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Illinois Fighting Illini take Big Ten crown, eye national championship

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 2, 2017; Mexico City, MEX; A ball hit by Rickie Fowler lays next to the on the 12th hole during the first round of the WGC - Mexico Championship golf tournament at Club de Golf Chapultepec. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Mexico City, MEX; A ball hit by Rickie Fowler lays next to the on the 12th hole during the first round of the WGC - Mexico Championship golf tournament at Club de Golf Chapultepec. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Over the weekend, the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s golf team won the Big Ten title in impressive fashion.

This team came into the Big Ten Championship as the heavy favorites and didn’t disappoint. They started hot on Friday and finished strong on Sunday.

Illinois shot a team total of -11 for the tournament, which was 16 strokes better than second place finisher, Northwestern. The Illini just thoroughly dominated the field, something they have accomplished quite a bit over the last decade.

This victory in the Big Ten Championship makes for the third in a row for the Illini. That feat alone has massive ramifications for the program. But when I say they have now won eight out of the last nine titles that is something I have never heard of before.

Illinois has been so dominating on the golf course in the Big Ten over the last decade. Not only have they won eight out of nine as a team, but they have also had at least a share of the individual medalist honors the last seven years.

Dylan Meyer took home that crown this year for the Illini. He led this team with a three-day total of -5, which was one shot better than second place. Following close behind was Nick Hardy and Edoardo Lipparelli.

Hardy posted a three-day total of -1, which was good enough for a tie for sixth place. He finished strong putting up a score of -2 on Sunday. Lipparelli was playing well until Sunday when he shot a +5, 75. He still finished the tournament at even par and in eighth place.

Giovanni Tadiotto was in a tie for tenth place for the Illini. He was +2 for the tournament and was a nice consistent player for the team. And the final golfer for Illinois was Michael Feagles. He shot +7 for the tournament and that was still good enough for a tie for 23rd.

Every Illinois golfer finished in the top 25 and their top four finished in the top 10. That is an impressive feat and the reason why they won this tournament by such a wide margin.

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I look for the Illini team to continue their hot play. They are hitting their stride at the right time and if they can play like this in the national championship, there could be a title in the future.

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