Illinois Open returning to Hawthorn Woods

After a smashing success a year ago, Hawthorn Woods Country Club will serve as host course for the Illinois Open Championship for the second consecutive year.

"We're truly excited that Hawthorn Woods Country Club will host the Illinois Open Championship again," said Illinois PGA executive director Michael Miller. "The 2008 Championship was extremely well-received by the players, and the golf course proved to be a stern test, as evidenced by the scores throughout the week.

"The staff and membership at Hawthorn Woods Country Club provided tremendous support last year, helping make it one of the best Illinois Open Championships to date."

Joe Emerich, an amateur from Palatine, captured the 59th Illinois Open Championship with a 2-stroke victory over defending champion Mike Small and Justin Fetcho.

The 21-year-old Emerich became the firs amateur to win the event since Curtis Malm in 2000 at Royal Fox Country Club.

Just as it was last year, the 60th edition of the Illinois Open is scheduled to run in late July (27-29), in part to avoid any potential scheduling conflicts.

"We always strive to ensure we have the strongest possible field in the Illinois Open Championship," Miller said. "The 2009 dates will avoid any conflicts with the Western Amateur Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club and local USGA Amateur qualifying."