Chambana Sun

The Fighting Illini men's golf team is set to compete in the 2024 NCAA Stanford Regional, starting Monday at the Stanford Golf Course. The team, ranked No. 18 in NCAA Division I, aims to secure a spot in the NCAA Championship round for the 15th time in 16 seasons.

Hosted by Stanford University, the regional tournament will take place over three days from May 13-15. The course has a rich history of hosting prestigious events and offers challenging features with its Par 70 layout spread over 6,727 yards.

The competition format includes a 54-hole tournament with each team's low four scores counting towards their total. The top five teams and the lowest individual not on those teams will advance to the NCAA Championship.

Illinois enters as the No. 3 seed among a competitive field featuring ten programs ranked within the top-60. Key contenders include Florida State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and host Stanford.

Head coach Mike Small leads Illinois into their 22nd regional appearance since 1989 and has guided them to success in past regionals. Under his leadership since 2000-01, Illinois has advanced to the NCAA Championship in most appearances and claimed five regional titles.

The Illini lineup consists of junior Jackson Buchanan, fifth-year senior Tyler Goecke, senior Piercen Hunt, sophomore Ryan Voois, freshman Max Herendeen, and alternate Ethan Wilson. Buchanan is making his third consecutive regional start while Goecke and Hunt also bring previous experience.

Live scoring for the event will be available on Golfstat.com with daily updates on FightingIllini.com. Teams advancing from this regional will compete at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad later this month.

"Small's teams have experienced great success in the regional round," highlighting Illinois' strong track record under his coaching tenure.

For more information on Illinois men's golf activities follow @IlliniMGolf across social media platforms or visit FightingIllini.com for updates.