TERRE HAUTE — For nearly 90 years the surname “KAPERAK” has signified legendary golfers who have made their marks in competition in Indiana as well as Illinois.
Mike Kaperak caddied at the Country Club of Terre Haute as a youngster. Later, as a talented player, he went on to win two Terre Haute City Golf Championships. In the mid-1940s Mike was named the head professional at Rea Park Golf Course and relinquished his amateur standing.
Mike’s younger brother, George, followed in Mike’s footsteps as he, too, caddied at Allendale and later captured two city stroke play titles of his own as well as three city match play championships. George also claimed a number of other amateur victories.
It was in the 1953 Casey (Ill.) Open that George won the amateur division and Mike took first place among the professionals. This tourney would at times attract 300 players who could play their 18 hole rounds on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Dozens of Terre Haute golfers have routinely streamed to Casey for this annual event.
To say that the Casey Open was a popular tournament would be a masterpiece of understatement, and for the Kaperak brothers to annex both the amateur and professional divisions was icing on the cake. Mike and George hosted a party that lasted into the “wee hours” at the conclusion of play.
Mike and George Kaperak were two of eight brothers. Frank, Ted and Paul played golf on a semi-regular basis although not at a level demonstrated by George and Mike. Steve, Pete and John played occasionally.
Since George Kaperak was a bachelor and Mike and his wife, Louise, had no children, it would be up to another brother, Frank, to keep alive the Kaperak legacy of outstanding golfers. Frank and his wife, Eleanor, were parents of Joe, Frank Jr., Dennis, Teddy and Tina. Dennis has three children, James, Jessica and Kalea. Both James and Jessica are Terre Haute North students who play on North’s boys’ and girls’ golf teams respectively.
Teddy Kaperak’s uncle Ted got his nephew started in golf when he was nine years old. Later, his brother, Frank Jr., who at one time worked for his uncle Mike in the Rea Park pro shop, would take over his brother’s golfing education. By that time Frank, Jr. had turned professional and he had assumed the professional’s duties at Rea Park.
Teddy recalls, “My brother, Frank, could always get my swing straightened out when I was having problems. He was an excellent teacher. After he passed away, I’ve been pretty much on my own.” Teddy readily admits, “I wasn’t much of a player throughout high school, although I did win the Warren Artz Tournament when I was in my teens.”
After that it was “off to the races” for Teddy Kaperak. He won his first Terre Haute City Championship in 1983 and five more would follow. He recalls, “My win in ’86 is most memorable since it came against a great player, Dave McCampbell.”
Teddy has won a pair of club championships at Hulman Links and two more at the former Elks Fort Harrison County Club. All four of these were won after Kaperak’s 50th birthday. All Indiana club champions are invited to play in the Tournament of Champions at Fox Prairie Golf Club where Teddy has finished first and second in recent years. It appears that his skills on the golf course have not dulled with age.
Players in Indiana Golf Association events are awarded points for top finishes in tournaments throughout the season. Those who earn the most points qualify to play in the Challenge Cup, which pits top amateurs against the best professionals. In these matches Teddy has won one match, tied six and lost one.
Another IGA tournament is available to those earning enough points to enter the coveted IGA Championship held each year on one of Indiana’s most outstanding courses. Kaperak has been invited to three of these events where play is in two divisions, 54-years-and-under and 55-and-over.
At the age of 53, Teddy won the 54-and-under title with a one under par effort at Bridgewater Country Club in Carmel. Ted recalls, “I didn’t play very well when I was 54, but I told the officials ‘I will be back to win the 55-and-over division next year’.” True to his words, Kaperak unloaded a six under par effort to win at one of the Midwest’s hardest courses, Sycamore Hills at Fort Wayne.
To answer the question, what have you done recently, Teddy can point to a second place tie in the 2009 Indiana Senior Open played at Pine Valley. Teddy, now at the age of 57, has won three of the six Terre Haute Senior Championships in which he has competed.
Low scores include 64s at Rea Park, Hulman Links, and River Bend at The Landing and a 63 at Brazil’s Forest Park. Teddy also has played Rea Park’s front side in 30 strokes, one shot higher that his uncle George’s 29 of long ago. Kaperak has scored eight holes-in-one, four of which were made in tournaments.
Teddy also remembers, “Back in 1970 I made 18 eagles, nine of those on par 4s and seven of which were putted into the cup.” Asked about his “all time ringer score,” Ted answered, “thirty under par for a 42 for 18 holes at Rea Park.”
