East Alton Golfer Wins State Title, Heads to Nationals

When Gracie Piar stepped up to the playoff holes at Elgin Country Club on June 3, her dad stood by her side as her caddy, just like he'd done through countless rounds before. Three holes later, father and daughter were celebrating together as Piar claimed the 93rd Illinois State Women's Amateur Championship.

The East Alton native defeated Lisa Copeland of Naperville in a nerve-wracking three-hole playoff after both finished tied through 72 holes. Piar had erased a three-shot deficit in the final round with a clutch 2-under 70, setting up the dramatic finish.

The playoff came down to precision and pressure. Piar matched par on holes 16 and 17 while Copeland stumbled with a bogey on 17, giving Piar the one-shot cushion she needed to secure the win.

This wasn't Piar's first taste of state championship glory. In October 2021, she won the Class 1A high school title for Marquette Catholic with a performance that still holds state records: a stunning low round of 65 and a tournament score of 136 that remains unmatched across all classes.

The college senior just finished her final season at Cal State Northridge, where she led her team with an impressive 73.3 strokes per round. Now she's taking aim at an even bigger stage.

Why This Inspires

Piar's victory shows what happens when talent meets dedication and family support. Her dad serving as her caddy throughout the tournament represents the countless hours of practice, encouragement, and shared dreams that go into athletic excellence.

The win also earned her an automatic spot in the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship scheduled for August 4-9 in Ooltewah, Tennessee. It's a significant step forward for someone planning to turn pro at LPGA Q-School qualifying tournaments this fall.

At last year's Illinois Women's Amateur, Piar finished fourth. This year, she faced a competitive field that included other former high school state champions, including Edwardsville's Nicole Johnson and Father McGivney's Sarah Hyten.

The summer tournament circuit awaits before Piar returns to California in September to chase her professional dreams, but she'll carry the momentum of this Illinois championship and her father's embrace after that final putt dropped.