Move over, Purdue fraternities. Phi Delt has some major bragging rights.
The annual Phi Open is the largest fraternity golf tournament on campus. In its 27th year, it has grown from about 25 local brothers in 1991 to the more than 140 that are expected on August 12, 2017.
And while we can tout our claim to fame on the golf course, the Phi Open is about so much more than golf.
“It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and brothers and it is a good way to raise money for the house,” said Andy Beasley ’91, who has been organizing the event for 20 years. “Some of the most fun and most formative years of my life were spent with those guys, and I know there are a lot of them I would lose touch with if it were not for the Phi Open.”
While Andy looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and regulars at the annual event, he equally enjoys introducing alumni to the Phi Open for the first time.
“Frequently they come solo, then the next year they are recruiting guys they haven’t seen in a while to come back,” he said.
And that is how the Phi Open has become so successful. Through word of mouth and brother-to-brother invitations, the event has continued to grow over the years.
“My personal favorite time is watching brothers walk in at check-in for the golf tourney and connecting with their friends,” said Andy. “You’ll see somebody walk into the building and suddenly choruses of nicknames echo off the walls. There is a lot of happiness at the start of the Phi Open each year.”
If you’ve never attended the Phi Open, there’s no better time than 2017 to start—even if you’re not much of a golfer.
“It is a scramble….anyone can swing a putter,” joked Andy. “It is not about the competition. The winning foursome only gets $200 dollars in pro shop money. It is about your friends you don’t see enough and just having a really fun day with them.”
Golfers (and not-so-golfers) can make a weekend out of the trip back to West Lafayette.
Typically held during the weekend between summer school graduation and the start of the fall semester, campus is pretty quiet. Attendees always take time to walk through the house, walk through campus, and visit some of their favorite Purdue locales.
“Harry’s does pretty well the weekend of the Phi Open!” Andy exclaimed.
Whether you’ve been attending for years, or have yet to hit the links at your first Phi Open, Andy encourages brothers from all classes to consider coming back this year.
“You have golfers of all abilities in attendance,” he said. “Lots of guys tell me this is the only round they play all year, and you can tell that is true when you get out there. The draw is a fun day or weekend with your college buddies.”
Click here for details of the 2017 Phi Open and to register!