Having been acquainted with Teddy Kaperak from his early teens, I can attest that he certainly deserves all the accolades he has earned on golf courses throughout Indiana. His devotion to practice has always been one of his strong suits. Hitting practice balls and putting from daylight to dark have never been a challenge to Ted Kaperak.
Ted has teamed with Gary Verostko to win two-man tournaments in Brazil and Terre Haute on three separate occasions. Gary, the oldest son of Gene and Joanne Verostko has won the Bloomington (Ind.) senior title three times and the club championship at Bloomington Country Club twice. Ted and Gary can certainly combine for a formidable tandem with two of Terre Haute’s most recognizable names in golf, those being Kaperak and Verostko.
But wait a minute. There’s more to this story.
In the event you might think local golf courses are running out of Kaperaks, you could be mistaken. After all, Dennis Kaperak’s three children are not just casual golfers. Less than a week ago, James recorded a nifty 67 at River Bend at The Landing. With Jessie playing for North Vigo and seven-year old Kalea owning her own set of golf clubs, it may be some time before the Kaperak name fails to grace the sports section of the Terre Haute Tribune Star.
• Ed Grayless, No. 1 assistant to Ryan Klopfenstein, wants the city’s top players to put the Mini City Tourney on their schedules. The highly popular event is slated for July 11 and 12. Call Hulman Links at (812) 877-2096.
• The Breakfast Optimist Club Brazil Open Junior Golf Tourney will be played Monday, July 13 at Forest Park. Entry fee is $20, which includes lunch, goody bag, all day snacks, pizza and pool party for family and friends. For further particulars call John Tribble at (812) 442-5681.
• Kent “Cosmo” Robertson has assumed the “most improved” distinction at River Bend at The Landing. The big hitter has put together a number of solid rounds in the 70s with a game that gets better all the time.
n Jack Myers first shot his age 11 years ago, a smooth 65 from the regulation tees at Elks Fort Harrison Country Club. A couple of weeks ago he bettered his age by seven shots with a nifty 69 from senior tees. Some players won’t allow father time to dictate to them. Myers is certainly one who fails to pay attention to the calendar.
• TIP OF THE WEEK: Any time you create too much pressure with your hands, your forearms will have the tendency to become stiff, and this may impede your swing. Keep the left arm straight, but relaxed. Keep your right hand grip relaxed (opposite for lefties).
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Vigo County Golf Leagues
First Financial Rea Park Monday Ladies 9-hole — Standings: Shepard’s Gas 362, VFW No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary 311, Bratt Animal Hospital 270, VFW No. 2 Ladies Auxiliary 257. Low gross: Kay Gard 48. Low net: Carol Mowbray and Patsy Miller 36. Chip-in: Verla Talkington (13), Mary Hoy (17). Play of day: Gard, Hoy, Miller.
Paitson’s Eastend Ladies — Standings: Otis Elevator 335, Natalie’s Consignment Furniture 334, Sandy’s Touch of Magic 332, Coaches Corner 327, Turner Coach 324, Krock Racing 306, Baesler’s Market 302, Advanced Chiropractic 300. Low gross: Mary Hoy and Marge Kintz 37. Low net: Jan Schnurple 23. Play of day: Los Casassa and Jimma Lou Comer. Chip-ins: Sue Tipton (6, 7).
Ft Harrison Lady's 9-hole — Low gross: Darby Gugliemetti. Low net: Vivian Niemeyer. Low putts: Kathy Pusich. Play of day: Pusich, Georgette Arnold. Helen Rukl.
Rea Park Wednesday Evening Ladies — Standings (July 1): Meyer-Petty 15, Cannon-Snow 15, Swalls-Hiatt 15, Mann-Bocard 15, Hamilton-M.Johnson 14, Padgett-Pair 14, Durand-Atterson 13, Honselman-Luttrell 13, McCord-Price 12, Clements-Harden 12, Lanke-T.Johnson 9, Hyde-Rusk 8, Horrall-Ugo-8, Mozley-Bedwell-5. Low gross: Pat Cannon 38. Low net: Cannon 32. Birdies: Linda Price (8), Cannon (1, 2), Sharon Horrall (9), Stephanie Meyer (6).
Terre Haute Savings Bank Senior Men — National Division standings: SMC 334, Lough Bros. 316, Page’s Market 314, Paitson Bros. 312, Fore Seasons Golf Complex 312, Pizza Hut 292, TH Savings Bank 285, Complete Kitchen and Bath 275. Low gross: Terry Liffick and Fred Keenan 37. Low net: Jim Thompson 28. American Division standings: Gurman Container 343, Poplar Flower Shop 336, Spring Clean Car Wash 319, VFW No. 972 311, Baesler’s Market 306, Tabco 284, Salt of the Earth 236. Low gross: Elmer Grizzel and David Shirley 42. Low net: Bill Hawk 30.
