Bushnell/Golfweek Coaches Poll

Norman, Okla. - Fighting IllinI Men's Golf claimed sole ownership of the top spot in this week's Bushnell/Golfweek Coaches Poll, as announced on Friday, Nov. 13, by the Golf Coaches Association of America. Coming off of a win at the East Lake Cup, the Illini earned 12 first place votes in the poll after sharing the No. 1 ranking with Auburn in the last poll. 

The Illini sit at No. 2 in the latest Golfweek/Sagarin rankings, and boast an impressive start to the 2015-16 season. The program won four of five events this fall, closing the fall portion with a win at the inaugural East Lake Cup. The match play event pitted the Illini against 2015 NCAA semifinalist teams USC and Georgia. 

The Orange and Blue also earned back-to-back team victories at the Tavistock Collegiate Invitational and the Crooked Stick Invitational during the fall season. 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 and help the Illini to a 19-stroke lead. 

The team started the season on a high note earning a 27-stroke victory at the Northern Intercollegiate, and also earned a top-5 finish at the OFCC/Fighting Illini Invitational earlier this season. 

Illinois will get back into the swing of things in February, opening the spring season at the annual Tinervin Cup.

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