Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Top-Ranked Illini Up to Par
The Illini men's golf team claimed the #1 ranking in the Golfstat computer rankings last week. For those who don't follow college golf, Golfstat is the primary rankings used to determine placement in the NCAA Regionals in May. The Illini followed that honor with their third-straight tournament win, the first time they've had a winning streak like that since now-Coach Mike Small was on the team.
The Illini have one more fall tournament before a couple-month winter break, but the signature win this year was the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational, where the Illini beat national contenders, including Oklahoma State, ranked #1 in the college Golfweek polls.
While there's plenty of golf to play this spring, Coach Small has built the type of program you would expect from the 2007 Low PGA Club Professional.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini golf, Mike Small
# posted by Alma Mater : 7:57 PM
Friday, December 21, 2007
Another Hole-in-One
As a comprehensive Illini blog, Illinitalk is pleased to congratulate Men's Golf Coach Mike Small on his repeat performance as PGA Professional of the Year. He is only the fourth PGA pro to win this award more than once.
As we mentioned after he won the award last year, Small is a true Illini:
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As we mentioned after he won the award last year, Small is a true Illini:
- He graduated from Illinois in 1988 as a leader on the golf team.
- Coached Illini golf to consecutive runner-up seasons in the Big Ten and strong finishes in NCAA Regionals.
- He excels in his own golf game.
- Father Bill won a Big Ten Championship as captain of the 1963 Illini basketball team.
- Brother Andy won a Big Ten Championship on the 1990 Illini baseball team.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini golf, Mike Small
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:02 PM
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
A Hole-In-One
The University of Illinois golf program is following the pattern Guenther has established to improve all Illini athletics, including lesser-known sports (tennis, wrestling, gymnastics): Hire quality coaches to build strong programs.
Mike Small, the men’s golf coach, was named PGA Professional Player of the Year last month. That means he is considered the top player among PGA professionals, a high honor. He has built a top-25 program at Illinois, and is attracting noted talent to Champaign.
Small is a true Illini:
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Mike Small, the men’s golf coach, was named PGA Professional Player of the Year last month. That means he is considered the top player among PGA professionals, a high honor. He has built a top-25 program at Illinois, and is attracting noted talent to Champaign.
Small is a true Illini:
- He graduated from Illinois in 1988 as a leader on the golf team.
- Coached Illini golf to consecutive runner-up seasons in the Big Ten and strong finishes in NCAA Regionals.
- He excels in his own golf game.
- Father Bill won a Big Ten Championship as captain of the 1963 Illini basketball team.
- Brother Andy won a Big Ten Championship on the 1990 Illini baseball team.
He is described as an excellent teacher. "His teams are always well coached, and he could probably for the [PGA] tour," says a pro* who competed against Small's Illini at the collegiate level.
The future of Illini golf looks bright with Small at the helm and new facilities in the works. Go Illini!
*My brother-in-law
Labels: Illini golf, Mike Small
# posted by Alma Mater : 11:55 PM
