Iowa vs. Illinois event needs high school golfers

By Craig DeVrieze | Sunday, July 06, 2008

Wayne Brinkmeier is looking for a few good high school golfers.

Looking to stage a fourth annual Class of the Quad-Cities Mississippi Cup tournament, the Hall of Fame Riverdale high school golf coach desperately is searching for entries.

“I’m not getting any response,’’ Brinkmeier said of this year’s event, which is scheduled for July 31 at Byron Hills Golf Course in Port Byron, Ill.

The tournament pits Illinois vs. Iowa preps in a format that takes the top six scores from  among each state’s senior, junior and frosh-soph classes to determine which state will prevail.

Illinois has won the previous three events, but response is lagging so far on both sides of the river.

On the Illinois side, only three golfers beyond Brinkmeier’s Riverdale ranks have signed on.

From Iowa, Brinkmeier has enrolled three Pleasant Valley golfers and a pair from Assumption.

Last year’s event attracted 92 golfers. Brinkmeier is hoping to enroll 100 this year but will run the event with a minimum of six in each class from each state.

The cost to participate is $25 and includes a round of golf, a hamburger, chips and a soft drink.

“That’s pretty darned cheap,’’ said the 70-year-old coach. “I don’t understand this. I am confused, upset and disgusted.’’

He said hunting for golfers seems to be an annual problem.

Then, the event takes place, he said, “and the response is this is great.’’

For more information on the one-day, 18-hole tourney or to register, golfers can call Brinkmeier at (309) 523-3528.

Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.