Rusty Magner of the 21st Annual Kilted Classic Golf Tournament committee has a long history with the game of Golf. “My dad was my biggest influence on golf, as he started me and my siblings at a young age and we grew-up playing together, very often. When we were teenagers, and knew how to play golf, we took a summer family trip to the British Isles and played several rounds in Scotland.”
Rusty Magner, in the navy blue polo, at the 2021 Kilted Classic.
Rusty’s connection to Scotland’s greatest game begins well before he was invited to help plan everyone’s favorite golf tournament, ”We played the Old Course at St Andrew’s one morning, and as we walked up the 18th hole, the caddy asked my dad if we’d be interested in another round of golf that afternoon. Of course we did! So, it was incredible experience to play 36 at the Old Course!” Rusty got involved in the Kilted Classic after Chicago Scots Board Chair Paul Melville introduced him to Chicago Scots’ Chief Financial Officer, Lorrie Pena and later was hired to be the employee benefits consultant for Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care.
Now in his third year on the Kilted Classic Committee Rusty has helped make our annual golf tournament one of Chicago Scots most successful events. “This golf outing has been a wonderful experience for the guests I have invited each year. The hospitality from all the Society staff and Cantigny staff has been first class every year.” Rusty’s message to anyone thinking about joining him at Cantigny on September 29th, “Try it, and you’ll want to return the next year. Bring some friends and or clients – they will thank you. And it’s a good value for golf, food and drink! The bagpipes are always incredible. The comradery of friends and challenges on a great course, like Cantigny, can’t be beat.”
Every year at our Scottish Festival & Highland Games, the Chicago Scots feature a family or an organization as our Honored Clan. This year, to recognize and celebrate its’ strong Scottish roots, our Honored Clan is Rotary International. We are proud to announce that Rotary International’s Scottish President, Gordon McInally has agreed to lead our Parade of Tartans at 12:30 p.m. Gordon will also receive the Salute to the Chieftain from the Massed Pipe Bands at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday, June 15, 2024.