MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB FITTING SPECIALIST MATT CARTER works with Golfers on Golf Rory Spears on club testing in the Mistwood Performance Center in Romeoville. Do you clubs need testing to determine if you need a full or partial fitting. In this case Carter explained it was time for Rory to upgrade his fairway woods and change the loft on new Callaway Rogue Driver. So learn more at Mistwoodgc.com or (815)-254-3333
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @gogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Oak Park Country Club’s First Assistant Professional Kyle Donovan pumps his fist after closing out his second round with a birdie putt.
Writing from Makray Memorial in Barrington.
OAK PARK COUNTRY CLUB’s First assistant professional Kyle Donovan shot a second round 2-under par 69, to take a two shot lead into the third and final round of the Illinois PGA Section Championship at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington Illinois.
Donovan is no stranger to the golf course, since he grew up playing junior tournaments at Makray. Which is a benefit many of the other professionals in the 106 player field did not have.
Makray is hosting the championship for the first time. But the club has proved to be a good test for the states best professionals, even with conditions that have not been that difficult.
Between Illinois Junior Golf tournaments, and high school golf tournaments, Makray has been a home for those learning the game in their early years. But it’s earning a name this week with the best professionals from Illinois.
But while Donovan has a two shot lead heading into the final round of 18 holes, he better not turn around. Because chasing Donovan from two shots behind, is University of Illinois Men’s golf coach Mike Small. Small has won the championship only 14 times over the years, including one stretch of 8 years in a row.
Small told Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer after Round 2, that he is working on a swing change. Because Small admits to being frustrated in his play over the last two years. Will that new swing hold up in Round 3 for Small is the question.
Butler National’s Jeff Kellen is also three under par and is playing steady golf. Kellen like Donovan is looking for his first IPGA major and section championship win. But in Donovan’s case, he has only been eligible to play in the event for about three months.
But maybe a bit of a surprise to be chasing only two shots, is White Eagle Golf Club’s Director of Golf/GM Curtis Malm. Because while Malm has been close to winning the championship before, second place on more than one occasion is still not a win. So for Malm what a win on Wednesday would mean, would be the IPGA career Grand Slam.
Malm previously won the Illinois Open (as an amateur) then the Match Play Championship. But most recently at The Knollwood Club, the Players Championship. Malm’s second place was a close loss to Steve Orrick at Stonewall Orchard.
Defending champion Andy Mickelson of Mistwood Golf Club is five shots back at even par and in sixth place. Mickelson frustrated with his game, was seen on the range two hours after his second round was complete hitting balls. Mickelson is tied with Roy Biancalana who was the low IPGA professional at the Illinois Open earlier this month.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Oak Park Country Club’s Kyle Donovan.
The leaders tee off at 9:40 am Wednesday for the final round of the 2022 IPGA Section Championship. RS