READY TO TRAVEL-HOW ABOUT SECENIC GALENA AND THE EAGLE RIDGE RESORT. The General Golf Course has turned 25, and spa is brand new. Eagle Ridge Resort-it’s at the Top of the State. So don’t take it for Granted. Do visit EagleRidge.com

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

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa owner Mark Klausner shows off some of new products coming to the Stonedrift spa.

DRIFTING INTO PLACE.

The new Spa at the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena Illinois, is finally drifting into place, as the resorts newest amenity.

Because due to supply chain issues, what was once planned to open this past July, is finally about to open it’s doors.

The new Stonedrift Spa will be heads and tails better than the current one.

The Women’s locker room is taking shape, and so is the Men’s.

First is all the new space, the spa has for guests to be more comfortable in. There will be a barber shop for everyone, especially for all you guys who still need to dump the Covid-Era shaggy look.

But something else to look forward to, is the salt-spray water to help cleanse your skin.

Because you asked, there will be a Yoga room for those enjoy stretching their bodies into shape, or getting in a full workout.

So do you enjoy getting your feet and toes massaged, the new chairs to enjoy those procedures are installed. But the sauna’s for two, is an addition that friends or couples will enjoy.

Owner Mark Klausner views the new Yoga room in the Stonedrift Spa.

The relaxation room with a scenic view to the outdoors behind the spa, offers room for individuals to just relax and talk in groups before or after treatments.

But with 63 holes of golf on property at Eagle Ridge, you can bet that the golfers have not been forgotten.

Because golfers massages will now be available, to help keep your body ready for the golf Eagle Ridge offers.

Are you ready for some steam.

There will now be a group room for before and after treatments. So the bride and her bridesmaids, or the groom plus his best-man and groomsmen can enjoy some relaxation before the march down the aisle.

Regardless of your needs. If it’s time to really let your body relax or get rid of some aches and pains.

Then the new Stonedrift Spa is the place to visit during your Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa stay. So stay tuned for the opening of the spa, which is expected to be in a few weeks.

For more information visit EagleRidge.com or call the resort at (815)-777-5000.

THE GENERAL AT EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & (NEW) SPA WILL HOST THE 25TH Anniversary tournament of the General Golf Course, first opened in 1997. The Roger Packard-Andy North design is still a 5 Star Course and one General Grant would have enjoyed. Sign-ups are still being taken until 10 AM tomorrow. Visit EagleRidge.com

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

The foursome at Lawsonia Links for the Langford Shield outing. L-R Jason Kauflin-partner/Patrick Crampton-Rory Spears.

THE STRETCH DRIVE IS HERE.

As we roll through the start of October it’s hard not to notice that the end of outdoor golf season here up north is getting close to ending for 2022.

Because many Chicago area courses, are getting close to closing, and now anytime Mother Nature drops the snow bomb or really cold temperatures for a few days on us. The courses will close.

Because of how busy courses have been the last few seasons, it seems that many area courses will not be chasing the extra few dollars late in the year. So don’t expect many courses opening-closing-reopening and closing again. So unless the weather is really good past Thanksgiving and into early December, there will not be many open courses to choose from.

BUT WEATHER PERMITTING there will be some Turkey Trot tournaments and Black Friday events. So stay tuned.

HURRICANE IAN really dropped a bombshell and plenty of water in various places in Florida a few weeks back. But many of the clubs are starting to reopen. Resorts like Innisbrook, Doral and Streamsong have reopened and are welcoming back the guests.

But the closer one gets to the Fort Meyers area, reopening’s could take month’s in some cases. All of us at Golfers on Golf wish a speedy recovery to all the golf courses and people who live in Florida.

IT WAS SAD TO HEAR of the passing of Dave Mueller who was part of the McDonald-Mueller family that owned courses like Rob Roy in Prospect Heights, and Chapel Hill in McHenry, plus Crystal Woods in Crystal Lake. I worked with Dave for years at Rob Roy and his father the late Jake Mueller gave me my first job, and first job in golf at the Rob Roy driving range. But while it was only $2.00 an hour picking and cleaning range balls. It started me towards working in the business of golf where I still am today. Condolences to Dave’s family and friends.

I AM really excited for this Wednesday’s 25th Anniversary tournament of the General Golf Course in Galena-at the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa-new spa is coming FINALLY at the end of the month.

THIS TOURNAMENT will be fun. Because of contests on every hole. There will be long drives, closest to the pins, on par-3’s and par-5’s in three shots. I will be one of the returning players, who played 25 years ago in the Grand Opening of the General tournament.

