SEPT 16-18 LIV GOLF and the stars of the game arrive at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. So get tickets while you can and come enjoy all three days of the excitement.

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.

L-R Len Ziehm-John Billiter and Rory Spears in the lobby of the new Heritage Oaks Clubhouse.

PART 3 of 3

Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2022, Part 2 of 2 from the Brook Room at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook,

IN THE FINAL CHAPTER of the rebuilding and rebranding of the Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears sit down with head golf professional John Billiter.

The podcast covers the what’s changed on the technical and teaching side of Heritage Oaks. Which is now a year-round option at the Northbrook golf facility.

Because part of the rebuild at Heritage Oaks was to include two new simulators in the new clubhouse. Upgrades in the practice area’s that are more than just a larger putting and chipping greens. So now golfers can try Trackman on the range, and both sides of it.

Because now if your looking to improve your game, your clubs and how you enjoy the game of golf, Heritage Oaks gives you the options to do just that.

CLICK HERE to hear the podcast with Len Ziehm-Rory Spears and Heritage Oaks head golf professional John Billiter.

Heritage Oaks is located at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook, and is celebrating it’s one-year anniversary since reopening from the renovation.

Thanks for listening-Len and Rory.

LIV GOLF is coming to Rich Harvest Farms September 16-18. Tickets are going quickly so get them while you can. See the stars of golf as they return to Chicago. 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 GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. With the new BGT Brava Driver shaft, in my Callaway Rogue ST Driver at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook.

THE GREAT NEWS is that Golfers on Golf Radio is coming back.

Because for the next two weeks it returns at it’s normal tee time of 10 Am, Saturday mornings on WNDZ AM 750.

Chicago’s favorite foursome of, The Hall of Famer-the Daily Herald’s Len Ziehm, DuPage County Forest Preserve District’s IPGA Professional Ed Stevenson, the former PGA Tour player Bill Berger, and yours truly will talk the biggest golf show in town.

Because next week-the stars are back in town when LIV Golf comes to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Names like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Cam Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and more.

This weekend our preview show looks at LIV Golf and how it continues to take off and change the face of professional tournament golf. Three days, 54 holes and a whole lotta fun (so I hear). We will see what it’s all about. Then on Saturday the 17th, show two looks at tournament in progress, and how Sunday’s finish is shaping up.

I will have more during the week on how Saturdays show is shaping up, as we get closer to the weekend. So stay tuned.

HERB KOHLER at the Baths Opening in June of 2021.

HERB!

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Herbert “Herb” Kohler this weekend.

When you think Wisconsin destination golf, you can’t help but think of Kohler. Even though Sentry World in Stevens Point, had the first course in Wisconsin some think of as the course golfers from other states came to see. It was Herb Kohler that turned the village with his families name on it, into a true golf destination. Because now Wisconsin has places like Erin Hills, Sand Valley, the courses of the Wisconsin Dells, the Lake Geneva area and more. That’s a credit to Kohler getting the golf ball rolling.

I look at Wisconsin in golf terms as the “Myrtle Beach of the Midwest”. With all the great golf options Wisconsin has.

I feel fortunate I got to spend as much time as I did around Mr. Kohler. He really had a way to keep all those around him laughing, and those who worked for him feeling challenged in their jobs.

The stories of Kohler and his architect the late Pete Dye are countless. I would ask the PR team before tournaments at Kohler if Kohler would talk to the media. At first they always seemed a little reserved about doing that. But when Kohler and Dye teamed up for a presser before one of the three PGA Championships, they brought the house down.

When more tournaments came along, the Kohler PR department was always asked by the media, when are Herb and Pete talking. The writers, the TV stations and radio folks had enough material to fill-up the notebooks and air-time, for a full week and then some.

When Whistling Straits was getting built Kohler would be in his office working. But would get a call that Dye was up to something out on the course. Kohler would drive out on the course, through the dirt piles and get his Jaguar stuck in the mud numerous times trying to find Dye. Course workers lost track of how many times Kohler’s car had to be towed out of dirt piles.

