Golf: UL Alumni Association revitalizing Bill Bass Open

Dan McDonald • Daily Advertiser Golf Writer • July 15, 2009

The date is set and plans are being made for a revitalized Bill Bass Open Tournament, one of the highlighted UL Alumni Association activities during the university’s Homecoming weekend.

The tournament is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, one day before the Ragin’ Cajun football team takes on Sun Belt Conference rival Florida Atlantic for Homecoming, and a group of local golf enthusiasts has joined with the Alumni Association to help restore the event to its former luster.

"We’re planning on boosting this up to a major event," said Bob Bass, retired UL golf coach and son of the former long-time Cajun coach and alumni director. "Our goal is to make this tournament ‘the’ place for fans and former athletes to gather to get Homecoming started."

The four-person modified scramble will be played at Les Vieux Chenes and will likely be the first major event on the course after its renovation, which is still in progress. All the tees and greens at the city-owned course have been totally reworked along with other improvements, and the Bill Bass Open will provide players with an early opportunity to see the reworked facility.

Years ago, the tournament was among the first stops for out-of-town alumni arriving for the weekend’s Homecoming activities, and the field was filled beyond capacity. Participation levels declined in recent years, but tournament officials are aiming at local golfers, local alumni and a targeted effort to draw in former UL athletes from all sports to increase tournament numbers.

The tournament will also have a new format to "even the playing field" for all competitors. The modified scramble – where players play their own ball beginning with the second shot each hole after choosing the best tee ball – allows handicaps to be used, and awards will go to top finishers in both gross and net divisions.

That means that players can make up their own favorite foursomes and still have an equal chance of hitting "in the money."

This year’s event will also feature a silent auction after play with several UL-related items available.

The event honors Bill Bass, who served for over a decade as the school’s alumni director and also served two stints as Cajun golf coach. In addition to that post, Bass made a huge impact on golf locally, as he was involved with the construction of Oakbourne Country Club and also was the lead designer and among the founders of Acadian Hills Golf Club.

Entry forms will soon be available at all local courses and golf shops as well as at the Alumni Association offices, and will also appear online in the near future on the Association’s web site at www.LOUISIANAalumni.org.

Athletic Network Footnote: William Bass was a member of the SLI Boxing Team in 1938 & 39 and a member of the 1938-40 Football Teams.