Jack Westby, Elgin Country Club caddie from the 1940's, came back to play the course one more time.

July 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Jack Westby was born on in Elgin in 1932.  He grew up in Elgin and began caddying at the Elgin Country Club in 1943.  During his time as a caddie, he also raked the sand traps and whipped the greens at the Club.  At one point, Mr. Westby spent a season in the clubhouse shining the members’ shoes.  Mr. Westby attended Elgin High School and was on the golf team.  Elgin Country Club was their home course.  He graduated from high school and attended on e of the earliest classes at Elgin Community College.  He then attended the University of Illinois.  After graduating, Mr. Westby served two years in the Army, attaining the rank of Corporal.  Following his service, Mr. Westby began his career as an insurance professional with The Travelers, and spent 40 years with the company.  He married Mary Ann Thornhill in 1954 and the couple had three children.  Jack Westby currently lives with Mary Ann in Glen Ellyn, where he enjoys playing golf and traveling.

The highlight of Jack Westby’s caddie career was the match between two Elgin Country Club Members and two professional golfers.  In 1947, Mr. Westby was picked by Head Professional Willie Leith to caddie for 1943 Club Champion John Morrell, in an exhibition match that featured two famous golf professionals, Byron Nelson and Henry Ransom.  The group also included 1946 Club Champion and course record holder John Gostelle.  Nelson, who holds the longest string of pro tour victories in history, shot a 68.  Ransom, a member of the 1952 Ryder Cup team, shot a 66.  Morrell and Gostelle must have been somewhat intimidated as both shot a 76 that day.  Morrell won the Elgin Country Club Championship in 1943, 1947 and 1949, and played in a number of amateur and senior amateur tournaments.  Gostelle, the former Caddie Master for the Club, shot a 63 in 1933, which is still the course record.

OIn Tuesday, July 20th, Mr. Westby returned to the Club and course where he caddied during that famous match.  Mr. Westby, now in his 80’s, spent the day at Elgin Country Club reminiscing and enjoying the course.  He had lunch with Dave O’Hara, Membership Chairman, Erik Davison, Club Member and Devin Skopek, Elgin Country Club’s most recent Evans Scholar.  They discussed the famous 1947 match, as well as many other stories Mr. Westby recalled from his time as a caddie.  Mr. Westby, his son Michael, Mr. Davison and Devin then played the course.  Devin, recognized as an Evan’s Scholar for his work as a caddie, provided much needed assistance to Mr. Westby, who remarked that the course was “much different” back then.  Only six of the original holes are still in play at Elgin CC.

Elgin Country Club was grateful to have Jack Westby out to play the course again.  As the fourth oldest private golf facility in Illinois, the Club has a lot of history.  The staff and Members at the Club were glad to host Mr. Westby, and provide another chapter in the Club’s history.  Mr. Westby was gracious for the opportunity to play the course he grew up on once more.  He and his son enjoyed themselves immensely, and the Club helped create a memory they will both cherish for a long time.

Elgin Country Club, founded in 1901, is the fourth oldest private golf facility in Illinois.  Elgin Country Club is member-owned and offers a dynamic and scenic 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, pool and multiple dining venues.  The Club has been the site of numerous tournaments and many famous people have graced the course.  Chuck Emmert, Club Member and Elgin CC’s amateur historian, has written a volume full of Elgin CC history.  

For more information, contact Membership Director, Michael Storey at 847-622-4821 or mstorey@elgincc.com, or visit Elgin Country Club online at http://www.elgincc.com/.

# # #

Elgin Country Club is a private country club featuring an 18 hole golf course, state-of-the-art practice facility, professional instruction, Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts and multiple dining and banquet facilities.