THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-PLANES-RENTAL CARS & HOTELS

Welcome to golf-Baltimore Style. (L) Caves Valley Golf Club home of the 2021 BMW Championship. (R) Welcome to the Baltimore Country Club-Five Farms #Classicgolf.      _____________________________________________________________________

the Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content And Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On Baltimore Country Club Five farms-East Course.

YOU KNOW THE MOVIE…

Planes Trains and automobiles.

So my return to air travel after almost 2 years, was kind of like that.

Arrive at O’Hare at 6 AM, the place is packed like it’s a holiday rush.

Security lines and procedures aren’t great.

Then your flight is delayed 90 minutes, and your hike past tons of gates, send you back 10 gates where you just came from. But then it gets better, arrive in Baltimore at Hertz, and they have no cars for at least an hour. So then they try and give you one, not so good. But since you take a pass on it, you wait another hour for one to cleaned before you can go.

Drive around Baltimore and get to the Baltimore Country Club Five Farms, home of he famed A.W. Tillinghast East Course, that had an incredible 2014-2015 Keith Foster renovation.

But after golf, your hotel is under renovation, so you make it around the workers on a Sunday night to your room. Then the internet is not working, then finally it is.

BMW Championship media day is today at Caves Valley in Ownings Mill Maryland. The Course is great. But the heat, about 95 with humidity is a cooker. Play away, there is plenty of ice cold Gatorade to be had. More on Baltimore tomorrow. RS

THE GOG BLOG’S SUNDAY MORNING GAME-NEWS COLUMN

MARA JANESS of Barrington wins the 94th Women’s Western Junior at Aurora Country Club. NICK TENUTA of Mt. Prospect winner of the 101st CDGA Am at Bull Valley GC.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or FB-LinkedIn and Instagram. With Firestone CC Director of Golf Tommy Moore (L). Home of this weeks Senior Players Championship.

SO WHAT A WEEK IT IS.

Because there has been some solid tournament golf, around Chicago, and on the professional tours.

First up here was the Western Junior Championship at Onwentsia. The Women’s Western Junior at Aurora.

But not to be left out was the Chicago District Golf Associations (CDGA) 101st Amateur.

So with rain and lightning bouncing around all week, the fact all three tournaments finished on the day they were supposed to was amazing. But there is more from the professional tours. On the PGA Tour in Hartford, Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim made the cut and is trying for a strong finish. At the Senior Players Championship at Firestone, University of Illinois alum Steve Stricker has a four shot lead headed into the final round.

The Golf Scene With Steve Kashul returns tonight on NBC Sports Chicago at 6 Pm.

THE GOLF SCENE with Steve Kashul is back for another summer season, starting tonight at 6 PM.

This edition has a tour of Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. A look at the new Srixon Golf Balls in a variety of colors.

Golf Center Des Plaines, one of the most complete practice areas around Chicago. A look at the Keith Foster designed Shepherd’s Crook Golf Club in Zion. The Golf Scene is back Monday-Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday this week. See local listings for times.

   JOHN IACONO Founder of Zero Friction Golf holds some of his glove line, but announces his dynamic tee’s. Because lab tested results show the Zero Friction ZF Tour tees allow for longer and straighter drives. The three prong tee’s add at least 5 yards, and are more Eco-friendly.

“We’ve known all along that our performance tees were at the top of the performance market,” said Iacono. “This independent test by the very reputable Golf Laboratories just confirms that for us. Our tees make a difference in your game.”

For more information on the three-prong tee’s and other Zero Friction products visit ZeroFriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

The Club Champion store on Golf Road in Schaumburg

WILLOWBROOK IL. based Club Champion has done it again.

Because they have been named to the Top 100 list of Club Fitters in America by Golf Digest Magazine.

So how many years would that be. How about 10 straight years, after first being founded in 2010.

Because Club Champion has taken fitting to both a new, and the highest level of fitting. Not only is Club Champion a Top 100 fitter, their ranking number should be among the best overall fitters in America.  For more details or to schedule your equipment fitting, please visit ClubchampionGolf.com

Welcome to Cog Hill home of Dubsdread-course #4.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB has series of events lined up over the next three months.

But you can sign up for them now. Because they will fill-up quickly.

