LIV GOLF MADE IT’S FIRST STOP IN THE CHICAGO AREA-At Rich Harvest Farms.

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 LIV Golf Chicago Invitational winner Cam Smith (with trophy) stands between runner-up Peter Uihlein (L) and third place finisher Dustin Johnson (R).

Reporting from Sugar Grove IL.

CAM SMITH earned his first win since the British Open in July, when he held off charges from Peter Uihlein and Dustin Johnson.

For Smith, it was his first win as a member of LIV Golf. Smith shot a third round 69 to go along with rounds of 66 and 68 to finish at 13 under par.

Both Uihlein and Johnson finished at 10 under par, but Uihlein was awarded second place. Because of a better final round score. The 4-Aces team headed up by Johnson, won it’s fourth straight team event. The 4-Aces team are comprised of Johnson, Pat Perez, Patrick Reed and Talor Gooch.

With today’s $4 million first prize and team winnings for finishing third, Smith has won $15,182,897 and 66 cents during the 2022 calendar year. This figure does not include any signing bonus money Smith received for joining LIV Golf. The reported figure was that Smith received was $125 million dollars, for becoming part of LIV.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR WINNER CAM SMITH and the Four Aces Team of Dustin Johnson, Pat Perez, Patrick Reed and Talor Gooch.

But with a final round of 67, Sergio Garcia snuck up for a fourth place finish. Because of an amazing recovery shot on the 18th hole from next to the broadcast studio, Phil Mickelson who had the putter working during the final round carded a 66, which was the low round of the day for the entire field. Mickelson ended up in a tie for 8th place, after opening the day in 26th place. The strong finish earned Mickelson almost an additional $500,000. Not bad for a days work on the golf course.

A scary moment happened on the second hole, when Bryson DeChambeau started to duck under the galley rope. DeChambeau had pulled his tee shot left of the fairway, and into the gallery. But after hitting his shot, he attempted to return to the fairway. But as he started to duck under the gallery rope, volunteers lifted the rope and it scraped across his face.

DeChambeau immediately hit the ground, and appeared to be holding his face and covering his left-eye. But shortly after laying on the ground, DeChambeau got up and slowly returned to action on the hole.

The next LIV GOLF event is in Thailand from October 7-9. But then after a week in the Middle East, the tour returns two weeks later and tee’s off for the Tour Championship at Doral Golf.

Sunday’s galleries appeared to be slightly larger than Saturday’s attendance which came in at just over, 18,000.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday and then all week long.

LIV GOLF IS HERE and so are the Chicago Golf Fans at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. But it’s not too late to join in the fun, get your tickets now [email protected]

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.

NEW LEADER CAM SMITH is all smiles after taking a 2 shot lead at Rich Harvest Farms.

CAM SMITH has moved into position at the top of the leaderboard, at the LIV GOLF tournament, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove Illinois.

Smith used a fast start and better finish to over take first round leader Dustin Johnson by 2 shots, heading into Sunday’s final round.

Smith’s four under par 68 included three birdies on the front nine. But after a bogey 6 on the par-5 11th hole, Smith rolled in birdie putts on 17 and 18 to finish at 10 under par.

Johnson however started shaky with a bogey on the first hole, after pulling his drive left of the fairway, and into the gallery. But he quickly rebounded with a birdie on the second hole, before running off five straight pars. Then Johnson got into red numbers for the day, with a birdie on the 8th hole.

But Johnson could not get anything going on the back nine, which included seven pars and two bogeys. The end result was a (+1) 73 on the day, which left Johnson at 8 under par and two shots behind Smith.

Peter Uihlein and Brooks Koepka discuss their team SMASH GC, that’s now 2 shots off the lead in the team side of the competition.

Peter Uihlein was the days big mover, with a 6 under par 66.

Uihlein actually started with a bogey, but when he reached the back nine of the golf course, Uihlein reeled off five birdies and no bogeys.

During the frontside, Uihlein had two more birdies and only one bogey. So now Uihlein is in the hunt at 7 under par. Uihlein trails Smith by only 3 shots and Johnson by 1 shot.

So Smith-Johnson Uihlein will get paired together in the group starting on the first hole.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR leader Cam Smith’s press conference after Round 2

CLCIK HERE to hear Peter Uihlein and Brooks Koepka’s press conference.

IN THE TEAM PORTION of the tournament. The Four Ace’s lead again by 1 shot, but have two teams within two shots behind them. The Four Ace’s are comprised of Dustin Johnson, Talor Gooch, Pat Perez and Patrick Reed, they have won the team competition the last three tournaments. The team champions each week, see the four players that comprise the team, split $3 million dollars.

RECORD LIV CROWD. While LIV officials could not directly confirm, sources say the attendance for Saturday was just over 18,000. But even if that number sounds low, it is a new one day record for LIV Golf. But the old record of 12,000, was shattered on Saturday at Rich Harvest Farms by 10 Am.

