The Eldon Carvey Golf Tournament drew a notable new golfer to this year’s tournament field: veteran, Brother Bruce Arfken. Playing on Saturday, June 22nd, at the beautiful Sydney R. Marovitz nine-hole golf course** along the Lake Shore Drive of Chicago at Irving Park Road, Delta Theta Chapter of Sigma Nu welcomed brothers and friends to vie for top honors. Defending 2023 top golfer Brother Andy Guschwan thought he was a fair bet to repeat, delaying going to the Cubs game to golf, but Arfken would have none of that.
After a two and a half hour round per four-some, top golfers were:
Bruce Arfken (Δθ 779) – 40
Andy Guschwan (Δθ 983) – 42
Mark Yoder (Δθ 991) – 49
Remaining scores among the remaining field varied between 53 and 60. After reigning as 2024 top-golfer, Arfken was heard saying, “That was great!” Brothers Steve Stefani (Δθ 1007), Paul Nijensohn (Δθ 1043), Jim Saranteas, and Adam (Harju) Vos could only collectively express, “One of us is going to take it next year. Who are we kidding? We’re here for the pizza. ”
Afterwards, the group met more Sigma Nus of Delta Theta, their spouses, and friends at Michael’s Original Pizzeria & Tavern on Broadway for a classic Chicago pizza party. The group of eighteen strong met and reminisced about Delta Theta, discussed the ongoings of alums, learned of the ongoings of the chapter, and heard about the origin of the golf tournament. Brothers included Asif Ahmed (Δθ 1011), Dan Moreland (Δθ 1021), Chris Calabro (Δθ 1051), and the ageless Al Schmidt (Δθ 740) with notable Knox Alums Melissa (Harju) Vos (’91) and Julie Hirshfield (’93) in the house.
Origins
Supposedly, back in the days of Eldon Carvey (Δθ 781), Delta Theta was competing for the Knox College intramural golf championship. But, due to a poor final nine-holes by Brother Carvey, Delta Theta lost the championship miserably. From that, the Eldon Carvey “Memorial” Golf Tournament was born. Brother Mark Hall (Δθ 783) was given the credit for establishing the annual tournament which Brother Carvey confirmed last year.
Brother Carvey, who competed virtually in last year’s tournament, wanted to share that, “My best nine hole round this season in 2023—at least so far—has been a 44. The winner shot a 41 (very nice!)” The same goes for this year. Congratulations to Brother Bruce Arfken for the top honors this year. As this year and last, the 2025 Eldon Carvey “Memorial” Golf Tournament is tentatively planned for the third Saturday in June.
The Course
Edward B. Dearie, Jr., who has also designed several other golf courses in Chicago and California, designed this golf course. The nine holes of golf are arranged parallel to the lake, providing breathtaking views of the water, multiple harbors, and the towering skyscrapers of downtown Chicago.
Photos
