It may have taken longer than he had hoped, thanks to prolonged rounds amidst various weather delays, but Charlie Nikitas can finally say he’s been in the professional winner’s circle.
The 25-year-old emerged victorious in the 75th Illinois Open Championship, Aug. 5-7, at Flossmoor Golf Club in south suburban Flossmoor. The Glenview native carded rounds of 69-69-71 for a three-round total of 7-under to win by one stroke over a pair of former University of Illinois golfers - professionals Luke Guthrie and Matthis Besard.
“This is the coolest thing ever. I’ve wanted to win this tournament since I started playing golf,” Nikitas said following the victory. “There’s a lot of cool names on this trophy. A lot of people that I’m friends with and it just means the world to me. I can’t really explain it, I’m just so excited.”
The former Miami University Redhawk and Alabama Crimson Tide golfer entered the final round tied for the lead with Tommy Kuhl, the Morton native and former Illini turned professional, at 6-under-par. Alex Creamean of Winnetka earned the Low Amateur award at 1-under-par, while Butler National Golf Club head golf professional Andy Svoboda took home the Low PGA Professional award at 3-under-par.