Aug. 17, 2007

EVANSTON, Ill.-- At the age of 18 years, two months and three days, incoming Northwestern freshman Ravi Patel (Naperville, Ill., Neuqua Valley) became the youngest winner in the 77-year history of the 2007 Illinois State Amateur Championship at Ironhorse Golf Club in Tuscola, Ill.

Patel shot rounds of 65, 69 and 68 for the three-stroke win, which was good for a total of 11-under par for the tournament. The freshman now joins 2004 CDGA Player of the Year T.C. Ford on the list of Northwestern golfers to take the state amateur championship title. Another former Northwestern golfer, Scott Harrington, was the 2002 CDGA Player of the Year.

One of two freshman signees by head coach Pat Goss, Patel led the event wire-to-wire. Down the stretch, Patel never faltered, while two-time defending champion, Todd Mitchell, put two shots in the water. With the win, Patel, along with the rest of the top-15 finishers receive an exemption for the event in 2008, which will be held at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, Ill.

During his prep career, Patel finished in the top-15 at five different AJGA events and earned victories at the 2006 AJGA Midwest Players Junior Championship and the 2006 FCWT Cog Hill Classic. Patel also qualified for the USGA Junior Amateur Championship in 2005 and 2006. His accomplishments earned him the title of top player in the state by Junior Golf Scoreboard.

Pat Goss on Twitter

The Team

Golf Polls and News

Top 100 Teacher Pat Goss Instructional Videos

Golf Facilities

Windon Memorial Classic