June 3, 2011
NOTRE DAME, Ind. –
2011 Riehle Open Photo Gallery
More than 100 Monogram winners and their guests hit the links for the Monogram Club’s fourth annual Riehle Open June 3 at Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course.
The popular golf outing is part of the Monogram Club’s summer weekend held annually during the University’s reunion activities. Named in honor of former executive director, the late Rev. James Riehle C.S.C. ’49, the Open is a way for the Monogram Club to pay tribute to his vision and legacy each year.
“Golf was Father Riehle’s favorite sport and the Warren was his favorite course,” former Monogram Club president Marty Allen ’58 (manager) said. “Anything that had to do with golf he loved to do. He made the rules, and his rules usually made him win. But he loved to do it and it was a lot of fun to be out here with him.”
In addition to the Monogram winners in attendance, a number of Notre Dame coaches and administrators took part in the Open, including head coaches Mik Aoki (baseball), Susan Holt (women’s golf), Jim Kubinski (men’s golf), and Joe Piane (track & field).
“It’s great to see such a strong turnout for the Riehle Open this year, including a number of Monogram winners that have made it an annual tradition,” Monogram Club executive director Beth Hunter said. “We look forward to this event all year long, and with the beautiful weather we had on the course today, it’s certainly been a day to remember for our members and their guests.”
Golfers were treated to boxed lunches from Jimmy John’s, steak sandwiches from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and ice cream from Kilwin’s throughout the day on the course. During the 18-hole scramble, participants also had the opportunity to compete in longest drive, closest to the pin, and hole-in-one contests for the chance to take home a number of adidas and TaylorMade prizes.
Leading the pack with a round of 55 (-17), the team of Michael Richerson ’85 (football), Bill Richerson, Katie Brophy ’06 (golf) and Lon Huffman ’86 (golf) took home a set of Keurig coffee makers generously donated by Monogram Club board member Chris Stevens ’74, as well as gift certificates to the Warren Golf Course pro shop.
Brophy also received a TaylorMade driver for winning the longest drive contest at the fifth hole. As a four-year member of the Irish golf team, Brophy’s familiarity with the course helped her plan out the important tee shot.
“It was my first shot of the day,” Brophy said. ” We were supposed to tee off on the sixth hole, but the group on five wanted to play in front of their friends, so we started in their place. It was a good omen. I was a little nervous hitting the long drive shot right out of the gate, but I’ve played this course so many times that it was kind of second nature.”
Brian Donohoe ’97 (golf), Bert Cooper, Ben Simon ’00 (hockey) and Steve Verduzco ’93 (baseball) took second place honors with a 15-under round of 57, while the team of associate athletics director Mike Karwoski, men’s golf head coach Jim Kubinski, Tom Hanlon ’49 (golf), Steve Colnitis ’05 (golf) and Cole Isban ’07 (golf) finished in third with a score of 58 (-14).
Making his 14th-consecutive appearance at the Riehle Open, monogram winner Mike LaFrance ’73 (golf) summed up what makes the annual event so memorable.
“It’s a really special tournament, playing in honor of Fr. Riehle,” LaFrance said. “I enjoy coming back and playing with other former golf team members and old friends. It’s a great seeing everybody and with such nice weather, it’s been a great day on the course.”
— ND —