Golfers boycotting Chicago City Amateur : 150 percent fee increase and format change causes controversy

The Chicago Tribune reports:

For more than 100 years, the Chicago City Amateur has been about competition, camaraderie, a little bit of prize money and a whole lot of bragging rights.

Coupled with the Midwest Amateur and International tournaments, the events are as much a part of summer for many serious golfers as Blues Fest and the Taste of Chicago.

"I love my three tournaments," said Mike Cremins, who has competed in about 20 City Ams. "These are my majors."

But Cremins is part of a significant block of Chicagoans -- more than 40 strong -- who have decided to boycott the City Am, which begins Thursday at Jackson Park. The group is fuming over a format change and an entry fee increase from $60 to $150.

Another Chicago happening.