Mark’s Par Three Senior Men — Standings (Second half): C&E; Environmental and Dew Drop Inn 58, Watts Farms 50, Tabco 48, Sycamore Chevrolet 40, Old National Trust 38, Mattingly Collision and Vigo Bowl 30. Low gross: Dave Hart and Dennis Hayes 36. Low net: Hayes 26. Closest to pin: Ed Bard (9). Longest drive: Don McCullough (2). Longest putt: Charlie Funk (1).
Idle Creek Home Builders Tuesday Evening — Low gross: Steve Scheid 41. Low net: Fred Lamb and John Eller 33. Longest drive: Smith (13). Closest to pin: Jack Simpson (12), Brian Cottom (16).
Idle Creek Ladies Tuesday Morning Scramble — First place team: Lora Snyder, Cathy Brannen, Peggy Burlison 41. Second place team: Monica Hawkins, Mary Brannen, Susie Colligan 49. Longest putt: C.Brannen (11). Closest to pin: Candy Lovvron (12), Burlison (16).
Idle Creek Terminal Sports and Spirits Wednesday Evening — First place team: Dan Eisen and Mitch Love 30. Second place team: Zach Wilhoyte and Cliff Carrithers 31. Closest to pin: Dave Rowlett (12, 16).
Rea Park Women’s Tuesday 18-hole — Low gross: Pat Cannon 86. Low net: Susie Clements and Terry Mahalek 65. Birdies: Clements (3), Elizabeth Newton (16). Chip-ins: Lori Ugo (1), Clements (3), Mahalek (4), Shelva Gaither (7), Kathy Atterson (13), Madonna Johnson (17), Beth Lowe (18).
Rub of the Green
Rub of the Green: Looking back at nearly 90 years of Kaperak excellence in Indiana, Illinois golf
- Rub of the Green
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Young players should match course to skills
One of the biggest mistakes a beginning golfer can make is to keep playing a golf course that is far too difficult for the ability demonstrated by that player.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: On the lanes or links, Davis is competitive
Darrell Davis carries a 240 bowling average which obviously puts him in some strong company on the alleys, but he feels that golf is a much more difficult sport than keggling.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Loquacious golfers can provide priceless quotes
Golfers always seem to have a great deal to say, but determining who said what and who said it first can be a problem.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Rick Fernandes can look back on a great golf career
What does an outstanding golfer have left when an accident has robbed him of the consummate skills he once possessed? The answer most assuredly would be one word, “Memories.”
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Feherty’s humor good for golf
David Feherty is an extremely funny man. If you have read his book written a few years ago, you might have guessed what to expect from him. The book, entitled “Somewhere in Ireland a Village is Missing an Idiot,” set the stage for his far out brand of humor, most of which is directed at himself.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: It's all in your head
A pair of divot diggers had been discussing their favorite sport when one could be heard saying, “You know, I think this game is 90 percent mental.” After a short pause his friend replied, “Well, I think you’re about 10 percent short in your estimation.”
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Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’
Golf has been called “The Game You Love to Hate.” In addition, love-hate relationships have been around since the beginning of time.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf is only sport that offers both hilarity, pathos
It’s been stated more than once that “golf is a microcosm for life itself.”
This writer would heartily agree. No sport or game can offer combinations of happiness and sadness, hilarity and pathos as evidenced by an activity called “cow pasture pool” by some of its practitioners. -
RUB OF THE GREEN: Even golfers say there is drug problem on Tour
Are professional golfers using performance-enhancing drugs? This writer wouldn’t have the foggiest, but if you asked Gary Player, one of the game’s greatest, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes.”
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Not all golfers display their trophies
Back in the “old days,” let’s say the 1940s, most of the time when you won something in a golf tournament your prize came in the form of a trophy. That was it, just a dust catcher. Later, merchandise prizes were added.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf full of colorful characters
Every sport has its own cast of characters and golf is definitely no exception. Whether it is diving head first into a greenside bunker or tying an unreliable putter to a car’s bumper and dragging it down the road, golfers can do some strange things.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Winter made golf impossible this year
Old Man Winter along with Mother Nature must have something against area golfers. They have joined forces to sabotage a sport called winter golf, an activity many Wabash Valley players have enjoyed in years gone by.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf instruction a strenuous art
Few who have ever tried their hands at playing the game of golf would describe the sport as “easy”. In fact, just the opposite would be the case.
