THE GOG BLOG’S SATURDAY MORNING SHORTGAME-PM EDITION

   THE U.S. OPENS RARE MIDWEST APPEARANCE IS HERE, starting in less than 48 hours at Erin Hills just Northwest of Milwaukee, limited tickets still available. For more details visit USOPEN.com. NOW sold out 1895 Club premium tickets all tournament days, Trophy Club tickets on Saturday, and Gallery tickets on Saturday. Today from 10-6 the merchandise tent is open, no tournament ticket is need for admission today and tomorrow. If you wish to give the USGA your money, they will take it. Buy your summer or Fathers Day presents this weekend. Thinking ahead-get that holiday shopping done.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Erin Hills, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO AM 750 WNDZ-AM this morning on the tee at 9 AM.

OUR GUESTS from the Mt. Prospect Golf Club head professional Brett Barcel, and the head coach of the Northwestern University Women’s Golf Team Emily Fletcher.

Your hosts Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and yours truly will being you another great week of golf talk, when your awake to hear it.

OUR SHOW RECAPS, in the next few weeks Golfers on Golf Radio will catch up on posting our radio shows on the website and we will let you know when that happens.

     

US OPEN WD-Defending John Deere Classic Champion Ryan Moore has had to WD from the US Open due to an undisclosed injury. John Deere Classic officials say they have spoke with Moore’s camp and Moore is expected to be sidelined only two weeks and should be healthy by John Deere Classic Week of July 10-16.

THE WOMEN’S WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION will conduct it’s 117th national amateur golf championship starting on Monday at the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst. The 36 hole championship match will be played next Saturday. starting at 8 AM. For more details see WWGA.org.

THE RUST OLEUM CHAMPIONSHIP of the Web.com Tour is underway in Round 3 at the Ivanhoe Country Club in Mundelein. Jason Gore at 10 under par is the leader and live Golf Channel coverage is today and tomorrow at 4-6 PM local CST time.

PAM MILLER of Antigua show’s 2017 men’s wear at the PGA Merchandise Show this past January in Orlando. Antigua is now announcing Sleeveless styles for the ladies in 2017

ANTIGUA, an industry leader on golf apparel has created 4 new sleeveless styles for women in 2017.

As the summer weather and temperatures heat up, it’s the perfect time for women golfers to add a sleeveless piece of apparel to their collections.

Antigua Sr. Designer Danielle Dellios say the new fashions follow the “Goldilocks Rule”

“The Armhole opening cannot be too deep, nor too shallow, it must be just right,” says Dellios. Who used a variety of model with all body types to test that women all of all sizes can feel fit when enjoying their new Antigua wear. The new styles include the S/L Jewel. The new stretch woven style called “Trust”, the two other designs are called Mischief and Avail.

For more information see Antigua.com and or ShopAntigua.com more information on Facebook, Twitter twitter.com/AntiguaWear and now see video’s about Antigua on U-Tube at youtube.com/AntiguaWear.

BAY HARBOR GOLF Club in Petoskey Michigan and the main flagship property for Boyne Resorts one of the largest golf resort companies in North America has been selected in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses. For more information on all of the Boyne Resorts please visit BOYNEGolf.com

THE OUTER BANKS GOLF COURSES OF NORTH CAROLINA, have just recently received several top ratings from the GolfAdvisor. Three Outerbanks courses including the famed Wild Mustangs #3 and the Currituck Club #9. At #10 is the Carolina Club and at # 15 the Pointe Golf Club.

More clubs in the Outerbanks area has received top billing from NCGolfPanel.com. For more information on courses in this area, see PlayOBXGolf.com or call (800)-916-6244.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

WWGA AMATEUR SET FOR RIVER FOREST COUNTRY CLUB

                             THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Rolling Green Country Club the site of the USGA 2016 Women’s Amateur, and the 2017 Women’s Western Amateur River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst this coming week. You can follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

WWGA Amateur media day celebs. L-R Heather Ciskowski, Alexandra Harkins, Maddie Hurt, Brooke Kochevar, Kate Lillie, Brook Riley.

