Really nice finish to the 2nd round this morning, Timmy went -2 for his final 4 holes to recover his round to even(-4 in the tourney), Jerry birdie the last to card -1 on the day and continue stellar play, Ryan and Max parred out to keep there rounds intact at -4 and -2 respectively. Jackson's card is incomplete for some reason, hopeful pars or better to finish.
Illinois Golf 2023-24
its not that we compete with them, we beat them! This is our third win of the year, with a 2nd and 3rd thrown in there also. lets remember this was a work in progress year. I'm very impressed. Small is one of the best, if the not THE best coach in college golf
Such a deep effort. All of the top 5 took turns with massive contributions. Dropped a different golf each round. Had great individual showings from guys that didn't make the lineup. Big events still to come but great start to the spring season.
Congrats, Illini! Held on for the win.
"Work in progress" is an apt description. I wonder if Piercen will get back into team lineup after his performance?
Hate to use a hackneyed expression, but I think Mike Small re-loads rather than he re-builds.
By the way, Golfstat shows Illinois women 6th out of 11 in Texas. But Isabel Sy is leading.
Funny to me only, probably, but before tournament started I searched for info about Hank Williams, Hal Smith tourney. Finally settled on Hal Wiilliams, a well-respected administrator at South Alabama. No disrespect, certainly not, to Mr. Williams.
But I was more familiar with Hal Smith - Otis on the Andy Griffith Show as you may know.
"Work in progress" is an apt description. I wonder if Piercen will get back into team lineup after his performance?
Hate to use a hackneyed expression, but I think Mike Small re-loads rather than he re-builds.
By the way, Golfstat shows Illinois women 6th out of 11 in Texas. But Isabel Sy is leading.
Funny to me only, probably, but before tournament started I searched for info about Hank Williams, Hal Smith tourney. Finally settled on Hal Wiilliams, a well-respected administrator at South Alabama. No disrespect, certainly not, to Mr. Williams.
But I was more familiar with Hal Smith - Otis on the Andy Griffith Show as you may know.
Last edited:
Make no mistake: I am not PR guy for Mr. Hunt. My best to entire Illini team. Compete among yourselves, get better, Fighting Illini golfers!
But Gee, Whiz, why are players from all over North America and The World coming to The Greater Champaign-Urbana Metropolitan Designated Area to play golf and then remain to winter in Illinois?
Yes, the success of the program, certainly, is a factor. No doubt.
Yes, great school.
But it may also have to do with something else -
Don't want to mention any names, but his initials are Mike Small - and all of the above.
But Gee, Whiz, why are players from all over North America and The World coming to The Greater Champaign-Urbana Metropolitan Designated Area to play golf and then remain to winter in Illinois?
Yes, the success of the program, certainly, is a factor. No doubt.
Yes, great school.
But it may also have to do with something else -
Don't want to mention any names, but his initials are Mike Small - and all of the above.
Last edited:
Small actually uses the weather as a selling point by convincing prospects that they will face all types of weather if they eventually play on the tour. The best way to learn to play in bad weather is by practicing in bad weather.
BRucks: you are very correct, sir. But there is no way I'm gonna play golf today with temp of 30 and blustery wind here in northern Illinois - even with Coach Small's encouragement and guidance. T-storms, rain in Mobile one day during Hal Williams, but temp around 60. Big difference. Southern teams can do a lot more real practicing on real golf courses- in between tornados - than The Illini, I think. But hey, we've got tornados here in Illinois, too!
Last edited:
for sure outside practice is a big draw to the warm weather schools. However, the field is leveling with rise in sims work and indoor facilities. Illinois has a truly state of the art facility. We have multiple heated hitting bays, an awesome indoor short game, simulators. Players, and many pros for that matter, are beginning to prefer a portion of the year with detailed sim work and an organized fitness regime. This type of program can be sold to top shelf players. Our winter facilities are actually better then others. There are hurdles, but throw in the consistent success and pros coming out of here, we've got this ball rolling
There is a commercial on tv:
A boy (too old) swings at a T-ball thing in basement or garage. He steps way outside the box, levels swing and hits the tennis ball into target area. Bravo! Indoor practice. But what's he gonna do in a real ball game and a hardball from real pitcher? Gonna take the T-ball stand to the plate? Ain't real. Nothing wrong with practicing your swing, though, but stay in the batter's box! Wish the young man well. But I'm not scouting him right now. Indoor baseball.