THE KEMPERSPORTS Invitational at the Glen Club was last week. But kudo’s to two of my teammates from last year, who went on two win again this time. Former Daily Herald writers Joe Aguilar and Barry Rozner won, after being paired with Steve Olken and Walter Lis. So while my attempt for a 3-peat did not happen. Seventh place was not all bad either.

HALTOM-OLIPHANT GOLF that manages several courses in Wisconsin. Did recently host the famed (William) Langford Shield event on the Lawsonia Links course. The two player team event is really fun, and the post round food is even better. Craig Haltom who found the land now known as Sand Valley, and his team put on a great event. My partner Patrick Crampton and I managed a 16th place finish out of 54 teams.

Lawsonia’s Links Course is rated 23rd on the Classic Course Top 100 list (Golfweek). But what’s not to well known is much about the second course there. The Woodlands Course which was recently renovated, was designed by Rocky Roquemore. Roquemore did the  restoration work at Pine Meadow for the Jemsek’s in the mid -1980’s.

NICK HARDY-KEVIN STREELMAN AND DOUG GHIM all had nice weeks at the Shriner’s tournament on the PGA Tour. Streelman led the way with a T-20, then it was Hardy followed by Ghim further down the leaderboard. But at least all three made the cut and got a check.

THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS should see some nice weather. So get out and enjoy some outdoor golf while you can. Because sadly, the end of outdoor golf season is sneaking up on us.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

The 25th Anniversary tournament for the General Golf Course at Eagle Ridge in Galena IL. Wednesday Oct. 12th. Sign up today.

THE SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME NEWS COLUMN is back.

A mulligan of last weeks column is coming soon. So stay tuned for that issue.

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

THE 25th ANNIVERSARY of the General Golf Course will be celebrated this coming Wednesday at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena Illinois.

The outing will have contests on every hole and is only $97 dollars to enter. Because the course opened in 1997, hence the 97 dollar entrance fee. See EagleRidge.com for details and to enter.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein will have a 2-person scramble on Saturday November 5th. So for details on format and to sign up call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF). Pine Meadow now has a sale on PING G425 demo clubs.

CLUB CHOICE IRELAND is promoting different area’s of Ireland for your next golf trip to one of the world’s top golf destinations. See Clubchoiceireland.com for more information. Druids Glen Hotel is one stop worth a visit when visiting Ireland.

Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook is having fall tournaments during October, are you ready for the challenge.

HERITAGE OAKS GC on Dundee Road in Northbrook, is having several tournaments over the next few weeks.

Starting on Wednesday October 12th is the Senior Scramble, for four-man teams.

But you must register by tomorrow night at 7 PM.

Saturday October 22nd is the 2-man 27 hole team championship. Play every hole at the Oaks, with a different format every nine holes. November 1st is the start of simulator leagues indoors. But on Saturday November 12th, is the famed Turkey Trot Shootout. So for more information please visit HeritageOaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.

Get tested or fitted for clubs at Club Champion golf.

Willowbrook based Club Champion Golf has announced the opening of five new locations across America.

So Club Champion now has more locations (over 100) across America, than any other fitting studio.

The new locations include Torrance CA, Wilmington NC., Pleasanton CA., Mandeville LA.,  Ashburn VA., so with the new locations and grand openings, come a fitting discount, with a club purchase. So for more details see Clubchampiongolf.com.

The Club at Lac La Belle in Wisconsin’s Milwaukee’s west suburbs.

The Club at Lac LaBelle in Wisconsin, has announced it has started it’s fall rates for the remainder of the 2022 golf season.

Lac LaBelle one of Wisconsin’s historical properties is growing quickly in popularity following a recent renovation.

Fall is great looking time to visit the club, walking rates are now just $110.00 dollars. Check out all the fall specials at Clubatlaclabelle.com.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AND THE B1G Ten Conference have announced that University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team member Sophomore Jackson Buchanan has been named Big Ten Men’s player of the week. Buchanan’s third place finish helped the Illini win the inaugural Folds of Honor Collegiate, by a margin of 15 strokes. For more details see FightingIllini.com.

The Streamsong Lodge in Florida.

STREAMSONG RESORT has reopened for business after being closed for a short period, for clean-up from Hurricane Ian.

But the good news was that clean up did not take long, and the resort has opened and is now welcoming back guests.

Streamsong has made several improvements on and off the golf course, since KemperSports Management has taken over operation of the entire resort. See Streamsong.com for all the details. Three 18 hole courses, a short course and a new Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design on the way.

GALVIN GREEN has spent the last three years putting together the INSULA Sweaters, that come from 3 million recycled PET plastic bottles. For more details see Galvingreen.com.

MISWTOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville has announced the start of it’s fall rates. So to view hours, rates and dates see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333.