This Monday the WWGA 117th National Amateur Championship will commence at the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst.

A field of over 100 women will play for the W.A. Alexander Cup. The finalist wins the Babe Didrikson Zaharis Trophy, the medalist wins the Margaret Lenz trophy,

Play starts on Munday June 12th with the first round of qualifying. The championship flight a 36 hole final is Saturday June 17th.

Click here to hear interviews with Kate Lillie, Maggie Hurt and Brooke kochevar.

The River Forest Country Club will be set up at a par of 72, and will play to a yardage of 6,328.

Kate Lillie won the 2016 WWGA junior championship, and now moves up to the WWGA Amateur Championship. More information can be found at WWGA.org.

 

CDGA STARTS 2017 TOURNAMENT SEASON

  THE US OPEN AT ERIN HILLS, on the tee this week in Erin Wisconsin. Some very limited tickets remain see USOPEN.com and do so quickly. THE DONALD ROSS golf course in French Lick Indiana is celebrating it’s centennial year, come be part of the celebration and see the LPGA Sr. Championship in July, visit Frenchlick.com for more.   ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the Donald Ross Course.

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) is off to great tournament start in 2017. First up the CDGA Amateurs defeated the Illinois PGA Professionals at the 56th Radix Cup Matches at Oak Park Country Club yesterday 10-8.

In the first CDGA Championship of the year, the CDGA Senior Amateur that was played at Ridge Country Club, saw Terry Werner win the championship by a 3&2 score over John Finin of Olympia Fields Country Club.

“This is the top of the list, the greatest win for me,” said Werner, after becoming the first non-Illinois resident to win a CDGA-sponsored amateur championship since 1954. “it’s just a great venue to play at and tournament to be in.”

After Werner got out of stroked play with a 74, he became the 5th seed for the match play. In the opening match Werner in the Round of 16 Werner recorded a hole-in-one.

Six straight pars in the championship match earned Werner a 3-UP lead. He closed out the match on 16, when the hole was halved.

WGN TV Sports anchor Dan Roan advanced to the quarterfinals before losing his match in 19 holes.

CDGA.org

THE CDGA MID-AM at Mistwood May 22-25.

Chadd Slutzky was the only player in red numbers in the stroke play qualifying with a 2 under Par 70. Slutzky then went on to win the match play with a 3&2 win over Brian Hickey. Slutzky never trailed in the match.

Slutzky was the 2015 Illinois State Mid-Amateur winner and he tuned up for this event with a win in the I-80 Amateur at The Sanctuary Golf Course, his final round was a 66.

“My swing has just been working,” said Slutzky. “I came out here on Monday for the stroke play and it continued. I’m just feeling good with my swing right now.”

In the championship match Slutzky took an early 2 UP lead after two holes, but it was gone two holes later. But after Hickey hit poor drives on 5 and 6, Slutzky won both holes with pars, and he led all the way in from there when the match finally ended on the 16th hole.

The CDGA has a full schedule of tournaments, to learn more about the rest of the schedule visit CDGA.org.

CDGA AMATEURS WIN 56TH RADIX CUP

 THE GREEN STREET GRILLE NOW OPEN IN BENSENVILLE on 120 W. Green Street in downtown Bensenville, see Greenstreetgrille.com #eatatgreenstreet. The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison opening this summer. See Dupagegolf.com.          _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Donald Ross courses like Pinehurst #2 and Oak Park Country Club, on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

FINAL SCORE CDGA 10 IPGA 8

The CDGA Amateurs got back on the winning side of the Radix Cup matches contested at the Oak Park Country Club.

Almost of of the six matches went back and forth before they were decided. There was some great golf played on the newly improved OPCC, that is missing over 300 trees from this time last year, and the new white tour looks stunning on the golf course.

Now back to the golf as birdies and eagles came about through out the round, some holes a great “tailwind” and the players took advantage.

The Radix Cup named after the late Harry Radix.

The first match out was IPGA pro’s Kyle Bauer and Adam Schumacher vs CDGA amateur Paul Schlimm Jr. and Raymond Knoll.

