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THE 65TH ILLINOIS OPEN AT THE GLEN CLUB. DEFENDING CHAMPION JOE KINNEY IS BACK TO DEFEND HIS TITLE AND TEE’S OFF AT 1:20 IN ROUND ONE. KEEP IT HERE, OR VISIT IPGA.COM FOR RESULTS.

Defending Champion Joe Kinney heads up a stellar field as he defends his title at the 65th Illinois Open at the Glen Club. Kinney won the 2013 championship in a three hole playoff.

It’s now been seven years since a Illinois Open champion has successfully defended his title. With Mike Small being the last to do it.

“The 2013 Illinois Open was my greatest achievement in golf to date,” said Kinney. “I am honored to have the chance to come back and play as the defending champion. I couldn’t be more excited to return to the Glen Club and compete for the title again. It is sure to be another fantastic week and top-tier championship.”

For Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small, it’s yet another chance to get into the record books. Should Small win the title this year, he will tie Gary Pinns record for five Illinois Open titles.

The Glen Club this year will surpass the record of hosted Illinois Open Championships by hosting it’s ninth. The previous record was eight by the Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles.

“This year’s Illinois Open boasts one of the strongest fields in the history of the Championship,” said Illinois PGA executive director Michael Miller. “Led by former nine champions and a record number of amateurs making the final championship field, we are confident The Glen Club will present an excellent test of golf for the top amateurs and professionals in the state of Illinois.”

Besides Kinney and Small,other past champions in the field include Joe Emerich, Curtis Malm, Eric Meierdierks, Brian Payne, Max Scodro, Marty Schiene, Rick Ten Broeck. The field of 156 players includes a record 81 amateurs. After 36 holes the field will be cut to the low 50 scorers and ties. The championship is open to professionals and amateurs with a handicap of 10 or less who reside in the state of Illinois.

For the first time in the championship, a father and two sons will all play in the championship. Doug Bauman the head professional of Biltmore Country Club in Barrington, will be joined by sons both amateurs Greg and Riley.

Qualifiers are conducted in the month of June to determine the final 156 player field. Sponsors of the championship this year include Athletic Co, Kemper Sports and Wilson Staff.

Some tee times of note. (First tee time is at 7:30 Am last time is at 2:30 Pm).

Mike Small at 1:20 off of 10 with Max Scodro and Kinney. Curtis Malm at 1:00 off 10, Eric Meierdierks at 12:50 on 10. Travis Johns off of 10 at 1:40, Matt Slowinski at 2:00 off of 10, Michael Schachner at 2:30. New Illinois State Amateur Champion Raymond Knoll 12:30 off of 10.

The public is welcome and admission is free. The final round on Wednesday will conclude about 2:00 PM. Come join in the fun.