What will Sunday bring, come out to Rich Harvest Farms and enjoy the final 18 holes. See which player and which team come away with the trophies and the biggest pay days.

LIV GOLF IS HERE at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. [email protected] for all weekend. Final Round is Sunday. Golfers on Golf Radio WNDZ AM 750 tomorrow 10am

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.

Dustin Johnson’s 9 under par 63 gives him the first round lead at Rich Harvest Farms.

AND THEY’RE OFF

LIV GOLF is underway at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Day 1 is in the books and Dustin Johnson who holed a long putt to win in Boston two weeks ago. Is back on top again, with 36 holes to play.

Johnson opened with a 9 under par 63, to hold a three shot lead over Cam Smith, winner of this years British Open and the Players Championship. Matt Wolfe sits solo in third place-four shots back.

Bryson DeChambeau 69, was followed by Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson with 70’s. Mickelson’s 2 under par round included a triple bogey on the third hole.

During his post round press conference, Johnson said his game is “good shape.” When asked about Rich Harvest Farms Johnson said, “I’ve never been here before, but I warmed up with 9-holes Tuesday, 9-holes Wednesday and then Thursday’s 18 hole pro-am.”

But overall the response about Rich Harvest Farms has been great from the players, most who have never seen the golf course before. Mickelson called Rich Harvest Farms, “A fun place to play”, and said he has great memories in Chicago, even Ryder Cup week in 2012 at Medinah Country Club, in spite of losing the cup.

Mickelson called Chicago a “great golf market, with plenty of good golf courses,” then added that Chicago is a town that really supports it’s golf.

Attendance was better than expected. Because one report a few days ago suggested that only 1500 tickets had been sold for Fridays opening round. Before the 12:15 local time shotgun start, the main parking lot had over 2,500 cars in it. Gallery estimates for Friday were over 6,000. But with volunteers, workers, media, and players, the likely total on property was close to 8,000 people.

The atmosphere was a plenty of people having a good time. With many enjoying the hospitality on a warm day, that included both chipping and putting contests. Saturdays second round is expected to have the largest crowd, with Sunday drawing good in spite of it being an NFL Sunday. Many of the Day 1 attendees, stay for the post round concert.

Round 2 will be the standard shotgun start at 12:15. A full recap will be here on Golfersongolf.com. Golfers on Golf Radio with Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm and yours truly, wraps up it’s season again, with a recap on LIV Golf from 10-11 AM on WNDZ AM 750.

LIV GOLF IS HERE LIVE at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. September 16-18, get you tickets now at [email protected] Golfers on Golf Radio is back for Part 2, a look at LIV Golf. We hit the tee at 10 AM this Saturday morning on WNDZ AM 750-Chicago. Ed Stevenson and Bill Berger in studio, with Rory Spears live at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Len Ziehm checks in from the Palm Aire studio’s in Sarasota Florida.

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.

Bryson DeChambeau speaks at Rich Harvest Farms in pre-tournament press conferences.

LIV IS HERE !

SO LIV-IT-UP at Rich Harvest Farms this weekend, as the stars of professional golf are back in town.

Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Cam Smith, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Bryson DeChambeau and Ian Poulter are here.

The three day 54 hole event should be plenty of fun. Because the days play all starts at once, ( A shotgun start at 12:15) there is no need to arrive at 6:45 Am to see your favorite players tee off. You won’t have to wait until almost 2 Pm to see your favorite player or players tee off.

What will the atmosphere be like. It’s hard to say until the tournament tee’s off here tomorrow. But another question is how will the men professional’s score at Rich Harvest Farms. Because many of the top tournaments here have been amateur tournaments, the 2009 Solheim Cup was ladies professionals in a match play format.

Owner Jerry Rich’s design has never been called easy. So scores may not go super low. But don’t be surprised if someone finally beats the course record. (Probably owned by Jerry Rich himself-or someone from the 2015 Western Amateur or the 2017 NCAA National  Championships.

CLCIK HERE TO HEAR the press conference with Bryson DeChambeau at Rich Harvest Farms.

Joaquin Niemann (L) and Anirban Lahiri meet the media pre tournament at Rich Harvest Farms.

This weeks yardage will be set at 7,408 yards, with a par of 72.

First place money is $4 million dollars to the winner. But the top four finishers will all make over $1 million dollars.

Not bad for less than a weeks work playing golf.

The field has 48 players, the 48th place finisher will earn $120,000 dollars. There is no cut where players leave with empty pockets.

CLICK HERE to hear Joaquin Niemann and Anirban Lahiri.

The broadcast of this weeks tournament is on line and at LIVgolf.com. Golfers on Golf will be at Rich Harvest Farms all week to cover the tournament. So stay clicked in for all the coverage you need.

