Illinois Open moves to Hawthorn Woods
The 59th Illinois Open Championship is moving up on the calendar - from August to July - and moving up from Glenview to Hawthorn Woods as well.
The Illinois PGA announced Monday that Hawthorn Woods Country Club will serve as host for the 59th Open, the largest and most prestigious event on the Illinois PGA calendar, scheduled for July 28-30.
"We're excited to continue the long-standing tradition of conducting the Illinois Open on a championship-caliber golf course," said Illinois PGA executive director Michael Miller. "Hawthorn Woods, while relatively new on the Chicago golf scene, is a premier Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course that will provide a stern test to the state's top amateur and professional players.
"Players will truly enjoy the golf course, and the facilities are among the best of any private club in the area."
The 59th edition of the Open will mark the first time in seven years that a course other than The Glen Club in Glenview will host the state championship. Royal Fox Country Club hosted seven Opens (1991-1995, 2000-2001).
"The new venue and dates for this year's Illinois Open are changes we felt were in the best interest of the event," Miller. "The earlier July dates allow us to avoid conflicts with USGA Amateur qualifying, USGA Mid-Amateur qualifying, and the 90th PGA Championship."
Hawthorn Woods Country Club, designed by Arnold Palmer Design Company, opened in 2006 as a highlight of the Toll Brothers master-planned community in Lake County. A 27,000-square-foot clubhouse is the centerpiece of the Hawthorn Woods community.
"It is quite an honor that Hawthorn Woods Country Club has been chosen," Palmer said. "We are very proud of the course we have designed and hope the players and spectators enjoy the tournament."
"Hosting a tournament that carries the prestige of the Illinois Open will mark a milestone for Hawthorn Woods Country Club," said Steve Lesnik, chairman of KemperSports, which owns and operates the private club.
University of Illinois men's head golf coach Mike Small captured last year's Open, his third consecutive and fourth overall, with a two-stroke victory over 2008 PGA Tour rookie Kevin Streelman and amateur Joe Cermak.
Small earned $19,924 - the largest first place award in the history of the event - from a total purse of $85,735. Small's four titles (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007) are second only to Gary Pinns (5).
The Illinois Open is a 54-hole championship contested over three days to determine the finest player in the state. It is open to professionals and amateurs with a handicap of 10 or less who reside within the state.
Qualifying events conducted throughout the month of June finalize the championship field to the top 159 players.
For more information, visit www.ipga.com.