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BOB ARNETT: No matter what your level, watch out for pressure
What is the affliction that can affect most any golfer from those who can’t break an egg to skilled golfers who can break 70?
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RUB OF THE GREEN: THGA tournaments include variety, long history
In days gone by, the Terre Haute Golf Association has always offered more than just a 72-hole stroke play tournament.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: PGA playoff system still needs work
Is anyone fed up with the convoluted Fed Ex playoffs? The PGA has been tweaking its so-called Fed Ex playoff system for years, and they never seem to get it right.
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Rub of the Green: Golf can be roller coaster for young pros
Dustin Johnson may be best remembered for his appearances in the major tournaments in 2010, but not because he won. He didn’t win. But he came awfully close.
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Rub of the Green: One size does NOT fit all when it comes to golfing ability
Literally hundreds of books have been written on the subject of golf instruction, and we can be certain they all agree on one fundamental, always keep your head stationary throughout the swing.
Right? Nope, wrong as it could be! How’s that, you say? As examples both David Duval and Annika Sorenstam at one time were rated the world’s No. 1 professional golfers, respectively, and both swiveled their heads well before their clubheads reached the impact zone. In fact, Duval is one of a select few who has a 59 to his credit on the PGA Tour. -
Rub of the Green: Gerstmeyer Tech’s reknown Les Brown made his mark in plethora of sports
Les Brown never had a middle name, not even a middle initial. What he did have was an abundance of athletic ability that he utilized to earn letters in five different sports during his senior year at Gerstmeyer Technical High School.
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Rub of the Green: An inspiring walk of 1,000 miles
Watching the young man on the TV screen move from place to place was like watching the human body battle itself. It seemed as though his arms and legs each wanted to go in separate directions, as he flailed about with only a cane to steady himself.
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Rub of the Green: From fundraiser to reunited, game of golf wears many different ‘hats’
The game of golf can take on many different characteristics, depending on the objectives of those sponsoring the events. Golf may be played as a tribute or a memorial to the deceased. It may be a time of camaraderie that unites old friends.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Excursions are a tradition for many Terre Haute golfers
Many divot diggers enjoy excursions to play golf courses that offer new and different challenges. Terre Haute can certainly testify to the truth of that with some groups having hit the road for many decades.
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Rub of the Green: Was 1960 really the ‘Greatest Year in Golf’?
Listening to Willie Nelson warble the lyrics, “Ain’t it funny how time slips away?” reminds this writer that those words are incorrect on two counts. One, it is not funny to get old. The late Bob Bundy often stated, “Old age is not for sissies.” And two, time doesn’t just slip away, it tends to streak on at a full gallop. At least, that’s the felling you get when you qualify for the Methuselah Flight of your club championship.
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Rub of the Green: Basketball coaching legend Wooden could hold his own on golf course
The name John Wooden doesn’t just “ring a bell” with Indiana basketball aficionados; it resounds like a canon shot. No doubt about it, John Wooden is someone special, and that is a gross understatement.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Can Tiger Woods successfully make over his me-first image?
“Pain, despair and agony on me” are the words of a comical song made popular on an old TV program titled “Hee-Haw.” The refrain might have been heard again if you had occasion to drive by the Tiger Woods residence in the gated community of Isleworth, Fla., as the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday wound down, but this time no one was laughing.
- Rub of the Green: Course architect Pete Dye has had lasting impression on game It would seem that the more you learn about Pete Dye, the golf course architect, the more there is to admire about the man. It was decades ago when Dye determined that the insurance business was not for him, and he decided to begin designing golf courses. Even Pete, himself, in all likelihood, couldn’t have known the impact he was going to make on the golf world.
- RUB OF THE GREEN: French Lick course a treasure With pristine fairways, greens and bunkers providing a colorful patchwork, the course provides onlookers with the opportunity to witness some of the best experiences Mother Nature can provide.
- RUB OF THE GREEN: Strange stories connected to golf
- Rub of the Green: Holmes held ‘corner on the market’ of club championships When it comes to winning club championships it would appear that amiable Ron Holmes has held a “corner on the market” while winning a total of 28 of these titles throughout his 50 years as an amateur golfer.
- Rub of the Green: Woods vs. Yang at PGA proves anything can happen Tiger Woods wants to win major golf championships, and he wants to win them in the worst way. With 14 of them already in his resume, it looked obvious that the 2009 PGA Championship would be No. 15, especially since Tiger, No. 1 in the world, had never lost a major holding the lead going into the final round. But then, as most golfers know, cow pasture pool can be a crazy, weird and wild game.
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