Thank you for making the 32nd Annual IPGA-Maryville Gleason Cup Invitational a success
Updated August 12, 2026.
We are grateful to our Illinois PGA professionals and golfers who came together for another memorable day of golf in support of the Maryville Golf Academy on Monday. Your participation and continued partnership help provide young people with opportunities to learn the game of golf while developing confidence, responsibility, sportsmanship and skills that extend far beyond the course.
If you would like to continue making an impact beyond the tournament, we invite you to support the Maryville Golf Academy and help provide these opportunities for more young people.
Click: SUPPORT the MARYVILLE GOLF ACADEMY
Relive the Day through Photos
We invite you to view photos from the Gleason Cup Invitational, captured by photographer Mike Kinyon.
See the Gleason Cup from Above
Take another look at the day from a different perspective with a special drone video created by Judd Hansen, Merit Club’s facility director.
We hope you enjoyed your day at Merit Club as much as we enjoyed having you with us. Thank you for helping make the Gleason Cup Invitational a success and for your continued support of Maryville and the young people we serve.
The 32nd Annual Maryville-IPGA Gleason Cup Invitational returns Monday, Aug. 10, at Merit Club in Libertyville, bringing together PGA professionals, golfers, sponsors and supporters for one of Illinois’ premier charitable golf events benefiting the Maryville Golf Academy.
Golfer registration is now full, reflecting the continued enthusiasm for a tournament that has supported the Academy’s mission for more than three decades. While registration has closed, sponsorship opportunities, donations and participation in the online auction remain available to those who wish to support the Maryville Golf Academy and the young people it serves.
Founded in 1994, the Maryville Golf Academy uses the game of golf to help youth build confidence, responsibility, leadership and life skills while opening doors to mentorship, career exploration and future employment opportunities. Through the guidance of PGA professionals and dedicated volunteers, participants discover that success extends far beyond the golf course.
“Golf has the power to change lives,” said Juan Espejo, PGA professional and manager of the Maryville Golf Academy. “Every lesson teaches more than the game itself. It builds character, creates opportunities and helps young people believe in what they can achieve.”
Registered golfers will begin the day with a special clinic led by PGA professionals before competing on one of the state’s premier championship courses. Throughout the event, participants will celebrate the legacy of the Maryville Golf Academy while raising critical support to ensure the program continues serving youth for years to come.
Supporters who are unable to attend can still make a meaningful impact by participating in the online auction scheduled to go live on August 1, featuring a variety of golf experiences and other unique items. Every sponsorship, donation and winning bid helps provide golf instruction, mentoring, career development opportunities and equipment for young people participating in the Academy.
The Invitational also honors the enduring legacy of the late John Gleason and the many PGA professionals whose dedication helped establish and grow the Maryville Golf Academy. Their commitment to mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of young golfers and future leaders.
Recently featured in Chicago District Golfer magazine, the Maryville Golf Academy continues to earn recognition for its impact through programs such as the Columbus Park Caddie Program, where young people gain valuable life skills while discovering opportunities through the game of golf.
