeberg MC
Pat Doran MC
Tom Wolter MC
Adam Berger MC
Rene Bernier MC
Kevin Kelly MC

Congrats to Bob Lumicao for winning the AGA title, though the Tournament Director did make the cut for the first time in the “cut” era, including a birdie on the 108 yard 7th hole. Christopher Libby won the Rookie of the Year, though there was a lot of talk that his group was scoring liberally, as well as Mr. Congeniality.

The tentative plan is to hold the 2009 Greg Gross Open on August 1, so mark your calendar. Additionally, please voice your opinion on the site of next year’s tournament by voting on the left side here.

2008 Greg Gross Open First Round Groupings

· Greg Kelly
· Tim Seeberg
· Burke Seeberg*
· Scott Strangberg*
· Pat Doran

· Michael Dreckmann
· Adam Berger**
· Scott Gillman*
· Tom Wolter**

· David Dreckmann
· Kevin Kelly
· Stan Kitzinger*
· Frank Murtha

· Rene Bernier
· Craig Lederer
· Chris Libby**
· Troy Navarra


*Former GGO Champion
** GGO Rookie

2008 Greg Gross Open Rules

You have decided to play the 2008 Greg Gross Open. Good for you!

Please meet at 1000 am, and we will get started when everyone arrives.

Anetsberger Golf Course is at 180 Anets Drive, Northbrook. Google Maps has it. It is off Techny Road between Shermer and Waukegan Road.

The Awards Ceremony is at Grandpa’s Place, 1868 Prairie St, Glenview, IL.

UNBREAKABLE RULES:
1) Have Fun!

2) There are at least 16 golfers this year. The cut, after nine holes, will likely be for the top 12.

3) One mulligan per nine holes is allowed. The mulligan must be on a tee shot, and if taken, must be played, even if worse than the original shot. Unused mulligans are forfeited, and there can be no boasting about unused mulligans.

4) No player may give another unsolicited golf tips.

5) Shots into the water carry one-stroke penalty. Drop on the other side near the water.

6) Balls hit out of bounds are treated like punts. Drop (without penalty) where the ball went out of bounds.

7) There is no rain date. As always, it should be ridiculously hot, and while we will provide some beer/pop, please bring your own hydration. I will not be going to the ER for anyone. Check weather conditions here.

8) The low scorer must wear the coveted “Pink Visor” on the course, and the high scorer must wear the Pink Visor for the first round of cold, frosty beverages.

9) Ties for first or last place will be played on the 1st hole. Subsequent playoff holes will be the 2nd, then back to the 1st. After that, if there is still no winner, both players will be disqualified, and the Tournament Director will name the Champion.

10) No whining!

11) Opening groupings will be made by the Tournament Director. . Second Nine groupings will be based on Front Nine scoring. Changing the groupings is strictly forbidden.

12) When in doubt, see Rules #1 and #10.

13) Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification, a lifetime ban from future Greg Gross Opens, and in some cases, death.

See you at 1000 am!
Gregory F. Kelly
Tournament Director

2008 Greg Gross Open Set For August 2

The GGO Competition Committee hereby invites you to the 17th Open Championship.The “Gross,” as it has been come to be known, is named for the Cubs outfielder/pinch-hitter of the mid-late 1970s who shares batting side (left), first name (Greg), and birthday (August 1), with the tournament director.For more info on Greg Gross, click here.

UNBREAKABLE RULES:

 All players must attend the post-tournament Awards Ceremony, to be held this again year at nearby Grandpa’s Place in Glenview.

 The low scorer must wear the coveted “Pink Visor” on the course, and the high scorer must wear same for the first round of cold, frosty beverages.

 Ties for first or last place MUST be broken with a playoff hole.

 Apparel typically worn on nice golf courses strongly discouraged. Ditto for spikes.

 Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification, a lifetime ban from future Greg Gross Opens, and in some cases, death.

This year's event will again be held at Anetsberger Golf Course in Northbrook, with two sets of nine holes, and a cut after the initial nine holes. Those that miss the cut will carry around the cooler and alternately cheer, heckle and taunt those in competition.No caddies, no carts, but plenty of parking. This is a “competitive” tournament, but the main point of this event is to have fun, not show off your prowess.

• WHEN: August 2, 2008 Approx. 10:00 a.m.

• R.S.V.P. GregGrossOpen@hotmail.com (or in the Comments section below)

For weather conditions at the course, please click here. The Tournament is always looking for additional corporate sponsors to award prizes for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, etc. We thank Botek, J.C. Whitney, and the Company Peter Works For for its fine support in the past and look forward to working with these and new corporate sponsors in the future.

I hope to see all of you there.