First on the tee is the Play-it-like Pro’s do.

So on Monday July 26th, Course #4 the past home of the Western Open and BMW Championship, will use the PGA Tour set up for a day. But due to demand, there will be a double-shotgun for the event. So call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455 or visit CogHillGolf.com.

LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS that handling the sale of Sunset Hills Golf Club in Pekin Illinois, has announced a price reduction to purchase the golf course. So speak with Chris Charnas at Links Capital Advisors to learn more on golf courses that are for sale. LinksCapitalAdvisors.com.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach, America’s Golf Capital.

THE MYRTLE BEACH Golf Tourism Solutions Tournament division will have it’s first annual Amateur Golf Tournament. September 9-11.

The AmateurGolf.com Myrtle Beach Challenge will be open to golfers with a handicap index of 5.0 or below.

Entry fee is only $275.00 and the vent will be 54 holes, with flights for both men and women. But the field will top out at 120 players. The Prestwick Country Club a Pete and P.B. design will be host the event. So for more information visit www.playgolfmyrtlebeach.com/amateurgolf-com-myrtle-beach-challenge.

Titleist T100 T100S and U-505 Utility Irons

TITLEIST has released to it’s PGA Tour players, the new lines of T-100 Series Irons.

The development process has taken two years according to Titliest. T-100 irons were in play this week in Hartford. The T-200 series will arrive in a few weeks. But stay tuned to Titleist.com and Titleist social media channels for details on the upcoming release of these clubs to the general public.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-will return tomorrow from Baltimore Maryland. RS

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO WEEK 11

WWGA President CeCe Durbin (L)-WWGA Junior Champion Mara Janess (M)- and WGA President Kevin Buggy at Aurora Country Club. Hear from Mara Janess on todays show. The Clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison is close to opening. Follow the road to opening day at DuPagegolf.com. The golf course is open for play.       _____________________________________________________________________

RORY SPEARS and ED STEVENSON bring you Golfers on Golf Radio Saturday afternoons (for now) at 4 Pm, on AM 820 WCPT.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is back for Week 11.

This week Ed Stevenson and Rory Spears, bring you all the golf news from Chicago and beyond.

But first on the tee is Tommy Moore Director of Golf at the Firestone Golf Club in Akron Ohio.

Because it’s Senior Players Championship Week, and University of Illinois Alum Steve Stricker is running away with the championship. Firestone is now open for limited public play, and we will learn more about that when Moore joins us at 4:10.

Firestone Country Club Director of Golf Tommy Moore (L) with Golfers on Golf host Rory Spears, on the West Course at Firestone CC. (R) Mara Janess the 2021 Women’s Western Junior Champion at Aurora Country Club.

AT 4:30 IPGA Professional Ian Grant joins us, with thoughts on golf and more.

You will also hear from the Daily Herald’s Len Ziehm, and Women’s Western Golf Association junior champion, Barrington’s Mara Janess. So stay tuned in to golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT Am 820.

But if you can’t listen on the radio, check out WCPT820.com or watch us on the WCPT websites Facebook page. There is the Tune-In Radio APP for your phone just Search WCPT 820.

IF YOU NEED A mulligan because you missed us. tee off to Soundcloud.com/ChicagosProgrssiveTalk and scroll down to the podcast. Join us on the tee at 4 Pm today. Thanks for listening.

MARA JANESS WINS 94TH WOMEN’S WESTERN JUNIOR

FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB in Akron Ohio, home of this weeks Senior Players Championship. Three courses 54 holes, play where the pro’s play. Clubcorp.com/clubs  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Facebook/LinkedIn and or Instagram.

Barrington’s Mara Janess holds the Icely Cup after winning the 94th Women’s Western Junior at Aurora Country Club.

(Reporting from Aurora)

Mara Janess still has a year to go at Barrington High School, but her college of choice should fire up it’s fight song.

Because Michigan’s ‘Hail to Victors’ was very appropriate, after Janess won the 94th Women’s Western Junior Championship at the Aurora Country Club.

Janess defeated Katie Scheck 5 & 4 in the title match. Scheck of Greensboro Georgia (Reynolds Lake Oconee), will attend Penn State this fall.

