The Medinah Patriot Day is scheduled for May 26th. The event has sold out in past years and is expected to again this year. Book your foursome today at Illinoispatriot.org. The best new golf movie in a long time is set for release today at selected AMC Theaters including the Skokie theater in the  Chicago area. See The Squeeze tonight.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, & Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

THE 2015 PGA Championship is coming to Whistling Straits this August.

Before the PGA Championship arrives at Whistling Straits, there is plenty of golf to be played on the Straits and the other Kohler Courses.

As of April 2nd the Irish Course at Whistling Straits opened for the season, and the original Blackwolf Run course opened as well.

The original BWR routing that was used for both the 1998 and the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, will remain open until April 23rd. At that time, the full 18 hole routing’s at Blackwolf Run, the River Course and Meadow Valley Course will open for the 2015 golf season.

Blackwolf Run is greening up for the summer, and looking good already.

At that time the famed Whistling Straits Course that will host the 2015 PGA Championship will open for the season.

A cutoff date for play on the Straits Course has not yet been announced by Kohler Company. The golf course will reopen after the championship is completed, and officials have it returned to normal playing condition.

Tickets are still available for the PGA Championship,. But only a limited number of daily fee tickets are still left for Saturday Round 3, and Sunday the final round. All daily tickets are predicted to sell out in advance of the championship, which will be played from August 10-16. Saturday and Sunday are near sold out. You can buy tickets at PGAChampionship.com all remaining daily ticket options are under $100.

PGA.com

Daily ticket prices are Monday $30, Tuesday $30, Wednesday $40, Thursday $90, Friday $95, Saturday and Sunday $95.

Reminder to all fans, juniors 17 and under are free with a paid adult. Select Military are complimentary with ID.

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion and will be attempting to win his third PGA Championship in four years.

The PGA of America has released some video’s on U-Tube, from famous golf fans as they share their excitement of the upcoming third PGA championship on the Whistling Straits course.

PGA Merchandise has arrived in the Whistling Straits Pro Shop.

A limited amount of merchandise for the PGA Championship has already arrived in the Whistling Straits pro shop.

Some of those items include, Championship pin flags, logo’d golf balls, shirts, vests and hats are now in stock. these items come from different apparel vendors.

In addition to the PGA Championship, there are other events comings coming to Kohler and the American Club in the days and weeks ahead. Including the Kohler Beerfest, a popular event from May 29-31. For more information and a list of the breweries visit DestinationKohler.com/beerfestival.

      VISITMISSISSIPPI.ORG  Great Golf and More. Medinah Patriot Day May 26th sign your foursome up today, before this event sells out again.  See Illinoispatriot.org.

Golfersongolf.com BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director Content, Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville will open for the season tomorrow on April 16th. The Mistwood Performance Center opened for season last Thursday on April 9th.

Superintendent Ben Kelnhofer has put Mistwood in perfect condition to start the 2015 golf season. if you play tomorrow you can enjoy the course with not a divot out of place.

Mistwood will still ask you to “Pardon Our Dust ” as the final phase of the renovation project is still ongoing. Phase three is the renovation and construction of the new clubhouse. At Mistwood, owner Jim McWethy is making sure, it’s out with the old and in with the new.

Mistwood owner Jim McWethy, stands on the Mistwood bridge.

The new clubhouse is coming along and is still looking at a late summer opening. You can follow it’s progress on the Mistwood website at mistwoodgc.com. The live webcam is up and running.

So are you ready to test your game at Mistwood, Kelpies Corner that is the closest thing that any Illinois golf course has to a more famous corner is awaiting your tee shots. Did you bring enough golf balls.

Mistwood will host the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open from July 27th to the 29th.

Coming on May 2nd at McWethy’s other golf property in Bolingbrook MCQ’s Dome will be one of the best Kentucky Derby parties around. Reserve your table today.

Book your tee-time today at (815)-254-3333 or Mistwoodgc.com. Mistwood, Chicago’s new premier golf complex.

