In my 24 years as the head golf coach at the University of Illinois, the landscape of college golf has changed immensely. One thing that has always stayed the same though, is this program’s incredible support from alumni, fans, and donors. As we approach the 22nd annual Illini Golf Classic, I can’t stress enough how grateful we are for your support and commitment to making the Illini Golf Classic a great success, year after year. Although ICON is serving as the official host once again, the positive impact that the event will have on the men’s golf program is still profound. Through the event’s past success, the money that you have helped us raise has afforded our team the opportunity to consistently play and compete against the best competition, at the best tournaments in the country. It is safe to say that Illini Golf would not have become a perennial national contender without your longstanding years of unconditional support.
Illini greats Steve Stricker, D.A. Points, Scott Langley, Luke Guthrie, Thomas Pieters, Brian Campbell, Thomas Detry, Nick Hardy, Dylan Meyer, Michael Feagles, and Adrien Dumont de Chassart have all become household names on their respective tours, with Nick Hardy becoming the most recent Illini to earn a victory on the PGA Tour. As with you, we appreciate their continued loyalty and support to the program by making their way back to the Illini Classic each and every year.
We invite you, your friends, family, clients, and employees to join our current 2024-2025 Illini Men’s Golf team this September and celebrate Illini Golf together. It’s always special for us to be able to spend quality time with you and to have you help us “kick-start” another successful season of Illini Men’s Golf. Let’s make this year’s outing one to remember.
Best Wishes,
Mike Small
Men’s Golf Coach