In the championship match that was played dodging the raindrops, Janess went 3 UP at the turn, was 4 UP after 10 holes, and 5 UP as she walked off the 11th green.

Mara Janess studies her approach shot on the 13th hole.

So three holes later she stood on the 14th green, getting a hug from Scheck as the reality of her win started to take hold.

But even though Janess won the Illinois High School State championship in 2019, she called winning the Women’s Western Junior, the biggest win of her career.

Because it was a win she almost didn’t get. In her Round of 16 match, Janess was 4 DN after six holes. But a key approach shot on the seventh hole, that cut the margin to 3DN, was a turning point that turned into a 2 UP win on the 18th green.

When asked how good Mara Janess Champion of the 94 Women’s Western Amateur sounded Janess said, “It feels amazing, and I’ve worked really hard lately. I’ve been at the top of a leaderboard at a few events. But it feels good to finally win.”

Katie Scheck hits her drive on the 13th hole.

Scheck came into the championship match after a solid performance in the semi-finals, defeating medalist Shannyn Vogler 7 & 5. Scheck quickly fell 1 DN after two holes. But she rebounded quickly winning 8 of the next 11 holes.

But Scheck could not get that kind of momentum going in the championship match against Janess.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with WWGA Junior champion Mara Janess.

WWGA President Cece Durbin (L)-Mara Janess (M)-WGA President Kevin Buggy (R).

Both Janess and Scheck will part of the field in next month’s Women’s Western Amateur at Park Ridge Country Club, July 19-24. But due to a conflict with her USGA Women’s Amateur qualifier. Janess will not be able to compete in next months Illinois Women’s Open, at Mistwood Golf Club.

The 2022 Women’s Western Junior Championship returns to south suburban Prestwick Country Club. Nancy Lopez who won the WWGA-Junior three times (1972-1973-1974), won her first title (1972) at Prestwick.

So for more information on the Women’s Western Golf Association and it’s tournaments, visit wwga.org.

TOURNAMENT WRAP UP-CDGA, WGA, WWGA INTO FINAL 4

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT for when your ready to travel-We are ready for you. FrenchLick.com home of the Donald Ross and Pete Dye and Valley Links Golf Courses. _____________________________________________________________________  THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook or Instagram.

THREE TOURNAMENTS in one week. It’s golf season in Chicago.

The 101st CDGA Amateur at Bull Valley Golf Club.

THE 101st CDGA Amateur is complete, after rain and lightning delays held up the 36-hole final match.

But when it was over, Mt. Prospect resident Nick Tenuta who played high school golf at Prospect High School, and now for the University of Louisville, defeated medalist Brett Tomfohrde of Chicago/ Butterfield CC, 5&4.

But what the weather and lunch did, was give Tomfohrde a chance to find something in his game to try and get back in the 36 hole match. Because before he knew it, Tomfohrde was 5 down after 12 holes, and 6 down after 16 holes. A score that was still standing after the first holes.

Nick Tenuta with the Joseph G. Davis Trophy. Picture courtesy of the CDGA.

But Tomfohrde found a putting adjustment he should make and started to fight back during the second round of 18 holes. But even with an adjustment to his putting stroke, that resulted in 6 birdies, he could not close the gap any closer than 5 Down.

Tenuta is looking forward to another CDGA event, the Illinois State Amateur July 20-22 at the Mistwood Golf Club. Before he returns for his senior season at Louisville. Further information on CDGA events at CDGA.org.

THE Women’s Western Golf Association WWGA.

AT THE AURORA COUNTRY CLUB, the battle for the Women’s Western Golf Association Junior Championship is down to four players.

Today it’s the semi-final matches starting at 7 Am.

Medalist Shannyn Vogler of Moline IL. will play Katie Scheck of Greensboro GA.. Vogler needed 20 holes to advance from her quarterfinal match.

The second semi-final match at 7:10 Am has Mara Janess of Barrington, who has committed to play college golf at Michigan. Janess plays Addison Klonowski, of Naples Florida.

The championship match will be played on Friday afternoon. But rain is expected, and hopefully will not delay play.

The Onwentsia Club of Lake Forest, home of the 103rd Western Junior Championship.

DAD KNOWS BETTER and he can caddie too.

