CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois men's golf alumni and former teammates Thomas Detry and Brian Campbell each earned their first-career PGA TOUR victories over a stretch of three weeks of competition, closing out titles at the WM Phoenix Open and the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld, respectively.
"It makes me so proud and happy to see Thomas and Brian earn their first wins on the PGA TOUR," head coach Mike Small said. "For both of them to satisfy lifelong goals of becoming PGA TOUR winners within just two weeks of each other, makes this extra special to all of us."
"As teammates here at Illinois, both Thomas and Brian played huge roles in the success of our program," Small added. "The effort that they gave to their games while at Illinois is similar to how hard they have continued to work to attain their level of success on the PGA TOUR. It can't be overstated how their level of perseverance, commitment, and dedication to their craft, epitomizes everything that is important to our program, and we are so happy to have them be proud alums and ambassadors of Illinois golf!"
Detry, who starred for the Illini from 2012-16, wrapped up his title in one of the sports' most raucous environments at the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 9. Two weeks later Campbell, an Illini great just one year ahead of Detry in the program from 2011-15, put an exclamation point on his dramatic career resurgence with a thrilling win on the second playoff hole at the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld, Feb. 23.
By virtue of their victories, Detry and Campbell have their exemptions extended through 2027 in the winners category. They will each have the opportunity to compete in the THE PLAYERS Championship, the PGA Championship, and the Masters, as well as the five remaining signature events this season.
Detry and Campbell become the third member of Small's 2014-15 Illini squad to secure a PGA TOUR victory in the past three seasons. The duo joins Nick Hardy, their former teammate from a decade ago, who earned a win at the 2023 Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
