Hardy Selected for Arnold Palmer Cup
March 16, 2017 | Men's Golf
ORLANDO, Fla. – Fighting Illini junior golfer Nick Hardy has been selected to play in the 2017 Arnold Palmer Cup, as announced today during the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Hardy will make his first appearance for the United States at the event, which will be played June 9-11 at Atlanta Athletic Club. Hardy is the fifth Illini to appear on the prestigious list of participants in the Palmer Cup, joining Charlie Danielson, Thomas Detry, Thomas Pieters and Scott Langley.
"I am honored to be selected to represent the United States in the Palmer Cup," Hardy said of the opportunity. "It's been a goal of mine since I have been in college. I'm looking forward to winning the cup back and making The King proud."
Named to the 2017 Ben Hogan Award Watch List, Hardy is also a two-time All-Big Ten honoree. He has earned PING All-Midwest Region honors twice in his career. Ranked at No. 5 in the nation by Golfweek, Hardy leads the Illini with a 71.0 stroke average this spring. He has earned six individual finishes among the top-10 this season, including the Wolf Run Intercollegiate title.
"Nick is a great addition to the Palmer Cup team, and he will play a big part in the matches this year," head coach Mike Small said. "He has had a strong collegiate season to this point and he definitely earned his selection. It is always a huge honor to represent your country, and it has always been something that our team members put high on their list of goals. We are excited for Nick, and this opportunity."
Located in Johns Creek, Georgia, the Atlanta Athletic Club is located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The club boasts a 7,613-yard, Par 72 course. Each year, the Palmer Cup uses a Ryder Cup-style format, pitting the United States against Europe. Team USA will be coached by John Fields, head coach at the University of Texas, and Andrew DiBitetto, associate head coach at the University of North Carolina.
Hardy and the Illini will continue the spring season on Monday at the Lone Star Invitational in San Antonio, Texas. Hosted by UTSA, the two-day tournament will be played in a 54-hole format at Briggs Ranch Golf Club.
Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for the latest on Illinois men's golf.
2017 Arnold Palmer Cup Teams
United States
Arnold Palmer Cup Ranking Selections
Sam Burns, LSU
Chandler Phillips, Texas A&M
Collin Morikawa, California
Jimmy Stanger, Virginia
Maverick McNealy Stanford
Norman Xiong, Oregon
Commitee Selections
John Coultas, Florida Southern
Sean Crocker, Southern California
Nick Hardy, Illinois
Coach's Pick
Doug Ghim, Texas
Coaches
Head Coach - John Fields, Texas
Assistant Coach - Andrew DiBitetto, North Carolina
Europe
Arnold Palmer Cup Ranking Selections
Hannes Ronneblad, Texas Tech - Sweden
Fredrik Nilehn, Texas Tech - Sweden
Kristoffer Ventura, Oklahoma State - Norway
David Wicks, Jacksonville - England
Harry Elllis, Florida State - England
Rory Franssen, Missouri - Scotland
Commitee Selections
Stuart Grehan, Maynooth - Ireland
Viktor Hovland, Oklahoma State - Norway
Coach's Pick
Richard Mansell, Nova Southeastern - England
The R&A Foundation Scholars Tournament Champion
Contested April 3-4 at St. Andrews
Coaches
Head Coach - David Inglis, Northwestern - Scotland
Assistant Coach - Alan Murray, Washington - Ireland