LIV GOLF ARRIVES THIS WEEK at RICH HARVEST FARMS in Sugar Grove. So join all the fun and order tickets at [email protected] The stars of golf are back in town.

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 IT UP WEEK IS HERE.

SO WHAT WILL the LIV Golf series event at Rich Harvest Farms this week be like.

Well for one, I’m interested in finding out. Because in some ways, I still don’t  know exactly what to expect.

Sure it’s golf. But a three day format, with teams, a shotgun start, entertainment going on all day around the property.

What will the galleries be like. The demographics show that the average age of a LIV golf patron, is in their mid-30’s. As compared to being in their 60’s for the PGA Tour.

I will be out at Rich Harvest for four days from Thursday through Sunday to see what it’s all about. So if your curious, head out to Rich Harvest Farms and see what it’s all about. The field will be great, with all of LIV’s top players in the field. I’m curious to see how well the pro’s will score at Rich Harvest Farms.

THE USGA MID-AM has had some bad breaks with the downpour that hit both Erin Hills and Blue Mound Country Club in the Milwaukee area on Sunday morning. Erin Hills got 5.3 inches of rain and Blue Mound got a full six inches. So Sunday’s Round was cancelled before it started. But through plenty of hard work by the grounds staff, play resumed at close to noon on Monday. Due to the delays and updated schedule, 12 players had to WD.

But here’s to a strong finish by the players who have stuck around to see their week on the two great courses, play itself out.

THE WOMEN’S WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WWGA) holds it’s annual meeting this week at the Glen View Club. The 2022 Woman of Distinction award, which will see Judy Rankin being honored. Rankin announced a retirement from her long time post of broadcasting earlier this year.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS will enter this years NCAA Golf season ranked #11 in the country in the Bushnell/Golfweek ratings. The Fighting Illini Invitational starts on Friday at Olympia Fields Country Club.

I hope to see everyone out at Rich Harvest Farms this week. So get your tickets and come out to see stars of professional golf. RS

RICH HARVEST FARMS IS READY FOR LIV GOLF this coming week from September 16-18. The stars of professional golf are finally back in town. [email protected]. Singer and Songwriter Jason Derulo will be performing after Round 2 on Saturday. #LIV

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.

Bill McCarthy Director of the 2022 Mid-Amateur Championship.

THE 2022 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship is underway.

***BREAKING NEWS***

Todays second round of the 2022 Mid-Amateur Championship will not be played today, due to incoming severe bad weather.

Because heavy rains will hit both Erin Hills and Blue Mound Country Club. The rain fall will not allow for play to continue on Sunday, when rains hit both courses in the 8 Am hour.

Round 2 continues Monday, but the final round could be delayed. For more information see USGA.org.

Heritage Oaks Golf Club on Dundee Road in Northbrook.

FALL EVENTS are coming to Heritage Oaks in Northbrook.

This coming Friday September 16th is couples golf night at Heritage Oaks.

But followed by the Ladies Club Championship on Saturday September 17th.

The following weekend September 24th and 25th is the Men’s Club Championship. So sign up today for the events listed. But there are more events coming including Night golf. So visit Heritageoaksgc.com.

WILMETTE BASED LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS is handling the sale of two golf courses. The Royal Golf Club in St. Elmo Minnesota, which is located 15 minutes from St. Paul in the Twin-Cities area. St. Elmo is a Arnold Palmer-Annika Sorenstam design. In North Carolina near Pinehurst, located in West End NC is the Seven Lakes Golf Club, now for sale. So for more details see Linkscaptialadvisors.com or call Chris Charnas at (312)-543-7192 or email [email protected].

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS will host it’s annual Fighting Illini Invitational this Friday-Sunday 16-18 at the Olympia Fields Country Club. But Illinois with it’s entire team returning from last year, starts the season ranked 11th in the country. Eleven teams are ranked or in the receiving votes category.

THE ILLINI WOMEN’S golf team travels to South Carolina to open their season this week in the Cougar Classic, hosted by the College of Charleston. 18 teams will play the Yeaman’s Hall Club at a par of 71, and yardage set at 6,279 yards.

THE DEERPATH POPSTROKE QUALIFIER was held this past Saturday. The two winners that advance to the nationals in Sarasota Florida were, Justin Hagstrom-1st. With Fabien Duboeuf-2nd. The finals will have $125,000 dollars in prizes.

THE ILLINOIS WOMEN’S STATE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP will take place this week at the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. There will be 79 players in the field. So for more details at IWGA.org.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-returns tomorrow. RS

LIV GOLF COMES THIS WEEK to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Sept. 16-18. The stars of professional golf are finally back in town. Get your tickets at LIVGolf.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.

