Springfield—May 7, 2018—The Lincoln Land Championship presented by LRS announced today that 2018 Big Ten Player of the Year, Nick Hardy will compete via sponsor exemption into the tournament. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the University of Illinois and can’t wait to see Nick compete next month.” said Executive Director, Kate Peters. “We have had a terrific partnership with Coach Small and the men’s golf program since the inception of this tournament and we hope U of I fans will make plans to join us and support Nick next month.”
Hardy, an Illinois native, has made a big mark as part of the U of I men’s golf team. Currently wrapping up his senior year, he was recently named 2018 Big Ten Player of the Year and is a finalist for the 2018 Jack Nicklaus Player of the year. A condensed career bio is included below. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to play in the Lincoln Land Championship in Springfield. Being from Illinois, it’s always exciting to play events in my home state. I’m looking forward to spending the week in the Springfield community and hope to see some Illini fans on the course.” Said Hardy.
Hardy’s exemption announcement comes on the heels of a successful season for Fighting Illini men’s golf as the team won its fourth consecutive Big Ten Championship title and ninth title in the last ten seasons. University of Illinois is well represented on the Web.com Tour with Luke Guthrie, Scott Langley and Brian Campbell competing in 2018. Currently Scott Langley sits at number two on the Web.com Tour money list. Head Golf Coach Mike Small is pleased with the partnership. “We continue to be very excited about the opportunity that University of Illinois golfers have had to participate in the Lincoln Land Championship. Our program has always strongly supported competitive golf within the state and we are looking forward to another exciting event in Springfield. Hopefully, Fighting Illini Golf fans throughout the state will come out to support our players in the Championship again this year.”
The Lincoln Land Championship presented by LRS will be held June 25 – July 1 at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, IL. Tickets to the Lincoln Land Championship are on sale now for $10 or $25 for a four pack of tickets. Every dollar from grounds ticket purchases will go to participating charities. Spectators can upgrade their tournament experience with passes into the Landmark Cadillac Club. The Landmark Cadillac Club is an all-inclusive VIP experience that provides food and beverage, clubhouse access and access to the shared hospitality area on the 18th green. Information on all ticket packages as well as a variety of sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found online at LincolnLandChampionship.com
Nick Hardy Career Honors
2018 Big Ten Player of the Year
2018 All-Big Ten Championships Team
2018 Haskins Award Watch List (March 8)
Three-time All-Big Ten First Team (2015, 2017, 2018)
Two-time Jack Nicklaus POY Award Semifinalist (2017, 2018)
2017 PING All-America Second Team
2017 Ben Hogan Award Semifinalist
Three-time PING All-Midwest Region (2015, 2016, 2017)
2016 All-Big Ten Second Team
Two-time Academic All-Big Ten (2016, 2017)
2015 Big Ten Freshman of the Year