The PGA Tour’s developmental circuit has gone by various names – Ben Hogan, Nationwide, Nike, Web.com — over its 32-year history, but the just-concluded Evans Scholars Invitational on what is now the Korn Ferry Tour was an event like no other. Chicago has hosted various events over the years, but local players never made the…
Daily Herald Columns
Meet the next induction class into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame
The next induction class into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame will be much different than the last one, which was enshrined in 2019. The next class celebrates the playing accomplishments of both the male and female stars. On the women’s side there was Bessie Anthony, who was one of the nation’s top stars in…
Evans Scholars tourney is loaded with Chicago golf stars
The Evans Scholars Invitational, the only pro tour event in the Chicago area this season, tees off on Thursday at The Glen Club, in Glenview. It’s an annual stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, which provides a direct path to golf’s premier circuit — the PGA Tour. Scottie Scheffler won the inaugural ESI at…
From Dundee Crown to Kiawah: Roger Warren’s career in golf
Roger Warren’s career in golf started in 1986, when he took on a summer job at Village Links of Glen Ellyn. Now he’s the president of the Kiawah Island Resort, host of the 103rd PGA Championship which tees off on Thursday. Warren had college stints at both Northern Illinois and Western Illinois and was both a…
Ex-Illinois Amateur winner qualifies for his first PGA Championship
Twenty club professionals qualified for next week’s PGA Championship at South Carolina’s Kiawah course at a 312-player elimination last month in Florida. None of the qualifiers were members of the Illinois PGA session, but one of the 20 has deep Chicago area roots. Brad Marek came out of Hersey High School, in Arlington Heights,…
Illini golfers are awaiting another crack at that elusive NCAA title
Mike Small couldn’t compete in last week’s PGA Professionals Championship in Florida – which offers a spot in the field for the PGA Championship coming up in two weeks at Kiawah in South Carolina – for one good reason. He’s a college coach first and foremost and his Illinois team had to win the Big…
Ten finalists named for next Illinois Golf Hall of Fame induction class
The first stage for selection to the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame has been completed, and the 27 nominees have been whittled to 10. Among the finalists are three long-time club professionals – Doug Bauman, of Biltmore in North Barrington; Bruce Patterson, of Butler National in Oak Brook; and Tim O’Neal, of North Shore…
Streelman, Frittelli form `Team Illinois’ in PGA team event
The PGA Tour’s most unusual tournament has an unusual pairing this week. The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a two-man team event that tees off on Thursday at TPC-Louisiana, with teams competing at best-ball on Thursday and Saturday and using the alternate shot format on Friday and Sunday. Played for the fourth time…
Return at Harbour Town could provide a big boost for Donald
This could be a big week for those who follow the Northwestern golf program. Three former Wildcats’ stars return from a week off during the Masters to take on potential career-changing challenges. Luke Donald, the greatest player in NU in NU history, will be on the comeback trail at a course that has been good…
A 10-under 60 on Korn Ferry Tour shows Hardy is ready for the big time
This week’s golf focus will be entirely on the Masters. No other pro tours are playing, and the Chicago influence at Augusta National will be minimal. Kevin Streelman, Doug Ghim and Luke Donald – the PGA Tour members with Chicago connections – didn’t qualify. Sunday’s Drive, Chip & Putt national finals staged at Augusta National…