Zero Friction Golf Products, located in Oak Brook Terrace Illinois.

OAK BROOK TERRACE ILINOIS based Zero Friction LLC, golf products, has announced that Tom Cismoski, has joined the company in a newly created position of Sr. Vice President of USA Sales.

Cismoski a graduate of Baylor University in Texas, previously spent 23 years at TaylorMade Golf, before joining Honma Golf as vice president of sales the last four years.

Zero Friction Golf is the home to many golf products including the 3 & 1 golf carry bag and convertible pull cart. So learn more about Zero Friction at Zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

TONY LEODORA and his program, The Traveling Golfer has a feature out on the Southern Pines based Talamore and Mid-South golf properties that feature among the best golf in the Southern Pines & Pinehurst area. See Travelinggolfervideos.com for information on how to see the feature.

LINKS CAPITIAL ADVISORS and Chris Charnas have announced the listing of the Saddlebrook Golf Club in Indianapolis Indiana. This fun but challenging golf course is a favorite of local players, and has been for the 30 years the club has been open. For details on a purchase call Chris at (312)-543-7192.

MYRTLE BEACH GOLF is now open for business. Because all of the Grand Strand area’s golf courses have now reopened for play, after some needed clean up from Hurricane Ian. So if your ready to travel this fall, think Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Visit Playgolfmyrtlebeach.com.

LIV GOLF has it’ season finale from October 28-30 at Doral Resort in Miami Florida, tickets are now on sale at LivGolf.com.

JENNIPHER SATTERLY has been named president of the Academy of Golf Art based in Okatie South Carolina. Details at AcademyofGolfArt.org.

THE Gog Blog returns this week. RS

THE GENERAL GOLF COURSE at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena has turned 25-The NEW Stonedrift Spa is close to opening. See details on both events at Eagle Ridge.com

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

IT’S BACK TO AGUSTA for 14 year old Martha Kuwahara of Northbrook.

D-C-P if your a junior golfer with some drive for competition, and a chance to make the national finals at the Augusta National Golf Club, you know what D-C-P stands for.

Drive, Chip and Putt.

Winners at the regional finals advance to Augusta National the Sunday before the Master Tournament. You will be on national TV, you have a chance to meet some of the greats of the game, past and present.

So for Martha Kurahara, it a return trip to August, because she qualified a year-ago, and competed in Augusta this April. But she finished 9th, due to nerves she says, and is ready to do better this times around.

From the boys side of the 14-15 year old’s, the winner is Alex Kim of Brookfield Wis., who plays out of Brown Deer Park GC.

The competition played out at the Medinah Country Club, and ended minutes before daylight faded for the day.

The other winners advancing to Augusta included.

Adalyn Lupton 9 years old, from Waunakee Wis., But Lupton had to win a playoff to advance, over 2021 Augusta qualifier Eloise Fetzer.

Emory Munoz 7, from Lockport IL. Emory plays his golf at Cog Hill. Sophia Miller 11, of Princeton Iowa, has two older sisters playing college golf at DePauw University in Indiana.

William Comiskey 11, of Hinsdale (Not related to members of the White Sox founding family). Comiskey made his run on the putting green and say Jack Nicklaus is his favorite player of all time. Because Nicklaus hits his irons so well and is great to his kids.

Anna Bell 11, of Popular Bluff Mo., says she is just proud to take her dad to Augusta National Golf Club, for all the help with her golf game he has given her.

Ben Patel 13, of North Aurora IL., is making the trip to August on his second attempt. Ben was looking forward to celebrating with his brother Luke. Because Luke who was also competing at Medinah, but finished 8th in his Boys 10-11 age group.

So Congratulations to all who made it to Medinah, and the 8 juniors advancing to Augusta next April.

The Generals 25th Anniversary tournament at Eagle Ridge in Galena.

THE FALL GOLF SEASON IS HERE.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

SORRY TO HAVE BEEN AWAY. But there has been plenty to do in recent weeks. Because fall golf season is kicking-in, I will start playing catch-up in the days ahead.

I am also going to try and get some golf in before the season winds down to a close.

Today is the KemperSports Invitational at the Glen Club in Glenview. As part of the team that is a 2-time defending champion, I’m looking forward to going for the 3-Peat, after coming off a good showing last week at Lawsonia.

THE GENERAL ANNIVERSARY TOURNAMENT at Eagle Ridge in Galena. This is setting up to be one of the best outings of there year, a tip of the cap or golf visor to Director of Golf Mike Weiler and his team for putting this together.

