NAPERVILLE, Ill. – July 13, 2020 – Kyle English (Crestwicke Country Club) won the National Car Rental Illinois Assistant PGA Professional Championship on Monday, July 13 at Cress Creek Country Club. English prevailed over the field by six strokes, winning his second career Assistant Championship (2018). He will be joined by Michael Schachner (DePaul University) and Justin Bardgett (University of Illinois Golf Club) at the 44th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at the PGA Golf Club on Nov. 12-15.
English turned in a winning total of 12-under-par 132 to capture the National Car Rental Illinois Assistant PGA Professional Championship. English held a one stroke lead following a 6-under-par 66 in the first round. His first round featured eight birdies, including four-in-a-row on Nos. 13-16, and just two bogeys. It was more of the same in round two as English carded another 6-under-par 66. He registered a bogey-free second round with six birdies, including five on the front nine to secure the victory and clinch his qualifying spot.
“I made today pretty stress-free,” said English. “I had a lot of close looks for birdie today, especially early on. I got off to a really solid start in the second round and was able to sit back and trust my swing and not press anything. Overall, it was a really good day.”
Schachner finished in second place with a tournament total 6-under-par 138. He recorded three birdies and an eagle to go along with three bogeys in round one for a 2-under-par 70. His second round featured five birdies and just one bogey for a 4-under-par 68.
Bardgett carded a tournament total 4-under-par 140 to win third place and secure the final Illinois PGA qualifying spot. After an even-par 72 in the first round, Bardgett recorded a 4-under-par 68 in round two. His second round was highlighted by five birdies.
Jeff Kellen (Butler National), Kevin Flack (Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club) and Kyle Donovan (Oak Park Country Club) are the three Illinois PGA alternates for the 44th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship.
The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 132 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse of $150,000. All rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course. A cut after 36 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties will be made.
Begun in 1977, the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of PGA Professionals and PGA Associates who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from May through October this year.
If eligibility is met and maintained, the champion earns a berth in the 54th PGA Professional Championship to be conducted April 25-28, 2021, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
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About the Illinois PGA/Illinois PGA Foundation
The Illinois Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving the men and women golf professionals in northern and central Illinois who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The Illinois PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, educational opportunities, support programs and growth of the game initiatives. With over 840 members and apprentices, the Illinois PGA is one of the 41 regional Sections that comprise the PGA of America. The Illinois PGA Foundation focuses its community efforts on promoting the goodwill and growth of the game with an emphasis on activities that benefit youth. Foundation initiatives include: GolfWorks Illinois, Youth-based Scholarship Funds and the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. For more information about the Illinois PGA and the Illinois PGA Foundation, please visit www.www.ipga.com and join us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
CONTACT:
Kevin Quinn
Illinois PGA Communications
708.336.1294 mobile
kbquinn@pgahq.com