Caleb Surratt of Matthews North Carolina, and committed to the University of Tennessee, shot 65-67 in the 36 hole final, to be the only player under par, and win the Western Junior Championship.

Surratt’s 3 under par total score gave him a four shot victory over William Sides of Tulsa Oklahoma, and Yuze Zhang of Windermere Florida.

But Surratt was in danger of missing the 36 hole cut, after 27 holes. So he called on his dad Brent to start caddying for him. Getting dad on his bag turned everything around, said Caleb.

Surratt, Sides and Zhang, earned exemptions into next months Western Amateur at the Glen View Club. More information at WGAESF.org.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB has announced today is the last day to register for the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open being held July 6-7. See MistwoodGC.com for more information.

ZIEHM & SPEARS PODCAST SERIES 2021-VOLUME 21

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE is taking shape at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. So stay tuned to DuPageGolf.com to learn more about opening day. But don’t forget the golf course is open for play, while final work wraps up. Maple Meadows and Green Meadows the 9-hole are open for play. Golfers & non-golfers will enjoy the clubhouse.   ____________________________________________________________________

LEN ZIEHM & RORY SPEARS record the weekly Ziehm & Spears podcast. Len and Rory at PGA Village studio’s.

ZIEHM & SPEARS

BACK AT AGAIN for another week, of bringing golfers Chicago’s most complete weekly news update, for Chicago and beyond.

This week Len Ziehm of LenZiehmongolf.com and Rory Spears of Golfersongolf.com wrap up Jon Rahm’s exciting win at Torrey Pines on U.S. Open Sunday.

A great leaderboard, that was as good as it could be. But there is more. Because it’s tournament week here in Chicago. The 101st Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) Amateur.

BUT the Western Golf Association (WGA) and the WWGA have the boys and girls junior tournaments here this week.

Len and Rory discuss who new USGA CEO and Executive Director Michael Whan’s architect of choice will be as courses scramble to land USGA events. More great golf this week with the Women’s KPMG PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club, and the Senior Players Championship at Firestone Country Club in Ohio.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm & Spears podcast series 2021-Volume 21. All of the golf news you can use.

Thanks for listening Len & Rory.

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE AT-THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS

  THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS new clubhouse is getting ready to open, and the lights are coming on. So follow all the details for opening day on DuPageGolf.com. The Preserve is open for play, along with Maple Meadows and the 9-hole Green Meadows.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. At the bar in the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows.

IT’S ALMOST HERE.

SO STAY PATIENT just a little bit longer. Yes we know it’s over 10 years since the fire. But plenty has happened since, including the reopening of the multiple award winning, ‘The Preserve at Oak Meadows’ golf course, renovated by architect Greg Martin.

BUT PART II is almost ready. So if your golfer or even if your not, this new clubhouse will be the place to be.

Because it will be a great place for food and beverage, indoors and out. You will enjoy. Need golf supplies and apparel ? The new pro shop can take care of your needs. Meeting space, or an open area for your event, there is plenty of that in this new clubhouse.

THE Dining area around the bar (L). (R) Director of DuPage Golf Ed Stevenson is now getting ready to start serving customers inside the clubhouse.

The new locker room is ready (L). The new kitchen area is coming together quickly (R).

Brand new apparel display cases have been installed (L)-(R) The scoreboards are up.

THE BACK BAR is ready to serve you at the turn (L). The back patio for outdoor dining is almost finished.

The open room is taking shape (L). The new restrooms are complete behind the clubhouse are ready. Porta-Potty days are coming to an end at the Preserve.

So do remember there is no opening date that is currently set. But some point in July APPEARS to be a likely time table. Speaking of tables, those who enjoy a nice outdoor table for drinking and dining. Will really enjoy the new options that the clubhouse presents. Your choice of beverages will include a line of DuPage brewed, Ale’s Pilsners, IPA’s and more. The master chef is working on a new menu, that should included some ‘well named’ and Preserve at Oak Meadows themed dishes.

But there is more than just the clubhouse. Because when golfers arrive there will be a new bag stand to drop off your clubs. The Preserve’s friendly 1st tee starters, will help check you in from the new starters stand.

