Michael Feagles wasn’t always able to tee it up at the Illinois Open. Prior to a policy change in 2023, the Illinois PGA’s trademark event only allowed legal residents of Illinois to compete. Now, any player who graduated from an Illinois high school/college or is enrolled at an in-state college can enter. Feagles seized the opportunity.
The Illini men’s golf alum used the policy change and a sensational final round to capture the 76th Illinois Open Championship, Aug. 4-6, at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. A final round of 3-under-par 69 catapulted him to a one-shot victory at 1-under-par over Butler National Golf Club’s head professional Andy Svoboda of Oak Brook.
“Based on the way I played this week, I did not think I was going to win. I struggled the entire week but I just hung around. I made some gritty pars and took advantage of the holes that I could be aggressive on,” Feagles stated about his play during the week. “This is a very historic event, and to do it at this course that has so much history, to join the long list of champions that have won this event, means a lot to me.”
The Scottsdale, Arizona resident overcame a four-shot lead from 36-hole leader Brian Ohr of Northbrook thanks to three birdies in his first four holes to start the day. Consistency followed Feagles the rest of the round with only two bogeys on his card. Svoboda captured second-place and Low PGA Professional honors for the second-consecutive year at even-par. Morton, Illinois native and former Illini star Tommy Kuhl carded the low round of the day with a 66, resulting in a tie for third at 1-over-par. Glen Ellyn native Grant Roscich finished tied for fifth with a 2-over-par, earning the Low Amateur award.
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RECAP
NV5 Invitational
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10th CDGA Amateur Four-Ball Championship
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CHAMPIONJase Summy (Keller, Texas)
LIV Golf Chicago
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CHAMPIONDean Burmester (South Africa)
33rd Illinois State Mid-Amateur Championship
Aug. 18-19 - Inverness Golf Club
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Illinois Super Senior Open
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CHAMPIONRoy Biancalana (St. Charles)
Illinois PGA Championship
Aug. 25-26 - Beverly Country Club
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