GLENVIEW, Ill. – Korn Ferry Tour player Ian Gilligan joined officials from the Western Golf Association on Monday to preview the 2026 Evans Scholars Invitational, which will be contested July 23-26 at The Glen Club in Glenview.

Gilligan, a former University of Florida standout and the 2024 Western Amateur champion, discussed his transition to professional golf, his success during the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season and his excitement about returning to compete in one of the Tour's premier events.

“This is definitely one of my favorite events of the year,” Gilligan said. “I really like the course and the area, and I’m excited to get back.”

Gilligan also reflected on his journey from overcoming lymphoma at age 15 to pursuing his dream of earning a PGA TOUR card. He credited his family and support system for helping him through treatment and said the experience continues to shape his perspective both on and off the golf course.

“That was something, for me, that was really surprising, to be diagnosed that young,” Gilligan said. “You never think that you’ll be the one to get it. I was very fortunate to have a great support system. Looking back on it, it’s just a great reminder to be grateful. It’s something I think about every day. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to play on the Korn Ferry Tour and have a chance to play on the PGA TOUR.”

Gilligan also spoke about his partnership with the Livestrong Foundation and the opportunity to support others facing similar challenges.

“It’s great to be able to represent a company like Livestrong, who supports a ton of different families that are going through the same thing that I went through,” Gilligan said. “Knowing that I can represent them while I’m playing golf is something I’m really proud to say I can do.”

In 14 Korn Ferry Tour starts this season, Gilligan has recorded six top-10 finishes. As of July 1, 2026, he ranks No. 19 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, with the top 20 players at season's end earning PGA TOUR cards for the 2027 season.

Tournament officials also announced that general admission to the Evans Scholars Invitational will once again be complimentary, courtesy of a new partnership with BCU, Your Community Credit Union. Fans interested in attending the championship should claim their free tickets at esinvitational.com/tickets.

Officials also unveiled a new fan venue for 2026, The Lemonade Stand presented by Mike's Hard Lemonade. Located overlooking the 18th green, the upgraded public venue will offer food and beverages for purchase, enhanced seating and upgraded restroom facilities.

Fans seeking an all-inclusive hospitality experience can purchase tickets to the Corona Cabanas, which feature a private cabana and porch overlooking the 18th fairway, a full lunch buffet, snacks, premium bar service and private upscale restrooms.

All proceeds from the Evans Scholars Invitational benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full tuition and housing college scholarships to deserving youth caddies nationwide. During the 2025-26 academic year, a record 1,260 Evans Scholars attended 27 leading universities across the country.

The preview event also featured remarks from Illinois Evans Scholar Leo Cassidy, a caddie from Ridge Country Club, who shared how earning the Evans Scholarship has shaped his college experience and future.

"Being an Evans Scholar means the world to me," Cassidy said. "It has changed my life, opened doors for my future and given me the chance to represent an organization that I am proud to be part of every day."