Illini golfer gets exemption into Memorial Health Championship in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS announced additions to the tournament field. 

Jackson Buchanan, Big Ten Golfer of the Year, and incoming University of Illinois senior for the upcoming tournament, will compete at Panther Creek in late June. 

Buchanan, 22, is a native of Dacula, Georgia and an Operations Management major.

Buchanan was recently named to the PING Third Team All-American Team and recently qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & C.C after the final round of qualifying at the Golf Club of Georgia, shooting thirteen under to take medalist honors.

“I am looking forward to competing later this month in Springfield.” Buchanan said. “Having my first experience competing on the Korn Ferry TOUR in central Illinois seems right to me, given the large number of Fighting Illini fans in the area and I’m hoping they come out to watch.”

Recently named 2024 GCAA Midwest Coach of the Year Mike Small said, “Our golf program is a big supporter of competitive golf in the state of Illinois, and I am very excited about the opportunities that University of Illinois golfers have had to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour stop in Springfield. I have had a number of players take part in the tournament at Panther Creek and appreciate what they continue to build there.”

Tournament director Kate Peters said organizers are excited to welcome Buchanan to Springfield and the 2024 field. “We have had a great partnership with Coach Small and the Men’s Golf Program at the University of Illinois for several years. Jackson just made sense for us, with his record and standing on the world amateur golf rankings and the opportunity to give him his first experience on the Korn Ferry TOUR, it was a logical choice. Our goal is to provide a platform for young golfers hoping to compete at the highest level with a chance to experience the competition on the Korn Ferry Tour, do well and help prepare them to move on to the PGA TOUR.”

The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS is scheduled for June 27 -30 at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield.

Fans can attend for free thanks to a partnership with Visit Springfield. Fans can get their complimentary tickets at MemorialHealthChampionship.com.

Daily passes into the tournament’s all-inclusive hospitality venue, J&J Gaming VIP Lounge, a premium spectator venue located between the 9th and 18th greens are also available for purchase for an additional fee. Walk-up attendance is permitted and is also at no charge via the partnership with Visit Springfield. 

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