  Fyre Lake National Golf Club in Sherrard Illinois, See Fyrelakegolf.com.  Please call (309)-644-4575 and set up your tee time today. Only minutes away from TPC Deere Run, home of the John Deere Classic.

  Tickets and Information at JohnDeereClassic.com Coming July 6-12, at TPC Deere Run. Brian Harman (above right) is the defending champion.

The John Deere Classic, where charity really does begin at home. Birdies for Charity, the fund raising arm of the John Deere Classic tee’d off it’s 2015 fund raising season on Monday at John Deere World Headquarters. The tournament raises money for over 500 charities in the Quad Cities area.

This year Lexus of the Quad Cities has been named a new partner of the JDC, and one lucky winner will get a Two-year free lease of a 2015 Lexus NX, by guessing the correct amount of birdies made during this years tournament.

The PGA Tour players competing at this years tournament, will have Lexus courtesy cars to drive during the week.

“We are excited to start another cycle of the annual John Deere Classic miracle in which the smallest market on the regular PGA Tour produces the highest per capita charitable donations and is one of the top 10 charities in total revenue raised for charity on the PGA Tour,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson.

“We are also extremely pleased to have Lexus of the Quad Cities as our automotive partner this year,” Peterson said. “Its Lexus NX will provide a terrific incentive to motivate Birdies for Charities donations. And we know the pros are going to love driving a Lexus during tournament week.”

John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson, with new Masters Champion and 2013 JDC winner Jordan Spieth.

During the 2014 tournament, Birdies for Charities produced $6.33 million dollars for Quad Cities area charities.

Since the program was created back in 1971, it has raised over $62 million dollars.

“Our charities both small and large, continue to provide much-needed services and benefits to the communities they serve,” said Kristy Ketcham Jackson, director of the Birdies for Charities program. “Their work is vital to the health and spirit of the individuals and families who reside in and around the great Quad Cities area.”

The John Deere Foundation will again match all donations up to $325,000 made directly by individuals or businesses to the Birdie for Charity Fund. For more information on the Birdies for Charities fund, please visit birdiesforcharities.com.

Last year there was 2,040 birdies made during the tournament, so a donor that pledged 1 cent, would end up donating $20.40. Donations are tax deductible.

  Illinois Patriot Day is May 26th at Medinah Country Club, sign up your foursome today, this event will sell out, Illinoispatriot.org. The new Golf & Gaming movie “The Squeeze” open in theaters this Friday, catch it this weekend. Golfers on Golf Radio returns this Sunday at 9 AM on WSBC AM 1240 & WCFJ AM 1470, join us on the tee for week 1.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

Well done Jordan Spieth, you look good in green, and in that green jacket I might add.

Four stellar days of great golf and while doing it in a very classy way. Golf has found yet another young star in you, you’re good for the game. Don’t change if you can help it, the patrons and the fans like you just the way you are.

On a day like today it’s hard not to think back to last June, standing on the balcony with you at TPC Deere Run and asking you about where your winning started (in the Quad Cities), and about the majors ahead in 2014. Maybe we should have talked about what the Augusta National Golf Club rematch was going to be like.

Last night and today people are talking about your win starting to transform golf, like Tiger’s win at the Masters did in 1997. Hopefully they are right, something tells me you haven’t won your last green jacket.

Jordan Spieth even wore green on Sunday at John Deere. (with the JDC trophy in 2013).

Speaking of Woods, I’m not surprised he made the cut. I expected him too, but he did play better than I thought he would.

On Saturday he was up to his old tricks, launching a club and dropping an F-Bomb live on CBS that Ian Baker-Finch was left to apologize for. That was not needed.

On Sunday Woods was an unfortunate victim of a tree root and than injured his wrist. He popped a bone back in place and continued playing, well done Tiger. Gutsy finish. I hit a tree root on my recent trip to Mississippi on one swing, my hand hurt and was numb for 2 holes. It’s not pleasant and anyone who plays golf and has had the experience happen to them, knows it isn’t a good feeling.