The end result of the match was that it was halved and each side got 1 1/2 points.

Oak Park head professional Frank Bruno and partner Brain Carroll, had the lead most of the way against the amateur team of Tim Sheppard and Dave Ryan, (the 2016 USGA Sr. Am Champion). But Ryan hit a great approach on 18 that lead to winning the hole and the match. Scoring saw the pro’s get 1 point and the amateurs 2 points.

Match 3 saw the professionals retake control of the scoreboard when Chris Green and Brian Janty helped the IPGA side to 2 1/2 point, giving the amateurs just a 1/2.

Match 4 saw a comeback on the back nine by amateurs Kyle Nathan and Chadd Slutzky, to earn a full three points against University of Illinois Coach Mike Small and Skokie pro Garrett Chaussard, just back from US Open qualifying in Ohio.

That trend continued in Match 5 when the CDGA Amateurs rolled to another 3-0 sweep of the professionals. Charlie Netzel and Kyle Slattery grabbed a 6 UP lead the turn over Travis Johns and Matt Slowinski and never looked back.

The final match was a 3-0 win by the professional team of Brian Brodell and Frank Hohenadel both of Mistwood GC, they defeated the team of Andy Johnson and Steve Sawtell.

Click here to hear interviews with CDGA players Chadd Slutzky and Dave Ryan, IPGA and Oak Park head golf professional Frank Bruno talks the Radix Cup and the mew look Oak Park Country Club.

The official record between the sides after 56 years of playing now stands at, Professionals 35, Amateurs 19 victories and there have been two ties.

For more information on the Radix Cup see IPGA.com or visit CDGA.org.

56TH RADIX CUP AT OAK PARK-PRO’S VS AM’S

  THE 117TH US OPEN AT ERIN HILLS, Do you have your tickets yet? USOPEN.com The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Olympia Fields June 26-July 2. Tickets are now on sale at Kpmgwomenspgachampionship.com July 2018 KPMG at Kemper Lakes ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG BY RORY SPEARS, EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF CONTENT. Follow Rory to Oak Park Country Club and the playing of the 56th annual Radix Cup on Wednesday June 7th.

THE 5TH ANNUAL RADIX CUP MATCHES will be contested at the Oak Park Country Club starting at 12:45 Pm tomorrow June 7th.

The Illinois PGA professionals are the defending champions, having won last year by a score of 11-7. Overall the IPGA professionals lead the CDGA Amateurs by a score of 35-18-2. But since the year 2000, it’s the CDGA that leads the series 9-8.

Neither side has won more than two years in a row since the IPGA run of 7-0-1 in between 1991-1998.

          THE CDGA AMATEURS         VS      THE ILLINOIS PGA PROFESSIONALS

Match 1 IPGA Kyle Bauer-Glenview Club and Adam Schumacher-Indian Hill Club           12:45    CDGA Ryamond Knoll-Cress Creek and Paul Schlimm Jr. Mistwood GC

Match 2 IPGA Frank Bruno-Oak Park and Brain Carroll-Royal Hawk                                 12:55     CDGA Dave Ryan-Illini CC and Tim Sheppard Lick Creek

Match 3 IPGA Chris Green-Glenview Club and Brian Janty-Exmoor CC                            1:05      CDGA Vance Antoniu-Wynstone and Bob Youman-Oak Park

Match 4 IPGA Garrett Chaussard-Skokie CC and Mike Small U of Illinois                         1:15       CDGA Kyle Nathan-Glenview Club and Chad Slutzky The Grove CC

Match  5 IPGA Travis Johns-Medinah CC-Matt Slowinski Hinsdale CC                              1:25      CDGA Charlie Netzel-Chicago Golf Club and Klye Slattery Mauh-Nah-Tee-See

Match 6 IPGA Brian Brodell Mistwood-Frank Hohenadel Mistwood GC                            1:35     CDGA Andy Johnson Calumet-Steve Sawtell The Glen Club

NATIONAL WOMEN’S GOLF DAY IS ON THE TEE

 

ELISA GAUDET with Golfers on Golf Editor and talk show host Rory Spears at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The 2017 KPMG Ladies PGA Championship will be played from June 26-July 2nd at Olympia Fields. The Sr. LPGA Championship comes to the French Lick Resort in early July, see Frenchlick.com for more details.

