A native of Crete, IL, Steve Benson began what would be a long and illustrious playing career when he became one of the top amateur players in Illinois during the 1960’s. Benson’s amateur career included winning both the CDGA Championship and the Illinois Amateur Championship, while twice earning Illinois Amateur player of the year honors. During an impressive collegiate career, Steve earned All-American honors playing for Michigan State University, serving as captain of the Spartans and a member of the All-Big Ten squad in his junior and senior seasons.
After turning professional, Steve served as an assistant golf professional at Lake Shore CC before beginning a career as a PGA head professional that lasted more than 33 years, first at Glen Oak CC in Glen Ellyn, IL (1976-1982) then Hillcrest CC in Long Grove, IL (1983-2010).
Benson’s professional playing career within the Illinois Section PGA stands as one of the most decorated of his generation. Steve dominated the two decades between 1980 and 2000, winning three Illinois PGA Player of the Year titles while capturing three Match Play Championships, three Section Championships and two IPGA Players Championships (Fall Classic). During that same stretch of dominance Steve also enjoyed success at the national level, qualifying for eleven Western Open Championships, three PGA Championships, the 1983 US Open Championship at Oakmont CC and was a three-time member of the United States PGA Cup team.