The Whistling Straits logo, take a good look at it. As Mr. Kohler told me once, he had a lady in the companies graphic arts department, create a few options. But if you see a little Herb Kohler in it, you should.

IF YOUR EVER playing Whistling Straits and you hear gun fire. It’s from a neighboring gun club on the lake. Kohler tried buying the owner out on several occasions but never could. In fact as the story goes, Kohler once sent the owner a blank check. The guy ripped up the check and mailed it back to Kohler. Kohler didn’t want his guests thinking they had to hit the deck when the rifles went off, or flinch in the middle of their backswings. But in the end, could never get the gun club shut down. But his efforts to do so, have made for great tales around the Village of Kohler.

I’m glad Kohler got to live long enough to see the big Team USA victory in the Ryder Cup last year, he enjoyed every minute of that. Herb Kohler was 83.

SORRY TO SAY I have not yet had a chance to go see architect Greg Martin’s finished product at Settler’s Hill. I toured the property three times during renovation with Martin, and can’t wait to play it. I’ll have more after I get in a full 18 holes, on the hill.

THE RESULTS are amazing when hitting a driver with the new BGT Barney Adams group new Brava driver shaft. I know at $399.99 the shaft is a little pricey for some folks budget. But if you can pop one in your driver, you might really enjoy the gain you will get off the tee. It’s in my new Callaway Rogue ST driver, after testing the numbers at Mistwood Golf Club with fitting specialist Matt Carter.

PART 2 of our look at the redone and rebranded Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook is here tomorrow. In podcast Part-2, Len Ziehm and I sat down with head golf professional John Billiter to talk the new technology side of the property. Which includes simulators, Trackman, GPS systems and more. Give it a listen.

With that, have a great week and go play some golf. Happy Labor Day everyone. RS

RICH HARVEST FARMS is ready to host the LIV Series of Golf-September 16-18. So get your tickets today, while they remain. The stars of golf are back in the Chicago area.

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 with the new BGT Brava driver shaft, now fitted into his Callaway Rogue ST-Driver. Photo by Ryan Corfield.

GOLF 360 is back tonight at 6 PM on NBC Sports Chicago.

There are plenty of good features, including a look at one of Michigan’s top golf resorts, Boyne.

Boyne has 10 courses for now, with architect Ray Hearn building a new par-3 course for 2023.

GOLF360 heads to the PGA Tour store in Vernon Hills, for a look at the new Callaway Rogue Driver. Plus more on the new Wingman putter by Batavia based Tour Edge Golf. Golf360 tonight at 6 PM.

TERRY REAM of Reno Nevada is your winner at the World’s Largest Golf Amateur Tournament in Myrtle Beach. This year over 3,200 golfers teed it up at the tournament, which is also home to the Worlds Largest 19th hole. So for more details see MyrtleBeachWroldAmateur.com.

Chad Johansen GM and head golf professional at Blackberry Oaks, is a Callaway Golf Ambassador.

BLACKBERRY OAKS IN BRISTOL, is far from being done for the year.

The Wally Boughton Senior Open in honor of raising funds for ALS, is coming up September 20-21 at the Oaks.

The four-person scramble is Sunday October 2nd.

The fall golf junior programs at Blackberry Oaks, are rolling with the #Kidsrule format.

GM Chad Johansen says Sunny Skies=PlayGolf. Because the season is far from over. Do you need clubs ? Because Callaway ambassador Chad Johansen will get you fitted into a new set of Callaway Rogue Woods and Irons.

So learn more about “The Oaks” at BlackberryOaks.com (630)-553-7170.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Alums Thomas Detry and Nick Hardy are looking for strong finishes at the Korn Ferry Tour event this week. Heading into the final round Nick Hardy is T-15. But Detry’s week concluded when he missed the cut on Friday.

U of I’s Adrien Dumont de Chassart has been named to the watchlist for the Fred Haskins Award, presented by Golf channel and Golfweek Magazine. For the top golfer in NCAA Collegiate golf.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS is having a Labor Day sale, starting at $275.00 per putter. So check out all the options at LABGolf.com

Blue Tee’s Golf announces new collegiate Series 2 Pro+ range finders.

