Illini Kick off 2026-27 Season with 11th Annual Illinois Women’s Golf Classic

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois women's golf program held its 11th annual Illini Women's Golf Classic at the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois in Urbana on Monday, August 24. The participants enjoyed a beautiful day on the course and raised money to benefit the 2026-27 Fighting Illini.

"The Classic provides a fun and exciting way to kick off our season each year," said head coach Renee Slone.

"It is a tremendous opportunity for our team members to meet and engage with our alumnae and supporters. Following a welcome from Director of Athletics, Josh Whitman, this year's Illini Hour featured a lively Q & A session with three of our team members along with the live auction.

We greatly appreciate Ronald and Paula Filler, Debra Cohen, RATIO Architects and Alan Myers from Trails Edge Wealth Advisers for their contributions to year's Illinois Women's Golf Classic. We are so grateful to the many sponsors, participants and volunteers and their support of Illinois Women's Golf as it makes a difference!

A special thank you to Jim Buyze and Jaylen Kanzler and the staffs at Atkins Golf Club and Oskee's for their efforts in providing a terrific experience."

Participants had the opportunity to take part in a variety of on-course challenges such as the longest drive, closest second shot, and longest putt. Off the course, competitors had the opportunity to participate in a live auction as well as an online silent auction.

Following the tournament, Oskee's provided dinner, and awards were presented. Members of the 2026-27 Illini women's golf team were introduced to supporters, and the night concluded with the announcement of the silent auction winners.

OVERALL TEAM WINNERS

First Flight:

1st Place (56): Alan Myers, FJ Hafner, Matt Falkner, Mike Cushing (Trails Edge Wealth Advisers)

2nd Place (57): Theodore Facer, Andy Facer, CG Facer, Brian Ekiss (Facer Law Office)

Second Flight:

1st Place (62): Angie Ennis, Debbie Estes, Amy Lewis, Janet Black

2nd Place (62): Beth Ayotte, Jane Santogrossi, Janice Kimpel, Jenna Stanko

Third Flight:

1st Place (65): Steve Bowsher, Gene Kocian, Andy Langan, Jeff Taylor

2nd Place (66): Greg Cozad, Dae King, Anne Storsved, Brett Anderson (Cozad Asset Management)

HOLE PRIZES

#1 Longest Drive Men: Matt Falkner

#1 Longest Drive Women: Aundie Owens

#8 Longest Putt Made: Jim Carlson

#10 Closest to the Hole 2nd Shot: CG Facer

#10 Closest to the Hole 2nd Shot: Katherine Hepler

#18 Longest Putt Made: Mary Meo

LIVE AUCTION WINNERS

Illini Football Experience: Amy Lewis
Illini Basketball Experience: Mike Namoff
French Lick Resort Package: Mike Namoff
Director of Athletics Suite Experience: Amy Lewis
Greek Island or Portugal Choice Getaway: Beth Ayotte
Autographed Taylor Swift Guitar: Steve Bowsher/Gene Kocian
Colonnades Club Tickets: Eric Larson
Soleta Golf Club Experience: Rick Slone

SILENT AUCTION WINNERS

Aruba, Costa del Sol, Finland, Sweden Choice: Mark Cohen
Urbana Country Club Experience: Mike Namoff
Round for Four at Atkins Golf Club: Eric Larson
Round for Four at Lincolnshire Fields: Bill Yeager
Club Champion Fittings: Amy Lewis/John Schumacher
Callaway Quantum Max Driver: Jeff Tanner
Odyssey Ai-Dual Square 2 Square Putter: Beth Ayotte
University of Illinois Official Team Golf Bag: Lisa Joley
Illinois Women's Golf Headcover Package: Cathy Taylor
Illini Women's Invitational Package: Alicia Kapheim
Illinois Women's Golf Duffle: Cathy Taylor
Illini Copper Ball Marker: Stephen Dunn
Traditions Club Experience: Steve Bowsher
Club Pilates Champaign: Chip Jorstad
Orangetheory Gift Basket: Mike Namoff
Family Fun Package: Eric Larson
Date Night Experience: Eric Larson
Coffee for a Month: Jana Mitchell
CU Entertainment Experience: Jeniece Mitchell
Movies for the Year: Amy Lewis
Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler: Mike Namoff
Yeti Rambler Straw Mugs: Amy Lewis
PRP In-Home Wine Sampling: Eric Larson
Illini Entertainment Package: Amy Lewis
TheraGun Wave Solo: Marty Kaufmann
Nike Gift Package: Shelli Moore
Vera Bradley Package: Candy Rollins
Illinois Backpack: Jennie Stanko
Peter Millar Apparel Package: Cathy Taylor
Illinois Men's Clothing Packages: Alan Myers, Amy Lewis, Mike Waldbusser, Jeff Tanner
Illinois Women's Clothing Packages: Bob Easter, Jennie Stanko, Rich Excell, Bill Yeager

Schedule