Golf league keeps seniors chasing that hole-in-one
A hole-in-one is something golfers strive for and dream about -- perfecting their stance, practicing swings even in winter, perhaps even putting a ball on the living room carpet.
Richard Koepke -- who is proud of his lowest golf score of 76 and once held an eight handicap -- still strives for that all elusive hole-in-one. Koepke, 86, is chairman of the S&H Seniors Golf League of the Schaumburg Park District.
"It's a once in a lifetime thing to get a hole-in-one, Koepke said. "What focuses me is my involvement in the golf league."
Koepke, who has been league chairman for 22 years and shares duties with co-chairman Ed Kelby, explained that the "S" in the league name stands for Schaumburg and Streamwood and the "H" for Hoffman Estates and Hanover Park, although the 205 members hail from 25 towns.
Men and women ages 55 and older may join the nine-hole league. First tee off at 7 a.m. Tuesdays from May to September at the Schaumburg Golf Club. The league's oldest player is 91.
An organizational meeting to register and accept new members will take place at 1 p.m. April 1 in the Schaumburg Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. The fee is $30.
Green fees and cart fees are the responsibility of members on play day, the first of which is May 6. Call the center for further information at (847) 490-7026.
The golf season consists of 22 weeks of open play and special competitive events, among which are the fewest putts, par three, closest to the pin, four club, best team and two player lowest score tournaments.
There also is the S&H Classic Championship, in which golfers pair according to their handicap. The player with the lowest net score is the winner. The awards banquet is Oct. 7, an event that affords members the opportunity to collect trophies and cash.
The league's advisors are Schaumburg Park District division manager Dave Haring, senior center supervisor Lisa Perrone and director of golf operations Pepi Irwin of the Schaumburg Golf Club.
"The purpose of our league is to meet new friends, have a friendly competition and have fun," Koepke said. "What we have today developed over 22 years."
Formerly of Hoffman Estates, Koepke lives with his wife, Annette, in Schaumburg. The couple, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary in May, have two sons, Richard and Michael.
Active in the community, Koepke is a former Boy Scout leader and coach for the Schaumburg Athletic Association. During his business career, he served as regional service manager in the electronics area for W. T. Grant Co.
After his retirement he worked at Walnut Greens, a Schaumburg golf course. He retired with the rank of major from the military service in 1966, and in World War II he saw action in Italy, France, Germany and Austria.
As far as that often thought of hole-in-one, Koepke doesn't give up hope.
"Maybe it will be this season," he said, tongue in cheek.
Catholic school registration: Registration is ongoing, not only for 3- and 4-year-old preschool, but half-day and full-day kindergarten and all eight grades at St. Hubert Catholic School in Hoffman Estates.
Daily religion classes combine with high-quality education at the school, featuring a fine arts program, band, chorus, sports, state-of-the-art computer system and multimedia library.
There is free school bus service for those in the district, and before-and-after school care for working parents.
Call vice principal Alison O'Connor for a school tour at (847) 885-7702.