Tam O'Shanter

[Paul Richards]

I'm heading out this afternoon to play what is left of the
original Tam O'Shanter, in Niles, Illinois.

This course hosted the George May $100,000 tournament,
apparently the first PGA event to offer that amount of money.

All the big names came there to play it.

In fact, when I met Sam Snead a couple years ago, I told
him I was from Chicago, and he started asking me if I remembered George May and his great tournament.  When
I humbly informed Mr. Snead that I hadn't been born yet,
he went into a long story about all the Masters' tournaments
he won and played in, but he only got paid $8000 total!!

Anyway, I'm just looking for any and all info that I can get
on Tam, seeing as it is only a 9-hole muni course now.

[SL_Solow]

From what I'm told, there is essentially nothing left of the old layout.  I knew a lot of fellows in my Dad's generation who had been members.  They never emphasized the course but concentrated on the large number of "characters" who belonged and the tremendous amount of "action" available.  I'll be interested to hear what you find

[A_Clay_Man]

Bring your hard hat. It can be slightly dangerous if the course is packed w/ hacks.
There are some very fun holes (tight) as I recall but there is no doubt you can get up and down from two fairways over (if you have to)

There is one hole that requires a tee shot over the river with a slight draw and the last is tough green to hit and hold. But with my memory I could have it all arse backwards.

[Paul Richards]

I played here last night.

The only remaining holes are the first, and the sixth (which
used to be the 16th).  The 8th and 9th used to be one
par 5 and it looks from their aerials as if the 3rd green (old 17th) and 5th green(old 15th) are at least in the same place,
if not the same greenpad.

Most of the course today is now an industrial park area
across the road.

It was fun and interesting to play what's left of this
important place in the history of the PGA Tour and the
fact that George May was such an innovator.

The greens fee of $15 makes it an ideal place for young
kids to learn the game, as the father and son team we were
paired up made that point well.

The only real negative was the starter/ranger/player assistance guy who, in spite of our 6:30 pm tee off time said he was gonna take our cart away at 8:15 whether we were
done or not! (my pregnant wife can't walk or else I'd never
be in a cart!).  On the first hole, as I'm waiting for the green
to clear to hit my 8-iron approach, he also started to swear
at us, but stopped himself before the last few letter came out,
that we better hurry up.  Now, I can't hit an approach while
people are on the green, right?  Anyways, the old coot kept
people moving, so I guess he did his job.

[A_Clay_Man]

Shivas, How drunk and/or pissed were you when I was able to guess your extinct areial of the day back when you went to Baronna??

[Paul Richards]

shivas:

Never heard any stories about "the Fatman."  Sorry.

[A_Clay_Man]

I thought I was the fat man.

I do have fond memories from Tam. I hit my first 300 yard drive there. With a little help from the wind and using my wooden driver, Ive had since I was six. A Burke by Victor. Original leather grip is still on it. But it is in sad shape. I'd still use it though thats the kind of sick puppy I am. I sense you'all understand. SO really whats it all this fuss over tech. I don't get'em that far now. (just kidding, lets not start that B.S. goin')

Has anyone played the Tam 'O shanter in  Michigan?
W. Bloomfield  I think. Fun Muni with some decent land movement and some good value golf.