While the media got carried away about Woods return (not Tiger’s fault), some of the other great Masters stories of the week seemed to get lost in the shuffle which was to bad. The Ben Crenshaw farewell deserved a bit more play, so did the Hole-in-One by the “Golden Bear” Jack Nicklaus during the par 3 contest. Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman won the par 3 contest, congrats to Kevin who also played well during the tournament.

The ratings will be way up, and some might be inclined to give Woods all the credit. That would be wrong, the leader board was one for the ages and fan of golf or the Masters would be hooked with that excitement and history in the making. The great play by Phil Mickelson didn’t hurt, he didn’t win but more eyes will be on Phil as he tries for the career Grand Slam at Chambers Bay in the U.S. Open come June.

It’s said that the Masters tee’s off golf season in the north, well if your not ready to go pick up a club and hit some balls after the last four days, go see your doctor, because something is wrong with you.

Medinah Patriot Day is May 26th.

You might have seen our story last week on the Medinah Patriot Day coming up on May 26th.

Medinah Patriot Day has become one of Chicago’s top charity golf outings. What Director Mark Slaby has done has created a way for golfers to show their support of our veterans who come from right here in Illinois.

Over the weekend Slaby told Golfers on Golf that the outing should sell out again this year, and they are looking to expand into more than one golf course in 2016.

“We are excited to have Jim Skinner-Former CEO of McDonalds be our key note speaker. Jim served our country for ten years in the U.S. Navy and is a great example of business leaders who continue to be invested in the lives of our military families,” said Slaby who called the day “very inspiring.” By attending for golf or just the dinner, you will meet the men and women you are helping directly. For more information please visit illinoispatriot.org.

THE SQUEEZE, the golf movie that had it’s debut right here in Skokie, hit’s the theaters this Friday. It’s funny, and packed with drama and suspense, with an unexpected ending. Go see it.

In the meantime, Golfers on Golf Radio hits the airwaves this Sunday, and I’m looking forward to being back on the air again. On behalf of Mike Munro, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and myself, we are looking forward to our 20th season and being Chicago’s longest running radio golf program. Please join us, your calls are welcome at (773)-792-1240. See you on the 1st tee box. RS

                 Masters.com                 Illinoispatriot.org    Golfers on Golf Radio next Sun. 9 Am

BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, & Twitter @GogBlogGuy

The final golf course openings in the area are about to happen, and they are stepping towards the first tee.

First up at Cog Hill in Lemont, the famed Course No.4 Dubsdread Course has opened as of yesterday, and the aeration has been done.

So dial up Cog Hill at (866)-Cog-Hill or go online to Coghillgolf.com and schedule your first round of the season at Dubsdread. It’s not to early. Quick reminder, the largest outdoor demo day in the Chicago area will be at Cog Hill on Saturday April 25th. Come check out all the new clubs and all the brands on the market. Discounts are available if you buy clubs that day.

See Mistwoodgc.com

The golf season is finally starting at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. First up is the Performance Center that has opened as of April 9th, stop and see the highly rated and award winning Mistwood Performance Center.

The MPC is the place to go to just practice and get the winter rust off your game. Need a lesson, no problem, Mistwood’s professional staff is ready to get your game into shape. Club repair, get your sticks repaired on site, and sometime while you wait.

If your in the market for new clubs, you can come to Mistwood and get fitted for a full set, or just a driver or putter if that’s all you need. The golf course will open on Thursday April 16th, here is your chance to play the home of the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open.

The new Mistwood Clubhouse

The new Mistwood Clubhouse the final part of a three phase improvement to Mistwood, will open later this summer.

The grand opening date has not been set, but could be at some point in August. In the meantime come enjoy golf and food and drink on the course and at the Performance Center.

For more information on Mistwood please call (815)-254-3333 and visit Mistwoodgc.com for more information, and visit the live camera following the clubhouse construction. The Illinois Women’s Open will be played from July 27-29.

Erinhills.com

The Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin Wisconsin, and home of the 2017 U.S. Open, will open for the season on Monday May 11th.

Erin Hills has special deals for the season and some of them are around the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Labor Day Weekend.

Call (866)-772-4769 or visit Erinhills.com for more information. Some U.S. Open merchandise will go on sale this year in the pro shop.