I am looking forward to playing in this, after being one of the original players in the Grand Opening event in May of 1997. The four man scramble tournament, was won by a team that had Sandra Fulmer, who won the putt-off playoff in the bar of the General Clubhouse, over Jan Wannstedt the wife of then Bears Coach Dave Wannstedt. So If I recall correctly 9 under par won the event. So can your team take it lower this year. I hope my group can.

IT’S ONLY $97 to play, and there are contests on every hole, food and drinks afterwards. 25 years ago a cannon fired to signal the start. But even with no cannon this time, the event will be a blast. EagleRidge.com.

NORTHBROOK’S very own Nick Hardy an Illini-guy had T-6 finish past weekend at the Sanderson Farms PGA Tour event. Hardy will be able to pay the bills for a while, after earning just north of $280K. Well played Nick.

THE ILLINOIS PGA Senior Match Play tee’s off today at the classic North Chicago Seth Raynor designed Shoreacres. Roy Biancalana is the defending champion.

THE LIV TOUR gets back into action for the first time since Rich Harvest Farms next week in Thailand. I wonder if they can break the RHF attendance records. As far as the legal side of things go, I wish both sides would get together and create a schedule that would knock everyone’s socks off.

DUPAGE GOLF is holding it’s sinister “Rambo Scramble” on Saturday October 22nd at Maple Meadows Golf Club in Wood Dale. But be ready to play in any weather. Because rain or shine, this event will tee off as scheduled. Because the deadline is approaching sign up now at DuPagegolf.com.

The water issues at Arnie’s place, Bay Hill in Orlando Florida. (Photo by Larry Spalla)

HURRICANE IAN…

Was not nice to many places in Florida last week. Arnie’s Place Bay Hill was hard hit.

So I’m sure it will take some time for the dry-out to take place, and the always great course conditions to return.

But courses in the Fort Meyer’s area were harder hit, and will take a longer time to reopen.

So hopefully they can by the time the rush of snowbirds starts heading south for the winter.

Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs north of Tampa, and Streamsong Resort were not hit as hard. So they will be open shortly.

The Gog Blog will be back this week. RS

CAM SMITH WITH THE TROPHY beat out Peter Uihlein (L) and Dustin Johnson (R) to win the 2022 Chicago LIV Invitational. (R) Fans line up to watch the players warm up.

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

LIV GOLF CEO Greg Norman with Rory Spears on the path at Rich Harvest Farms during the LIV Golf Chicago Invitational.

FOUR DAYS OF-LIV GOLF

WHAT WE KNOW and WHAT WE DON’T.

LIV GOLF brought many of the stars of professional golf back to the Chicago area. Something that is clearly lacking in the Chicago market.

Say what you want about Chicago or Illinois these days, but one thing is really clear about professional golf, both men’s and women’s is clearly lacking in this major market (more on this later).

BUT AS FOR LIV-it was a good show of golf-NOT an exhibition by some of the best players in the world. Because if your going to call LIV Golf an exhibition, you can all golf tournaments an exhibition. In some ways aren’t all sporting events an exhibition, if you answered yes, you would be correct.

Sunday night as fans were streaming towards the exits, their were two guys walking in front of me, one said, so this is what the future of professional golf looks like. Then both agreed it wasn’t to bad after all. In fact I didn’t hear all the negative comments I expected to hear over the four days. But nobody seemed to have a bad word to say, about anything. Very rare in these days and times.

AFTER SUNDAYS PLAY had ended, and the pictures had all been taken, I started to head back to the media tent and found LIV Golf CEO Greg “The Shark” Norman leaving as well. So I chased him down to get a few words about the week at Rich Harvest Farms, and the Chicago golf market. A few was all I got as he raced off for the private jet parked down the street.

ME: Greg your thoughts on how the week turned out and the venue ?

NORMAN: The venue is fantastic, really fantastic.

ME: Any chance LIV would come back here next year ?

NORMAN: YES !

ME: Greg your thoughts on the turnout-it seemed like the attendance was way up for a LIV Golf tournament.

NORMAN: It was an unbelievable venue. Unbelievable crowds, Chicago stood up and LIV is alive. We love it here.

With that the Shark headed off to Washington DC. and some meetings with politicians. But according to a few published reports the week in DC. might not have gone as well as it did at Rich Harvest Farms.

HOWEVER it does appear LIV Golf will return to Rich Harvest Farms come 2023. Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich tells me LIV Golf is welcome back IF they wish to return. According to Norman it sounds like they will. LIV Golf officials who could not be quoted tell Golfers on Golf they pretty much expect to be back in Chicago and RHF come 2023.

BUT WHEN! While nothing is official, the LIV GOLF CHICAGO 2023 Tournament is expected to move up on the calendar. Because media reports from the Northeast suggest Boston is not back on the LIV calendar in 2023. But could that change, yes it could.

