Reynolds takes the title at OSF Healthcare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Championship

(Peoria, Illinois)  The final round of the OSF Healthcare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Championship at Metamora Fields Golf Club has come to a close in an electrifying way. After a 3-hole playoff with Jean Reynolds (Newnan, GA) and Kailie Vongsaga (Diamond Bar, CA), Reynolds made her birdie putt on the 9th hole to clinch the title. 

The Georgia native started the final round two spots back from Vongsaga, but stayed in a consistent mindset as she turned in a 3-under bogey-free on the front nine. However, after Reynolds bogeyed the 10th hole, Vongsaga started to put the pressure on as they both carded even-par on the back nine. Sitting at 11-under total after the round, Reynolds and Vongsaga made their way to the 18th hole to begin the playoff for the tournament title. 

After both players secured par on the 18th hole, the 9th hole was the next stop to identify a winner. Reynolds and Vongsaga found the fairway on their tee shots, but it was the Georgia native who found the green on her second shot placing the pressure back on Vongsaga who missed the green far left. After hitting her chip over the green, Vongsaga had to chip up once again and finished with a clutch one putt. Reynolds finished the hole with a three-putt forcing the two to play the 18th hole again. 

Once again, both players found the fairway on their drives and hit the green in regulation, requiring a one-putt to take the title. After Vongsaga missed her birdie putt, Reynolds took matters into her own hands and sunk the putt to walk away as the 2024 OSF Healthcare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Champion. 

“I’ve had a totally different perspective over the last several weeks. We had a house fire and I lost everything. So to even be in that position was a bit of a shock because my head and focus has been elsewhere,” said Reynolds. “Golf lately has been a distraction from what I’m dealing with back home and I’m just so grateful for all the kind words from other players and their support. It has meant everything.” 

The ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour will be heading to Conway, AR for the Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open, July 10-13 at Centennial Valley G & AC.