Golf Preview: 46th Annual Dave Rowlands Glenview Open

For the past 45 years, local amateur golfers have showcased their talents during an annual Glenview tournament. This weekend, they'll tee off under different terms and a slight break from tradition.

After considering player feedback, the Glenview Park District has altered rules for  advancing through the tournament and division classifications. These changes will be in effect Sept. 11 and 12 during the 46th Annual Dave Rowlands Glenview Open. Nearly 100 players are expected to compete at the Glenview Park Golf Club, 800 Shermer Rd.

"I am excited about the changes that we've put into effect this year," said Ron Cassidy, golf club general manager for the Park District.

Originally called The Glenview Open, the tournament was created to "showcase"  Glenview players at the end of the season, explained Bob Rowlands. Bob is the son of Dave Rowlands, a golf pro and Park District Employee for more than 30 years. Following Rowlands death in 1993, the tournament was renamed in his honor.

Over the past several years, the score a player needed to qualify for participation in the second day of play has steadily dropped, making the competition increasingly more challenging. Last year, "the cut," a score of 77, was one of the lowest in tournament history, explained Cassidy.  

As a remedy, the Park District has made several revisions to the Open Division, creating a separate Elite Division for those with handicaps of 6.9 and below, and maintaining an Open Division for those with handicaps of seven and above. The Senior Division, for those ages 50-61, and the Super Senior Division, for those 62 and older, remain intact.

In another change, the number of players outside the Elite Division who qualify to advance for Sunday play has increased. Instead of the top 50 percent in each of the lower divisions receiving a pass, the net widens to scoop up the top 66 percent.

Jeff Lawler, the 2001 tournament winner, is scheduled to participate with his three sons, Tom, Kevin and Ryan. The Lawler family has their own season bragging rights on the line.

"Over the years I've always enjoyed golfing with my sons and initiating the golf events," Lawler said. "When they were younger, they would caddy for me in the tournament—Now they're playing with me."

For more information about the golf competition, click here or call 847- 724-0250. Tee times will be posted by noon today.

Check back Monday for tournament results and recap news from Patch.