Illini Men’s Golf to Host NCAA Regional for First Time: “It’s a Nice Little Advantage”
For the first time in program history, the Illinois men’s golf team is hosting an NCAA Regional—and they’ll do it on a course they know better than anyone. The Urbana Regional will tee off Monday at Atkins Golf Club, where Illinois stars Jackson Buchanan and Max Herendeen estimate they’ve played over 100 rounds. That local knowledge could provide a crucial edge as the Illini compete to qualify for the NCAA Championships later this month in Carlsbad, California.
Announced back in October, the opportunity to host has been a source of excitement for the team and coaching staff. Head coach Mike Small emphasized the significance, noting that the NCAA’s decision to entrust Illinois with hosting duties speaks volumes about the program’s national standing and the quality of its upgraded facilities. “This is supposed to feel like a big-time event,” Small said. “And that’s exactly what we plan to deliver.”
While Atkins Golf Club is familiar territory, the NCAA setup will push players to their limits. The course has been lengthened, the rough is thicker, the greens are firmer, and pins will be in tougher locations than usual. Still, Illinois hopes their deep understanding of the layout gives them a subtle but important boost. “We know this course better than any team here,” Herendeen said. “That kind of confidence matters.”
Ranked No. 14 nationally and seeded third in the region, the Illini are joined by top programs like Oklahoma State, North Carolina, and Texas Tech. Illinois has made 17 consecutive NCAA regional appearances and is aiming for its 16th NCAA Championship berth in 17 years. Last season, the team won the Stanford Regional and made it to NCAA Match Play once again, a testament to their consistency under Small, who has led the program to six regional titles.
Despite a disappointing finish at the Big Ten Championships, where they surrendered a final-round lead to UCLA, the Illini remain optimistic. Small calls this a “growth season” and believes the team is peaking at the right time. Junior Ryan Voois summed it up best: “It’s our home course and we’ve got an edge—but we’re going to treat it like every other tournament. That’s how you win.”
