PGA Tour golfer Kevin Streelman leads youth clinic at Cantigny
A Wheaton native who honed his golf skills at Cantigny Golf returns to the course Friday, Aug. 5, to oversee some young golfers who hope to follow his footsteps to the PGA Tour.
Kevin Streelman, who first qualified for the PGA Tour in 2007 after years of trying, will be on hand to give pointers at the Cantigny Golf Academy for youth competing in the 2011 Illinois Junior Golf Association Wilson Staff Slam Finals.
The event concludes a season-long skills challenge at area golf courses in which prequalified boys and girls ages 6 to 13 will compete in putting, chipping, iron play and driving. The competition starts at 10 a.m. at the golf course, 27W270 Mack Road, Wheaton.
After the competition, Streelman will stay to answer questions and sign autographs, then lead a few of the junior golfers in a four-hole, on-course lesson. During the lesson, he will wear a microphone to allow spectators to hear his advice as well. The public may attend the day's events for free.
Cantigny golf pro Patrick Lynch stops short of saying Streelman's professional success was expected, but he hinted that it was not exactly surprising either.
“He was just kind of different,” he said. “You can tell he had more of a chance to make it. You could see he had a different look in his eyes. His eyes were always on the horizon.”
If Streelman's eyes were on the horizon, he probably still could not have known the success he would enjoy on the PGA Tour.
Although none of his statistics are overwhelming, he has finished in the Top 3 three times this year, with his best showing in June at the Travelers Championship, where he tied for sixth. Having played three tournaments in July, Streelman next will tee off in the PGA Championship beginning Thursday, Aug. 11, in Johns Creek, Ga.
He is on pace this year to top last year's total earnings of nearly $1.5 million. After his sixth-place finish, Streelman now has earned $1.057 million in 2011.
But Lynch says what distinguishes Streelman is his desire to help young golfers. In 2010, Cantigny hosted an event for youth golfers completely organized by the 33-year-old Streelman, who grew up in Wheaton.
“He was always a very genuine kind of person, much more than just talent,” Lynch said. “It's just so exciting to see.”
Lynch said Streelman, who worked at Cantigny as a youth, always seemed to know where he was headed.Even after failing to make the tour in at least three tries in qualifying school, Lynch said he rarely doubted that Streelman ultimately would make it. As his life has become a whirlwind, Lynch says they still get frequent updates from his two greatest fans.
#8220;He keeps in touch and his parents are always here,#8221; Lynch said. #8220;We live through his parents now because we know how busy he is.#8221;
If you go
What: PGA golfer Kevin Streelman leads a golf clinic in conjunction with a junior golf skills competition
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today
Where: Cantigny Golf, 27W270 Mack Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free for spectators, public welcome at all events
Info: cantignygolf.com
Schedule
10 a.m. Skills competition for prequalified golfers ages 6 to 13
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Picnic lunch
Noon Awards presentation
12:30 p.m. Q&A with Streelman
1 p.m. On-course lesson with Streelman and eight junior golfers, spectators welcome
2:45-4 p.m. Autograph and photo session