An Uncommon Way Forward: Godfather Open

Godfather Open

a godfather's musings

In the summer of 2015 a willing handful of golf enthusiasts embarked collectively on their very first trip to Devil's Head for a weekend of golf, friendship, relaxation and most importantly - fun.

Each year since has seen this annual visit emerge among friends. What I hope to capture here in this web page is the essence of these important times together, a home we can all visit at our leisure - especially when the weather is dreadfully cold and snow storms abound. You will find at the bottom of this page the opportunity to post comments in blog fashion for all to read and respond to.

Here are some of the rememberances I have over the years:

plenty of laughs ... lots of kidding and ribbing ... newcomers gladly being welcomed ... new friends being made ... raucus games of 21 in the pool ... introduction of new kinds of beer one might never have imagined ... late nights in the Devil's Den ... wedding crashing ... more use of mulligans than there are grains of sand in the Sahara ... gimmes the length of a football field ... bumper cars ... golf tensomes ... monsoons ... wilting heat ... mostly beautiful weather with wonderful vistas ... greens impossible to read ... chiropractic cart paths ... audibly loud books on tape ... outrageous storytelling ... near cataclysmic microbursts ... and time I'll never forget spent with my sons and their terrific friends.

Sons Keith and Craig are now its caretakers. I have gladly taken on the role as Godfather Open archivist and historian. I thank all who have made the time and sacrificed otherwise vital and cherished time away from family and work to gather in brotherhood. I thank you for so honoring me as this outing's "Godfather". I will always remember our band of merry-makers as men of honor, good will and good fun.

Keep the tradition going. Reach out to others of the same character and extend an invitation to join along. Perhaps one day each of you, I hope, will have the esteemed pleasure of having a son, nephew, godson (a daughter, niece or goddaughter?), beloved friend or family member in a golf cart seated next to you.

May the golf gods be with you,

Godfather

2025 - 11th Annual

July 11 - 13

Attendees: Jim Bodnar, Brad Gilliat, Steve Hansen, Steve Hansen, Sr, Scott Hansen, Adam Hoge, Ricky Holby, Liam McKenna, Dan Orms, Max Tongate, Craig Willert, Keith Willert, Peter Willert.

Photos and Videos:

Godfather Cup:

High Gross Points Medalists:

Gold:

Silver:

Bronze:

High Net Points Medalists:

Gold:

Silver:

Bronze:

2024 - 10th Annual

July 12 - 14

Attendees: Jim Bodnar, Brad Gilliat, Steve Hansen, Steve Hansen, Sr, Adam Hoge, Ricky Holby, John Holby, Liam McKenna, Max Tongate, Craig Willert, Keith Willert, Peter Willert.

Photos and Videos:

2023 - 9th Annual

July 15 - 17

Attendees: Jim Bodnar, Steve 'wine distributer' Hansen, Adam Hoge, Ricky Holby, Liam McKenna, Dan 'just so you know, that was a 5 wood, not a 3 wood, I just smoked' Orms, Max Tongate, Craig Willert, Keith Willert, Peter Willert.

Photos and Videos:

2022 - 8th Annual

July 15 - 17

Attendees: Drew Bennett, Jim Bodnar, Steve Hansen, Adam Hoge, Ricky Holby, Brad Gilliat, Liam McKenna, Tony Nazos, Dan "nice ... never mind" Orms, Jeff Sefcik, Quinten Sefcik, Trevor Sefcik, Travis Shea, Max Tongate, Craig Willert, Keith Willert, Peter Willert.

Photos and Videos:

The Godfather Challenge award ceremony (click here)

2021 - 7th Annual

July 23 - 25

Attendees: Brad Gilliat, Jim Bodnar, Keith Willert, Liam McKenna, Peter Willert, Craig Willert, John Lauer.

