Bushnell/Golfweek Coaches Poll

Champaign, Ill. - Fighting Illini Men's Golf earned a No. 1 ranking in the Bushnell/Golfweek Coaches Poll on Friday, Oct. 23, as announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America. The Orange and Blue share the top spot with Auburn this week, as both teams earned eight first place votes. 

"As in the past, when we have been voted No. 1 in the country,  this  shows respect we have earned from other coaches and that our guys are doing the right things and playing well," head coach Mike Small said of the ranking. "As much as we are flattered with the ranking, this reflects on our play in the past, and we need to be focused on our play in the future. As a team, we will continue to work on getting better throughout the fall and into next spring." 

Also ranked at No. 1 in the Golfweek/Sagarin computer rankings, the Illini are coming off of back-to-back team victories at the Tavistock Collegiate Invitational and the Crooked Stick Invitational. UI pulled away to a four stroke lead earlier in the week to overcome some of the nation's toughest competition at the Tavistock Invitational. Three Illini placed among the top-10 individuals, including sophomore Nick Hardy who took third overall.  

Senior Charlie Danielson was recognized for his play at Crooked Stick earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors on Oct. 14. He shot 4-under par to win the individual title at Crooked Stick Golf Club.  Hardy followed up on Oct. 21, thanks to his 3-under par, third place finish at the Tavistock Collegiate Invitational. 

The Orange and Blue are gearing up for the East Lake Cup, which will air live on the Golf Channel Nov. 2-3 from the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Ga. The event will be a two-day match play tournament, welcoming Illinois. Georgia, LSU and USC. 

Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for the latest on Illinois Men's Golf.