Very truly yours always sincerely,

Gregory F. Kelly

Tournament Director

The GGO Planning Committee is endeavoring to get Liquid Blue (seen with Gross) to play post-tournament.

2007 GGO Cancelled

The 2007 Greg Gross Open has been cancelled "for lack of advertising funds."

Perhaps it was because of the high number of people who couldn't make it.

Perhaps it was because of the lack of response from people at all.

Perhaps it was because of the late notice.

Perhaps it was because of the golf course.

Perhaps it was because of the Tournament Director's babysitter issues.

Perhaps it was because of the potentially oppressively hot weather.

Perhaps it was because of the Tournament Director's apathy.

Perhaps it was because the event needs a year off to rest.

Perhaps it was because no one wanted crappy give aways as prizes.

Perhaps it was because everyone wanted Scott Strangberg to have another year to defend his title.

Quizas, Quizas, Quizas

2007 GGO Set

The GGO Competition Committee hereby invites you to the 17th Open Championship.

The “Gross,” as it has been come to be known, is named for the Cub outfielder/pinch-hitter of the mid-late 1970s who shares batting side (left), first name (Greg), and birthday (August 1), with the tournament director.

For more info on Greg Gross, click here.

UNBREAKABLE RULES:
 All players must attend the post-tournament Awards Ceremony, to be held this again year at nearby Grandpa’s Place in Glenview.
 The low scorer must wear the coveted “Pink Visor” on the course, and the high scorer must wear same for the first round of cold, frosty beverages.
 Ties for first or last place MUST be broken with a playoff hole.
 Apparel typically worn on nice golf courses strongly discouraged. Ditto for spikes.
 Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification, a lifetime ban from future Greg Gross Opens, and in some cases, death.

By popular demand, this year's event will again be held at Anetsberger Golf Course in Northbrook, with two sets of nine holes, and a cut after the initial nine holes. Those that miss the cut will carry around the cooler and alternately cheer, heckle and taunt those in competition.No caddies, no carts, but plenty of parking. This is a “competitive” tournament, but the main point of this event is to have fun, not show off your prowess.

• WHEN: August 4, 2007 (sorry for the short notice)Approx. 10:00 a.m.

• R.S.V.P. GregGrossOpen@hotmail.com (or in the Comments section below)

For weather conditions at the course, please click here.

The Tournament is always looking for additional corporate sponsors to award prizes for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, etc. We thank Botek, J.C. Whitney, and the Company Peter Works For for its fine support in the past and look forward to working with these and new corporate sponsors in the future.I hope to see all of you there.

Very truly yours always sincerely,

Gregory F. Kelly
Tournament Director

2006 GGO Recap

It was a hot day, and rookie Scott Strangberg of the Milwaukee area won the title at the newly-reconfigured Anets Golf Club. Good times were had by all at Grandpa's Place in Glenview, where the Awards Ceremony was held.



The full roster of contestants: (*indicates rookie)
Rene Bernier*
Brett Clancy*
Pat Doran
David Dreckmann*
Mike Dreckmann*
Howard Hirsch
Greg Kelly
Peter Kelly
Kevin Kelly
Stan Kitzinger
Bob Lumicao
Burke Seeberg
Scott Strangberg*

2005 GGO Recap

Pleasantly warm sun and cool lake breezes were the highlights of what was possibly the most comfortable weather in the history of the Greg Gross Open. Nine golfers in two groups teed off last Saturday morning at Peter N. Jans Golf Course, a longtime home of the GGO.

In a tournament that has seen exciting play through the years, this year’s GGO featured a furious back nine comeback from a player in the lead group, so furious that it was not discovered until the Awards Ceremony that there was a tie. As you are aware, when golfers tie after eighteen, playoff holes are played. If the playoff holes end in a tie, the golfers in the playoff are disqualified for wasting time.

So, as Bob Lumicao stormed through the back nine in the group of five duffers, and Scott Gillman held off the lead group and to an assumed outright victory, golfers gathered at the UBAA Tap and ordered Collossal burgers. Once the cards were tabulated, however, it was found that Lumicao and Gillman had tied, thus forcing a three hole playoff on the corner Golden Tee. After the golfers tied the first two holes, Stan Kitzinger, defending champion, began rubbing his hands as he knew, as 3rd place finisher, the crown would fall back into his hands with another tied hole.Gillman then took control on the third playoff hole, and the crown was his.

There were no rookies this year, but Lumicao did win the AGA title, besting the Tournament Director, who did birdie the lengthy par 3 8th hole.