IF BOSTON doesn’t return, Chicago could move to Labor Day weekend, OR maybe into August is the thought. BUT with the BMW Championship back at Olympia Fields in August, would LIV go in front of, or behind the BMW on the calendar. BUT, what about the same week as BMW. Again nothing is official, but any week in August is currently on the table. Because golf organizations seem to like scheduling on top of one another, it wouldn’t surprise me to see both events go head-to-head. But I believe that’s unlikely to happen. The week before BMW is the odd’s on favorite in my book.

THINGS WILL BE OFFICIAL when the 2023 LIV Golf schedule comes out, which will see about 6 more tournaments upping the schedule to 14 events. The schedule will be released early to mid-November, after the LIV Tour Championship at the Doral Resort in late October. It will be nice to see a big golf event at Doral again on the Blue Monster. I’ve played the course twice and I’ll call it a fun-but challenging golf course. It sure beats playing your tournament in Mexico.

But the bigger announcement is which players will be the next to jump from the PGA Tour to the LIV series of golf. Some suspect right after the Presidents Cup, I think nobody will make the move right now. Later this fall or come winter, maybe a few more players will jump.

A fan or do you call them patrons, asked me what’s up with a TV deal. Well it depends on who you speak with. David Feherty didn’t leave NBC and The Golf Channel to do internet broadcasting.

Golfers on Golf has learned there are two television partners in the fold, with four year deals starting in 2023. But Norman is suggesting there could be more. What’s funny is all the know-it-all’s on places like Twitter, saying this network or that network said no already.

But how many said no, before LIV signed all the players they did. Are they now reconsidering that stance. Yes that could be the case. At this time it’s fair to say that CBS and NBC won’t be TV partners with LIV. But anyone else is fair game. So if your looking for LIV Golf on television in 2023, you will likely find it.

ATTENDANCE AT RHF, was tracked by LIV officials when you checked in at the gates. What I do know is that 1,500ish were on-hand for Thursday’s pro-am. Friday’s Round 1, saw about 8,000 to 8,500. Saturday’s numbers were over 18,000. The final round on Sunday was just north of 20,000.

SO FOR THE WEEK, I’ll say 48,000, not bad for mid-September. 2022 BMW Championship numbers, not even close to LIV from what I saw in Wilmington Delaware. Friday and Saturday’s rounds 2 & 3 in Wilmington were sold out before the day even started at 35,000. The Sunday numbers at Wilmington were almost at 35,000 again. The attendance for the BMW at Medinah was nearly 130,000, Caves Valley in 2021 was around 110,000 with it closer to 125,000 plus in Wilmington.

LIV GOLF has a long way to go to catch those figures. But Chicago did set records for LIV Golf, that’s early in it’s first year of play. The best previous day for LIV Golf was 12,000+ in Boston. Rich Harvest Farms broke that record by 10 AM on Saturday morning.

I was asked what the atmosphere was like. Simple, when you look around and Cam Smith, Dustin Johnson, and Peter Uihlein are on one hole. You turn around and Phil Mickelson is on the next hole, then having Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood on another hole. It doesn’t seem like a PGA Tour event, it seems more like the Ryder Cup or a major championship.

IT WAS INTERESTING hearing gallery talk with people saying the PGA Tour could be finished or out of business by the end of 2023. Well that won’t happen. Because if the tour hangs on to Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, Matt Fitzpatrick and Scottie Scheffler it will be fine. There are no indications that any of those players are leaving either.

I’M not used to the shotgun start yet, with players riding out on carts with AC/DC’s Thunderstruck cranking in the background. This while the parachute guys are landing around the golf course. The large gallery behind all 48 players at the range as they warm-up at the same time is kind of neat. The fan village behind the 18th hole, with contests and more, are not new. But the set-up that was in place at RHF was enjoyable for the fans, who were not out walking the golf course.

From a media standpoint having every player finish at the same time, isn’t an easy to get your work done. Parking was the best since the Western Golf Association (WGA) ran media parking at Cog Hill, no shuttle required. The food was very good everywhere, but BMW gets a slight nod in that race. Both on the course and in the hospitality/media tent area’s.

AGE WISE-the galleries were younger than a PGA Tour event, which I expected. AS Richard Dawson would say on Family Feud-Survey Says- or in this case surveys show, the average age of a PGA Tour event fan is in their 60’s. LIV GOLF fans tend to be in their mid to upper 30’s.

GREG NORMAN may not be everyone’s favorite person these days, but when Norman was out an about in public area’s, he was chased by fans seeking an autograph or a picture. Nobody had a bad word to say-chant’s of “Shark” rang out in area’s on the Rich Harvest grounds. Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich was shaking the hands of fans, thanking him for bringing LIV Golf to the Chicago area.

