Illinois Amateur Championship

As soon as I think viewers may be tiring of so many golf posts on freekeon, I receive encouragement for more from a fellow poster. This is my answer for more local golf coverage. I predicted that hometown-favorite and past Illinois Am champion, Todd Mitchell, would end up victorious at Bloomington Country Club this week. However, the three-day four-round tournament went to Luke Guthrie. Mitchell led after the first two rounds with the reigning US Pub Links and Illinois Open champion, Brad Benjamin, close behind. Few were placing bets on young man from Quincy with an affinity for the Illini, but Guthrie finished with a week-low, 65, at the beautiful, yet difficult, course. Even with a double bogey on the par-5 6th hole, Guthrie played the final five in three under par to win by one stroke over two golfers with much more impressive resumes. It was a dramatic finish. Mitchell challenged Guthrie with an eagle and three birdies on the final five holes to end up one behind the eventual champion. And Benjamin, who was tied for the lead at four under par when walking onto the 18th tee, bogeyed the closing hole to also finish one back. It was an exciting and competitive week on a classic course. The only unpleasantness of the event was the presence of an eccentric fellow officiating for the CDGA. According to an anonymous source, the official mocked players from inside the ropes by making reference to their undergarments stained by feces. Curiously enough, the same official was spotted munching on Royal Donut eclairs while enjoying the latest edition of the Senior Times newspaper. I found this information odd because the nearest Royal Donut cafe is located nearly 100 miles away in Danville, IL. The local establishment is known for their attractive, flirty waitstaff and the iconic flashing sign out front. The freekeon staff is collaborating with the CDGA to identify the individual.