In the heart of Chautauqua County, a golfing tradition has flourished for decades. What began as a casual gathering of former JCC golfers evolved into a prestigious invitational tournament and later transformed into a team scramble event supporting scholarships. This journey through time showcases not only the love for the sport but also the community spirit that defines this region.

The Journey Through Years

During a golden autumn in 1973, Roger Loop initiated an idea alongside several other former JCC golfers to reunite for a friendly round of golf. Their joyous experience at the "19th hole" led them to repeat the event annually. Under the guidance of Dick Kimball, the president of Maplehurst Country Club, this informal get-together blossomed into the George Bataitis Invitational (GBI), attracting over 90 participants within a few years. Although competitive, the core aim remained fostering camaraderie among players like Dick Cole, Joe Johnson, and Randy Swanson.

A unique highlight of the GBI was the Fred Foglesanger Award, humorously presented to the player with the highest score. Meanwhile, champions such as Cole and Johnson showcased remarkable skills, achieving impressive scores year after year. Eventually, the GBI transitioned into a charitable endeavor, donating proceeds to support battered women's groups before gradually fading away.

After George Bataitis' retirement in 1987, Jamestown Community College revived the spirit of the tournament under a new name—the George Bataitis Open (GBO). Now hosted at Chautauqua Golf Club, it functions as a team-based scramble format aimed at raising funds for athletic scholarships. Despite initial hiccups, including a rain-induced rescheduling and a scoring anomaly due to skipped holes, the GBO has become a cornerstone of local sporting events.

From its humble beginnings to its current stature, this golfing tradition underscores the importance of fun, friendship, and philanthropy.

As a journalist reflecting on this story, one cannot help but admire how an initially simple idea grew into something meaningful for both participants and beneficiaries. It serves as a reminder that even amidst competition, maintaining a sense of joy and generosity can create lasting legacies. Perhaps more communities could benefit from adopting similar principles in their own traditions.