The 2023 Illini Golf Classic hosted by ICON Collective and presented by Busey Bank, took place at historic Olympia Fields Country Club on September 17-18, 2023, and proved to be a resounding success, thanks to our many generous participants, sponsors and donors. The support for the men’s golf program is always on full display at OFCC and this year was no different with such great passion and enthusiasm among the participants. Despite the unfortunate rainy conditions on Sunday, it did not stop the group from having a fun time, full of lots of laughs and plenty of new memories! The proceeds from the event will provide meaningful funding for both the Illinois men’s golf program as well as ICON Collective.
Illini golf tour professionals Thomas Pieters, Nick Hardy, Dylan Meyer, Michael Feagles and Adrien Dumont de Chassart returned to OFCC for the event. The Illini pros mingled with guests, shared tremendous insight during a golf clinic and reminisced about their collegiate days at the University of Illinois. The event was further strengthened with the attendance of many other former Illini student-athletes, across several different programs. Once an Illini, always an Illini!
The gala/reception had added significance this year with Athletic Director, Josh Whitman presenting Thomas Pieters with his Illini Athletics Hall of Fame award, which Pieters was unable to receive in person at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in September 2023. Illini Nation is proud of the many accomplishments of Pieters and the other talented student-athletes that have represented the Orange and Blue, and it was exciting to showcase the special moment for Pieters during the Illini Golf Classic gala/reception.
The Illini Golf Classic was a great success, largely because of the approximately 225 participants and 50 sponsors. Additionally, countless individuals and businesses stepped up to support the live and silent auction through donations and auction participation. Check out the 2023 Illini Golf Classic sponsors. The extreme generosity showcases the continued support for the men’s golf program and the desire to be competitive through NIL opportunities at the University of Illinois.
We want to thank everyone who helped make this year’s event so special, and invite you to check out some of the photos from the event.