Top Golfing Events in Illinois You Can't Miss with Phil

If you know me at all, you know this :If there’s a golf outing within 150 miles, I’m probably already in the car.

Golf is where relationships grow, stories get told, and community bankers learn whether I can actually hit a fairway under pressure. (Spoiler: depends on the day.)

This page will always be the first place I post my plans, official outings, unofficial rounds, spontaneous 18s, and anything that involves good people, good swings, and a cold beverage in the cart. If you want in… just show up. I’m always game for another player.

Here are the top golf events in Illinois you absolutely shouldn’t miss, especially if you want to tee it up with me.

A beautiful golf course set up for a tournament with players in action.

The “Unofficial-Official” Phil Circuit: CBAI Spring & Summer Golf Outings

Every May and June, the Community Bankers Association of Illinois kicks off its annual Group Meetings and Golf Outings. They’re staples of the community banking calendar—and some of the best days on a golf course you can have in Illinois.

You’ll usually find me at:

• Annbriar GC – Waterloo

• Kokopelli GC – Marion

• Effingham Country Club – Effingham

• Lake Carroll GC – Lanark

• Weaver Ridge GC – Peoria

• Crestwicke CC – Bloomington

• Kankakee CC – Kankakee

• Urbana CC – Urbana

• Jacksonville CC – Jacksonville

• Spring Lake CC – Quincy

• Plus other courses

If you’re a community banker, these outings are part golf, part networking, part reunion and always a great time.

🏆 CBAI Annual Conference Golf Outing

Every September, before the big CBAI Convention starts rolling, we hit the links.

Different course each year. Same mission: have fun, premiere a new outfit, meet bankers, hit bombs (or attempt to).

⛳ Polish League of Financial Institutions – Cog Hill

Last Wednesday in August. Cog Hill. Enough said.

This outing is legendary and if you’ve never golfed with 100+ bankers before, you haven’t lived. I try to never miss this one.

🎓 Scott D. Rudolf Scholarship Outing – Sunset GC, Mt. Morris

This event means a lot to me. Held in Mt. Morris at Sunset Golf Course, it honors Scott Rudolf my lifelong friend who passed and supports scholarships for Oregon High School athletes. Great people. Great cause. Great day to be part of something meaningful.

🏈 Amboy Clippers Football Outing – Shady Oaks GC, Amboy

My alma mater and My Clipper pride.

If you join me for this one, you’ll see Amboy football energy at full strength and maybe catch me talking about the 1984 state titles like I was calling plays on the sideline, 'cuz I never left the sideline during that game....Best Seat In the House!!

🎓 Illinois State University Athletic Foundation – Weibring GC, Normal

A fantastic outing at Weibring Golf Club with a great crew supporting ISU athletics. New to the Phil Tour in 2025 but it's become one of my favorite events.

⛳ Sub 70 Outing – Sycamore

If you’re into golf gear, club fitting, or just fun people, the Sub 70 outing is a must. Plus, it a great way to support a local golf club manufacture.

🦌 Phil’s TPC Deere Run One Day Classic

My own mini tradition.

Once or twice a year, I’ll put together a day at:

• TPC Deere Run (PGA Tour quality… and you’ll feel it)

  • May Add Fyre Lake GC this year (one of the most underrated courses in Illinois) and an extra day

These fill up fast. Keep an eye on this page so you don’t miss your shot.

🚗 And honestly… I’m always up for a round anywhere.

Naperville to Galesburg, Lanark to Marion, Silvis to Urbana—if you’ve got a tee time and a couple open spots, I’m in. Public course, private club, muni, nine-holer, goat track—doesn’t matter. Golf is about the company, not the course.

Want to golf with me? Easy.

Just check Where’s Phil? website. If I’m playing, it’ll be posted. If I’m not… I’m probably still available. And yes—bring your “I Met Phil Aderton” koozie for a photo. Bonus points if you get it into a cart selfie or trophy shot.

Cheers, Phil