SIGA Amateur Championship

Leroy Newton Ceremonial First Tee Shot

Marion, IL – Andrew Thornton took home the hardware at the 97th SIGA Amateur Championship. The twoday event took place at Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion, Illinois.

It took one extra hole on Sunday, as Tommy Alferman birdied No. 18 to force a playoff. Thornton ended up making birdie for the second time on Sunday on the first playoff hole to capture the title. The rising junior at SIU-Carbondale went 2-over the two days of competition, shooting 73-71–144. He birdied No. 18 every time he played it, which ultimately gave him the victory.

“I started off a little ropy here and there and was three back coming into today,” Thornton said. “I just thought, shoot around level par and see what happens and that’s what I did. I made the playoff and birdied the first which was nice. I came close back in Scotland at some good events but this one’s probably my best one today.”

Ashleigh Reeves fired a 1-under 70 on Sunday to win the Women’s Championship by four strokes. The Lake of Egypt Country Club member went 11-over the two days, shooting 83-70–153.

Joe Malench won the Senior Men’s Championship after a final round 73 (+2), marking his second win of the summer on the MAGA/SIGA schedule. Malench took home the Senior Division title at the East Side Amateur in May. The Metropolitan eClub member had a two-day total of 3-over (72-73–145).

Robin Dodson was victorious in the Super Senior Men’s Championship at his home course after firing a 1-under 70 on Sunday. He finished the two days at 1-over, shooting 73-70–143. Kathleen Duncan won the Super Senior Women’s Championship, going 92-90–182.

River Stilley ran away with the Junior Boy’s Championship this time around after winning in a playoff last year. Stilley went 72-73–145 over the two days of competition, finishing at 3-over.

Sarah Capel took home the Junior Girl’s Championship after going 80-83–163 (+21).

Ashley Hesler won the Men’s Net Championship, going 4-under (68-70–138). Kerry Hammond took home Women’s Net honors, shooting a 13-over (82-73–155).

The longest running amateur tournament in Illinois got underway from Kokopelli Golf Club Saturday morning with a ceremonial first tee shot by longtime SIU-Carbondale men’s golf head coach and SIGA Hall of Fame member, Leroy Newton. Fitting that our Men’s Championship winner was a Saluki.