URBANA — You can argue — and I will — the rise to national prominence of the Illinois men’s golf program is the biggest accomplishment in the history of the athletic department.
In a sport dominated by teams from the South and West, cold-weather Illinois has managed to become relevant on the top stage. The only missing piece is a national title.
Making it even more amazing, it happened without the benefit of home cooking. Almost all of the golden moments for Illinois golf were at courses outside Champaign County.
That could change.
Starting Monday at Atkins Golf Club, Illinois fans will get to see what all the fuss is about when the course hosts an NCAA regional for the first time. Live and in person.
Illinois enters as the No. 3 seed in a group of 13 teams. Oklahoma State is No. 1 and North Carolina No. 2. The top five teams in the 54-hole regional advance to the NCAA Championships, which will take place from May 23-28 at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif.
Illinois is looking to advance to the NCAA Championships for the 16th time in the last 17 tournaments. The run started in 2008.
Mike Small’s team won the Stanford regional last year and had the low score at the NCAA Championships during stroke play.
Illinois reached the final eight match-play portion of the tournament. Again. Illinois and Oklahoma State are tied for the most match-play appearances since the format was introduced in 2009.
That’s a quick synopsis of why the Monday to Wednesday regional is such a big deal. Especially in town. It would be like Brad Underwood’s Illinois basketball team hosting the Sweet 16 at the State Farm Center. Or Illinois playing in the Rose Bowl at Memorial Stadium.
As the rules stand now, there will never be a bigger college golf event at Atkins. The Big Ten tournament might be similar in stature, but the conference rules don’t allow teams to play on their home courses.
The NCAA doesn’t have a similar ban for its regionals, with Illinois one of three hosting in their cities. Auburn and Florida State are the others.
My advice: Go
This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Illinois golf fans to see the team in town, playing for high stakes.
Sure, if it goes well, the regional might be back in a future season. Small’s program has earned that kind of consideration. But you never know with the NCAA.
So, this is your guaranteed chance to take it in.
Now, the best news: It’s free. You can’t beat the price.
The weather appears to cooperating, too, with forecasts calling for temperatures in the 70s or low 80s. There is a chance for rain on Monday and Tuesday. This is May in East Central Illinois. We are used to threatening skies that usually stay quiet.
Certainly, Small and his team will appreciate all the fan support. It won’t be a gallery like at the Masters, but even a handful of people can provide a shot of energy.
Of course, follow the instructions of the volunteers at Atkins. Practice proper golf etiquette. No talking during tee shots or shouting “mashed potato” like those numbskulls at the PGA events.
Be aware of the ball when it is in air.
If you get plunked, it will leave a mark.
I assume most fans will be trailing the Illinois players all three days.
But don’t ignore the other guys. My guess, as many as a handful of the competitors at Atkins will someday be pro golfers. Perhaps, the next Scottie Scheffler or Justin Thomas. You never know.
A few to watch: North Carolina’s David Ford, the top-ranked college golfer, and Oklahoma State’s Ethan Fang and Preston Stout, who are both in the Top 10.
Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Stay hydrated.
Enjoy.
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