Placida, Fla. - Fighting Illini Men's Golf started the spring season on a high note Monday, Feb. 1, retaining the annual Tinervin Cup. The No. 2-ranked Orange and Blue have won the event for the 13th consecutive season, this year by a score 7.5-1.5. Illinois remains undefeated in the all-time series against the Redbirds. 

"Once again, this was a beneficial trip for our team," head coach Mike Small said of the event. "We were able to play some good competition at a quality golf course and to gauge our games moving forward into the Spring. Now we have an idea of the issues we need to address and improve on. Our entire team would like to thank Jeff and Madalyn for their support of our program and for putting on such a great event."

Ranked as one of the top golf courses in the state of Florida, the Tinervin Cup is held at Coral Creek Golf Club, which boasts a par-71, 7,038-yard course. The event is put on by dual benefactors Jeff and Madalyn Tinervin, and is played in a format comparable to the Ryder Cup, beginning with three two-on-two, head-to-head, better ball matches in the morning session. Each match is worth one point for a total of three possible points. Six individual head-to-head matches followed in the afternoon. Each match in the afternoon is worth one point for a total of six possible points.

Illinois started the day strong, winning all three of the morning fourball matches. Sophomore Dylan Meyer combined with senior Thomas Detry for a total of eight birdies in just 12 holes, winning their match 8 & 6. Meyer was ready to compete as he started the day with a string of three consecutive birdies. Redshirt Senior Alex Burge and freshman Edoardo Lipparelli won their morning match 5 & 4, recording seven birdies for the Ilini. 

Senior Charlie Danielson was paired with sophomore Nick Hardy in the final match of the morning, earning a win, 3 & 2. The two combined for eight birdies, closing the round out with back-to-back birdies from Hardy to secure the win. 

Illinois took four of the singles matches in the afternoon, starting with Meyer, who finished just 1-over par. Both Detry and Burge shot 1-under par to earn wins, while Lipparelli finished at even par. Hardy also shot even, while Danielson closed the afternoon 2-over par. 

Illinois will have a few weeks off before heading to Lafayette, La., for the annual Louisiana Classics Invitational on Feb. 29. Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest on Illinois men's golf. 

13th Annual Tinervin Cup
Illinois 7.5, Illinois State 1.5

Fourball
Thomas Detry/Dylan Meyer def. Tyler Gentilella/Kyley Meihofer, 8 & 6
Alex Burge/Edoardo Lipparelli def. Christian Crabill/Michael Mounce, 5 & 4
Charlie Danielson/Nick Hardy def. Trent Wallace/Zach Burry, 3 & 2

Singles
Dylan Meyer (ILL) won

Thomas Detry (ILL) won

Alex Burge (ILL) won

Edoardo Lipparelli (ILL) won

Trent Wallace (ISU) won

Nick Hardy (ILL) tied