Today June 6th is National Women’s Golf Day, and it’s going on around the world. Ladies it’s your day for some free golf or lessons, before the social hour starts. There are plenty of locations around the world and many here in the Chicago area.

Founder and Chairman of the event Elisa Gaudet has traveled world wide to make this day a success. So ladies take advantage, there has been a better way to get involved in golf. See Womensgolfday.com or #womensgolfday on social media.

You can play 9 holes, get a free golf lesson before you dig in on the food and drinks before working on making some new contacts. Be a winner, take advantage of the second annual women’s golf day, today.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS-SIGH OF RELIEF FOR USGA

                 THE 117TH U.S. OPEN AT ERIN HILLS and now the field is being closer to being set after Today’s Sectional Qualifying. USGA.com and or USOPEN.com for more details.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory to the U.S. Open, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter@GogBlogGuy. With the U.S. Open Trophy.

THAT SIGH OF RELIEF you just heard all the way from Erin Hills to Far Hills in New Jersey, was the USGA and it’s full staff relieved that they won’t be run out of the State of Wisconsin for not letting Steve Stricker in next weeks U.S. Open. The media was ready to pounce. Expect a few thousand more tickets sold tomorrow, now that Stricker is in.

Much to the relief of many, Sticker won the USGA Sectional he played in today at 10 under par. Of 106 players, there was 8 spots up for grabs, and Sticker grabbed the top spot. Problem Solved.

It appears that Wisconsin’s Jordan Niebrugge is in as well, which along with Stricker will keep the bars open late tonight. On a sad note neither of the two finalists from the 2011 U.S. Amateur at Erin Hills made it out of qualifying today. So there will not be a Kelly Kraft or Patrick Cantlay sighting at Erin Hills.

FROM THE LOCAL SCENE the news was not much better. Andy Pope with roots in Glen Ellyn did survive and make the open field. Doug Ghim of Arlington Heights is a second alternate, but not likely to get in. The University of Illinois saw it players Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer play well, but not well enough. Former teammate Charlie Danielson a Wisconsin guy, did not get in either. Skokie Country Club professional Garrett Chaussard came up short. So did Erin Hills professional Rich Tock.

LUKE DONALD played well and so did Mark Wilson, the local PGA Tour pro’s were under par, but not far enough under to make the field. Vince India of Deerfield did not make it in, neither did defending Rust-Oleum Champion Max Homa. IPGA Pro Dan Kochevar’s son Kyle Kochevar did not get in There were a few other Illinois players from other parts of the state that fell short as well.

SECTIONAL LOCATIONS NOT POPULAR with the players. I heard over a dozen complaints from various players that were playing in today’s qualifiers about the poor locations of this years sectionals. Two sectionals in Ohio, Why? There should be at least one in Illinois, with so many Illinois and Wisconsin and Indiana players that were playing today. USGA, lets revisit that plan in 2018.

WHAT WILL BE POPULAR is that USGA has announced that the U.S. Open merchandise tent will be open this week from Thursday to Sunday, from 10 Am to 6 Pm for shopping. You do not need a ticket for the open to go shopping this week, if you want to give the USGA your money, they will gladly take it. So come on in and spend.

THE USGA, FOX SPORTS and TOP GOLF have announced a nation wide watch party at all Top Golf locations during championship week, visit all three websites for more details.

AROUND TOWN..prior to Erin Hills teeing off next week thereis some good golf in town here this week. The Radix Cup that features the top CDGA Amateur’s vs our Illinois PGA section professionals is Wednesday afternoon at Oak Park CC, admission is free. Starting on Thursday is the Rust-Oleum Championship at Ivanhoe Country Club in the town of Mundelein. Fans won’t be admitted until Round 1 on Thursday.

