Nike Golf Becomes Title Sponsor of the Illinois PGA Pro-Am Series

GLENVIEW, Ill. – The Illinois PGA is pleased to announce that Nike Golf will be the title sponsor of the Nike Golf Pro-Am Series which includes: the 9th Annual Illinois PGA Las Vegas Pro-Am, the Illinois PGA Fall Pro-Am at Conway Farms Golf Club, the 3rd Annual Illinois PGA Bandon Dunes Pro-Am, the Inaugural Punta Cana Pro-Am (January 2011) and the 10th Annual Illinois PGA Las Vegas Pro-Am (March 2011).

"We are extremely excited that Nike Golf has elevated their presence in the Section by becoming the title sponsor of the Illinois PGA Pro-Am Series," said Michael Miller, executive director of the Illinois PGA. "This truly represents their continued commitment to our membership and our tournament program in Illinois."

The Illinois PGA Nike Golf Pro-Am Series is made up of five (5) pro-am events that take place throughout the year from March 2010 through March 2011. As an added bonus, Nike Golf created the Account Bonus Pool for the Professionals that have a minimum qualifying amount in Nike Golf account business. The accounts that have reached the minimums will be competing for: 1st place: Choice of trip for Professional & one amateur guest of their choice to the Nike Golf Oven for a custom fitting experience or $1,000 cash to the Illinois PGA Golf Professional; 2nd place: $600 cash; 3rd place: $300 cash.

Read Full Release >>

Casey Brozek and Mike Scully Sworn In As New Illinois PGA Officers

GLENVIEW, Ill. – Casey Brozek and Mike Scully were recently sworn in as the new Illinois PGA Vice President and Secretary, respectively, by President Trey VanDyke at the March Illinois PGA board meeting. Brozek replaces Frank Chieppa who recently accepted the PGA head golf professional at the Legends of Indiana in Franklin, Ind. Scully replaces Scott Sandfort who accepted the PGA head golf professional position at Algonquin Golf Club in Saint Louis, Mo.

"The Illinois PGA is fortunate to have Casey and Mike as officers of the Illinois Section," said Trey VanDyke, president of the Illinois PGA. "Their commitment and dedication to the advancement of the Illinois PGA and its membership is inspirational."

Read Full Release >>

Jim Opp Highlights List of 2009 Illinois PGA Award Winners

GLENVIEW, Ill. –Jim Opp, PGA head golf professional at Bonnie Dundee Golf Club in Carpentersville, Ill., has been named the 55th recipient of the Illinois PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor bestowed on a PGA professional.

A member of The PGA of America since 1985, Opp is a native of Chicago who grew up playing baseball and hockey, not golf. He spent his teenage years working in his family’s camera shop, cousin’s hot dog stand and eventually one of Chicago’s premier steakhouses as a cook. It took an invitation to play a round from his stepfather that ignited the passion for the game that he would go on to devote his entire career to.


Read Full Release >>

Four Members to be Inducted Into Illinois Golf Hall of Fame

GLENVIEW, Ill. – Industry leaders Frank Jemsek of Burr Ridge, Ill., and Steve Lesnik of Winnetka, Ill., head the four-member 2009 class of inductees that also features long-time golf course superintendent Carl Hopphan of Elmwood Park, Ill., and former PGA Tour member Chip Beck of Lake Forest, Ill., all of whom will be enshrined in the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

The inductees will be honored at a ceremony celebrating their achievements in October at the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame exhibit located at the Glen Club in Glenview, Ill.


Read Full Release >>