Every October, Ellis Golf Course hosts a tournament known as the “Chili Open.” The community comes together to participate in a sport they love and indulge in a hearty, warm bowl of chili as a celebratory meal. This event not only fosters healthy competition in the realm of golf, but it also creates a sense of community and belonging.
Ellis Golf Course is the second oldest golf course in Cedar Rapids following behind the Cedar Rapids Country Club. Opening for play in 1919, just off of Edgewood Road, this course was designed by architect William Langford and has been a beloved location in Cedar Rapids since. Notably, Ellis golf course is one of the most challenging golf-courses in Iowa according to the City of Cedar Rapids. The course’s first 9-holes were opened for play in 1919, with the back nine added in 1948-1949.
The golf course began hosting its annual event known as the “Chili Open” several decades ago. According to the Head Golf Professional at Ellis, Mark McMahon, “I’ve been the head professional at Ellis since 2013. Prior to me, Dustin Miller, the head golf professional, held the same event. I don’t know how long for certain, but 20+ years for sure.” This event has slowly become a tradition at Ellis golf course, and a highly anticipated one at that; “Many of the players that play in this event play every year. Probably close to 70% are returning groups,” stated McMahon.
This event isn’t just purely out of the love for golf, or chili. There is also an incentive involved— money. There is a $60 entry fee, per person, in order to participate in this event. This fee includes a competitor’s golf cart, golfing, prizes, and chili. In regards to prizes, the event has three separate ranks that golfers can compete in, with the top four players in each rank receiving a cash prize.
Another aspect of this tournament is of course, the chili. While The Surveyor is unsure about the origin of combining chili and golf, it does make for a great duo. Mr. Richard Jackson, the Associate Principal at Washington High School has been golfing for 20 years. When asked in an interview if he would be more enticed to attend if there were chili at a golfing event, Jackson enthusiastically exclaimed, “Yes!”
This isn’t just your average chili either, this is a catered event. The Cedar Rapids Kernels catering team cooks for the Chili Open, as well as many other events such as corporate gatherings and minor-league baseball games. Although the chili may have the typical ingredients of beans and tomatoes, there is a special ingredient involved, community.
But, how does chili create community? It’s not about the chili, it’s about all of the effort and participation that goes into the event to make it successful. The Ellis staff and volunteers work together to curate an event for all. Anyone is welcome to participate or even just enjoy a delicious bowl of chili. Community is a large part of golfing despite it being a solo sport. According to Jackson McMann (‘27), a member of Washington’s Girl’s Golf Team, “I enjoy playing golf with others on the Golf team because there’s always something to learn about them. When I play with someone equally as good as I am, we can always give each other different things to work on or advice that we might have for each other.”
Having both chili and golf allows everyone to be included in the event, even if they aren’t a fan of golfing, or don’t enjoy chili. Mark McMahon stated, “I have a passion for helping golfers of all levels.” No matter your golf talent level or your passion for chili, the Ellis Golf Course staff are more than willing to lend a helping hand. Spice up your fall with the Chili Open at Ellis Golf Course, and don’t forget to spill the beans about this great opportunity!