We are still working on our show for Saturday and which US Open guests will be on, more on that as we get the confirmations. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

2017 US OPEN QUALIFYING IS ON THE TEE

     WHO NEEDS TWO, limited tickets remaining for the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills, see USOPEN.com for details. THE BOOK ON ERIN HILLS, by Gary D’Amato and the photography by Paul Hundley, order now at Erinhills.com or purchase US Open week.    _____________________________________________________________________

WELCOME TO ERIN HILLS home of the 2017 US Open. by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the US Open and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

IT’S CUT DOWN DAY and yes after 36 holes today the dreams of some golfers will be realized and others will have had the dream go to the wayside.

Most of today’s players are on various tours and some at least made it through the local qualifiers, so they do have something to be proud of, if they don’t make the field at Erin Hills and next weeks U.S. Open.

Today’s Sectional Qualifiers are at 10 sites in the USA, and some of the names will be familiar to golf fans and golf fans here in Illinois.

AT BIG CANYON CC AND NEWPORT BEACH CC IN CALIF. USC’s Sean Crocker a final four player at the 2015 US Amateur at Olympia Fields, and final member last week at Rich Harvest Farms. Allen Geiberger Jr., son of Mr. 59 Al Geiberger and the man with the 59 in the john Deere Classic Paul Goydos. 2016 Rust-Oleum champ Max Homa, and 2014 Western Am Champ Beau Hossler.

AT JUPITER HILLS FL. Robert Allenby and 2016 Western Am finalist Sam Horsfield.AT

HAWKS RIDGE GC GA. Davis Love IV will try and join his dad at Erin Hills.

WOODMONT CC MD no major names of interest.

CANOEBROOK CC NJ. Mike Dunham New York Islanders Goal Tending Coach, Nathan Smith 4 time USGA Mid-Am Winner last at Conway Farms in 2012.

BROOKSIDE G&CC Columbus OH. Patrick Cantlay 2011 Erin Hills Amateur finalist, Keegan Bradley, Bryson DeChambeau 2015 US Amateur winner at Olympia Fields, Luke Donald, 2011 US Winner at Erin Hills Kelly Kraft, Sam Saunders grandson of Arnold Palmer, NU grad Chris Wilson, Davis Love III, Stewart Cink, Tom Lehman and Ben Curtis all three former Open Champions.

SPRINGFIELD CC OH. Skokie CC pro Garrett Chaussard, Charlie Danielson former U of I player, Arlington Hts. native Doug Ghim, Illinois players Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer.

GERMANTOWN CC & RIDGEWAY CC, MEMPHIS TN. Steve Stricker, Ian Poulter and Mark Wilson.

LAKEWOOD CC no major names of interest.

TACOMA C&GC WASH. Jordan Niebrugge, Tyler McCumber son of Western Open winner Mark, and Aaron Wise 2016 NCAA Champion, played in John Deere Classic.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE, hope to see you in Erin Wisconsin.

THE SATURDAY MORNING SHORT GAME-LATE EDITION

 THE GREEN STREET GRILLE-with partners Mike Munro and Jim McWethy, now open on Green Street in Bensenville. The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, opening this summer, watch for news on opening day. See Dupagegolf.com #PlayMapleMeadows     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. With Founder of Women’s Golf Day (this Tuesday June 6th) Elisa Gaudet. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY this Tuesday June 6th, ladies get the clubs out, or go take a lesson, find out about golf, it’s your day. Created by Elisa Gaudet. #Womensgolfday

There are numerous Chicago area locations all around and in the city. Womensgolfday.com for locations. Golf and Social time, enjoy the day, and learn a game you can play for a life time.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO what a show that is planned for this week. Director of Golf360 Dave “Links” Lockhart joins us at 9:10 to talk about the season opener this Sunday Sunday night at 6 PM on Comcast Sportsnet.

CHAD JOHANSEN GM of Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol (near Aurora), is on around 9:30. Blackberry Oaks has just opened a new short game practice area, and Johansen says he has record number in enrollment in the junior golf program and the PGA Junior League. We will have some recap of the NCAA championships and discuss some upcoming tournaments in the area.

The second hole at Stolten Brae, the new course at the Gull Lake Resort near Kalamazoo Michigan.

