The upcoming Memorial Health Championship held at Springfield's Panther Creek Country Club will allow the participation of two local golfers, Jake Erickson and Joe Weiler. Both players have been granted sponsor exemptions, offering them an opportunity to showcase their skills among the world's best golfers.
Jake Erickson, a Springfield native and a seven-time Springfield Men's City Golf champion, is no stranger to success. Holding the record for the most City Golf championships, Erickson's golfing prowess is well-established. With five top-ten finishes at the Illinois State Amateur and a triumph as the senior Big Blue Intercollegiate titleholder during his time at Southern Illinois University, Erickson's accomplishments are impressive. Currently serving as the vice president of sales and marketing at Kwik-Wall, a local movable wall systems manufacturer, Erickson expressed his gratitude to Memorial Health and LRS for the opportunity to compete on his home course alongside world-class players.
And, Joe Weiler, a 24-year-old professional golfer from Bloomington, Indiana, secured his sponsor exemption after participating in the first nine Korn Ferry Tour events of the season. Weiler, a recent graduate of Purdue University with a degree in industrial engineering, received multiple First Team Big Ten selections during his collegiate golf career. This tournament serves as a platform for Weiler to maintain his momentum and work towards earning a spot on the PGA Tour. Being the closest stop on the Korn Ferry Tour to his hometown, Weiler anticipates the support of his parents, girlfriend, and friends, with the hope that his grandmother can witness his play in person.