THE SHACK IS OPEN and getting bigger after the first of the year. So expected for mid-to-late January is the new edition to the Shacks-clubhouse. Four new simulators with more comfortable seating, and a new putting green. The Shack at 1717 Chestnut St. in Glenview, call The Shack Indoor Golf Club at (847)-904-2905 TheShackgolfclub.com.
Make it 14 times for Illini Coach Mike Small in the Illinois PGA Section.
THE ILLINOIS PGA IN 2023.
A group of Illinois PGA section professionals, came together in October in the annual Birdies for Charity event.
So with the final totals not in, the figure raised for charity was almost $300,000. Several charities benefit from this event, so great job IPGA.
MIKE SMALL DID IT AGAIN-14 times is doing it again. The head coach of the University of Illinois men’s golf team won the 36 hole-rain shortened Illinois PGA Section championship at Thunderhawk Golf Club in Beech Park. Because of a strong rain, first day play was stopped with no-players finishing their round.
SO HIT THE RESET BUTTON-Which is what several players did. Because Small had to hold off Mistwood Golf Club’s Andy Mickelson, Jim Billiter Ivanhoe Club, and Jeff Kellen Butler National, in a great final round to take home the title for the 14th time.
But Small did not stop there. Because Small carded a final round 8 under par 64, to win the Illinois PGA Section Senior title at the Merit Club. Dave Hannon was second and Roy Biancalana was third. So this allowed Small to lead a field of 8 other IPGA professionals to Port St. Lucie in October in the National Senior PGA Club Professional.
With Small’s top 3 finish in Florida, he advanced to the 2024 Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor Michigan next May 23-26.
HANNON AND BIANCALANA dueled again the Senior IL. PGA Players Championship with Hannon coming out on top to win the tournament. But it was Biancalana who ended up T-5. So that gave Biancalana enough points to be the 2023 IPGA Senior Player of the Year.
Biancalana won the 2023 IPGA Senior Match Play at the Ridge Country Club, with a 4 & 2 win in the championship match over David Paeglow. The win gave Biancalana a three peat in the event. Plus a tie with Jim Sobb as the only players to win the tournament three times.
MISTWOOD’S ANDY MICKELSON was named the 2023 Illinois PGA Player of the Year.
THE MISTWOOD SIMULATOR SUITE at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53. (630)-739-7600 book it today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. GRACE CURRAN won a playoff to win the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville. McWethy’s Restaurant is open at Mistwood GC (815)-254-3333.
Brian Carroll of the The Hawk Country Club rallied from sevens back to win the 2023 Illinois PGA Players Championship. Photo by Nick Novelli.
Brian Carroll of The Hawk Country Club rallied to win the 2023 IPGA Players Championship.
So for Carroll it was his second IPGA Major Championship, after winning the 2022 IPGA Section Championship.
Chris Green of the Glenview Club shot an impressive 7 under par 63, in tough weather conditions to be in command after 18 holes.
But things changed during round two and Carroll shot a 3-under par 69, that allowed him to comeback and win.
The championship was held at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove, on both of the clubs courses.
WILLOW HILL LIGHTS and the Willow Hill Dome at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook is the place to be this week. Golf hours have been extended this week from 8a to 8p. So then after golf hit the really good light show. WillowHillDome.com
Kevin Flack finished in fourth place, which for the second time in three years earned him the 2023 IPGA Assistant Player of the Year Award.
But for more information please visit IPGA.com