Los Angeles based Blue Tee’s Golf has retained NCAA licensing to five of the top universities in the country.

“This new collegiate Series 2 Pro= line of rangefinders is perfect for the golfer who wants a high-performance rangefinder, and wants to show their college pride or spirit,” said Blue Tees Golf CEO Chris Markham.

Markham says that early sales show some very active fan bases. Schools available include USC, Ohio State, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Cost is $249.99 and they are available at Dicks Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and PGA Tour Superstores. But for more information see Blueteesgolf.com.

McWethy’s Tavern is back for another season. Reopening this Tuesday September 6th, with a new menu. But the famous chicken wings are back.

MCWETHY’S TAVERN

WILL REOPEN this Tuesday Sept. 6th, in time for the start of the NFL season.

There will be a new menu, that is not completely finalized just yet. But McWethy’s is sure you will love the changes.

No worries for those of you who enjoy the famous award winning chicken wings. They are back.

McWethy’s is part of the Mistwood Golf Dome located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The golf dome will re-open in November date TBD. Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

The SAM Putt Lab at Club Champion.

DID YOU KNOW !

That September is putter fitting month, and Willowbrook IL. based Club Champion is celebrating it by offering a free putter fitting, with the purchase of a new putter of putter shaft.

This is a $125.00 value.

But this promotion runs through October 2nd. So to learn more visit Clubchampiongolf.com More locations now than ever across America.

                   ELISA GAUDET (L) at the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show and (R) at the recent Top 100 Women Gala Awards in London. Elisa’s work for founding Women’s Golf Day around the the world was recognized by the foundation. Congrats to Elisa, making a difference in golf for women everywhere.

Sea Pines Resort-Hilton Head Island.

SEA PINES RESORT located on beautiful Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, is now offering a Fall & Winter getaway package.

But this package is now available and runs through Feb. 24 of 2023.

So to take advantage of this great offer, you must select a three-night stay.

But included in this package are complimentary dinner offers, and lunch entrees. Preferred rates on the highly rated golf courses, and plenty more. But better news is there are direct flight options on three airlines. So to book this fall or winter trip visit seapines.com/vacation-rentals/specials/fall-winter-getaways or call (866)-561-8802 and use the promo code GETAWAY. But this promotion is not available during holiday periods (Thanksgiving-Christmas or New Years).

The NEW BGT 2-Piece Wedge shafts

BGT Breakthrough Golf Technology has now added 2-Piece Premium Wedge shafts.

This following on the success, of their BGT putter shafts, and the more recently released this past summer Brava driver shafts.

BGT says these new shafts will do the same for your short game, that the other shafts have done for other parts of your game.

CEO Barney Adams says, “We are delighted to launch the ZNE Wedge Shafts. They have been years in the making, and we plan on redefining another part shaft category with our shaft technology. So if you want more control of your wedge game, or more distance from your wedges. ZNE delivers on both fronts.”

Weights are 90-115 or 130g. Test results show 92% of golfers had better distance control, 90% had better dispersion, 100% of golfers said it had a better feel than steel shafts. These shafts are now available for the price of $179.99. Details at BGTgolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns on Labor Day Monday-tomorrow RS.

LIV GOLF COMES TO RICH HARVEST FARMS September 16-18. So see what the fuss is about, in a fun golf setting, with many of the worlds best players 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.

Doug Bauman with the Illinois Super Senior Open trophy at Pine Meadow Golf Club.

DOUG BAUMAN won the 2022 Illinois Super Senior Open at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

Bauman trailed Billy Rosina by one shot after the first 18 holes. But after a rough start on Day-2, Bauman bounced back to defeat Rosinia by 1 shot.

Bauman joined Roy Biancalana, Jim Sobb, and Mike Harrigan as the only two-time winners of the tournament.

“It feels great to join those guys as the two-time winners, ” said Bauman. “All of those guys are good friends of mine. So this is a nice trophy to earn and good company to join.

Bauman’s great approach shot on the par-4 18th hole, set up a short birdie putt. Which Bauman drained for the win.

