Tournament Champions
View Tournament Results
2026 Season Kickoff at Lincoln Elks Golf Club Recap
Lincoln, IL | October 25, 2025
The 2026 APT Central Illinois season teed off in style at Lincoln Elks Golf Club (Par 71), where a sold-out field of 40 players enjoyed a picture-perfect fall day. The kickoff event featured lush, slightly shaggy fairways and slower greens that tested players’ patience and touch across one of Central Illinois’ most scenic layouts — highlighted by its signature 90-foot downhill tee shot that tempts players before climbing back with a short-iron approach.
It was the opening event of the new season, and the competition set a strong tone for what’s ahead. Several new names and familiar faces claimed early-season hardware in their respective divisions.
⸻
Division 1 – Nelson Opens 2026 with a Hometown Win
Lincoln native Jordan Nelson delivered a steady 1-over 72 to capture his first APT victory on home turf. His consistency and local knowledge proved the difference, edging Jason Anglin (Normal, IL) and Tim Woolard (Lincoln, IL), who tied for second at +3.
Results:
• Jordan Nelson (Lincoln, IL) — +1 (72)
• T2: Jason Anglin (Normal, IL) — +3 (74)
• T2: Tim Woolard (Lincoln, IL) — +3 (74)
⸻
Division 2 – Burditt Breaks Through
Ansel Burditt (Metamora, IL) earned his first APT divisional win, posting a solid +4 (75) to capture Division 2 honors. He held off Sean Whitfield (North Utica, IL) and Michael Lingenfelter (Decatur, IL), both finishing at +6.
Results:
• Ansel Burditt (Metamora, IL) — +4 (75)
• T2: Sean Whitfield (North Utica, IL) — +6 (77)
• T2: Michael Lingenfelter (Decatur, IL) — +6 (77)
⸻
Division 3 – Johnson Goes the Distance
Rick Johnson (Sullivan, IL), a member of the APT St. Louis Chapter, found success north of home, carding a +7 (78) to take Division 3. Jamison Boyd (Tuscola, IL) finished runner-up at +9, followed closely by Ross Richardson (Indianapolis, IN) and Cleat Davis (Taylorville, IL) at +10.
Results:
• Rick Johnson (Sullivan, IL) — +7 (78)
• Jamison Boyd (Tuscola, IL) — +9 (80)
• T3: Ross Richardson (Indianapolis, IN) — +10 (81)
• T3: Cleat Davis (Taylorville, IL) — +10 (81)
⸻
Division 4 – Park Stays Hot
Continuing his strong late-season form, Darrell Park (Springfield, IL) fired an +11 (82) to capture another win and start the 2026 campaign on the right note. Stevie Frank (Lake St. Louis, MO) and Edward Pavese (Mattoon, IL) tied for second at +16.
Results:
• Darrell Park (Springfield, IL) — +11 (82)
• T2: Stevie Frank (Lake St. Louis, MO) — +16 (87)
• T2: Edward Pavese (Mattoon, IL) — +16 (87)
⸻
Division 5 – Schroeder Picks Up Where He Left Off
Defending Player of the Year Myron Schroeder (Downs, IL) stayed sharp, capturing the D5 title at +22 (93). Keith Schumacher (Mason City, IL) finished second at +24, with Kyle Jones (Auburn, IL) rounding out the top three.
Results:
• Myron Schroeder (Downs, IL) — +22 (93)
• Keith Schumacher (Mason City, IL) — +24 (95)
• Kyle Jones (Auburn, IL) — +26 (97)
⸻
Mid-Am Net – Davis Claims Inaugural Title
The Mid-Am Net, a new optional competition for players under 50 years old debuting in 2026, was introduced to expand the APT’s net-game offerings. Cleat Davis (Taylorville, IL) captured the first-ever Mid-Am Net title with a net score of +1, narrowly edging Darrell Park (Springfield, IL) at +2.
Results:
• Cleat Davis (Taylorville, IL) — Net +1
• Darrell Park (Springfield, IL) — Net +2
• T3: Zach Moore (Lincoln, IL), Jeff Weeks (Champaign, IL), Kyle Jones (Auburn, IL) — Net +4
⸻
Senior Net – Johnson Doubles Up
Rick Johnson (Sullivan, IL) completed a rare double, winning both Division 3 and Senior Net with a 2-under 69 net performance. Sean Whitfield (North Utica, IL) finished second at +2, followed by a group tied at +4.
Results:
• Rick Johnson (Sullivan, IL) — Net –2 (69)
• Sean Whitfield (North Utica, IL) — Net +2 (73)
• T3: Multiple at +4 Net
⸻
Looking Ahead
The Central Illinois APT now heads into the winter break before returning April 26, 2026, at The Den at Fox Creek (Bloomington, IL). With local winners, new members earning breakthrough victories, and returning champions already setting the bar, the 2026 season is off to a promising start across Central Illinois.
