The State Farm Youth Classic began in 2002 as a two-day tournament. Each year, activities are added to make the tournament a fun event that the whole family can enjoy!
In 2007, a Parent-Child Tournament was created, where golfers ages 3-11 can play a 9-hole round of golf with a parent, sibling, or friend.
In 2009, the Skills Challenge was added to the State Farm Youth Classic tournament. Here, youths from every age group teed off to see who had the longest drive, best short game and sharpest putting skills. A Nintendo Wii was available for participants to test out their virtual golf skills and a local radio DJ lightened up the atmosphere with some great music. This great addition still takes place at SFYC today.
Throughout the years, the State Farm Youth Classic has had some memorable moments. A 3-year-old golfer teed off wearing his Superman cape at the inaugural tournament in 2002. In 2007 and 2008, a visually- impaired high school student attracted much attention as he completed the 2-day tournament assisted only by his father. In 2008, SFYC had two golfers achieve hole-in-ones; one of these being a six year old!
The friendships and memories are what makes the State Farm Youth Classic an enjoyable and successful tournament and keeps players coming back year after year.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
boys
Matt Bova - Methodist University, PGA Tour player
Luke Guthrie - University of Illinois, PGA Tour player
Zach Guthrie - University of Illinois, PGA Tour caddie
Raymond Knoll - University of Iowa, PGA Tour player
Kyle Peterman - 2009 U.S. Open participant
Haydn Porteous - European PGA Tour player
Garrick Higgo - European Tour, PGA Tour
girls
Yueer Feng - LPGA Tour player
Carrie Riordan - Eastern Illinois University, Symetra Tour player
Ember Schuldt - University of Illinois, Symetra Tour player
“The State Farm Youth Classic has become one of the premier junior golf tournaments in the state. I strongly encourage my current players to enter the college division and would also highly recommend all junior golfers to enter their applicable division as well. Junior players who become “tournament tough” by participating in high quality golf tournaments like SFYC always have a distinct advantage in their overall growth and development as golfers.”