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OAK BROOK, Ill - May 7, 2026 – Andy Svoboda of Elevation Golf defeated top-seeded and defending Match Play Champion, Jim Billiter (Ivanhoe Club), 2 and 1 in the Championship Match of the 2026 Harris Golf Cars Illinois PGA Match Play Championship at Butterfield Country Club on Thursday, May 7th to claim his first career Illinois PGA Major Championship Title.
This marks Svoboda’s first Illinois PGA Major Championship of his career. Svoboda joined the Illinois PGA in 2024. In that time, he has finished inside the top 20 at every Illinois PGA Major that he has played in, including three top-two finishes and five top-three finishes in a combined seven Major appearances. He previously finished second at the 2024 Harris Golf Cars Illinois PGA Match Play Championship at Bull Valley Golf Club. Svoboda did not play in the 2025 Match Play Championship.
“It’s awesome to finally get a win at one of these (Majors),” said Svoboda. “I’ve been close. I was in the final in this a couple of years ago, and I just couldn’t get it done. I had to call a penalty on myself late in the match, which was unfortunate. But I’ve been close, just haven’t been able to get the W. So this feels pretty good.”