Chicago’s Favorite Foursome-Golfers on Golf Radio is back for a 2-week run on WNDZ-AM 750 on Saturday mornings. LIV GOLF is HERE.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO once thought to be done for the year, is back for another two week run on WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

Hosts Rory Spears and Len Ziehm return for this special edition to preview the upcoming week at Rich Harvest Farms.

Because the “Stars are Back in Town”. For the first time since Medinah in August of 2019, the stars of professional golf are here in the Chicago area.

So join Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Cam Smith, Bryson Dechambeau, Harold Varner, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and others at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove (near Aurora) this Friday-Sunday September 16-18.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR Golfers on Golf Radio’s LIV GOLF at Rich Harvest Farms preview show.

Our guests included Rich Harvest Farms Vice President Alex-Kline Wedeen, and the publisher of the Illinois Golfer-Tim Cronin.

Next Saturday-Rory Spears checks in LIV-E from Rich Harvest Farms, with Ed Stevenson and Bill Berger in studio at WNDZ. Len Ziehm will be live at the Palm-Aire studios in Sarasota Florida.

You will hear from LIV players and get recaps of the standing after Round 1. thanks for listening Len and Rory.

THE LIV GOLF SERIES COMES TO RICH HARVEST FARMS next week in Sugar Grove. Chicago-the stars of golf are finally back in town. Tickets at LIVGolf.com #LIV

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 2023 PGA SHOW Jan. 24-27 2023.

2022 saw a return of the PGA Show in Orlando Florida, after a year off because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the return was a show, wasn’t the show everyone remembered.

Because the companies with the biggest booths, the equipment companies didn’t show up. But in-part the equipment companies aren’t waiting until after the holidays to release their products. Because they are getting out in front of Black Friday and the holiday season to sell their clubs and accessories.

What might equipment companies do in 2023 is still a question. But one can only hope they return, even if the display isn’t quite as big. Demo day wasn’t much of a day this year, participation was small and the weather wasn’t good either. That on the heels of one of the coldest demo days in show history.

Covid isn’t gone. But it’s fading left to right. With the boom golf has had since the start of Covid, returning to the show in 2023 seems to be the smart thing to do. Some companies like apparel leader Travis Mathieu have already announced a return.

The 2023 show will add the following options.

A return of the biennial PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit. introduction of a golf industry career fair and an industry-collaborative launch of a golf leadership summit.

Additional support services for attending PGA professionals. Additional Show Floor improvements including enhancements to the Equipment Test Center, an expanded Golf Travel pavilion. An additional golf fitness programming and the introduction of a new Club Amenities pavilion.

“As the global industry’s launch into the new year and our annual gathering of PGA Professionals, the PGA Show is an important platform to connect, grow and engage the golf community,” said PGA of America President Jim Richerson. “It remains a priority to evolve the PGA Show each year to help PGA Professionals and industry leaders make the most of what’s happening now, prepare for what lies ahead and collectively shape future growth of the sport and business of golf.”

There are enhancements coming to the 2023 PGA Show. So for more information see PGAShow.com.

LIV GOLF COMES THIS WEEK TO RICH HARVEST FARMS IN SUGAR GROVE, are you there. Come see what all the fuss is about. The stars are back in town. LIVgolf.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 Pine in Mundelein.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein, has announced some of it’s fall events.

The famed 4-man Fall Scramble is now set for October 1st.

The Denil 3-man amateur event, with some cash getting thrown around, comes up on Sunday October 2nd.

So why not get up to Pine Meadow on the weekend of October 1st and 2nd and enjoy “The Pine”. Two of the great fall team events in the Chicago area, will be here before you know it.

So put your team together and call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (Golf). Pine Meadow Golf Club is operated by Jemsek Golf.

LIVGOLF COMES TO RICH HARVEST FARMS SEPT. 16-18 TICKETS LIVGOLF.COM

Pinehurst #8 Centennial-Now Open.

IT’s OPEN AGAIN !

Tom Fazio’s Pinehurst #8 that first opened in 1996, is open again for golfers.

The plan was to close #8 around Memorial Day, and reopen about a 100 days later by Labor Day Weekend.

Mission accomplished. As 8 re-opened on September 2nd, in time for Labor Day play. Spread out over 460 acres, #8 is back in shape.

No.8 tees.

The project included a freshening up the course, that had little done to it in it’s first 25 years.

Now the re-grassing, the greens with TiFEagle, new sand, and new conditions.

Both resort owner Bob Dedman, and resort President Tom Pashley agreed, the course needed to retain the look it inherited from architect Tom Fazio.

According to Pinehurst Director of Grounds Bob Farren, that concept has been carried out.

So when you are ready to travel this fall, and the Home of American Golf is on your list. There is longer the need to ask, which courses besides #2 should I play. One correct answer is #8, it’s back and you should be too.

Pinehurst.com where it’s always a beautiful day.