Posted by Bud on August 21, 2009 at 09:41:44:
Q & A WITH ERIC FERGUSON
Rich Harvest member Eric Ferguson is 1st-tee announcer
By Teddy Greenstein
Tribune reporter
August 21, 2009
He's a radio fixture in Chicago who grew up just 3 miles from Rich Harvest Links, the golf paradise in Sugar Grove that will host this weekend's Solheim Cup.
And yet Eric Ferguson of "Eric & Kathy" on WTMX-FM 101.9 swears he was surprised when Brad Springer, a friend and Rich Harvest member, asked him two years ago if he would consider joining.
"Would I?" Ferguson recalled of his reaction. "I told him I didn't think I would be considered. And I meant that completely honestly. [Owner Jerry Rich] is very selective and very proud of the facility and the membership."
Now Ferguson is one of just 56 members, and he will serve as the first-tee announcer for the matches.
"It'll be nerve-wracking and exciting and tension-filled all at the same time," he said.
A few questions for Ferguson:
Q. What do you like about the club?
A. When you go out there, it really feels like you're playing your own private golf course. You can play as little or as much as you'd like. You don't have to wait and you can play at any pace you want.
And it's one of the most beautiful courses I've seen. There's wildlife galore and lots of winding holes.
Q. Favorite hole?
A. I love 9 Gold, which will be No. 18 for the Solheim Cup (a 520-yard par 5). You drive it over the hill, and then you can see the creek and the plantation house.
Q. Best and worst score?
A. 85's my best. My worst? Who knows? Once it gets there, I stop keeping track.