DUPAGEGOLF.Com is your home for golf news on all the Forest Preserve District Courses in Dupage County. Maple Meadows, Green Meadows, and the famed Oak Meadows are all now open. Oak Meadows is expected to be closing in July to begin an architect Greg Martin renovation. Visit Dupagegolf.com or this website for details on the official closing date.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow, with a wrap up of the Masters and more.

       THE MASTERS visit Masters.com. The Squeeze opens in theaters April 17th. Medinah Patriot Day-Medinah Country Club May 26th, foursomes filling quickly. Illinoispatriot.org.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The University of Illinois and the Fighting Illini Golf Team takes the next step in preparation with the dedication of it’s new practice facility today in Urbana.

Illinois now a prominent golf power in the world of NCAA golf, will be among the leaders in college golf with a state-of-the-art practice facility. The facility is now a indoor and outdoor facility, and is for use by both the men’s and women’s golf teams of the university.

Men’s head golf coach Mike Small, is also the reigning IPGA Section Champion.

The dedication will be held at the facility 1415 W. St. Mary’s Road in Urbana. Attendee’s will include UI President Robert Easter, UI Chancellor Phyllis Wise and Director of Athletics Mike Thomas.

“The Lauritsen/Wohlers Outdoor Golf Practice Facility is one of the jewels of the college golf world,” Thomas said.    “Along with the  Demirjian Indoor Facility, we feel that the University of Illinois has the finest and most complete golf training facility in the nation. The men’s and women’s golf teams members will be able to practice every shot from nearly every angle that they should encounter on the golf course. The group of supporters who helped make this facility possible believe in the mission and direction of our golf programs under Coach Small and Coach Slone. We appreciate all that was done to make this facility a reality.”

“As a former player and now a coach, this is an exciting day for the Illinois golf program,” said men’s coach Mike Small. “I’m thankful for the gifts provided to us for this project and I’m excited to have donors back on campus to celebrate the opening of this brand-new facility. This is another important step for the growth of our program, and it will help us continue to achieve our goals for student athletes.

“This is a historic and exciting day for Illinois Golf,” said head women’s golf coach Renee Slone said. “Our programs are so very fortunate to have great support from these donors who share the visions for Illinois Golf. The Lauritsen/Wohlers Outdoor Facility combined with the Demirjian Indoor Facility will provide our team members with the opportunity to hone their skills and prepare for competition at one of the finest facilities in all of college golf.”

         The new outdoor Lauritsen/Wohlers outdoor practice area at U of I.

The facility was inspired by the practice area at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. The area is 24 acres in size and is made possible through several donors including PGA Tour player and U of I alum Steve Stricker and his wife Nicki.

The outdoor area will allow players to practice any shot in golf from various lies and grass types, and feature target fairways and greens, fairways and greens, fairway and greenside bunkers and putting greens. The combined facilities total 6 million when you include the 2 million in equipment and a 3.5 million dollar endowment to to support the annual operations.

More information at fightingillini.com/sports.

            IT’S MASTERS WEEK. visit Masters.com, Medinah Patriot Day is May 26th, sign up your foursome today. VisitMississippi.com Mississippi great golf and more, plan your destination golf trip now.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The boys are back for the another year on WSBC Am 1240 and WCFJ Am 1470. 9 Am Sunday mornings.

Chicago’s Favorite Foursome is back on the tee, and in front of microphones for another golf season. Chicago’s longest running golf radio show hits the airwaves for another season on Sunday morning April 19th.

The tee time is 9 AM for our fourth season on WSBC AM 1240 and WCFJ 1470 AM. This year the show run a record of 23 weeks, and keep you informed right through the end of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs and the BMW Championship this September at Conway Farms in Lake Forest.

Join Mike Munro, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears, as they bring you a line of golf industry guests you don’t find on many other shows. Several industry leaders have already agreed to join us this year, and we can’t wait to get them scheduled.