Photos and Videos:

Where's Liberace? (click here to view)

2020 - 6th Annual

July 10 - 12

Attendees: Brad Gilliat, Adam Hoge, Jim Bodnar, Justin Cox, Keith Willert, Liam McKenna, Peter Willert, Travis Shea and Craig Willert

Photos and Videos:

2019 - 5th Annual

July 12-15

Attendees: Brad Gilliat, Adam Hoge, Jim Bodnar, Justin Cox, Keith Willert, Liam McKenna, Matt Myers, Peter Willert, Steve Hansen, Travis Shea, Zach Posey and Craig Willert

Photos and Videos:

2015 to 2018: 1st through 4th Annual

Attendees: Brad Gilliat, Adam Hoge, Jim Bodnar, Justin Cox, Keith Willert, Liam McKenna, Peter Willert, Steve Hansen, Travis Shea, Zach Posey, Craig Willert and John Lauer.

Photos and Videos:

3 comments:

Peter WillertJuly 16, 2019 at 1:05 PM
I'll be the first to jump in. What a great time. Thanks to all.
ReplyDelete
Replies
JimJuly 2, 2021 at 8:02 PM
Umm so how have we never noticed or commented
on how jacked the waitress is in our group photo in 2019. Guns are out
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousJuly 19, 2022 at 3:43 PM
Had a blast. Thanks for including us. The Godfather Open acted as the final chapter of my summer. Refreshed and ready to go into my 31st year in education.
ReplyDelete
Replies

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I have navigated through my life’s work as an educator, coach, personal wellness consultant, business development professional and entrepreneur. A graduate of DePaul University (BA) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (MS), I am founder and president of the John Anthony George Foundation (501c3). In addition to my Wellness practice, Adjunct Professor of Health, Wellness and Sport and Interscholastic Sports Official and Events Planner complete the present status of my life's work, signaling a true and rewarding Portfolio Career Employment expression.

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North Park University, Mercy College of Health Sciences and Wilbur Wright College

Interscholastic Sports Official and Events Planner...

Basketball - NAIA/IHSA and Volleyball - IHSA

Founder and President of the John Anthony George Foundation...

A fully recognized 501c3. Founded in 2005.

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The John Anthony George Foundation seeks to support deserving and underfunded youth education and sports activities in Chicago and proudly dedicates its mission to the memory of John Anthony George Willert (1919 to 2005)

Society of Benefactors

... Karen, Kate and Brad Gilliat
... Florence and Joseph Schaeffer
... Elizabeth (Betty) Willert
... John E. and Bryan Willert
... Peter and Lizbeth Willert
... Gerri (Willert) and Ed Koval

... James Binsfeld

... Paul Griffin

... David Lyng

... William Miller

... Jon Michael and Jenny Willert

... Lindsay Willert

... Keith, Gwendolyn and Zooey Willert

... Craig Willert

... Keith and Gwen Willert

... Steve Hansen

... Travis Shea

... Brad Dowling

... Jeannie and Joe Ponsetto

... George Courts

... Joe Marino

... Joe Thornhill

... Peter Bouzeos

... Megan Molloy

... Evan Bernstein

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Peter,

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E-mail us at breakout@ai-ltd.net or call us at 773-230-8817 with questions and comments.

Registry of AUWF Workshops and Lectures...

Associations and Societies, et al

Greater Chicago Diabetes Care Advocacy Council

Academic Institutions, et al

North Park University, IL (School of Adult Learning)
McHenry County College, IL
DePaul University, Chicago, IL (School of New Learning)
Lake County IL Technology Campus
Harold Washington College

Chambers of Commerce, et al

Edison Park Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, IL

Career and Small Business Coaching Enterprises, et al

Small Business Development Centers of Ill.
Illinois Department of Employment Services
Career Transition Center of Chicago
Barrington Career Center, Barrington, IL
workNet DuPage Career Center, Lisle, IL

At Large Customers...

Executive Network Group of Greater Chicago, Inc.

Meetings and Conferences

DePaul University - Career Week Keynote Address - February 2011

Donate here to the JAGF. Please see your tax advisor to determine tax implications of your donation.

E-mail us at breakout@ai-ltd.net or call us at 773-230-8817 with questions and comments.

Godfather Open

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