Sugar Cookie Open
2025 Co-Title Sponsors
2025 Dinner Event
2025 Sugar Cookie Open Keynote Speaker
Drago Dzieran: A Journey of Courage and Service
Born in Poland during Communist rule, Drago Dzieran faced persecution for his activism against censorship and oppression. He spent time as a political prisoner before immigrating to the United States in 1984. Determined to contribute to his new homeland, Drago became a US Citizen in 1991 and joined the US Navy the same year.
Throughout his Navy career, Drago served with distinction in various elite units, including SEAL Team 2, SEAL Team 4, and Naval Special Warfare (NSWC). Notably, he excelled as a BUD/S instructor in Coronado, California, where he trained the next generation of SEALs.
During deployments to Iraq from 2003 to 2005, Drago's expertise and innovation were pivotal. He developed specialized breaching methods and a revolutionary breaching charge that significantly reduced collateral damage and protected non-combatants during direct action missions. His contributions saved numerous lives and earned him prestigious awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device for Valor and the Navy Commendation Medal with "V" Device for Valor.
Drago Dzieran's legacy is one of bravery, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to service. His impact extends far beyond his military achievements, standing as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of courage in the face of adversity.
Fifth Annual Sugar Cookie Open
The Sugar Cookie Open is a standard 18 hole tournament with a twist. Each participant will have the opportunity to play this exhibition hole for the chance to win a prize and of course bragging rights for life! Water and sand provided..
Donate To Our Cause
At the heart of the Sugar Cookie Open lies your generosity. Every donation you make directly benefits our Quincy community, supporting essential services and enriching the lives of our local heroes and veterans.
Your Impact:
Local First Responders: Quincy Police Department, Adams County Sheriff's Department, Quincy Fire Department—equipment and training enhancements.
Veteran Organizations: Illinois Veteran’s Home Activity Fund, PGA for Hope (Quincy), Fishing For Freedom Quincy—providing new opportunities and support for veterans.
Why Donate?
Your contribution ensures that these organizations can continue to serve our community effectively and pursue new initiatives that improve the lives of Quincy residents. Every penny counts and makes a tangible difference.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The foundation of this success is from our sponsorship opportunities from Memorial Hole Sponsorships, Dinner Tables and Raffle items. In the first four years of the Sugar Cookie, these sponsorships have helped us raise over $97k for our local community.
Supporting Local Adams County (IL) First Responders & Veteran Organizations
Raised $97k+ since 2021
"The Sugar Cookie Open is truly unique. It is like no other golf event I've ever heard of or attended. Yes, it's your standard 18 hole scramble but with a twist. The name “Sugar Cookie” comes from some Navy SEAL training where they get wet and covered with sand while dressed in full gear and then have to train rigorously. The twist is that at this tournament the golfer has the option to get doused with a fire truck hose, roll around in a bunch of sand, then run to the tee box and try and hit a golf ball on the green. Risk embarrassment? Yes! A lot of fun? Yes! Memory of a lifetime? Yes! All while supporting something that is the perfect blend of honoring tradition while giving back to veterans and first responders”
— Ben Van Ness, WGEM