Rosinia finished alone in second place. The Illinois Super Senior Open was the final event of the series for 2022. The Illinois PGA thanked sponsors Tito’s Vodka and the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute for sponsoring the series. More information at IPGA.com.

LIV GOLF BRINGS THE STARS OF GOLF Finally back to Chicago. So get your tickets today at LIVGolf.com for the Sept. 16-18 tournament at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove Illinois. Hospitality is nearly sold-out and fans are about ready to see all the action. #CamSmith #PhilMickelson #DustinJohnson #BrysonDechambeau #IanPoulter

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Golfers on Golf Radio is back next Saturday at 10 AM on WNDZ Am 750. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

L-R Rory Spears, Heritage Oaks head professional John Billiter, Len Ziehm and Heritage Oaks Director of Golf Greg Baron at Heritage Oaks Golf Club.

HERITAGE OAKS IS HERE-PART 2

The Len Ziehm and Rory Spears podcast series will have two parts, on the reopening of the Northbrook IL. golf course.

Because what was Sportsman’s Country Club, is no longer that. It’s now a club taking advantage of it’s history and now calling itself, Heritage Oaks.

But here is Part 2 of the story, which is really part 1 on the podcast side of 2.

Illinois Golf Hall of fame inductee Len Ziehm and Rory Spears sat down in the newly created Brook-Room in the new Heritage Oaks clubhouse 3535 Dundee Road. To discuss the over year long renovation of the club, with Director of Golf Greg Baron.

The process had a few changes along the way. The initial plan was changed. But while the course and facility have reopened, the improvements are not yet complete.

So hear what’s new besides the name at Heritage Oaks by checking out Ziehm and Spears with Greg Baron in the Brook-Room.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR this edition of Ziehm and Spears, with Heritage Oaks Director of Golf, Greg Baron.

Ziehm and Spears returns with Part 3 of the look at the new Heritage Oaks, and podcast part 2 with head golf professional John Billiter. Billiter looks at the teaching side of the club, along with practice areas and club fitting at Heritage Oaks.

So thanks for listening-Len and Rory.

LIV GOLF comes to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Sept. 16-18. You can buy your tickets at LIVGolf.com. The stars of professional golf are returning to the Chicago area.

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 Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook, celebrates it’s first anniversary since reopening from renovation.

HERITAGE OAKS GC-PART 1 of 3.

NOW ONE YEAR into reopening, since the old look Sportsman’s Golf and Country Club, became Heritage Oaks (3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook) Golf Club, the course and property is starting to take shape.

These days when a course reopens, there is a big rush to go play it, and that’s very understandable.

But if you play it right away, then go back a year later, you will notice how much has popped on the property. Because the golf course just matures so much more.

While Heritage Oaks is open from the renovation, it’s not done. Because over the next couple of years, the cart paths will get done or re-done in needed area’s. The bunkers will see improvements, and unneeded or overgrown trees will be trimmed or removed. So stay tuned, even more at Heritage Oaks is yet to come.

The new clubhouse at Heritage Oaks has been a hit with golfers., who enjoy both the newly stocked pro shop, and the new Acorn Grille for food and beverage.

The golf course is fronted by a new clubhouse, that’s complete with a new pro shop and new restaurant called the Acorn Grille.

The Acorn Grille offers both indoor and outdoor dining, something that plenty of golfers and even non-golfers are enjoying. The back patio is great place to hangout after golf, or even if your not playing.

So check it out before Mother Nature decides it’s too cold to do just that.

  THE ACORN GRILLE has been a popular hangout all summer long, so popular that even the NHL’s Stanley Cup dropped in one afternoon (courtesy of Northbrook native J.T. Compher of the Colorado Avalanche).

Golf practice area’s are complete with a double-sided driving range, a newly enlarged putting green and chipping green, which includes a practice bunker near the first tee. The range now has Trackman for those who want more technology and better stats to improve their game.

The Heritage Oaks range now offers more than ever before, including Trackman to learn more about how you are playing the game.

