5 2 1 History of Community Involvement
Just like independent insurance agents all over the state, Big I Illinois has always been deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Beyond offering exceptional products, services and resources for 125 years, the state association has supported the community in many ways. In this series, we revisit our legacy of involvement.
Independent Insurance Agents Junior Golf Classic
For nearly 50 years, Illinois agents hosted local qualifying tournaments for the Independent Agent Junior Golf Classic (IIAJC). Winners of the local qualifiers would compete at the state tournament hosted by the association and run by a network of volunteers. Winners from the state competions went on to the national, which was hosted by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. At the height of its popularity, the IIAJC was the largest youth golf tournament in the world, with over 10,000 qualifying golfers. The Illinois state tournament was often held at Lick Creek in Pekin, Illinois and the national competition was held at a number of notable golf courses. One of the most famous players to hail from the IIAJC was Tiger Woods, who won the national title in 1990 and 1992. Later rebranded as the Trusted Choice Big I Junior Classic, participation in the event began to decline and the decision was made to discontinue the tournament in 2018.
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Insight
April 2024