Stoleten Brae the new course at the Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort. With today’s golfers looking for more fun on the golf course, the new Stolten Brae golf course has a minimalist design that golfers will enjoy.

The course opened for limited play last fall, but with the benefit of a soft winter and additional time to mature, Stolten Brae has now hit the ground running.

This golf course is not tricky, but has a Scottish style that leaves the course right in front of the golfer.

“We’re putting the final touches on Stolten Brae and we are excited about our first full season,” said Bill Johnson, vice-president and PGA Professional at Gull Lake. “Just like our other courses, we are keeping the course affordable and playable,so pricing will be dynamic throughout the golf season.”

Stolten Brae is a creation of Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design and it’s four senior designers. For more information please visit GullLakeView.com.

KEMPERSPORTS has announced that June is there fourth annual player development month. As a result all Kemper properties are offering FREE 15 minute lessons. The program launched by Kemper started in 2014, and saw over 3,500 interactions with golfers and professionals across the country. That number rose to over 8,000 by last year.

KEMPERSPORTS President Josh Lesnik calls the program,” a way to introduce the game of golf to a generation of non-golfers in a fun way.” For information on Kemper golf facilities please visit Kempersports.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow.

IN THE GOG NEWS-PHIL OUT OF OPEN AT ERIN HILLS

      WHO NEEDS TWO ! or maybe more. Limited tickets remain for the U.S. Open at Erin Hills, see USOPEN.com or USGA.com for details. The U.S. Open at Erin Hills coming the week of June 12-18. A rare Midwest appearance by the U.S. Open don’t miss it.        _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the U.S. Open, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy The US Open trophy visits Gino’s East in Rosemont.

THE US OPEN, yes it’s coming to Erin Hills a U.S. Open venue course you can play, and a TOP 100 in the country according to one national publication.

Who is not coming to Erin Hills appears to be “Lefty” Phil Mickelson who announced that he plans to skip the U.S. Open, a tournament that he wants to win badly, to attend his daughters high school graduation that falls right during round 1 of the open.

Will Phil actually not play, as of now he says he will not, stay tuned. But it loks like Mickelson is out of the U.S. Open.

THE BARN ON THE RANGE at Cog Hill. Coghillgolf.com

JUST IN TIME for Father’s Day. On Saturday June 17th, there will be a demo day at Cog Hill. Need to get dad some new clubs, here is the chance for you last minute shoppers to get it done.

The big name golf equipment companies will be at Cog Hill on the 17th. Try out some clubs, and then ask about discounts if your purchase that day. Are you a dad, drop the hints to your wife or kids, that it’s time for new clubs. Outdoor golf season is under way. More info see CogHillGolf.com.

GOLF360 is back for it’s second season on Comcast Sportsnet. The first show in tonight at 6 PM. With repeats on June 9th, 12th, 17th, 25th and 27th, see local listings for times. Producer Dave Lockhart has announced that former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly is hosting the show.

The 30 minute show, has features on Mistwood Golf Club, the KPMG Championship at Olympia Fields, Tour Edge Golf, Zero Friction golf gloves with Johnny Miller, and a preview of the 68th Illinois Open Championship.

Web.com Tour coming to Ivanhoe Country Club this week, fans welcome for round 1 starting on Thursday. #Rustoleum

The Rust Oleum Championship comes to Ivanhoe Country Club this week. Fans are welcome starting Thursday for Round 1. The championship that has a purse of $600,000 with $108,000 going to the winner, will conclude next Sunday. Defending champion Max Homa is now on the PGA Tour and will not be able to defend his title.

Homa will be trying to qualify this coming Monday for the U.S. Open at Erin Hills.

The Rust-Oleum Championship has awarded three sponsors exemptions to the following players. Brad Hopfinger of Lake Forest, Taylor Pendrith of Canada, and local product Michael Schachner of Libertyville who grew up playing Ivanhoe.

All ticket sales which includes $20 tickets good for all week, go to charity. For more information on the Rust-Oleum Championship see Rustoleumchampionship.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow with more news. RS