The University of Illinois men’s golf team, ranked No. 9 nationally, will participate in the 36th Annual Duck Invitational on March 23-24 in Eugene, Oregon. The event marks the team’s return to the Pacific Northwest since their victory at the same tournament in 2024.
The Duck Invitational is significant as it brings together 15 collegiate programs, including ten teams ranked within the top 100 of NCAA Division I. The Fighting Illini will compete against schools such as Cincinnati, Saint Mary’s, Oregon State, host Oregon, Michigan State, UTEP, San José State, Iowa, and Grand Canyon. The tournament uses a five-count-four format over two days at Eugene Country Club.
Illinois’ lineup features Ethan Wilson, Dane Huddleston, Freddie Turnell, Ryan Voois, and Trey Marrion. Max Herendeen, Jake Birdwell, and Dujuan Snyman will play as individual competitors. Wilson and Voois are returning participants from the Illini’s previous appearance at this event; Wilson finished tied for eighth in 2024 while Voois tied for thirty-first. Herendeen placed seventh last year and returns as an individual competitor.
The Fighting Illini men’s golf program engages in both fall and spring tournaments that include conference and national events to foster competitive experience according to the official website. The team competes under NCAA Division I guidelines within the Big Ten Conference according to the official website and is led by head coach Mike Small according to the official website. The program aims to enhance athletic heritage at the university while promoting values like team spirit and individual excellence according to the official website, offering student-athletes opportunities for competition and academic achievement according to the official website.
Looking ahead after this tournament, Illinois will travel to Augusta for the Augusta Haskins Award Invitational on April 4-5. This event is hosted by Augusta University at Forest Hills Golf Club just before Masters week.