The DuPage Golf team is working hard to make the Preserve at Oak Meadows one of the best golf experiences in the Chicago area. So be ready to come out and play, and enjoy DuPage Golf.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-US OPEN & TOURNEY TIME

THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows in Addison is now getting ready to open it’s new clubhouse shortly. Currently the golf course is open for play, along with Maple Meadows and Green Meadows. So follow DuPageGolf.com for all the details on the opening day.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. At the bar in the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows.

JON RAHM… a man on a mission.

So I just had a feeling that after having to take the boot in the backside at the Memorial Tournament, that Jon Rahm would come back on the mission.

HE DID, and he won. Good for him. Rahm is the latest kind-of new name on the PGA Tour, that is great for the game of golf.

So he will be sticking around for a while.

What a great leaderboard the fans and NBC had on Sunday. Whether the ratings reach the level they did on Sunday at the PGA Championship, with Phil Mickelson marching to victory, remains to be seen. But I’m sure they were pretty good. Because there was some 3-4 hours of great golf, and great drama as it all unfolded.

POOR DAN HICKS who had to endure the best putt and fist pump on the 18th green at Torrey Pines South, anyone has ever seen. Because Hicks who must apparently get $500 dollars every time he mentions Tiger Woods name on the air, and would have made quick $10,000 if that’s a correct dollar figure. Hicks had to cringe the exciting finish that will send the 2008 U.S. Open highlights, to a dust-collecting storage room at NBC. NBC please spare us-it’s time to move-on from Dan Hicks.

IT”S TOURNEY TIME in town this week, and then there are three, all at once. So first on the tee is the 101st CGDA Amateur Championship at Bull Valley Golf Club in Northwest Suburban Woodstock/Bull Valley.

THE JUNIOR BOYS AND GIRLS of the WGA & WWGA junior events are rolling along. First the girls are at Aurora Country Club and the boys are at The Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest. If you can, head out and see some of the best junior players from around the world at both clubs. It’s just too bad all these great events are held the same week.

SUNDAY NIGHT’S storms fortunately didn’t do any major damage to any of the area golf courses. Even though there were plenty of bunkers I have seen in the last few days that had enough water in them. But Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville had some tree damage, as 85 MPH winds raced across the golf course. So it could have been worse, but wasn’t thankfully. Speaking of Mistwood, it’s been 1 year to the day since the passing of owner Jim McWethy. I miss still miss Jim, and so do many other people.

ON THE PROFESSIONAL SIDE, there are some really good tournaments this week. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club, and the Senior Players Championship at Firestone Country Club, where Jerry Kelly tries to defend his title for the second time in 3 weeks. Kelly successfully defended his title at Steve Stricker’s American Family Insurance tournament at University Ridge near Madison Wisconsin two weeks ago.

THIS WEEK the famed Blackberry Amateur at Blackberry Oaks hits the tee at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol, always a great event run by Chad Johansen head golf professional and GM at “The Oaks”.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

TOURNEY TIME-3 CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE TEE THIS WEEK

THE KITCHEN AND LOCKER ROOM are ready to go in the new clubhouse at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, are you. The new clubhouse will open soon. So stay tuned into DupageGolf.com for details about opening day. But the golf course is already open. ——————————————————————————————————————–

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect-Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram.

    101ST CDGA AMATEUR TEE’S OFF AT BULL VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB THIS WEEK

The Chicago District Golf Association tee’s off it’s oldest championship this week at the Bull Valley Country Club in Bull Valley/Woodstock Illinois.

This is the second time the club has hosted the championship. But the first time since 2010, when Tommy Bliefnick captured the crown. Players are battling to have their name on the Joseph G. Davis trophy. Other past champions include Chick Evans, Frank Stranahan and Joel Hirsch.

36 holes of stroke play is today, with match play the rest of the way for the remaining field of 16. Thursday will be the 36-hole championship match. Details at CDGA.org

THE ONWENTSIA CLUB of Lake Forest home of this weeks Western Junior Championship

This week from June 22-24, some of the best players from around the world, will compete at one of the great historic golf venues in the Chicago area.

Some of the great players to win this championship include, Colin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, and Jim Furyk.

University of Illinois golf team member Piercen Hunt, will get to defend his title that he won at Rich harvest Farms in 2019. Hunt won by seven shots.