Golfers on Golf Radio would like to thank the following sponsors who make this show possible. Shepherd’s Crook Golf Club in Zion, The Highlands of Elgin, Bowes Creek Country Club in Elgin, Links & Tee’s in Addison, Erin Hills in Erin Wisconsin, Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, Fyre Lake Golf Club in the Quad Cities, Mt. Prospect Golf Club in Mt. Prospect, Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Hts., Encompass Championship in July at North Shore Country Club, Cog Hill Golf Club in Lemont, White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville, Dupage Golf and Oak, Maple, and Green Meadows Golf Clubs, and we expect  to name a few more shortly.

We hope our listeners will support the above listed golf courses when making their tee times this year.

Golfers on Golf Radio is looking forward to our live remotes already on the schedule for 2015. First up is May 31st at Arlington Lakes Golf Club, go play Arlington Lakes before is closes in early June for renovation. In either late July or early August we hit the road back to the Mt. Prospect Golf Club as it reopens from renovation. There might be another live remote or two before the summer ends, stay tuned in or clicked in for all the details.

Golfers on Golf will be actively covering the following tournaments as they take place this summer.

The Senior PGA Championship at French Lick Resort, the Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms, the Encompass Championship at North Shore Country Club, the John Deere Classic, the Men’s and Women’s Illinois Opens at Royal Melbourne and Mistwood, the Western Amateur at Rich Harvest Farms, the U.S. Amateur at Olympia Fields, the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Haven/Kohler Wisconsin, the BMW Championship at Conway Farms. Plus some local Illinois PGA events and more.

As soon as our foursome clears out of the 19th hole on Sunday mornings, look for the replay rate on this website, it’s comp. Nothing like free golf “coverage.” The show will be re-posted right here for those of you who were on the course or the range and need a mulligan.

We hope you will join us for an exciting golf season on Golfers on Golf Radio, with all the golf news here at Chicago’s No.1 golf news website, Golfersongolf.com. Stay clicked in all season long. Thanks for joining us, Mike, Ed, Bill, and Rory.

                                                Masters.org                              VisitMississippi.org

Visit Illinoispatriot.org

It’s a charity golf event you need to play in just once, to convince yourself to you need to return again and again.

Director Mark Slaby created a special day to support Illinois military veterans. The event is held at Medinah Country Club on May 26th with check in starting at 8 AM.

This event has sold out in the past and is likely to do so again. This year one of the premier speakers is Jim Skinner past CEO of McDonalds and US Navy Veteran.

Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison will start the day with his rendition of the national anthem. Even if you can’t play for golf, come for dinner and bid on some great door prizes. WGN radio’s Steve Cochran will Emcee the event.

This year the majority of the golfers will play the famous Medinah No.2 course, an original Tom Bendelow course that is slated for restoration this fall.

IPEF Foundation Chairman Mark Slaby (L) with Gog Blog Editor Rory Spears at the reopening of Medinah’s No.1 course

Here is your chance to meet some of the Illinois veterans who have been helped in the past.

If you can’t attend you can still donate to the Illinois Patriot Education Fund. In addition there are still some limited sponsorship opportunities available.

If you like to support good causes, and you enjoy golf. Why not enjoy a day at Medinah Country Club in the company of many people whose company you will enjoy. For more information contact Michael Ziener, Executive Director at (312)-446-9113.

Do mark your calendar now for May 26th, the day after Memorial Day,and support.

IllinoisPatriot.org

Foursomes are limited to ensure pace of play, this outing will not be a six hour round.

The IPEF helping those who have represented us by serving, thank them for their service in person while enjoying a day at Medinah Country Club on May 26th.

     Visit Mississippi.Org, great golf, food, casino’s and AA baseball with the arrival of the Shuckers, AA Milwaukee Brewers Team.

                        The 2015 PGA Merchandise Show was held in Orlando Florida this past January, the Gog Blog attended for the 5th time. This story wraps up our coverage of the show, and the products we saw this year. Hopefully some of what you see in this story, you will find in your pro shop, golf store or your golf bag in 2015. Masters week and the outdoor golf season has arrived up north, enjoy. Now off to the first tee.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The PGA Merchandise Show brings out the product lines from all the major companies, and some companies that are listed under small business title.

