The first event of the year is here and my heart is racing pulling up to the course. I am reminded again just how much I miss this, photographing events with the disc golf season in full swing.

It is 15 degrees outside today and you could not see more smiling faces because The Dog Bowl 2 is here at Old Oak Country Club in Homer Glen, IL. This event is truly for the dogs, to support the Will County Humane Society.

This event in particular means a lot to the society. I spoke with the Michelle Ricci, the Shelter Manager, at the event and she could not have been more excited to be here. “I love doing this,” she said “this event is our biggest event of the year. It’s so laid back and different,” compared to the other events that they host.

Seeing the amount of support that the disc golf community is able to provide to the shelter is huge. The J-Town Disc Golf Club, Dellwood Disc Golf, and countless others were able to raise over $5,100 for the animal shelter on top of the donated items (dog and cat food, shampoo, litter, teats, and so much more).

I spoke with Sean Callahan, tournament director and owner of Dellwood Disc Golf at the event, and asked him what his thoughts were about The Dog Bowl. For him, he loves that this event is the one to kick off the season. The day before this event started the 18 baskets that are on the course today were at HellsGate Haunted House because they just wrapped up the 9-week putting league that they hosted there. Having the chance to create relationships with the community like this is at the heart of everything that Dellwood does, and that comes with getting to know the people and companies that allow them to hold these disc golf events in their space.

Callahan went on to say that the vibe here alone says it all. There are tons of dogs, and we are able to use the entire club house, and the donations alone provide the shelter with supplies for the next six months.

To set the scene, walking in the front door at Old Oak Country Club you immediately enter the bar and restaurant, to your right is the banquet hall and this is where tournament central is located. The view from here overlooks the driving range that currently has practice baskets and the tee of hole 1. It is the perfect setting for tournament central.

This year there were 165 players, compared to 153 from last year.

There are so many people to thank for their dedication to make these events great! Thor Batchelor (TD), Leo Borowski (TD and video extrordinare), Ryan Fancher (TD and he designed the trophies and merchandise), Jason Poole (PDGA scores), Pat Donnelly (created the players guide), and of course Sheila and Sean Callahan (TDs and owners of Dellwood Disc Golf).

The Will County Humane Society is a no-kill animal shelter located at 24109 W Seil Road in Shorewood, Illinois 60404. You can find out more information about them by clicking here.

Old Oak Country Club is located at 14200 S. Parker Road in Homer Glen, IL 60491.

All photo galleries on my site are supported by patrons. Click here to find out more information and to become a Patreon member. Below are a few moments on the course. Players were well-prepared for the conditions with gloves, hats, hand-warmers, blankets for the golf carts to block the wind and some had propane heaters. Sometimes it is hard to get the disc to fly right in these kind of conditions, for some just the act of learning to show up is what is preparing them for the season ahead here, and to support this great cause!