FORMER BLACKHAWKS ANNOUNCER PAT FOLEY had a saying that went “for those of you who keep track of such things”. A reference to stat keepers, or media types who needed updates on scoring or penalty changes. So one stat I started keeping track-of, was a logo count. So in tipping the cap or golf visor to Foley, here are the winning clubs who logo’s were most visible at Rich Harvest Farms. #1 Olympia Fields, #2 Medinah, #3 Butterfield #4 Rich Harvest Farms, #5 Butler National. Honorable Mentions to Cantigny Golf, Chicago Golf Club and White Eagle Golf Club.

FORMER BEARS HEAD COACH MIKE DITKA once referred to some fair-weathered Bears fans as “cowards and losers”. Based on the some comments not only myself, but several other local and national media members received in email or social media form for doing our jobs at Rich Harvest Farms. It appears there are still some of “those people” out there.

TO THE POSTER on Twitter who asked-LIV GOLF or THE PGA TOUR, the answer is both. Because there is no reason to take sides. So enjoy both tours and enjoy the golf wherever it takes us. But the general feeling by many of those both in the media and the industry, is that a merger will someday take place. Time well tell.

The feeling of many fans walking around Rich Harvest Farms was that with the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA) skipping Chicago, or having nothing scheduled here for years to come. LIV GOLF was a welcome site.

THE WGA is bringing the Korn Ferry Tour to town on a yearly basis, and provides the Chicago market with some of the best amateur golf almost every year, golf fans will find anywhere. But there is still something to seeing the best professional players in the world here in town. Because whether it’s a PGA Tour event, a Ryder Cup or a major championship, those championships are special.

BUT IN THE END-LIV GOLF is NOT the PGA TOUR. BUT it’s not trying to be. Because both tours have a different style, which doesn’t mean one or the other is bad. For now, I’m just hoping LIV GOLF Chicago 2023 and the 2023 BMW Championship don’t end up the same week next August. Here’s hoping that’s not too much to ask. RS

MISTWOOD-MATT (Matt Carter) points out the improved numbers from a recent product testing, in the Mistwood Performance Center in Romeoville. SO with summer gone, and if your game is still struggling, visit Matt or Eric Russell at Mistwood Golf Club and get retested, refitted, or re-shafted. It makes a world of difference. Mistwoodgc.com to book a fitting appointment today. PINEHURST #8 has reopened from a summer-long restoration of this Tom Fazio designed golf course. Learn more go visit Pinehurst.com.

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

Rory Spears (L) and Len Ziehm (R) in the lobby of the Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook Illinois.

***The Presidents Cup continues into todays final round at Quail Hollow-with the USA holding a big lead over the International Team 11-7 ***.

LEN ZIEHM of Lenziehmongolf.com has just posted a recap of his golf trip to Gulf Shores in Alabama. So read more from Len on top rated courses like Kiva Dunes.

What’s the best golf in Gulf Shores, Alabama ?

Get the updates from the Daily Herald’s Len Ziehm-co-host of Golfers on Golf Radio, and the Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series.

Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) CDGA.org

THE CDGA is winding down it’s 2022 golf championship season.

Scott Frankenreider 55, of Peoria won the 36th annual Illinois State Senior Amateur at Riverside Country Club.

Frankenreider survived a three hole playoff with Ted Pecora of Winnetka, scoring 12 to Pecora’s 13.

The final round saw Pecora card a 2 under 69, compared with Frankenreider’s (+1) 72. Which forced the playoff. Frankenreider who had stepped away from competition to follow his children’s athletic endeavors for years, appeared to not miss a-beat during his time away. But for full results see CDGA.org.

THE CDGA wraps up it’s 2022 championship season with the CDGA Senior Amateur Fourball, this Monday through Thursday Sept. 26 through the 29th. But the first day of play will determine which 16 teams move on the match play portion of the championship. Among the favorites are Vince Antoniou (Butler National) and Mark Esposito (Blackberry Oaks), this team has reached the match play five times. So for more information and results, see CDGA.org.

Pine Meadow one of the few places in Illinois to find the work of famed architect William S. Flynn. Pinemeadowgc.com

PINE MEADOW has announced that starting Monday October 3rd, range ball sales will cease at 5 PM.

GOOD NEWS…

Pine Meadow has announced that there will be NO core aerification this fall.

Core samples were tested and proved that aerification would NOT be needed. So golfers enjoy the run to the end of the season.

THE DENIL-SCRAMBLE still has a few sports available for next Sundays event. So to sign up-call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-GOLF (4653).

