CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois women’s golf program held its Seventh Annual Women’s Golf Classic at the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois in Urbana. The field of 19 teams enjoyed a beautiful day on the course and raised money to benefit the 2022-23 Illini.
Making the event possible were Illini Sponsors Sullivan-Parkhill Automotive and UpClose Marketing & Printing, Scoreboard, Lunch and Illini Hour Sponsor Ronald and Paula Filler, Range Sponsors the Steve and Jan Bowsher Family Trust and Paul Meginnis, and many others.
“We are so appreciative of all of the volunteers, sponsors and participants in this year’s Illinois Women’s Golf Classic,” said head coach Renee Slone. “A big thank you to our Illini Sponsors, Sullivan-Parkhill Automotive and UpClose Marketing & Printing and to Ronald and Paula Filler for their support of the event in multiple areas. This event is such a fun and energizing way to kick off the season for us. We love the opportunity for our team members to engage with the community and our women’s golf supporters and alumni. A special thank you to Jim Buyze and Ryan Rogiers and the staff at Atkins Golf Club and Homegrown for hosting this year’s Classic.”
Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to take part in a variety of on-course challenges such as the longest drive, closest second shot, and longest putt. Off the course, competitors had the opportunity to participate in the silent auction.
Following the tournament, Homegrown Restaurant provided dinner and awards were presented. Members of the 2022-23 Illini Women’s Golf Team were introduced to supporters, and the night concluded with the announcement of the silent auction winners.
Overall Tournament Winners
FIRST FLIGHT – FIRST PLACE Ben Quattrone, Derek Dietrich, Jeff Troxell, Dave Cartwright (Serra Champaign) – 59
FIRST FLIGHT – SECOND PLACE Jacob Tucker, Frank Fonte, Matt Grandone, Neil Moore (Sullivan-Parkhill Automotive) – 60
SECOND FLIGHT – FIRST PLACE Chip Jorstad, Brent Ericson, Chris Shroyer, Fred Kenney (Busey Bank) – 64
SECOND FLIGHT – SECOND PLACE Ronald Filler, Jim Moore, Mark Kuhlenschmidt, Rob Walls (Ronald and Paula Filler) – 65
THIRD FLIGHT – FIRST PLACE Debra Cohen, Robyn Crane, Mary Ellen Martin, Claudia Richards (Debra Cohen) – 68
THIRD FLIGHT – SECOND PLACE Kim Zahrn, Kim Hazel, Jeanne Martin, Maureen Banks – 68
HOLE 1 MEN’S LONGEST DRIVE Matt Ehrhart
HOLE 1 WOMEN’S LONGEST DRIVE Mary Ellen Martin
CLOSEST SECOND SHOT – HOLE #10 Ed McVey
LONGEST PUT – HOLE #8 Cheryl Easter
LONGEST PUT – HOLE #18 Jake Tucker
Silent Auction Winners
French Lick Resort Stay & Play Package: Jacob Tucker
Round for Three with Illini Great Tristyn Nowlin: Lisa Joley
Round for Four at Atkins Golf Club: Debra Cohen
Club Champion Driver Fitting: Lee Smith
Club Champion Full Bag Fitting: Ronald Filler
Club Champion Iron Fitting: Jacob Tucker
Callaway Rogue Driver: Jacob Tucker
Steve Stricker Signed Ryder Cup Flag: Steve Bowsher
University of Illinois Official Team Golf Bag: Jay Scott
St. Louis Cardinals Ticket Package: Kim Hazel
Colonnades Club Experience: Tara Swearingen
Fighting Illini Football Experience: Ben Quattrone
PRP In-Home Wine Sampling: Jacob Tucker
Illini Mission Belt: Ronald Filler