DeKALB, Ill. — After hearing his name announced behind PGA Tour star Tony Finau on the tee box at TPC Deere Run, Chris Barker stepped in front of a gallery of spectators for an experience he says he'll never forget.

Barker, NIU's Executive Associate Athletic Director/Chief Revenue Officer, participated in the annual John Deere Classic Pro-Am on Wednesday, July 1, in Silvis, Illinois, where he joined PGA Tour professionals, corporate sponsors, and celebrity guests for an 18-hole exhibition round.

“I had an unbelievable and unforgettable experience playing in the John Deere Classic Pro-Am,” Barker said. “I started the day being greeted, somewhat ironically, by a husband and wife who were NIU alumni — Chris and Lisa Leibovitz — so I knew it was going to be special. My wife Emily, who caddied for me, and I were then able to experience the closest thing to playing in a PGA Tour event, and that's something I will never forget.”

The Pro-Am pairs amateur participants with PGA Tour professionals for a round before tournament play begins. This year's field of amateur golfers included Illinois men's basketball coach Brad Underwood and three members of the Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball team.

Barker was paired with Erik van Rooyen and Ben Silverman, with Jake Finley, Anthony Lopez, and Gregory Stiglic rounding out the team. Van Rooyen is a two-time PGA Tour winner and played collegiately at the University of Minnesota under current NIU men's golf coach John Carlson. Silverman, a Toronto native, has twice won on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA Tour's official development circuit.

Barker's biggest highlight came when he hit a tee shot that landed inches of the hole — a near hole-in-one — as his group and the spectators cheered in excitement. As he and Emily made their way to the green, Van Rooyen smiled and asked, “did John Carlson teach you that?”

“I've never thought so hard about a six-inch putt in my life, but that one was a knee-knocker,” said Barker, who proceeded to knock the ball in for the birdie.

Barker is in his third year with NIU Athletics, joining the department in September 2023 as a senior staff member. He was promoted to his current role in January 2026, in which he oversees the Huskie Athletic Fund and other monetization initiatives.