Illinois Golf: Familiar territory for an experienced Illini bunch

Despite Iowa making a strong push, the Illinois golf team charged ahead and took home the Big Ten Championship this past weekend.

Heading into the conference championship, the Illini were ranked as the No. 11 team in the nation and the heavy favorites to take home the title, once again. Things ended up being a little closer than many had thought, though.

The Hawkeyes gave Illinois a scare and, at one point, they took the lead in the final round. Iowa’s hot start to the final day cooled down, and the Illini started playing the type of golf we have all been accustomed to for years now. With a big-time par putt on the final hole by Michael Feagles, Illinois would take home the title by one shot over the Hawkeyes.

This tournament was a struggle for many golfers, and that doesn’t come as a surprise. Crooked Stick is a tough course in the heart of Indiana. The fact the Illini were able to come away with a victory is a great feat. Another great feat is Illinois having three golfers in the top 10.

Adrien Dumont de Chassart led the way at +2 for the tournament and took home a tie for second place. Feagles had a solid final round, which enabled him to finish the tournament at +4 and in fifth place. Tommy Kuhl wasn’t too far behind at +8 for the three rounds, which was good enough for a tie for 10th place. Overall, this was a good victory for the Illini, but bigger things are ahead for the title-chasing program.

What is next for the Illinois golf team?

After taking home another Big Ten Championship, Illinois looks to build on that momentum as they enter the NCAA Regional on May 17. The location has yet to be determined, but the Illini are sure to be one of the favorites to win the regional and advance to the NCAA Championship.

Advancing out of the regional is nothing new for the Orange and Blue. The Illini have advanced out of 12 consecutive NCAA Regional tournaments, and they have emerged on top in five of those 12 competitions. That is an incredible run that will hopefully continue this season.

Can Illinois make it to the NCAA Championships and win it all? I think this team, the way they are constructed, has just as good of chance as any team we have seen in the past. The Illini are poised to bring home the title.