September 2025PGA_Section_News

2901 W. Lake Ave., Suite A, Glenview, IL 60026Email: illinois@pgahq.com Website: Illinois Office: (847) 729-5700Executive Director:
Carrie Williams
(847) 729-5700 Ext. 63007
cwilliams@pgahq.com

Click here to view Illinois PGA Section's Staff ListingClick here to view Illinois PGA Section's Board of Directors••••••The final round of the 76th Illinois Open Championship presented by Troon delivered everything golf fans could hope for—pressure-packed drama, constant leaderboard changes, and a demanding test that refused to let up. In the end, it was Michael Feagles (Scottsdale, AZ) who emerged from the chaos, mastering Kemper Lakes Golf Club (Kildeer, Ill) when it mattered most.Feagles fired a final-round 3-under-par 69—his only round under par for the championship—to rally from three shots back and claim the title by one stroke. With rounds of 72-74-69 for a 54-hole total of 1-under-par 215, Feagles became the sole player to finish under par for the tournament, a rare occurrence at the Illinois Open and the first since 1994. His steady hand and late-round resolve sealed a hard-earned victory on a course that demanded the very best.Feagles’ moment was made possible by a 2023 Illinois Open eligibility policy change, which now allows players who either graduated from a high school or postsecondary institution in Illinois, or are currently enrolled at an in-state college (including incoming freshmen), to compete in the championship. Feagles, who played collegiate golf at the University of Illinois from 2016 to 2020, met the criteria and has taken full advantage of the opportunity, finishing T16 in his debut last year, and this time, leaving as a champion.“This is a little surreal,” said Feagles. “Based on the way I played this week, I did not think I was going to win. I kind of struggled the entire week, but just kind of hung around. I made some gritty pars at times and took advantage of the holes that I could be aggressive on. I’m thrilled. 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 and won here, means a lot to me. It’s also pretty cool to be on the Champions list with the legendary Mike Small.”

••••••

Roy Biancalana (St. Charles, Ill) claimed his fourth career Illinois Super Senior Open title today at Pine Meadow Golf Club, after shooting rounds of 64 and 71. Dave Esler (St. Charles, Ill.) and Mike Karney (Crystal Lake, Ill.) took home the low-amateur honors with two-day tournament totals of 3-under-par 141.

“It’s fun to come out and compete and to try to stay up on top. I’m getting older, so how much longer can I keep winning this thing? So it’s always fun to do that. I did put a lot of pressure on myself today after my 64 yesterday, which was my lowest in competition in recent years. It was hard to battle the thoughts of ‘if you lose this tournament after a 64, you’re a choker’. You have to win after shooting that score, but it’s not easy,” said Biancalana.

The win today serves as Biancalana’s fourth time winning the Illinois Super Senior Open (2020, 2021, 2023, 2025).

“Winning always puts you in a good mood, and it builds confidence for the rest of the season. It’s rewarding to win because I work hard and teach a lot, but I also work on my game, so it’s rewarding to win,” said Biancalana.

The Illinois Super Senior Open was founded in 2011 by host PGA Professional Dennis Johnsen, PGA. It has been held at Pine Meadow Golf Club each year since and has proved to be a great test of golf year after year for this championship.

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