THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN this week at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Padraig Harrington looks to defend his title again the like of Wisconsin players like Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. So learn more about the championship at USGA.org.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with 2023 U.S. Senior Open Chairman Hank Thompson-Outside the Ropes of the USGA.

Mike Small goes back-to-back at the Illinois Senior Open, at the Preserve at Oak Meadows.

THE COACH DOES IT AGAIN.

University of Illinois Men’s golf coach Mike Small has won the Illinois Senior Open for the second straight year.

But this time he had to beat Small to win the championship.

Because his opponent Mark Small (A) never gave up, even though his 3 shot lead with five holes to play wilted away, and forced a playoff.

But the two shot swing on the 13th hole that gave Mark Small that 3 shot lead, only seemed to inspire Mike Small to turn up his game a notch. So a birdie on 15 by Mike, cut Marks lead to two shots. Another birdie on 16 by Mike-cut Mark’s lead to 1 shot.

After Mark 3-putted the par-3 17th hole, the players were tied at 5 under par, heading to the 18th hole. So after both players made par on 18, the players went back to the 18th tee in a sudden-death playoff hole.

Mike Small won the title with a 2-putt par on the 18th green, as Mark Small’s chip, left him a longer par putt-that he could not covert to force another playoff-hole.

“It always feels good to win and defend your title,” said Small. “Mark deserved to win, he played more solidly than any of us today. But I just snuck it out at the end and I’m happy to win.

Mike Small now heads to Sentry World and Stevens Point Wisconsin, to compete in the U.S. Senior Open.