Rich Harvest Farms to host Palmer Cup this week

Arnold Palmer with NIU alumnus Jerry Rich

Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove will host the 2015 Palmer Cup June 12-14, pitting the top European-born collegiate golfers against the best American-born collegiate players in a tournament to honor the tremendous legacy of Arnold Palmer.

“The field is comprised of some amazing talent on both sides and we can’t wait to see them show off their skills on this challenging course,” said Vicky McGowan, Rich Harvest Farms’ Tournament Director. “The whole event is expected to be wonderful and we are excited to see everything come together in the next few weeks.”

“The Palmer Cup continues to be played at great venues,” said Arnold Palmer. “I’m aware of the great success of the Solheim Cup played at Rich Harvest Farms. I am pleased and grateful that Jerry Rich has agreed to host the event there. It should be another great Palmer Cup.”

Both general admission and parking at the event will be free of charge. No ticket is needed; visitors can simply park in the lot at 2330 Granart Road and walk onto the grounds of Rich Harvest Farms. Spectators will also be able to walk the fairways with the players during the tournament.

“The Palmer Cup is in tune with everything we do at Rich Harvest Farms,” said NIU alumnus Jerry Rich, president of Rich Harvest Farms. “Through our Kids Golf Foundation, caddie program and our commitment to amateur golf, we’ve been able to impact many amateurs through this great game. Arnold Palmer’s vision for bringing together highly talented collegiate players with the youth is a true culmination of what is the most important – growing the game.”

Tournament week will also include a Junior Clinic for participants of the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois, which calls Rich Harvest Farms home. On June 10, the players will teach a clinic for more than 100 kids and will include stations with SNAG equipment, life skills and Wally Armstrong training aids.

“Being involved in this clinic gives the kids a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only see the PGA Tour stars of tomorrow, but also to learn from them,” said Michala Mika, director of the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois. “This interactive event is in line with both our mission as a foundation and the mission of Mr. Palmer. We are honored to be a part of this event.”

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, June 10

4 p.m. Junior Clinic taught by players with
Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois

Thursday, June 11

9 a.m. College-Am

6 p.m. Opening Ceremony*

7 p.m. Gala Reception/Dinner

Friday, June 12

7:30 a.m. Foursome Matches*

1:30 p.m. Four-Ball Matches*

Saturday, June 13

8:30 a.m. Singles Matches*

Sunday, June 14

8:30 a.m. Singles Matches*

2:30 p.m. (approx.) Closing Ceremony*

Please note: Events marked with an asterisk (*) are free of charge and open to the public. The College-Am and Gala Reception/Dinner require special tickets and both are sold out.