Chip Shots: Reena Sulkar on the Illinois Women's Invitational at Medinah
October 10, 2019 | Women's Golf
Hello Illini Nation!
Following a solid run at the Schooner Fall Classic, the team headed up to Medinah, Illinois for the Illini Women's Invitational, which was held at the illustrious Medinah Country Club. After a productive practice session on Saturday, we headed over to the house of former Illini golfer,
Dana Gattone. I would like to thank the Gattone family for putting together a delicious dinner and for welcoming us into their home. It was also great to catch up with another golf alum, Bing Singhsumalee, who joined us for dinner!
Sunday was yet another practice day. Our practice round provided us with an opportunity to scope out the course and prepare our strategies for the coming days. Following practice, we headed into Medinah's ballroom for a welcome reception. The reception featured an excellent dinner (I know the gelato bar was a team favorite!) as well as speeches from a few prominent Illini supporters. Illini alum, Ronald Filler, made an inspirational speech that reminded us of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to play the sport we love at such a renowned venue. The team took such advice to heart leading into the next two days of competition.
Despite some cooler fall temperatures in the mornings, Monday and Tuesday turned out to be beautiful! The team was able to capitalize upon the great conditions and drew upon all of the energy from the Illini spectators. After leading the field following the first round with a team total of 3-under, the team closed the day tied for third at 2-under par. We closed with 2-under on the final day, good for third place overall. Special shout-out to sophomore Kornkamol Sukaree, who finished eighth individually!
Following the final round, we had the opportunity to catch up with 12-time PGA Tour champion and Illinois golf alum, Steve Stricker. After an inspirational chat with Mr. Stricker, we had lunch and took some last-minute pictures in front of the clubhouse before heading back to campus. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Filler, the Gattone Family, our coaches, Sara Rhodes, the rest of the University of Illinois staff, and everyone at Medinah for helping to put together such a memorable event. It is opportunities such as these that instill in me a sense of pride and appreciation to be an Illini!
Go Illini!
