Golf fans in the Chicago area will have free access to watch the next generation of professional golfers compete at the 2025 NV5 Invitational, thanks to a new partnership between the Big Ten Network and the Western Golf Association.
The Korn Ferry Tour event, scheduled for July 24-27 at The Glen Club in Glenview, Illinois, will offer complimentary daily grounds admission for all four days of competition. The sponsorship marks a significant opportunity for local golf enthusiasts to witness rising stars vying for spots on the PGA TOUR without the typical cost barrier.
Spectators can register for their free tickets at nv5invitational.com/tickets. While general admission is complimentary, premium viewing options remain available for purchase, including the Trophy Club—an open-air venue overlooking the par-3 17th hole—and the Corona Cabanas, which offer views of the 18th green along with food and premium bar service.
"We're thrilled to partner with the Big Ten Network to offer complimentary admission for our fans this year," said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. "The Big Ten knows how to give rising stars in every sport an opportunity to shine. Together, we're making it easier for Chicago-area golf fans to see the next generation of PGA TOUR standouts up close."
Since its inaugural year in 2019, the NV5 Invitational has established itself as a launching pad for future PGA TOUR success. Four past champions are currently competing full-time on the PGA TOUR this season, including 2024 winner Thomas Rosenmueller.
The tournament's most notable alumnus is Scottie Scheffler, who captured the inaugural championship in 2019. Scheffler has since accumulated 16 PGA TOUR victories, including the 2025 PGA Championship and Masters Tournament wins in 2022 and 2024, while ascending to the world's No. 1 ranking.
Other distinguished past champions include 2022 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Cameron Young (2021), Harry Hall (2022), and Trace Crowe (2023), demonstrating the tournament's consistent ability to identify and showcase emerging talent.
All proceeds from the NV5 Invitational benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full tuition and housing college scholarships to deserving youth caddies. Last year, 1,190 Evans Scholars were enrolled at 24 leading universities nationwide, highlighting the tournament's impact beyond professional golf.
"As a proud supporter of Big Ten men's and women's golf, including the 2025 NCAA Women's Golf Champion Northwestern Wildcats, we understand the importance of showcasing elite competition," said Michael Peeples, BTN's vice president of marketing. "We're thrilled to partner with the NV5 Invitational to create opportunities for our community to engage with the game of golf while helping the Evans Scholars Foundation raise funds to send caddies to college."
The partnership aligns with the Big Ten Network's extensive sports coverage, which includes nearly 3,000 live events across all platforms annually. The network nationally televises more than 600 events and live streams approximately 2,300 additional events each year, making it a natural fit for supporting emerging athletic talent.
For Chicago-area golf fans, this represents a rare opportunity to witness professional golf at the highest developmental level without admission costs. The NV5 Invitational serves as a crucial stepping stone for players seeking to earn their PGA TOUR cards, with 31 cards awarded annually based on the Korn Ferry Tour points list.
Golf enthusiasts interested in attending can visit nv5invitational.com for more information and to register for complimentary grounds admission to the July 24-27 tournament.
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