ALUMNI IN THE NCAA
Some of the top NCAA DI collegiate golfers flocked to Rich Harvest Farms for the 2017 NCAA DI Golf Championship . Rich Harvest Farms has a rich history of hosting prestigious events , from the 2009 Solheim Cup to the 2015 Palmer Cup , the Western Amateur , among others . Rich Harvest Farms has a special connection with the IJGA as it plays host to the IJGA ’ s premiere season-ending event , The Rog .
The Rog is played in memory of the IJGA ’ s first paid Executive Director , Roger Ulseth . Ulseth and Mr . Jerry Rich , the founder and owner of Rich Harvest Farms , became friends during their high school days . The two started a “ Regional Round-Up ” event to promote the game of golf in 1994 . During the 1997 season , Roger Ulseth passed away and this event was renamed to honor him .
For the Women ’ s Championship , 24 teams and 12 individuals competed to earn a national title . While the weather was not ideal , the women were able to play a weather-shortened stroke play event before the top teams advanced to the match play rounds . Three IJGA / MAJGT alumni competed for the Women ’ s National Title : Jessica Porvasnik ( Ohio State ), Allyson Geer ( Michigan State ), and Lexi Harkins ( North Carolina ).
The Men ’ s Championship consisted of 30 teams and 6 individuals . There were six IJGA / MAJGT alumni competing on the men ’ s side for the National Title . Nick Hardy ( Illinois ) made the cut to the two days of match play with the help of his team . The other alumni playing in the field included : Doug Ghim ( Texas ), Timmy Hildebrand ( Purdue ), Trent Wallace ( Illinois State ), Tripp Kinney ( Iowa State ), and Ian Holt ( Kent State ).
From Left : Nick Hardy on No . 3 during the second round . The view from the Women ’ s tee on the par 3 , No . 12 . Nick Hardy tees off . Crowds watch as players take on this iconic par 3 . Doug Ghim on the tee . The NCAA logo adorns the hill on No . 18 .
4 Illinois Junior Golf Association