A Coach on the Green
Brad Underwood, best known for steering the University of Illinois men’s basketball program, surprised many onlookers at the recent John Deere Classic Pro‑Am, where he swapped his clipboard for a set of clubs.
On the tournament’s closing stretch he carded an eagle on the 17th hole and followed it with a birdie on the 18th, a brief but memorable burst that underscored his unexpected affinity for the sport.
Adding a personal touch, his son Tyler Underwood, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Illini, carried his father’s bag, turning the event into a family affair on the fairways.
The outing also drew the attention of local soccer enthusiasts, who gathered in central Illinois to watch the World Cup on large screens, blending the region’s love of multiple sports.