Records are meant to be broken; some of which, however, are easier than others. Those that exist as part of an event with a nearly-eight decade long history oftentimes seem untouchable.
For Charlie Nikitas, however, this August’s 77th Illinois Open Championship was the perfect time to rewrite the record books en route to his second event win in the last three years. Consecutive 63s to begin the tournament at The Club at Wynstone matched the lowest score ever recorded on the Barrington-based track. Zionsville, Indiana’s Michael Davan, the 2012 CDGA Amateur champion, matched Nikitas with a -9 of his own during the opener and 2024 Illinois State Amateur victor Pierce Grieve kept pace in round two following an opening 67.
A share of the course record in hand, Nikitas went on to post the lowest 36- and 54-hole scoring marks in Illinois Open history to hoist the trophy. His 18-under 126 after round two and 20-under 196 at week’s end are the new marks future Illinois Open competitors will be striving for.
“This is so cool,” said Nikitas. “To win this again is just so cool. I love this event and everything involved. It hasn’t really set in yet.”
Trailing closest behind the two-time champion was Monticello’s Luke Gannon, who carded rounds of 64, 67 and 69 to finish four shots behind at -16. 2022 Illinois State Am runner-up Tommy Kuhl, now of Naples, Florida, placed third at 15-under par, while the aforementioned Grieve tied for fourth with former Loyola Chicago-turned-Illini golfer Timmy Crawford at -13. Dujuan Snyman of Champaign claimed the Low Amateur Award in his first Illinois Open at 12-under par, while Vince India earned the Low Illinois PGA Professional Award at -7.
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July 23-26 - The Glen ClubCHAMPIONTommy Morrison (Dallas, Texas)
July 28 - Aug. 1 - Beverly Country ClubCHAMPIONJay Leng (San Diego, California)
Aug. 17-18 - Edgewood Valley Country ClubCHAMPIONBrandon Holtz (Bloomington)
Aug. 18-19 - Pine Meadow Golf ClubCHAMPIONGary Hallberg
Aug. 24-25 - Elgin Country ClubCHAMPIONAndy Svoboda