The Heritage Oaks pro shop now comes complete with more items golfers can use, all year long. Logo’d golf apparel  comes in many shapes, sizes and colors. Do you need golf shoes, golf balls, golf gloves, a new push cart, golf bag or glass wear. Visit the pro shop, where you will find all of the above.

THE NEW Chipping green (L)) alongside the and enlarged putting green (R) that sit between the the first tee’s of the Classic 18 hole course and the 9-hole Legacy course.

The new simulator room allows for golf year round at Heritage Oaks.

Heritage Oaks has two simulators for year round golf, and the Brook Room that’s great for meetings and smaller groups.

So if you have not yet returned to Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, it’s time to do so.

Because the facility is getting better all the time, and is no longer just a fun summer place.

Golfers on Golf podcasts including the (Len) Ziehm and Spears series, has record two episodes at Heritage Oaks. Part 1 with Director of Golf Greg Baron on the facility and the renovation, and then Part 2 with John Billiter the head golf professional at the club.

Stay tuned for those podcasts coming soon.

But as the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, think about stopping out for a round of golf at Heritage Oaks this weekend. Enjoy the golf, and enjoy the atmosphere. For more information please visit Heritageoaksgc.com or call the club at (847)-291-2351.

Heritage Oaks is part of the Northbrook Park District. The park district also offers a nine hole par-3 course called Annetsberger at another location.  Current PGA Tour player and Northbrook native Nick Hardy holds the course record with a score of 21, on the par 27 course.

WELCOME to LIV GOLF bringing the golf fan a new style of professional golf. Fantastic fun for all ages. The stars of golf return to the Chicago area, for tickets see 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.

A close up look at what was rumored to be a dead-green. Well it’s not.

DID YOU HEAR THE ONE ABOUT the dead greens at Rich Harvest Farms, site of the LIV Golf Series from September 16-18 next month.

BECAUSE IF YOU DID, forget about it, not true, a total falsehood.

With LIV Golf coming to town in less than 30 days, was their a misunderstanding, or did someone try intentionally to give the event a bad name.

The hot rumor at the recent Western Amateur was that Rich Harvest Farms, home of an upcoming LIV Series of Golf event, had lost a couple if it’s greens. Perhaps more of them were in trouble. Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich’s attempt to restore major professional golf to the Chicago area was failing.

WELL GUESS WHAT-nothing could be further from the truth. So those who have tickets, or want tickets while you can still get them. Will see a really good golf tournament from Sept. 16-18 in Sugar Grove. Perhaps some incredible putting by some of the best players in the world, on some of the best greens in the windy city area.

Another one of the greens in question, RHF hole Silver 7, the par 5.

Golfers on Golf reached out to Jerry Rich after the rumor broke. Rich and RHF Vice President/Marketing Alex Kline Wedeen, offered the opportunity to come see the greens in person and see first-hand their condition.

On Monday afternoon shortly after a quick but fierce summer storm blew through the golf course, GOG went and did a green and golf course tour and in this case, inspection.

The tour conducted by Wedeen, included a visit from superintendent Jeff VerCautren. Who explained what was done to the two greens in question. In late spring two greens had a POA issue, so Rich and VerCautren made the decision to make repairs. Because this would make those two greens, roll as pure as the other 16 greens. Tournament or no tournament, it was work that needed to be done. So it was.

After walking on the greens in question, and crawling around on them as well. You could the tournament now. So LIV golfers should enjoy putting on all 18 greens at Rich Harvest Farms next month.

But the fact that this rumor/story was even going around, was “frustrating and disappointing” said Wedeen.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEW with Rich Harvest Farms VP Alex Kline-Wedeen.

Hospitality is getting close to being “sold-out” for the tournament.

Rich Harvest Farms has a great history of hosting championships, amateur, junior, women’s professional and more.

So from the early looks of things, the LIV Golf experience will be a really good one.

Better than the PGA Tour, that remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, it will be different and likely more fun.

Earlier today, more players announced they would leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf. The list included Cam Smith the current “Champion Golfer of the Year” with his recent win at St. Andrews in the Open Championship.

Smith had his reasons for making the move, yes money was part of it. But the chance to spend more time in his homeland of Australia was too much to pass up. Even more players could leave for the LIV after the Presidents Cup. So stay tuned.

