Hi Illini Nation!

What a perfect way to get ready for the spring season! We traveled down to Naples, Florida, over the weekend, and experienced some amazing golf conditions. This trip, we stayed at the Gattones' and the Lees' who were very kind, accommodating, and encouraging. To go along with the flawless weather (I don't recall seeing a cloud in the sky), the golf courses were impeccable. The course staff at TwinEagles and Tiburón golf clubs were generous enough to let us utilize their facilities for the two days we were in town. We'd also like to give a big thank you to Ron and Paula Filler for hosting us at TwinEagles! His enthusiasm and pride for the U of I is contagious!

Saturday consisted of lots of laughs and fun, as we played at TwinEagles with the course staff and family friends. Following our rounds, it was time for lunch in the club house, joined by many U of I alumni. We couldn't pass up singing the Alma Mater before we got back to the golf! After lunch, we got some very productive practice in on the range and short game area before we headed off to dinner. We were joined by another alum, Christine Peacock, at an Asian cuisine restaurant. Christine was also on the golf team from 1996-2000! We enjoyed hearing the many success stories and advice from Christine throughout dinner.

Sunday started early with a delicious breakfast at the Gattones'! We then headed out to play 18 at Tiburón Golf Club, which just so happens to be the backyard of the Gattones' place. How convenient! Christine joined us in play as well and had golf, college, and life advice to offer through the day. It's great to share these experiences and spend time with people who were in the same shoes as us not long ago! Play was followed by a great lunch by the pool. We then got one last very productive practice consisting of short game, bunker play, wedges, and long game. It was wheels up after practice!

We greatly enjoyed our time in Florida and would like to send a huge thank you to our host families, the course staff at Tiburón and TwinEagles, as well as all of the alumni who came out to support and play with us. 

Next up for us is the Westbrook Spring Invitational, and we are ready to tee it up! We hope to see some Illini fans cheering us on.

Until next time,

Tristyn Nowlin