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Mike Small captures Illinois PGA title
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Mike Small
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Aug. 29, 2007
Grayslake, Ill. - Story courtesy of Bill Ibrahim, Illinois PGA
Since being elected to PGA membership in 1996, it would be an understatement to say that Mike Small has accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time. His latest achievement, winning the 85th Illinois PGA Championship for a record sixth time, may be his most impressive to date.
Small, 41, the University of Illinois men's head golf coach, played the steady game that has been his calling card when carrying a lead into the final round. He posted a two-under-par 70, to win the Championship by three strokes over Roy Biancalana, St. Andrews G. & C.C. Small's 54-hole total of 202 (-14) is also an Illinois PGA Championship record.
"I got off to a really good start today," said Small. "I birdied four of the first six holes then got a little sideways but played three solid holes coming in after Roy got my attention at 15. Give Roy credit, he played well shooting a 68 out there."
Biancalana prevented the Championship from being a runaway, closing in on Small by parring the 15th hole while Small bogeyed. The gap closed to three strokes, where it would remain as both players parred the remaining three holes. Biancalana finished alone in second place for the Championship after carding a final round 68 and a 54-hole total of 205 (-11).
"At least I made him think a little," Biancalana said after the round. "We are playing against the best player the Illinois PGA has ever seen, by a mile. He is the best ball-striker I have ever played with. He's Tour good."
Small grabbed the early lead in round one by scoring an Illinois PGA Championship record-low nine-under-par 63. "I made a lot of putts for birdie in the 12-15 foot range," Small said, describing his opening round. "I didn't have to take it out of the rough all day. I drove it really well." Billy Rosinia, Flagg Creek G.C, finished in second place at the end of round one with a respectable four-under-par 68.
Small maintained his lead during the second round by playing a steadfast game. He posted a three-under-par 69, bring his 36-hole total to 132 (-12). "I had one three-putt on number seven. That was my only bogey," Small commented. "I was a little more conservative today. I hit some really good shots, but I didn't putt as well as I did yesterday." Biancalana charged up the leaderboard into second place after carding an Illinois PGA Championship personal best six-under-par 66 to finish the second round at 137 (-7).
The most dominant player in Illinois PGA history, Small has won the Illinois PGA Championship six of the past seven years and captured four of the past five Illinois Open titles. He was the 2005 PGA National Champion and runner-up in 2004. He is only member of the Illinois PGA to win both the PGA National Championship and PGA Professional Player of the Year (2006) honors. Small currently has a slim lead in the 2007 PGA Professional Player of the Year point standings, thanks in part his Low PGA Golf Professional finish in the 89th PGA Championship.
Small became the first person in the 85-year history of the Championship to win five consecutive titles and six overall. In 2002, Small lost in a playoff to Bob O'Link G.C. head golf professional Gary Groh. His six titles eclipse Illinois golf legends Bill Ogden and Johnny Revolta, who captured five titles each and now sit in second place in regards to victories.
"It's an honor," said Small when asked about the victories. "I try not to think about that kind of stuff when I'm out there competing but it truly is humbling to be mentioned in the same breath as those great players."
The 85th Illinois PGA Championship & PPNC took place August 27-29 at Stonewall Orchard Golf Club in Grayslake, Ill. The Championship purse of $85,415 was the largest in the history of the event. Small, along with the next 11 finishers, received an exemption to play in the 41st PGA Professional National Championship, scheduled for June 19-22, 2008 at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.
