One day, two Sun City golf groups’ fun

HUNTLEY — On Tuesday mornings, from the cold of April to mid-September, Sun City residents and other seniors line up for their tee times for at Pinecrest Golf Club in Huntley. A Sun City Men’s Senior League and a Sun City Mixed League are offered.

This Tuesday was expected to be hotter than most, but the regulars still came for their starts, and the 18-holes Men’s Senior League as early as 7:30 a.m.

Betty Benson is the starter for the Sun City Men’s Seniors golfers and has been since in that role since 2006.

“I remember when we would write down all the names and starting times, but that would be hard if someone came in late. Now we use a I-pad, but I still have a walkie talkie,” Benson, of Sun City said.

Benson followed the late Gene Puetz. He was a long-time helper on the golf course, from his first hole location, from 1998 to 2014. “Gene was great. He had a gruff voice and would shout, ‘it’s your tee time, get to the first hole,’” Benson said.

Justin Cripe, Pinecrest’s director of golf operations, said the two leagues have been in existence for many year, starting at Marengo Ridge Golf Club.

“They have been here a while. It varies, but they normally have about 80 golfers. Some of the men golf 18 holes in the morning then another nine when their wives arrive for the mixed league,” Cripe said. “They have fun with golf score handicap games, and play the same opponents each week.”

One golfer, Pat Brady, participated in the men’s league until his 90s, but stopped league play this year. Another golfs as he recovers from a stroke.

All golfers this Tuesday’s Sun City morning leagues praised their format. While scores are kept, no leader board or season standings could be found. Most are from Sun City but there is no set residency rule. One of the top golfers, participants said, is in his 90s.

“It’s a good league and friendly competition,” Sun City resident Ben Ebeling said. He was set to start his golf day with Greg Carr, Jim Moellendorf and Andy Jones, all from Sun City.

After the fellas are done, a mixed group of golfers takes over for their afternoon slot. All happened to be from from Sun City.

“It’s the camaraderie,” Adelo Bowen, golfing with Don Hattendorf, said.

“It’s a lot of fun, and you get to meet nice people,” Linda Knopsnydorf, golfing with husband Paxton said.

“We love that it is so informal,” Marvin Kuhn, whose wife Judy helps organize the weekly pairings, said.