1st Scott Gillman
2nd Bob Lumicao
3rd Stan Kitzinger
4th Jim Rose
5th Frank Murtha
6th Craig Lederer
7th Greg Kelly
8th Kevin Kelly
9th James Slater

James Slater, who now lives closest to PNJGC since his recent move to Wilmette, wore the Pink Visor with pride, taking it off only after asking “Do I still need to be wearing this?” It was a victory indeed for Slater, who anticipated not finishing ther GGO after coming to the course without balls or clubs. He did buy $.50 slightly experienced balls and left the course with some to spare.

It was agreed that the GGO would rotate between Peter N. Jans Golf Course in Evanston and Anets Golf Course, which is currently being renovated by the Northbrook Park District.

We thank everyone who stayed for attending, and hope you mark your calendar for

July 29, 2006*
*tentative

2004 Greg Gross Open Recap

Coolish breezes and blazing sun welcomed the field of the 2004 Greg Gross Open. Sixteen golfers began the tournament, with twelve golfers making the cut. For the second straight year, a Northbrook native cracked under the pressure of the lead group, and finished fifteen shots off the pace. Stan Kitzinger held off Scott Gillman by birdying the 17th Hole, and eased into a four stroke victory.

The only real drama was for the 11th and 12th and final cut spots, with three golfers carding a First Round 50. Bob Lumicao got the first played off spot, and Jim Rose eliminating the Tournament Director on the 11th Hole.

Rookie of the Year was Taylor Stroud, who though he missed the Cut, qualified as a finisher by drinking beer at Grandpa’s.

Stan Kitzinger 38-35-73
Scott Gillman 39-38-77
Burke Seeberg 42-38-80
Remo Zanocco 41-41-82
Craig Lederer 46-39-85
Pat Doran 38-50-88
Bob Lumicao 50-49-89
Jim Rose 50-45-95
Kevin Butler 47-39-96
Greg Kelly 50-MC
Taylor Stroud MC
Kevin Kelly MC
Neal McKnight MC

Neal McKnight was a good sport as the Pink Visor winner, which is fortunate, as he really sucks as a golfer, and the Awards Ceremony was highlighted by the kind words of a letter from Tim Seeberg, the visit by the Tournament Director’s father, and word of the Cubs’ acquisition of Nomar Garciaparra, which led to a frantic search for confirmation and details.

It was not a silver lining without a touch of gray. Three of the four first-time players left the course before the first round of beverages at the Awards Ceremony, qualifying them for a Lifetime Ban. Though the ignored the GGO credo: “Better Not to Come Than to Leave Early,” the GGO Tournament Director decided that the fate of the these three (Known collectively as “Three Partners at the Firm I Work at and thus Control My Immediate Economic Destiny When I Have a Wedding to Pay For, as Well as a Mortgage”), who have asked for a reprieve.

Pending a weighted vote of those who have played the GGO, their scores are permanently expunged from every GGO Record, except the Banned List. Scott Gillman was absent from the Awards Ceremony, but the Tournament Director has not banned him, considering his loyalty to the Tournament through the years (that and I was supposed to lead him to Grandpa’s, but I lost him.)

The future of the Greg Gross Open includes the return of the tournament to the Peter N. Jans Golf Course in Evanston, with The Awards Ceremony returning to The UBAA Tap. Apparently Anets Golf Course will be renovated and improved in the coming year, and it will allow the tournament to maintain its freshness by rotating the venue.

We thank everyone who stayed for attending, and hope you mark your calendar for July 30, 2005!

2003 GGO Recap

Thirteen golfers, including two rookies, assembled at Anetsburger Golf Course on Saturday for the 2003 Greg Gross Open. The cut of top eight scores and ties went the full 18. The Tournament Director, swinging a club for the first time since the 2001 GGO carded a first nine 49, to miss the cut by a single stroke. Rookie of the year was James Slater, playing golf for the second time ever, beating out Pink Visor and fellow rookie Kevin Butler. Butler was thrilled with his prize, a grill that plugs into a car lighter.

Hometown hero Paul Festenstein led through nine holes, but got a nose bleed from being so high on the leader board that he promptly deposited his tee shot on the 10th into the water. At the same time, Remo Zanocco parred the first three holes of the back nine, gaining 5 strokes on the other 3 in the foursome and cruised to his first Greg Gross Open title. Though records of such things have not been kept, it is believed that Zanocco is the only golfer to play in every GGO since the tournament was opened up beyond the AGA.

The Awards Ceremony this year was held at Grandpa’s in Glenview, and we enjoyed good service, good weather, and cold beer. It was so nice out that we sat outside, so Gold Ball was put on hiatus for the year. Dad was happy to see everybody.

We thank everyone for attending, and hope you mark your calendar for the first Saturday in August 2004, for the 2004 Greg Gross Open.


Very truly yours always sincerely,
Gregory F. Kelly
Tournament Director