Doc Haznow, the owner of a restaurant for decades that turned into Porter’s, most recently Plum Garden, conceived of a golf course on a frozen Crystal Lake.

It became known as the Doc Haznow Chili Open.

“No Swimming” was allowed at the 2009 Doc Haznow Chili Open.

I wrote a story about the 2009 event held on a warm day with water covering the frozen Crystal Lake.

At least as far back as 2015, the Crystal Lake Park District was promoting Doc Haznow’s Chili Open using his name.

That was the last year the founder was so honored.

Here are the details for this year’s golf tournament on Crystal Lake:

CHILI OPEN GOLF CLASSIC – 2.09.19Time: 8:00 AM

Location: Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake

Golfers (18 & Up) play a 9-hole, par 32 course on the frozen lake! All foursomes will receive a gift and bowl of chili. Once registered, email Lindsey Pollina for tee time. Please note that tee times will be given on a first-come first-serve basis. (No glass bottles on the ice please.)

8 am-3:30 pm

Register by February 2 for code 230412-01

$125/foursome

The District’s phone number is (815) 459-0680.

A friend told us how gangsters used to stop at Haznow’s for lunch on the way to Lake Geneva. He was not old enough to drive, but he was still tasked with filling up the gas tank. The tips were good.

The gambling in the back room was eventually replaced by a Chinese restaurant.