TOPTRACER MOBILE RANGE is now at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. So check out all the options Toptracer Range gives you to play or practice while on the range. Mistwoodgc.com. But for more information you can call (815)-254-3333.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart has earned the Men’s Golfer of the Week award, from the B1G Ten Conference. Chassart finished in a T-2 for the Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields Country Club. Illinois was second in the team championship, behind Stanford University.

VATTANAC GOLF RESORT-Cambodia, announces new management team at the Troon Golf property.

Chris Geraghty is the new General Manager, with James Durkin as the Golf Operations Manager, Rory Tinker is the new Head Golf Professional, and Sambath Chheang will be the Sales & Marketing Manager. The resorts 36 holes were designed by Nick Faldo. But for more information see Vattanacgolfresort.com

LAB GOLF Putters in nickel. LABGolf.com

LAB GOLF has a special on blemished putters. But this limited supply is going quickly.

So there are various models and editions of those models you can find a “steal of a deal on.” LAB GOLF Factory Second putters.

But for more information, please visit LABGolf.com.

THE PODCAST-LAB Golf CEO Sam Hahn jumps on the podcast with Club Champion founder Nick Sherburne and Co-Host Cassie Bausch to talk LAB Golf Putters and getting fit for a LAB Golf putter at Club Champion. But for the details on LAB Golf putter fittings at Club Champion, visit Clubchampiongolf.com or see Labgolf.com.

Sqairz For Women. Sqairzgolf.com

SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES.

Because they could be the best golf shoe you will ever wear.

But what has been for the guys, is now ready for the gals.

Because ladies feet aren’t just a different size, they are built differently. So Sqairz golf shoes, built golf shoes for gals in a different way. So ladies see what your missing in golf footwear. Sqairzgolf.com

DUNLAPS SPORTS AMERICAS the umbrella over companies such as XXIO, Srixon, Cleveland Golf and ASAICS, has announced it’s return to the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida-Jan. 24-27. Mike Powell President and COO said,” it’s time to get back to doing things in person.” DUNLAP joins Peter Millar and others in announcing a return to the show, that saw a decrease in participation last year because of the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.

THE WGA CADDIE ACADEMY is been awarded a $125,000 donation from the PGA-Korn Ferry Tour. The award will help programming at the five caddie academies (with a sixth facility located in Ohio) on the way in 2023. But for more information see PGATourhq.com or visit WGAESF.com.

The Sun Mountain stand alone golf bag.

MISSOULA MONTANA based Sun Mountain has created the new WeatherMax Stand Bag, and Weather Max Cart Bag.

The new golf bags, Sun Mountain says will offer the ultimate in golf bag durability.

Because over time fabrics that are exposed to sun and UV rays-fade and grow weaker.

The new golf bags are part of the 2023 Sun Mountain line. But they are now arriving in golf shops.

Retail prices are $359.99 for the stand bag, and $439.99 for the cart bag.

But not only will these new bags offer Sun-UV resistance, but they are water resistant and durable.

So for more information visit golf retail stores, pro shops and or visit Sunmountain.com.

Grande Dunes Resort Course in Myrtle Beach has reopened from summer restoration project.

THE GRANDE DUNES RESORT COURSE in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, has opened from a summer restoration project on September 15th.

The four month project was directed by architect John A. Harvey, who worked with original architect Roger Rulewich.

Grande Dunes greens now have the new TifEagle ultradwarf bermudagrass greens and the restoration of the courses greens to their original size.

So add almost 40,000-square feet of putting surface, which amounts to a 33% increase. But add the original shapes of the bunkers, that make the golf course more visually appealing. Because of an additional 8 acres of fairway, golfers now have less excuses not to hit them.

But the improvements were not just on the golf course, throw-in clubhouse renovations that include outdoor dining area’s. Founders Group International has 21 Myrtle Beach golf courses in it’s portfolio. So view the view list of courses, many of them having had recent improvements at Foundersgroupinternational.com or MyrtleBeachgolftrips.com.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out-returns tomorrow. RS

MISTWOOD HONEY IS HERE-get your bottle at McWethy’s Tavern on Renwick Road in Romeoville. Mcwethystavern.com open year round. The NEW Stonedrift Spa at Eagle Ridge in Galena is open. More space-new services and products. See Eagleridge.com.

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

THE ILLINOIS WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION held the 53rd Illinois Women’s Senior Amateur Championship at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena.

Alison Basseto of Naperville won the championship on the General Golf Course with a three round total of 233. DeAnne Stolarik of Zion was second and Ellen Martin was third. There were also winners in the A,B,C, D, E, F, G, H flights, for the full recap visit Iwga.org. The IWGA thanks the resort for hosting the championship.

