2004 – 2006
From 2004 through 2006, groups ranging in size from 4 to 8 ventured to the West Bay Club in August to play 36 holes a day. No formal tournament was held.
2007
Americans -- Bob Brown, Rich Bulger, Dan Cole, John Denning, Ed Neveril, Brennen Kelly, Griff Anderson, and Eric Napientek.
Euros – Dave Brown Sr., Dave Brown Jr., Scott Brown, John Notaro, Tyler Quast, Billy Boor, Dan Merz and Craig Isacson.
The 2007 trip marked the inaugural Brown Cup, pitting the “American” squad against the “Euro” squad. The Americans were victorious amid controversy. Notably, Ed Neveril negotiated a 27 event handicap despite being a former member of Hinsdale Central’s golf team and proceeded to win all his matches handily. Additionally, Euro co-captain Tyler Quast made a wager regarding the losing team captains acting as caddies, leading up to the eventual concession by the Euros heading into the Saturday PM rounds. At the time of the concession, the Americans had built a commanding lead (12 to 8) with 8 points remaining at issue (needing just 2½ more points for an outright victory). Despite the controversy, it was clear the Americans played great golf, and they enjoyed a steak dinner served by Euros. The American celebration was exuberant, including speeches, toasts, and a communal beer challis shared with the Euros.
2008
Americans – Six returning members: Bob Brown, Rich Bulger, Dan Cole, John Denning, Griff Anderson, and Eric Napientek. Two new members: Steve Pudlo and Todd Hamilton.
Euros – Eight returning members: Dave Brown Sr., Dave Brown Jr., Scott Brown, John Notaro, Tyler Quast, Billy Boor, Dan Merz and Craig Isacson.
In 2008, the tournament locale for the Thursday and Friday rounds shifted to Jack Nicklaus’ Old Corkscrew, which ate the golfers up. Going into the final day (back at West Bay Club), the Americans once again held a commanding lead (10 to 6) and once again needed just 2½ out of the remaining 8 points to repeat as champions. This time, rather than concede, the Euros staged a miraculous comeback, winning 3 out 4 matches in the AM round, and taking 3½ out of 4 points in the PM round for a 12½ to 11½ victory. The Americans served the steaks this time, and the Euros proudly drank from the official Brown Cup trophy, making its first appearance. The Americans replaced Neveril with Pudlo, but were hurt by a late scratch from Brennen Kelly whose spot was filled by novice golfer Todd “The Weas” Hamilton.
2009
Americans – Six returning members: Bob Brown, Rich Bulger, Dan Cole, John Denning, Griff Anderson and Brennen Kelly. Four new members: John Denning Sr., Paul Trainer, Joe Murphy, Jon Remijas
Euros – Seven returning members: Dave Brown Sr., Dave Brown Jr., John Notaro, Tyler Quast, Billy Boor, Dan Merz and Craig Isacson. Three new members: Mike Williams, Scott Cordin, and Jeff Klem.
Swiss – Jeff Terry, Bob Wilson, Pete Tortorello, and Ned Hoyt
In 2009, in light of tight economic times, the venue switched to Ruffled Feathers in Illinois. The field expanded to a 10 vs. 10 competition (with a neutral Swiss squad), with twosomes playing 3 matches over 18 holes. The Americans dominated the event. This time the celebration included Bob Brown and Dan Cole parading the Cup atop a golf cart through a high speed turn, resulting in Cole’s infamous tumble in front of the Ruffled Feathers staff. The evening festivities included a party at Irish Times paid for by the Euros, and an ill advised late night trip to Brixie’s.
Eric Napientec
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