Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois men's golf team is set to host an NCAA postseason tournament for the first time in its history. The Fighting Illini have been chosen as one of six regional hosts for the NCAA Regional, which will take place at Atkins Golf Club from May 12-14. This event marks the initial stage on the path to the NCAA Championship.

Head coach Mike Small expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event, stating, "We are thrilled to be selected to bring an NCAA Regional to the Urbana-Champaign community this spring." He emphasized the honor and gratitude felt by the team in welcoming top collegiate teams to their home course. Small added, "This is an incredible opportunity to not only share our world-class facilities but to showcase the unmatched passion and support of the Fighting Illini fanbase."

Illinois joins Auburn as new additions to the list of regional hosts, replacing Arkansas and Oklahoma State. Other hosts include Florida State, Liberty, Nevada, and Washington. Each regional will consist of 13 or 14 teams along with individual qualifiers. The top five teams and leading individual not on an advancing team will proceed to compete at the NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, California.

Under Coach Small's leadership since 1989, Illinois has made 22 NCAA Regional appearances with significant success in recent years. His teams have won six regional championships since 2013 and advanced past regionals to reach the NCAA Championship 17 times overall.

Atkins Golf Club was originally known as Stone Creek Golf Club before being gifted by The Atkins Family in 2020. It underwent renovations led by architect Drew Rogers that included rebuilding greens and bunkers and extending its length for championship play.

Since reopening in 2022, Atkins Golf Club has hosted events such as the Fighting Illini Spring Collegiate in both 2023 and 2024.