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Kyle English holds the CIPGA Section Championship Trophy.

Kyle English (Crestwicke Country Club) has won the 2020 Don Drasler Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year and the Central Illinois PGA Chapter (CIPGA) Player of the Year, the Illinois PGA announced this week.

For English it was his first Assistant Player of the Year Award, and his second Chapter Player of the Year  Award.

“I’m honored to be accepting the awards this year for Illinois PGA Assistant and CIPGA Player of the Year,” said English. “These accolades are extremely special to me largely in a year filled with so much uncertainty. I’m beyond thankful to the Illinois PGA staff for their efforts in making this season possible. It doesn’t seem like too long ago I was sitting here wondering if we would have the opportunity to compete this season. Although further challenge still present themselves, I want to acknowledge the hard work of the Tournament Staff in 2020 and dedicate these awards to their team.”

The Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year Award is named after Don Drasler. Drasler was a PGA Professional from 1965-2007 and served as the Assistant Professional at the Old Elm Club in Highland Park, Illinois.

Drasler Assistant Player of the Year points are awarded at Assistant Stroke Play events, the Illinois PGA Assistant Championship, the Assistant Match Play, the IPGA Players Championship and the Illinois Open Championship. Players earn points based on their finish against the entire field. Points are also weighted based on the size and strength of the field.

“We have a very competitive group of Assistants and Associates in the Illinois Section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section. “Kyle showcased some fantastic golf through out the season and played well at both Assistant and Chapter events. We congratulate him on his outstanding season and on winning both of these awards.”

English played in eight Illinois PGA events in the Assistants Division this season. He was first at the Assistants Division Stroke Play at Onwentsia Club and the Stroke Play at Hawks Country Club. English also won the his second career Illinois Assistant PGA Professional Championship by six strokes in 2020.

English won the season-long Illinois PGA Assistant Match Championship. Competitors had to schedule their own matches within a time frame set by the championship committee. English defeated Adam Patronik (Old Elm Club) in the championship match at Conway Farms.

English was the second highest finishing IPGA Professional finisher T-15 behind Mike Small at the Illinois Open.

Many CIPGA event had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. One event they have was the CIPGA Section Championship that was won by English over Small on the second playoff hole.