Todd Mitchell
(CDGA Photo)

Defending champion Chadd Slutzky and Derek Meinhart, who held a share of the lead following each of the first two rounds, finished tied for second in the 24th edition of the event, contested at Flossmoor Country Club.

“I haven't won it in a while, so I kind of forgot how it felt,” Mitchell said following the championship. “It's very nice, especially with the guys that were out here. Chadd (Slutzky) is a great player, Derek (Meinhart) is a great player. We battled a very tough day with the wind blowing, and I basically held on with both hands and got her in.”

Mitchell put together rounds of 70-72-71 during the week. During the final round Mitchell got off to a strong start with a birdie on the opening hole and after a bogey rolled in another bird on the 9th to turn in 1-under-par. A two birdie, two bogey back nine was good enough for Mitchell to finish off the title.

Meinhart attempted to recover from a 4-over 40 on the front nine as he carded three back nine birdies but following a bogey on the 17th his hopes were dashed.

It was the 38-year old Bloomington native's fifth victory in the Illinois State Mid-Am, an event for amateur golfers over the age of 25 who are residents of Illinois. The most any other player has won the event is twice—a feat achieved by four golfers.

In the state series of championships, Mitchell matches Jim Frisina, Sr. for the most victories in a single state amateur championship. Frisina won the Illinois State Amateur Championship a record five times between 1942 and 1958. Mitchell is a two-time Illinois State Amateur champ, winning in 2002 and 2003, making it is seven state championships overall for his career.

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