Illinois misses cut at NCAA Championships

Well, that wasn't a very fun weekend.

After a first place regional finish and top medalist performance from Michael Feagles two weekends ago, it was not to be for the Illini in NCAA Championship play. Illinois finished in 27th place, missing the cut off at 15 and the top nine individual cut with a total score of 51 over par through three days.

Michael Feagles led the Illini with a five over 77 on Sunday, and finished eight over for the tournament. The rest of the team struggled mightily throughout, and Illinois just couldn't secure a foothold from day one, hole one.

Feagles' finish to the season was encouraging, and the emergence of Adrien Dumont de Chassart through his freshman season were definitely the highlights of this 2018-2019 golf year. It was not enough, however, as Giovanni Tadiotto and Tommy Kuhl never seemed to take that leap from last season to now.

The future looks bright under the leadership of Mike Small, though. This by all accounts was a rebuilding year. Yet, the win at regionals, the 14th straight NCAA Championship berth, and the individual performances of Dumont de Chassart and Feagles culminated in another successful season for a budding power in the college golf world. Let's not forget the Illini’s dominance against the Big Ten either, winning their fifth straight Big Ten Championship.

Also, the addition of Jerry Ji, the No. 4 golfer under 18 in Europe is something to look forward to. The Netherlands product will bring some impressive numbers and experience to an Illini team that already looks to be loaded for another Championship run.

Illinois has really become a #GolfSchool, and the success of both the Men's and Women's teams should excite fans for seasons to come.

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