The Illinois PGA Senior Championship trophy is back in familiar hands. Mike Harrigan, Diversey Golf Range, posted the only back-to-back rounds under par (71, 66) giving him a two-day total of 137, five shots better than defending champion Jim Sobb, Ivanhoe Club, at Pine Meadow Golf Course in Mundelein, Ill. The championship title is Harrigan's third (2001, 2005).
 Harrigan finished the front nine at even par, but then the weather, and his game, started to heat up. He carded five red numbers on his inward nine, consisting of four birdies as well as a 118-yard wedge that found the bottom of the cup on the par-4 16th for the only eagle in the championship.
"Over the winter I focused on my short game and putting," Harrigan commented. "I feel like those elements of my game are working really well."
Kevin Marion, Old Elm Club, and Stan Wiel, Inverness Golf Club, posted the only other sub-par total at 143, good for a tie in third place.
The top 9 finishers in the Illinois PGA Senior Championship/Senior PPNC are invited to compete in the 20th Callaway Golf Senior PGA Professional National Championship, which will take place October 2-5, 2008 at Toscana C.C. & Andalusia C.C. in Indian Wells, CA. That list includes: Mike Harrigan, Diversey Golf Range; Marty Schiene, Green Garden CC; Jim Sobb, Ivanhoe Club; Kevin Marion, Old Elm Club; Stan Wiel, Inverness GC; Billy Rosinia, Flagg Creek GC; Jerry Swain, Shewami CC; Steve Dunning, Oak Park CC;Kevin Fitzgerald, Harborside Intl. GC.
The top 35 finishers in the National Senior PPNC will be given the opportunity to compete in the 70th Senior PGA Championship, May 21-24, 2009, at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, Ohio.
Thanks to Pine Meadow Golf Course and staff for hosting a terrific event. |