Matthew McClean the 2022 USGA Mid Amateur Champion at Erin Hills. Photo courtesy of USGA

The 2022 USGA Mid-Amateur at Erin Hills was quite a success.

Because both champion Matthew McClean and runner-up Hugh Foley made the final match, where McClean defeated Foley 3 & 1.

But even more interesting was that both finalists are from Ireland, McClean from Belfast and Foley from Dublin.

McClean with his win, earns a spot in the 2023 U.S. Open, and likely will receive an invitation to the 2023 Masters Tournament. Both McClean and Foley are friends and flew over from Ireland together on the same flight to play in the championship. They shared housing and rental cars upon arriving in the USA.

The championship ended two days late, due to heavy rains on Day 2, that spilled into Day 3. So the 36-hole was played over 2 days, something not normally done. But after a really long week McClean said,” it really hasn’t sunk-in yet but it will tonight.”

McClean entered the championship with a World Golf Rating (OWGR) of #120 in the amateur rankings (Foley at 195). But after a late charge by Foley, McClean wrapped up the title, with a solid approach shot on the 35th hole with a 7-Iron. Because Foley had missed the green and could not get up and down.

For a full list of what the champion receives, please visit USGA.org.

The PGA Cup 2022

THE 2022 PGA CUP from Surrey England.

The United States won the 30th PGA Cup for the first time overseas since 2009 by a score of 15.5 to 10.5 over the Great Britain and Ireland Team (GBI).

The PGA Cup started in 1973 in Pinehurst, and this win by the USA was it’s 19th, in the series of matches.

Former PGA of America President Suzy Whaley served as Team Captain. Whaley formerly served as Captain for the victorious USA Women’s team in the 2019 inaugural event for women.

The USA Team had a 4 point lead heading into the final singles matches. The USA set the tone in the first match out, when Michael Block who was 4 DN after 12 holes. Made birdies on five of the last six holes, to win the match 1 UP. Whaley said that win “set the tone for US.”

The clinching point for the USA, was recorded by PGA Life member Omar Uresti who defeated Simon Lilly 4 & 3. But for the full results, visit PGA.com

      THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENERAL will be celebrated next month at the Eagle Ridge Resort on October 12th. Sign up for the tournament today-call the pro shop and visit EagleRidge.com. PINEHURST No.8 has reopened from a 100 day restoration.

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

Cam Smith is off to a great start at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

THE SEASON FINALE-1 MORE TIME.

So just when all of us at Golfers on Golf thought our radio year on WNDZ AM 750 was over last month.

Everything changed and the golf season here in Chicago extended, with the addition of the LIV Golf Tour coming to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

But today really will be our last show for 2022. Because the LIV event will end tomorrow.

CAM SMITH and Dustin Johnson are likely to battle it out for the title.

The fan turnout is good so far, but it could be really good this weekend with great weather expected.

So to wrap it up, Ed Stevenson will be live in studio, with Len Ziehm live at the Palm Aire studio in Sarasota Florida.

Rory Spears, is live at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, plus you can hear from the LIV Golf players so enjoy the show below, if you missed it.

CLCIK HERE to hear the final Golfers on Golf Radio show of the year. LIV Golf part 2.

Thanks for listening, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB’S MATT CARTER can put you through a club fitting, get the right clubs in your golf bag. Finish the season strong-Mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333

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

2022 IPGA Senior masters winners Bob Malpede (L) and Kevin Fitzgerald (R) with their awards at the Onwentsia Club.

THE 2022 Illinois PGA Senior Masters winners have been announced.

Retired Illinois PGA professionals Bob Malpede and Kevin Fitzgerald were honored by the section for their many years of dedication to golf in Illinois.

Both Malpede and Fitzgerald were honored as part of the Senior Masters IPGA Senior outing in the morning, and the pro-am in the afternoon.

Malpede worked at clubs like Stonebridge in Aurora, before founding the Stonewall Orchard Golf Club in Northern Lake County. But he then went on to work as Director of Golf at White Deer Run in Vernon Hills, before retiring last December.

Malpede started in golf working for his parents golf club-Pistakee Golf Club in McHenry. But while he growing up, Pistakee was known for the Friday Night fish-fry’s that became popular at places like Stonewall Orchard, and White Deer Run.

Fitzgerald worked at several clubs public and private, before embarking on a 17 year run at Harborside International. Fitzgerald spent three years working at two courses for Billy Casper Golf. But then he spent one year at Kankakee Country Club and then headed into retirement this past January.

The Senior Masters Championship that was postponed from July. Because of heavy rains that hit the Onwentsia Club the weekend before. Roy Biancalana and David Paeglow tied for first place with two under par scores of 69.

So for more information please visit IPGA.com.