University of Illinois: Golf School

The University of Illinois is a Golf School.

The University of Illinois Men’s Golf team has won its eighth straight Big Ten Title. This feat is a Big Ten record. Illinois has dominated the golf scene the past decade. Coach Mike Small has won  12 Big Ten team titles, including the last 8 and last 13 of 14. On the Women’s side, The Illini Women’s golf program won their very first Big Ten Championship last week.

An Impressive Post-season start.

The Illini men’s team came in ranked third in the nation. They were lead by Sophomore, Jackson Buchanan. Buchanan was leading the tournament by one stroke before inclement weather caused the third round to be cancelled. Hot on Buchanan’s trail was Northwestern’s Daniel Svard and Iowa’s Mac McClear (Hinsdale Central alum).  Three other Illini finished out the Top 5.  Adrien Dumont De Chassart finished fifth, while there was a tie for third place. At third place, Matthis Besard and Tommy Kuhl individually tied.

Honestly, the Illini’s competition within themselves made for a more competitive scene as second place Northwestern was at a +9 compared to Illinois at -8.

Mike Small Dominates.

As above, Illinois has quite the talented roster. Their golfers are old and experienced. They are also coached by Small, who has proven to be one of the best coaches in the entire country. Illinois Golf will look to continue their hot streak at the national level with Buchanan, Besard, Kuhl and Dumont de Chassart. Next week, Illinois will find out where they are in the NCAA regional draw.

The draw will be held on May 15th to 17th. Mike Small and his crew will look to bounce back from last year’s result. In 2022, they were unable to reach the NCAA regional final for the first time since 2007. This level of dominance is great to see in an Illini Athletic program. Before Football and Basketball returned to national prominence, sports like Golf and Tennis were consistently dominating. This lead us to be called a Spring sport school, however I do feel it is safe to say that the University of Illinois will always be a Golf School.