URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The team at Atkins Golf Club has been preparing for next week’s NCAA Golf Regional for nearly a year.
“Following the announcement that we would be a host site, the real preparation of the golf course began in September-October of last year. We adjusted the fertilizer regimen to thicken the roughs, fill in bare spots, and prepare the greens to achieve better speed and firmness for the event,” stated Jim Buyze, the course’s general manager. “Every day, the staff is out fixing ball marks, filling divots, and getting the golf course ready from those angles.”
The true preparations kicked off in December when Illinois received a comprehensive NCAA guide on hosting a regional, which detailed everything from food and beverage services to volunteering and maintaining the grass heights.
Details down to the 64th of an inch may seem minor, but become crucial when hosting some of the best golfers in the country.
“I believe it’s an excellent golf course,” commented Illinois golfer Ryan Voois. “The course is lengthy, and depending on how firm it becomes this week, we’ll determine its full length. I think it effectively distinguishes the better players.”
Buyze is taking advantage of a rare opportunity to welcome the next generation of golfers to his course. North Carolina’s David Ford, the No. 1 college golfer in the country, is paired with Illinois for the first round.
“It’s going to be really neat to get as close to these players as you and I are right now,” said Buyze. “And in three weeks, he’s literally going to be a full-time PGA Tour player. And a lot of the other athletes are going to be fighting for PGA Tour spots in just a few weeks.”
Play begins early on Monday, May 12 and continues through Wednesday, May 14.
