URBANA, Ill. - The Illinois women's golf program held its 10th annual Illini Women's Golf Classic at the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois in Urbana on Thursday, Aug. 28. The participants enjoyed a beautiful day on the course and raised money to benefit the 2025-26 Fighting Illini.
"The Classic is always such a fun way to kick off the season," head coach Renee 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."
"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 had the opportunity to take part in a variety of on-course challenges such as the longest drive, closest second shot, and longest putt. Off the course, competitors had the opportunity to participate in a live auction as well as an online silent auction.
Following the tournament, Oskee's provided dinner, and awards were presented. Members of the 2025-26 Illini women's golf team were introduced to supporters, and the night concluded with the announcement of the silent auction winners.
Overall Tournament Winners
FIRST FLIGHT – FIRST PLACE Theodore Facer, Andy Facer, CG Facer, Brian Ekiss (Facer Law Office) - 57
FIRST FLIGHT – SECOND PLACE Ronald Filler, Barry Benson, Mark Kuhlenschmidt, Rob Walls (Ronald Filler) - 59
SECOND FLIGHT – FIRST PLACE Ed McVey, Katherine Hepler, Pete Piet, Chris Demetriou- 63
SECOND FLIGHT – SECOND PLACE Wesley Hammes, Mike Waldbusser, Jeff McGill, Evan Taylor- 63
THIRD FLIGHT – FIRST PLACE Kim Zahrn, Ellie Tracy, Maureen Banks, Lauri Keck (Kim Zahrn)- 67
THIRD FLIGHT – SECOND PLACE Andy Langan, Spencer Keck, Al Vigland - 68
HOLE 1 MEN'S LONGEST DRIVE Andy Facer
HOLE 1 WOMEN'S LONGEST DRIVE Nora Klein
CLOSEST SECOND SHOT – HOLE #10 Katherine Hepler
LONGEST PUTT – HOLE #8 Rob Walls
LONGEST PUTT – HOLE #18 Justin Ernst
Live Auction Winners
Illini Football Experience: Jana Mitchell/Steve Bowsher
Illini Basketball Experience: Tara Swearingen/Steve Bowsher
French Lick Resort Package: Barry Elson
Private Chef Dinner: Beth Ayotte
Medinah Country Club Experience: Debra Cohen
4 Night Dreams and Secrets All-Inclusive: Daphne Hammes
Soleta Golf Club Experience: Brian Russell
Naples Golf Experience: Rick Slone
Silent Auction Winners
African Safari: Julie Fosler
Taste of Tuscany: Beth Ayotte
Los Cabos: Barry Benson
Bourbon Trail in Kentucky: Rob Dalrymple
Round for Four at Atkins Golf Club: Greg Goodwin
Round for Four at Lincolnshire Fields: Debra Cohen
Round for Four at Waterlefe: Tara Swearingen
Club Champion Full Bag Fitting: Debra Cohen
Callaway Elyte Driver: Chad Detamore
Odyssey Ai-One Putter: Chad Detamore
University of Illinois Official Team Golf Bag: Zachary Taylor
Illini Copper Ball Marker: Cheryl Aceto
Tiger Woods Autographed Masters Cap: Steve Bowsher
Traditions Club Experience: Steve Bowsher
Illini Women's Basketball Experience: Rick Slone
Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler: Cathy Taylor
Illini Phone Caddy/Wireless Speaker: Ron Filler
lululemon Backpack: Cathy Taylor
goodr Sunglasses: Jeff Tanner
PRP In-Home Wine Sampling: Ed McVey
Illini Entertainment Package: Tara Swearingen
Theragun Wave Solo: Zachary Taylor
Nike Gift Package: Evan Taylor
Vera Bradley Package: Eric Larson
Illinois Men's ¼ Zip: Mark Kuhlenshmidt/Cathy Taylor
Illinois Men's Polo: Cathy Taylor
Illinois Men's ¼ Zip: Theodore Facer
Illinois Women's Clothing Packages: Tony Zahrn, Lisa Culp, Daphne Hammes, Tara Swearingen, Lana Berardi
