Chambana Sun

The Illinois women's golf program began its 2025-26 season by hosting the 10th annual Illini Women's Golf Classic at Atkins Golf Club in Urbana on August 28. The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Fighting Illini, included various on-course competitions and both live and online auctions.

Head coach Renee Slone commented on the event's role in starting the season: "The Classic is always such a fun way to kick off the season," Slone said. "Big Mike and his Mega Events team were back again providing another exciting live auction. New this year was the online silent auction providing those who could not attend in person an opportunity to support the event. It is wonderful to have so many alumnae return to campus for the Classic."

Slone also expressed gratitude toward those who contributed to organizing and running the tournament. "This event could not have been a success without the efforts of Jim Buyze and Jaylen Spence and the staffs at Atkins Golf Club and Oskee's. We are so grateful for all the volunteers, sponsors, and participants in this year's Classic and their support of Illinois Women's Golf!"

Participants took part in challenges such as longest drive, closest second shot, and longest putt. After play concluded, dinner was served by Oskee's, awards were presented, members of the upcoming Illini women's golf team were introduced, and silent auction winners were announced.

Tournament results included:

- First Flight – First Place: Theodore Facer, Andy Facer, CG Facer, Brian Ekiss (Facer Law Office) with a score of 57

- First Flight – Second Place: Ronald Filler, Barry Benson, Mark Kuhlenschmidt, Rob Walls (Ronald Filler) with a score of 59

- Second Flight – First Place: Ed McVey, Katherine Hepler, Pete Piet, Chris Demetriou with a score of 63

- Second Flight – Second Place: Wesley Hammes, Mike Waldbusser, Jeff McGill, Evan Taylor with a score of 63

- Third Flight – First Place: Kim Zahrn, Ellie Tracy, Maureen Banks, Lauri Keck (Kim Zahrn) with a score of 67

- Third Flight – Second Place: Andy Langan, Spencer Keck, Al Vigland with a score of 68

Individual hole contest winners included Andy Facer for men's longest drive on Hole 1; Nora Klein for women's longest drive on Hole 1; Katherine Hepler for closest second shot on Hole #10; Rob Walls for longest putt on Hole #8; Justin Ernst for longest putt on Hole #18.

Live auction prizes ranged from sports experiences to resort packages. Notable winners included Jana Mitchell/Steve Bowsher (Illini Football Experience), Tara Swearingen/Steve Bowsher (Illini Basketball Experience), Barry Elson (French Lick Resort Package), Beth Ayotte (Private Chef Dinner), Debra Cohen (Medinah Country Club Experience), Daphne Hammes (4 Night Dreams and Secrets All-Inclusive), Brian Russell (Soleta Golf Club Experience), Rick Slone (Naples Golf Experience).

Silent auction items awarded covered travel packages such as an African Safari won by Julie Fosler and Taste of Tuscany won by Beth Ayotte. Other items included rounds at local golf clubs or sports memorabilia.

The event continues to serve as both a community gathering point for supporters and alumni while raising funds for Illinois women’s golf.