Pine Hills Invitational Flashback

25 years ago ...

In only his second time entering the event and despite a bogey on the final hole, Springfield’s Pete Summers shot a 143 to top the 124 player field in 1996. Summers’ victory broke a streak of three straight wins by Peoria’s Ron Ghidina, who stumbled of the gate with a 78 in the opening round. Ottawa’s Joe Maccono and Lombard’s Merritt Cook each carded 144s to finish tied for second, while locals Dante Vicini and Rudy Sipula had 147s to tie for sixth and Jim Waring a 148 to tie for 10th. Peoria’s Robert Denton was the leader after Saturday’s opening round with a 70.

50 years ago ...

Algonquin’s Darran Stanek outlasted the rain on Sunday’s final round as well as a trio of challengers to win the 1996 title with a (71-73) 143. Stanek’s score was the highest winning tally in the past 13 years and the victory was his second after also besting the field in 1993. Chicago’s George Glickley and Rick Ten Broeck posted 145s to tie for second place. Stanek and Ottawa’s Bill Sipula were tied for the lead after the opening round after both carded 71s. Stanek, Glickley, Sipula and Highland’s George Kwasigroh were all tied going into the final nine holes. Sipula registered the best finish from a local, tying for eighth with a 148.