One such company has created a a fine new line of wedges and a putter.

Renegar Golf creates products that will help you with your your short game. Wedges and putters. As Renegar says, “it’s the design,not the grind.”

The Renegar wedge line has created a lower-leading edge that gives the golfer more playability and more bounce on all shots-inside or outside the bunker. Renegar Wedges offer increased spin and forgiveness. The Renegar wedge line is the Rx14 Wedge, that comes in both silver and or a black finish. The RxF wedge and the D-Line Putter. For more information on the Renegar club line, call (855)-799-3343 or visit on line Renegargolf.com.

Author Elisa Gaudet’s Series of Books, Two Good Rounds are both a fun and good read. Twogoodrounds.com

One of the great reads in the line of golf books these days, is Two Good Rounds by author Elisa Gaudet. The newest read in her book line is Two Good Rounds-Titans.

This book details many of the top people in business who have used golf to build a business empire, or have had the game get them to where they are today, which is a major place in the business world.

What’s next for Gaudet, we don’t know at this time. But if her next book is is as good as the past three books, I can’t wait to see what rounds out her foursome.

No it’s not a high power sugar based energy drink. Find out more at Magicnutrition.com.

No it’s not the latest high-power energy drink that loaded up with sugar, so you get a quick buzz now, and come crashing down later after your round.

Magic Mind is a beverage that has a selection of South African plant Sceletium, that has a rich level of mesembrenone and it’s low in mesembrine. These products can cause mood enhancing effects. What this product is supposed to give you, is a better focus. It should help you improve your concentration and attention. Where it could help golfers is when it takes away the stress you feel and the tension that comes with stress. You should feel the effects within 20 minutes after taking Magic Mind. It will not give you the shakes and jitters. For more information magicnutrition.com or call (513)-739-6225.

The redesigned TXT Golf Cart by EZ-GO. See textron.com

Is your club ready for new golf carts, do you live in a development where you could rive around in a golf cart all day instead of a car.

The TXT Golf Cart by EZ-GO has been redesigned for 2015, updating the look and improving other features on the cart.

Need a port to charge your phone while on the golf course, no problem. There are newly designed storage pockets, for wallets, camera’s and phones.

Cup Holders have been increased in size, and made to reduce spills. The bag storagearea has been designed to better handle bigger golf bags. The new seatback is 23% larger to make your ride more comfortable. Newer improved batteries should keep your cart from ever running out of power while your out on the back nine. For more information on EZ-Go carts see Textron.com. Both Cushman and Yamaha showed off new improvements to their cart lines at the show.

Cheryl Pearson shows off the newest additions to the summer line of designer Catherine Wingate’s collection. See Catherinewingate.com

The new additions to the Catherine Wingate line, has the designer feeling it’s her best work yet. Ladies will love the look the Wingate Collection will give them on and off the golf course.

New in 2015, is the bright Citrus Serenade Collection. What the theme creates is a feeling of drinking lemonade on a warm summer day.

Colors include Pink, cream, black and a soft palette of toffee. The debut of Postcards from Paris should be a hit with the ladies. Find out more at Catherinewingate.com or call (480)-861-0425.

New in the line of Golf Gloves from Zero Friction.

Cabretta by Zero Friction is a one size fits all glove, that molds right to your hand for a guaranteed feel and fit.

The compression fit technology not only gives your hand a solid fit, but allows you a feel to use your phone. The design is reinforced where most golf gloves wear out the quickest. Your ball marker and tee can remain attached to your glove, so you never walk to the tee box or the putting green without what you need. Cabretta is a glove that will breathe and keep your hand drier on those steamy days.

Zero Friction has created several designs in military colors, for those who like the colors our proud hero’s and veterans wear while defending our country. For more information on Zero Friction and their line of gloves and other products see ZeroFriction.com.

I hope you have enjoyed our reviews of multiple products from this years PGA Merchandise Show, from clubs to other products the industry is working hard to make your golf experience better each and every season. Now go add some new golf products and hit the links, the golf season even up North here has arrived.

