DuPage County, IL -

One lucky lady will have her golf clubs carried by Captain Jack Sparrow at the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association’s 14th annual women’s golf outing Monday, June 16.

While it won’t actually be Johnny Depp in the pirate’s costume, a local impersonator will be one of the “celebrity” male caddies who will be auctioned off at the event, which will be held at the Naperbrook Golf Course in Plainfield. This year’s theme is Pirates on the Fairway.

If you go What Pirates on the Fairway women’s golf outing Who Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Where Naperbrook Golf Course, 22204 Hassert Blvd., Plainfield When 8 a.m. Monday, June 16 Tickets $130 per golfer More information Call (630) 681-0962 or visit www.wdsra.com for tickets

The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association provides more than 1,000 programs, trips and special events to more than 8,000 individuals with special needs each year. The association offers Special Olympics and adapted sports programs, dance and art programs, social clubs and camps. It is a cooperative extension of nine park districts, including Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.

Cindy Allston is development manager for the association. She said the golf outing is designed to cater to the needs of women.

“There are so many golf outings out there, but ... there are very few that are women only,” Allston said.

The day will start with breakfast and the male caddy auction. Golfers will then hit the links for 18 holes with a cart.

There will be refreshments and some special treats at select holes. Lunch is included as well as a sit-down dinner. There also will be a drawing and door prizes.

While it is not the association’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the golf outing usually raises $12,000 to $15,000 to support its programs, Allston said.

One of the most popular parts of the event is the caddy auction, which was added to the event about seven years ago, Allston said.

At first, the association had to work hard to recruit volunteer caddies, but “now we have caddies calling us wanting to volunteer,” she said.

In addition to lugging the clubs and offering advice, the caddies offer specials gifts to drive up the bidding.

Michael Benard, executive director of the Wheaton Park District, is returning this year for his second year as a caddy.

“I did it last year and had a great time,” Benard said. “It beats sitting behind a desk.”

While he went for $680 last year, Benard is hoping to crack the $1,000 mark this year.
Mark Pawlowski, executive director of the Winfield Park District, has been a caddy for several years. He said he’s typically auctioned off in the $800 to $1,000 range.

His package of perks will include Chicago Cubs and White Sox tickets and tee times at area golf courses, Pawlowski said.

While women get overshadowed at most golf events, this event puts the focus on them, he said.

“It’s just for them, and they have a blast,” he said.

Both Benard and Pawlowski said they are happy to participate in the event because the association’s programs are important to their park districts.