Chicago Adaptive Open returns for year two with new site, presenting sponsor
This article appeared in the February 2025 edition of Chicago District Golfer.
To read more Chicago District Golfer stories, head to our article archive.
Following last year's inaugural event at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, the 2025 Chicago Adaptive Open will be contested at Fox Bend Golf Course, June 21-22.
Florida’s Ryanne Jackson, one of the best adaptive golfers in the world, came one stroke shy of winning the Overall title in the Inaugural Chicago Adaptive Open last June at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club.
While disappointed in the immediate aftermath, Jackson, who has scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy, already had her sights set on 2025.
“There’s always the next tournament and next year for [the Chicago Adaptive Open],” Jackson said at the time. “I’m looking forward to coming back.”
Many elements of the maiden event will remain the same in year two for Jackson and the other golfers with physical and intellectual disabilities. The competition will be 36 holes across two days, June 21–22, with the field competing for a purse of $15,000 in 15 different Sports Classifications.
Two major elements will be different for 2025, however.
First – the venue. Fox Bend Golf Course in Oswego will host. The Oswegoland Park District facility located in the western suburbs has been the site of three Illinois Opens. While it can max out at 6,900 yards, the course will be modified in multiple ways to be suitable and welcoming for the adaptive athletes.
“While we welcome the economic benefits of hosting this special event and spotlighting local businesses, the Chicago Adaptive Open will showcase the Oswegoland Park District as a community leader that values inclusivity and supporting athletes of all abilities,” added Executive Director Tom Betsinger. “We look forward to the lasting impact the Chicago Adaptive Open will have on our residents and community.”
The other enhancement for 2025 – a presenting sponsor, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI). André Blom, the company’s CEO, saw a natural fit between the IBJI mission of supporting athletes and the CDGA’s efforts to grow the adaptive golf movement.
“IBJI is extremely proud to partner with the CDGA and the Chicago Adaptive Open. This exciting collaboration aims to support and empower athletes through their passion for golf,” said Blom.
The event was created in 2024 as part of an ever-growing national adaptive golf movement. Competitive and non-competitive playing opportunities for individuals with disabilities continue to rise. In addition to creating the Chicago Adaptive Open, the CDGA will provide more than 3,500 free adaptive golf lessons in local middle schools and high schools in 2025 in partnership with the Midwest Golf House-based United States Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA).
“The CDGA is proud to be a part of the growing adaptive golf movement,” said CDGA Senior Managing Director of Business Development Mike Gilligan. “We are excited to welcome the adaptive golf community back to Chicago, and we look forward to a great weekend at Fox Bend as well as making this event one that the entire Oswego community will want to support in some way, shape or form.”
The 2024 Overall crown at Cog Hill was claimed by Arizona native Jarrett Fultz, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. Following a disappointing first round, the then-23-year-old carded a 1-under 71 in the final round to best Jackson by one stroke. Jackson claimed the Women’s Overall title, while Kirk Holmberg of Hutchinson, Kansas earned Overall honors in the Senior Division.
Registration for the event will open at CDGA.org/ AdaptiveOpen on Tuesday, March 4. In addition to the likes of Fultz, Jackson and Holmberg, World Golf Hall of Famer and adaptive golf icon Dennis Walters is expected to be among the participants.
A variety of opportunities for individuals interested in supporting the event will also be available, including volunteer positions, sponsorship packages and a charity Pro-Am at Fox Bend on Friday, June 20.