The Gog Blog plans on attending the show again in 2016, to bring you more product reviews and what’s new and improved in the golf world. Go Shop and Go Play.

    THE BEST DEAL IN DUPAGE, THE LINKS & TEE’S DOME 880 West Lake Avenue, enjoy the dome one more time before it’s full time outdoor golf season. No wind, no rain for when you get your summer tune up lesson. Call (630)-233-7275 Ext 4, or online see Addisonpark.org. In Buffalo Grove, the BG Golf and Sports Center is the best indoor golf facility in Lake County. Located on McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove, call (847)-459-2321 and get that final indoor tune up session. Outdoor golf season is here. Visit Bgparks.org.

                                  The Gog Blog is written by Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

It’s a tradition unlike any other, The Masters. For many who enjoy golf, Masters week is the beginning of golf season. As professional golf heads into the first major of 2015, there are several questions to be answered, but will Augusta answer them all.

This year the Masters has several major story lines. No.1 is World No.1,Rory McIlroy ready to win at Augusta, and complete his career Grand Slam. Can he win his third straight major championship, and continue on his way to the Rory Slam. With a win McIlroy will put a choke hold on his No.1 ranking and it could be a while before anyone will be able to knock him off the top of the world.

Story Line No.2, are the young guns ready to win that first major. Rickie Fowler posted four top 5 finishes in the majors last year, but no W. Does he break through in 2015. Last year at the Master Jordan Spieth was right there on Sunday, but not at the end of Sunday. Can he hold on this time around. A few other veterans are looking for major No.1. Steve Stricker in his first tournament back after a surgery last fall, is not ready to win yet, but it’s nice to see him playing again. I hope he is ready to make a run at John Deere and the PGA at Whistling Straits.

Jimmy Walker is really coming into his own, Walker might be ready to be in the thick of the race, but is he ready to win at Augusta. Maybe he is another year away. If Ian Poulter ever puts in a major like he does in Ryder Cups, he will blow away the field. But this is not that week, Poulter should be ready at St. Andrews.

Some veterans who play well at Augusta should be lurking around the scoreboard. Jim Furyk, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, and Zach Johnson. What about Dustin Johnson, is he ready yet, he has the power game to tame Augusta.

Then there is Phil Mickelson, is he back. Did Houston get him ready to win his 4th green jacket this week. It’s likely “Lefty” will have a great round and play himself into contention, but can he sustain it. Probably not, but let’s hope he can pull off the career Grand Slam at the U.S. Open.

Last but not least, is Tiger Woods. Woods hasn’t played tournament golf in weeks. While he might play better than he did earlier this year, it’s not likely he will win. What’s worth watching is how much time the TV networks give him. If it’s too much, the viewers will be up in arms and blasting CBS in the social media. No golfer in history has ever had more golf fans cheering against him than Woods.

It’s said Tiger moves the needle, he does. But these days  the question is, which way is he moving it. Even Las Vegas got smart after there was little or no betting action on Woods, they made him 30 to 35-1 in some sports books. Even that hasn’t had the smart betters lining up to put down their bucks on “Mr. Suckerbet.” Woods hasn’t won the Masters in the last nine years, by Sunday night (or maybe Friday night) it will be Ten years.

Can Bubba win again ? He can, his game is perfect for Augusta but it’s hard to defend at Augusta. Three green jackets in four years is no easy feat. But expect Watson to be on the leaderboard, even if he is not in the final group when the back nine on Sunday begins.

Who do I like to win, hard to say at this point. I’ll have a better idea on Wednesday.

With the Masters on the tee this week, it’s like the arrival of summer golf season is finally here in the Windy City. It’s about time, seems like it has been a long winter.

I would like to thank Charles Sims and Links & Tee’s, Kristy Vik at the Buffalo Grove Golf and Sports Center, and Gregg Tengerstrom at the Tinley Park Golf Expo, for their support of this site over the winter months.

Golfers on Golf Radio is coming soon, more details as they emerge. Go Play spring is in the air. RS