Willow Crest Golf Club hosts outing for visually impaired vets

WESTMONT – For a sixth straight year, a group of former football coaches banded together to honor and pay respect to a dozen visually impaired veterans.

On Aug. 20, former Westmont and Downers Grove South football coach Jack McInerney hosted the sixth annual golf outing for 12 visually impaired veterans at the Willow Crest Golf Club at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort. The annual outing is part of the Central Blind Rehabilitation Center at Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Hospital program that helps visually impaired veterans cope with their condition.

“It’s important for these guys to know, even though they served in World War II, Korea or Vietnam, we haven’t forgotten about them and their service,” said McInerney, a Westmont resident. “All of our freedoms and liberties are because of them. They are the real heroes and this is our way of honoring them.”

About 9 a.m. Aug. 20, each golfer paired up with one to two caddies, most of whom are former high school football coaches and some, like McInerney, have also served in the Marines.

While on the course, the caddies tee up each shot for the golfers, helping them address and hit the ball, and doling out encouragement and pointers on each hole.

For the golfers and caddies alike, it is a bonding experience.

Navy veteran James Guthrie, of Urbandale, Iowa, was paired Chicago resident Mike O’Neill. Guthrie said while O’Neill dished out some helpful golf tips, the best part of the day was chatting about Iowa State athletics.

“I’ve had so much fun today,” Guthrie said. “It’s nice to get out on the course and bond with these guys. Mike’s an old Iowa State guy, he played football there and my son wrestled there, so it’s really great to have that connection. “

Downers Grove resident Jay Baum agreed, explaining that he decided to caddie for a second straight year in order to continue giving back to the veterans that have given so much.

“It’s such a humbling and rewarding experience,” Baum said. “These are some amazing men who risked their lives for our country, so it’s great to give back and help them in any way possible.”

After playing a few holes, the golfers and caddies were treated to lunch by Club Manager and Golf Pro Randy Bolsted and the Willow Crest staff. During the meal, both caddies and golfers stood up, introducing their golfing partner and sharing what they learned about the man they were paired with.

“It’s the perfect way to end the day,” McInerney said. “Hearing them share stories about one another, you can tell that they really care about the other guy and are so grateful for what each has given.”