2025 Illinois Open at Kemper Lakes

The final round of the 76th Illinois Open Championship, presented by Troon, offered everything a golf enthusiast could hope for—high-stakes pressure, frequent shifts on the leaderboard, and a relentless course that demanded precision from start to finish. Rising above the intensity was Michael Feagles of Scottsdale, AZ, who delivered a composed and clutch performance when it counted most at Kemper Lakes Golf Club.

Feagles closed with a 3-under-par 69—his only sub-par round of the tournament—overcoming a three-shot deficit to win by a single stroke. His three-round total of 215 (72-74-69) made him the only player to finish the championship under par, an accomplishment not seen at the Illinois Open since 1994. His steady play and ability to handle the pressure proved decisive on a course that allowed no margin for error.

The modern version of the Illinois Open was first held at Onwentsia Club in 1950 with Felice Torza winning the title under the auspices of the Illinois Section PGA and the CDGA. In 1971, the Illinois PGA took full control of the championship and has overseen it to the present day. Over the years the modern Illinois Open has used multiple different sites and various formats.

The 76th Illinois Open Championship is a 54-hole stroke play event with a 156 player field size limit. The field is comprised of those players exempted from qualifying and place-winners from seven qualifying events with all three rounds of the championship contested at Kemper Lakes Golf Club.

Following 36 holes of play, the field will be cut to the low 50 scorers plus ties. In the case of a tie for the Championship, a three (3) hole aggregate playoff will take place following the posting of the final score. If the tie has not been broken after three holes, the playoff will continue at sudden death.

Both exempt and individuals attempting to qualify must meet one of the following eligibility categories.

1. Legal Resident of Illinois.
2. Illinois Section – PGA Member, Associate or Pre-Associate.
3. Non-PGA Golf Professional working as such on a full-time basis within the state of Illinois.
4. Graduate of a high school or postsecondary school within the boundaries of the state of Illinois.
5. Presently enrolled at a postsecondary school (College or the like) within the boundaries of the state of Illinois, including incoming freshmen.
6. Amateurs must carry a verified handicap index of 10.0 or less.

2025 will mark the first time the state’s golf championship will be played at the Killian and Nugent-designed course; however, many local professionals are completely familiar with Kemper Lakes GC, as for 24 years from 1979 through 2002, the Illinois PGA Championship was played on the challenging Kildeer course.

With its lush meandering fairways, avenues of majestic oaks and serene surroundings, Kemper Lakes exudes a classic golf ambiance steeped in tradition. Tradition that provided the backdrop for the 1989 PGA Championship, four Grand Slam of Golf events, six Senior PGA tour events, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship.

2025 Illinois Open DATES:
Monday, August 4 – Wednesday, August 6

DEFENDING CHAMPION:
Charie Nikitas, Glenview, IL

SPECTATOR ADMISSION:
Free of charge, with free parking.