Chadd Slutzky (CDGA photo)
It’s amazing what a little confidence will do. Chadd Slutzky, a Deer Park, Ill., native, last won the Illinois Mid-Amateur in 2015. He was just happy to be in contention then and more than happy to win that year.
It was a totally different story at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora, Ill., this week.
“I feel like coming into it, I have a chance to win, which is different than how I felt back then,” Slutzky told the Chicago District Golf Association. “I feel a little better playing these things and have a lot more confidence.”
The 42-year-old channeled that self-assurance throughout the 54-hole test and won his second title in this event by finishing at 10-under par for the championship. He was three shots clear of the closest competitors after rounds of 72-66-68.
Slutzky had 19 birdies on the week, including six in a final-round 68. He lost his tee ball off the first tee following a wayward drive to immediately give a shot back and fall behind Logan Stauffer, who birdied the opening hole.
Slutzky rebounded, however, with birdies on the par-4, 385-yard fourth hole and the par-5, 541-yard ninth hole. Playing alongside Slutzky in the final group, Stauffer made his case with three birdies in the first four holes, but two lost tee shots on No. 7 ultimately dropped him out of contention.
John Ehrgott, also in the final group was steady all day with three birdies to just two bogeys on the opening nine. A group ahead, Ryan Smith turned in 3-under par to keep within a stroke of the lead halfway home.
“I had the lead, but Ehrgott was playing great and I kept checking my phone and Ryan in the group ahead was playing great, it seemed like he was birdieing every hole,” Slutzky said.
Ultimately, Slutzky finished three shots ahead of Smith and Ehrgott, who both had 7-under totals for the event. Stauffer was solo fourth at 5 under.
“It's a great championship, it has a great field,” Slutzky said. “It's kind of where I stick to, the Mid-Am golf, so I try and shine at this time each year. These 54 holes, I was striping it, I was hitting it straight. I knew if I stayed patient and kept playing my game, I was probably going to be alright, unless somebody went crazy.”
Information from the Chicago District Golf Association used in this reportView results for Illinois Mid-Amateur
ABOUT THE
Illinois Mid-Amateur
Open to mid-amateurs age 25 and older who are
resident of the state of Illinois. Qualifying is required
for those who do not meet the exemption criteria.
Format is 54-holes of stroke play with the low 35
and
ties advancing to the final 18-holes. Must be a 7.4 handicap index or better.
View Complete Tournament Information