MUNDELEIN, Ill. – The Illinois Junior Golf Association hosted the Youth Development Program’s Season Opener at Countryside Golf Club – Prairie Course. After two days of competitive golf four champions were named: in the Boys 12-13 Division was Eric Klutke (2022) of Crystal Lake, Ill., in the Boys 10-11 Division was Nathan Kwiatkowski (2024) of Burbank, Ill., in the Girls 12-13 Division was Shannyn Vogler (2022) of Sherrard, Ill., and in the Girls 10-11 Division was Chelsea She (2024) of Buffalo Grove, Ill.
The YDP Season Opener was a 36 hole, stroke play event contested on the Prairie Course at Countryside Golf Club. The Boys 12-13 Division played the par 72 course from 6,040 yards, the Boys 10-11 Division and Girls 12-13 Division played from 5,049 yards and the Girls 10-11 Division played the course from 4,822 yards.
The Illinois Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing playing opportunities for its members ages 8-18, conducting educational clinics and events, and serving as a junior golf informational clearinghouse.
Klutke carded a two-day total of 3-over-par 147, holding on to his first round lead to take top honors in the Boys 12-13 Division. Opening the tournament with an even-par 72, Klutke followed his first round with a 3-over-par 75. He carded five birdies over the course of the event.
Coming in runner-up in Boys 12-13 Division was Eli Myers (2023) of Northbrook with a two-day total of 11-over-par 155.
Kwiatkowski carded a tournament total of 9-over-par 153, also holding on to his first round lead throughout the final round. In the final round, Kwiatkowski carded two birdies en route to his 4-over-par 76.
Coming in runner-up in the Boys 10-11 Division was Noah Zyung (2024) of Glenview, Ill., who finished the event at 16-over-par 160.
In the Girls 12-13 Division, Vogler put up consistent scores of 74-74 to end with a tournament total of 4-over-par 148. Vogler carded one birdie and 14 pars during the final round.
Coming in runner-up was Lexi Schulman (2023) of Vernon Hills, Ill., who carded a two-day total of 14-over-par 158.
She carded a 22-over-par 166 tournament total to take top honors in the Girls 10-11 Division. She carded consistent rounds of 83-83, with a combined 13 pars and two birdies over the two days.
Coming in runner-up in the Girls 10-11 Division was Allyson Duan (2025) of Buffalo Grove, Ill., who finished the tournament with a two-day total of 35-over-par 179.
This event signaled the official start to the YDP 2017 season. The full schedule can be found here.
