Hinsdale Magazine | Spotlight
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he Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA), through its charitable arm, Sunshine Through Golf Foundation (STGF), conducts therapeutic golf programs for people with special needs, such as disabled military veterans. It also facilitates fundraising efforts that involve charity golf events throughout the Chicago area. According to Casey Richards, director of communications for the CDGA, the non-profit organization also has a close link to Hinsdale. Francis Peabody of the Peabody coal fortune was a longtime member and president of Hinsdale Golf Club in the early 1900s. On March 18, 1914, under his direction, the CDGA was formed as a local governing body that was focused on caddy welfare and conducting amateur golf tournaments throughout the Midwest. Hinsdale Magazine sat down with Richards who gave an historical perspective. “We were founded in 1914 at Hinsdale Golf Club, dating back to World War I, when people dropped dimes in a bucket on the first tee which would go to the American Red Cross to help relief efforts,” Richards said. “CDGA Foundation was officially formalized in 1944 to help war veterans return.”
Director of communications Casey Richards, executive director Robert Markionni and manager of communications Tim Merrick
Back in the game
Chicago District Golf Association welcomes military veterans, individuals with special needs BY SCOTT JONLICH
The Sunshine Through Golf Foundation, which the CDGA started in 1999, is recognized by the USGA as the largest grassroots golf program designed specifically for individuals with disabilities in the country. Recently, it conducted over 90 golf camps reaching more than 1,200 individuals, and the program has expanded beyond veterans to others with physical and mental challenges, including juniors and the economically disadvantaged. Earlier efforts to help those with disabilities started after World War II, when several short-hole golf courses were established near veteran’s hospitals so those with disabilities could return to a sport they enjoyed before their injuries. An important feature of STGF is the Sunshine Course. Laid out on the grounds of the Midwest Golf House in Lemont, across from famous Cog Hill, Sunshine is a par-3 course designed specifically to serve individuals with disabilities. Hinsdale Magazine met with CDGA executive director Robert Markionni at CDGA Foundation and Midwest Golf House in Lemont.
“The biggest thing is having a positive
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