The last back-to-back winner of the championship was Ben Downing in 1941. But more information can be found at WGAESF.org.

THE WOMEN’S WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION wwga.org

AURORA COUNTRY CLUB will host this weeks 94th Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) Western Junior Girls Championship.

The championship will run from June 22-25. This historic championship was first played in 1920.

But this championship mixes stroke play and then match play. Because the field of 78 players, will get down to the low-16 for match play.

The four rounds of match play will crown this years champion. Past champions in this event include LPGA stars and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee’s like Candie Kung, Grace Park, Cristie Kerr and Nancy Lopez.

Gabriella Gilrowski won the 2019 championship at Woodland Country Club in Carmel, Indiana. But last year’s championship was cancelled. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aurora Country Club was founded in 1914, and designed by Thomas Bendelow and William Langford. So for more information see wwga.org.

THE GOG BLOG’S US OPEN SUNDAY SHORT GAME-NEWS COLUMN

IN NEED OF A BITE AND A COLD BEVERAGE. So get ready for a dining operation that will register a birdie on your score card. Because the clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows is getting ready to open. Follow DuPageGolf.com for details on when the grand opening will take place. More good news the Preserve is open for golf-so go play. _____________________________________________________________________

THE 121ST U.S. Open wraps up today. Who will win.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY-and U.S. Open Sunday.

So who do you like to win. Because there are several players that have a great chance. But odd’s are that one player will break through with a great final round and take home the trophy.

NBC has wall-to-wall coverage today. So sit back and enjoy.

Recent U.S. Open champions like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are lurking just off the lead.

THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN has announced a new head coach for the men’s team. Michael Wilson a 20 year college golf coach, with 14 years of head coaching experience joins the Badgers. Wilson joins Wisconsin after 5 years at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) as the Blazers head coach. Wilson was the 2020 and 2021 Conference USA Coach of the Year. In 2020 UAB ascended to the No.5 ranking in the country, the highest in schools history.

ILLINOIS GOLF COACH Mike Small has announced the addition of TJ Barger of Bloomington Illinois to the Fighting Illini men’s golf team starting this fall. Barger is the top rated Illinois golfer in AJGA rankings, and won the 2019 2A Illinois state championship. Barger says,” to be an Illini has always been a dream of mine. I’m looking forward to playing with elite players and being coach by high-level coaches.”

LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS and Chris Charnas announce the sale of Kewanee Dunes in Kewanee Illinois. For more information on buying or selling golf courses, contact Chris at LinksCaptialAdvisors.com.

The Ryder Cup poster and painting by Cassy Tully.

SO DO YOU need a Ryder Cup poster of Whistling Straits.

Because this years Ryder Cup poster can be viewed and ordered at CassyTully.com

Cassy will be at Whistling Straits during Ryder Cup week, and yes of course will be signing posters.

But for more information on golf posters and artwork in addition to the Ryder Cup collection, visit CassyTully.com.

Cassy’s art studio is located in Milwaukee, and you can schedule an appointment.

But don’t be afraid to come see Cassy at Whistling Straits in the merchandise tent, during Ryder Cup week.

ARE YOU THINKING FLORIDA this summer. Why not visit a place where the heat is not bad all summer long. Daytona Beach where there are several top golf courses, great hotels, restaurants, beaches and more. Visit DaytonaBeach.golf.

BUT IF YOUR HEADED TO MYRTLE BEACH South Carolina great news is right around the corner. Pines Lake Golf Club, Myrtle Beaches first golf course and the Grand-Daddy of Myrtle Beach will reopen from renovation next month. For more details on playing this classic golf course see PineLakes.com.

The grand reopening of the First Tee of Chicago’s, clubhouse at Waveland Golf Course.

IT’S OPEN.

THE FIRST TEE of Chicago has reopened it’s new clubhouse at the Waveland Golf Course (more recently known as Sydney Marovitz.

Because on June 9th City of Chicago officials, along with members of the KemperSports management team gathered at the clubhouse to reopen the facility.

But the next phase of a short course will begin this summer. With architect Todd Quitno, working with PGA Tour star Luke Donald, and Northwestern University Director of Golf Pat Goss. For more information on the project visit Firstteechicago.org.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow with a recap of this weeks tournaments. RS