Plus I don't remember the advertiser, which was the whole point of this commercial, wasn't it? Tennis balls? Basements, rec rooms? Anti-Itch agents? Don't know. Don't care.
I agree with former post. Best indoor facilities, modern stuff to attract the best golfers to Illinois. Yes!
I want a national championship for Illini Golf! Can do.
A boy (too old) swings at a T-ball thing in basement or garage. He steps way outside the box, levels swing and hits the tennis ball into target area. Bravo! Indoor practice. But what's he gonna do in a real ball game and a hardball from real pitcher? Gonna take the T-ball stand to the plate? Ain't real. Nothing wrong with practicing your swing, though, but stay in the batter's box! Wish the young man well. But I'm not scouting him right now. Indoor baseball.
Plus I don't remember the advertiser, which was the whole point of this commercial, wasn't it? Tennis balls? Basements, rec rooms? Anti-Itch agents? Don't know. Don't care.
I agree with former post. Best indoor facilities, modern stuff to attract the best golfers to Illinois. Yes!
I want a national championship for Illini Golf! Can do.
Last edited:
Facilities are important and ours are top notch. Still, coaching is key. Our women's program is not good and they use the same facilities as the men. Small was also the driving force behind the facilities. He is clearly the reason behind our success and that is why he is at the top of the payscale for golf coaches.
It's very hard to find info about Southern Highlands Collegiate which starts tomorrow in Las Vegas. Had to go to Pepperdine website for the following:
Field: Illinois, NC, Auburn, ASU, Okla, New Mexico, Texas, Fla., Georgia,, Missouri, San Diego State, TCU, Texas A&M, UNLV, and Pepperdine.
Don't know who will cover scoring - or if there will be coverage. Neither Golfstat nor LeaderboardKing shows tournament so far.
That's all, folks; just thought you might want to know.
Field: Illinois, NC, Auburn, ASU, Okla, New Mexico, Texas, Fla., Georgia,, Missouri, San Diego State, TCU, Texas A&M, UNLV, and Pepperdine.
Don't know who will cover scoring - or if there will be coverage. Neither Golfstat nor LeaderboardKing shows tournament so far.
That's all, folks; just thought you might want to know.
Last edited:
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I don't have any rankings to look at, but looks like a good challenging lineup.
Beat Miznoz
Finally some info.
According to FightingIllini.com,
Lineup:
1. Voois
2. Buchanon
3. Herendeen
4. Hunt
5. Goecke
No mention of individual entrants, but I'd like to see Nico Moretti in there to provide a spark if it's needed.
Tournament starts 11 a.m. Central.
Live scoring on Golf Genius. Plus recaps at round's end on Illini golf website.
According to FightingIllini.com,
Lineup:
1. Voois
2. Buchanon
3. Herendeen
4. Hunt
5. Goecke
No mention of individual entrants, but I'd like to see Nico Moretti in there to provide a spark if it's needed.
Tournament starts 11 a.m. Central.
Live scoring on Golf Genius. Plus recaps at round's end on Illini golf website.
Last edited:
2024 Southern Highlands Collegiate Event :: Tee Sheets
www.golfgenius.com
absolutely stacked field. This is a gonna be a battle. Depending on the rankings we are using, Illinois's site is using clippd now, the worst team in this is Pepperdine who has made the NCAA championship 27 of the last 31 years. 3 of the top 4 teams and a lot in the 30 range, meaning top heavy and deep. Anyone could win this tourney.
I like the lineup, with the way Voois is playing this is probably our strongest 5. Timmy unlucky to be out of the lineup but that is drawback to having such a deep team. Excited to see if Hunt can continue the good play with the added pressure of being in the lineup for this one.