Ian Gilligan (Florida Athletics Photo)

Ian Gilligan, a standout golfer for the University of Florida, has solidified his place among the elite ranks of amateur golf through a combination of grit, talent, and perseverance. His journey is made all the more remarkable by his personal battle with lymphoma, a diagnosis he faced as a teenager. Gilligan’s triumph over cancer and his subsequent success on the golf course serve as a testament to his resilience. Today, he competes at the highest level of collegiate golf and has already made waves on the PGA Tour.

Gilligan is currently ranked No. 8 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.

2024 Season
- Ranked 12th in the World and 6th in the U.S., Ian Gilligan’s 2024 season has been nothing short of exceptional. His impressive performances in top-level amateur and collegiate tournaments have made him a top contender for Player of the Year honors.
- Western Amateur: Winner – Gilligan claimed one of the most prestigious amateur titles, securing his status as one of the top amateurs in the world.
"I think winning the Western Amateur over the summer was my biggest win in Amateur Golf.," Gilligan said after the first round of the Shriners Open. "That was just because of how long and grueling that tournament was."
- Southern Highlands Collegiate: 1st place – Dominated the collegiate field in one of the most competitive events of the season.
- North & South Amateur: Made the Quarterfinals in one of the oldest and most storied amateur tournaments in the U.S.
- PGA Tour - Barracuda Championship: T40 – Showed he can compete with professionals, making the cut and finishing in the top 40 in a PGA Tour event.
- Sea Best Invitational: 2nd place – Narrowly missed out on another win, continuing his consistent high-level play.
- Additional notable finishes include 3rd at the Florida Gators Invitational, T8 at the Sahalee Players Championship, and T17 at the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational.

2023 Season
- In 2023, Gilligan was ranked 24th in the World and 13th in the U.S., as his results continued to impress.
- Patriot All-America: 1st place – A key victory that bolstered his standing among the best in amateur golf.
- Wyoming Cowboy Classic: 1st place – Another win that added to his stellar collegiate resume.
- Western Amateur: T17 – Competed well in one of the toughest fields in amateur golf.
- NCAA Southwest Regional: T9 – Helped his University of Florida team advance, with a solid individual showing.
- U.S. Open Local Qualifying: Medalist – Demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level by earning medalist honors and advancing toward the U.S. Open.

2022 Season
- In 2022, Ian began to make his mark on the national stage, finishing the year ranked 316th in the World and 153rd in the U.S..
- Alister MacKenzie Invitational: 1st place – Gilligan’s first big win of the season, setting the stage for further success.
- Northern California Match Play: Winner – Showed his match play prowess, winning this prestigious event.
- The Goodwin Intercollegiate: T8 – A strong top-10 finish in a competitive collegiate field.

2021 Season
- In 2021, Ian began to emerge on the amateur scene, finishing ranked 2324th in the World and 1284th in the U.S.
- McClure Cup: 1st place – A breakthrough win in his early amateur career.
- Saint Mary's Invitational: T17 – Continued to gain valuable experience in competitive tournaments.

Cancer Survivor Story

Ian Gilligan’s battle with lymphoma is a crucial part of his story. Diagnosed as a teenager, Gilligan endured chemotherapy and was sidelined from the game for an extended period. However, his resolve to return to golf never wavered.

Once back, he rededicated himself to the sport, and his subsequent rise in the rankings reflects the mental toughness and discipline he developed during this challenging time. Gilligan often speaks about how his experience with cancer gave him a new perspective on life and golf, fueling his determination to succeed on the course.

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Four years removed from Cancer, Ian Gilligan is making waves in collegiate golf

Notable Accomplishments

Making the cut at the Shriners Hospital Classic: Competing in a PGA Tour event, Ian held his own against some of the top professionals in the world, finishing T16.
Consistent Top Finishes: Across multiple seasons, Ian has impressed with his consistency, with top finishes at events like the Western Amateur, Patriot All-America, and Southern Highlands Collegiate.
Cancer Survivor and Inspiration: Ian’s story of overcoming cancer has made him a role model both on and off the course for golfers young and old.

Looking Ahead

With his impressive rise in the amateur rankings and his proven ability to compete with professionals, Ian Gilligan’s future in the sport looks incredibly bright. As he continues his collegiate career at the University of Florida and prepares for more PGA Tour appearances, many believe he has the potential to make a significant impact on the professional stage.