By the way, did you hear the story about how great the greens are at Rich Harvest Farms. Yes-you just did.

Learn more about LIV Golf at LIVGolf.com.

MISTWOOD FITTING SPECIALIST MATT CARTER studies the numbers and explains the data to Rory Spears or Golfers on Golf. So do you need an explanation on what’s in your bag, do your current clubs stack-up with the new models. Find out at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville from Carter or Eric Russell at 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 at the 18tee box of the Pine Valley Golf Club-Pine Valley New Jersey.

RORY WINS!

Which is always a good thing in my book-LOL.

Rory McIlroy came from behind-six strokes behind to win the PGA Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.

Which comes with a big payday, a LIV Series of Golf-like payday. But McIlroy is on the other side of the fence, the PGA Tour’s side of the fence, which maybe or not a good thing.

But does this win take the sting out of four great finishes in the major championships, Top 10’s and all. However McIlroy came away with no wins. So now with the opportunity to take a break from the course, McIlroy has other issues to deal with.

FIRST-UP there is that Subpoena to deal with, in a lawsuit that is coming out from the LIV Series of golf. Both McIlroy and his new business partner Tiger Woods have now been Subpoenaed, hey guys have fun at the depositions scheduled for Sept. 21 and 22 in Jupiter Florida.

THEN THERE IS THAT NEW TECH BUSINESS that McIlroy and Woods have teamed up to create, launching new golf platforms starting 2024. Monday night golf is back along with other golf events. McIlroy should really watch out for who he signs up as a business partner to work with.

THE TOUR INSIDE OF A TOUR is what new commissioner Tiger Woods (or so he thinks) has put on the table. Commissioner for now Jay Monahan who created the current situation in golf by playing hardball from Day 1, seems to be staying out of the way.

20 plus new events for the elite players, with more money on the table. Protected tournaments on the tour include Arnold Palmer’s tourney at Bay Hill, and the Jack Nicklaus tournament The Memorial at Muirfield Village in Ohio.

BUT WHAT DOES it do for the other tournaments, not getting the big payout money from the tour or the sponsor. Chicago already has only 1 BMW Championship in the next four years. But has always had the John Deere Classic as another PGA Tour stop in Illinois. Problem is that the JDC doesn’t seem to be getting any help the PGA Tour office, in being attractive to top players or to the golf fans of the Midwest. Even the AT&T at Pebble Beach might be getting hung out to dry.

THE CHANGES have hit home already in Florida. Where the championship directors at the Honda Classic and the Valspar are in the scramble mode. Because they need to find a way to attract top players with purses smaller than other tournaments.

THIS NEW FORMAT seems to be another ploy by the PGA Tour to steal other folks ideas or the LIV Series of Golf playbook. Hey Jay it seems pretty simple, can’t beat them-join them.

FOR THOSE OF YOU who keep track of such stats. The research is out on which companies have had players with their drivers win the most tournaments on the PGA Tour this year. Titleist leads the way by a small margin over TaylorMade and Callaway. But if you throw in the numbers from Europe and the other tours, the stats may change.

I WILL go visit Rich Harvest Farms tomorrow and get a look at things in advance of the LIV Series of Golf, including the greens that were in question. So more to come on that topic-stay tuned.

I was bummed to see Northbrook’s Nick Hardy run out of gas today at the Korn-Ferry Tour event. Because after rounds of 64 and 65 to start the day T-2. Hardy backed up almost 30 spots with a +6 final round. Here’s hoping Hardy has a chance to get his PGA Tour card back for 2023. Highwood’s Patrick Flavin missed the cut in the Korn-Ferry event by a shot. This too, was a big week for him.

USGA SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN at NCR-Conway Farms Jamie Fischer rallied on the weekend for a Top 20 finish (T-19). Mistwood Golf Club’s Nicole Jeray had her best round yesterday a 77 to finish in 43rd place. It was great to see both players make the cut and play all four days to get a check.

I’m back at Mistwood GC trying a new shaft by BGT Golf vs what’s in my Callaway driver. Specialist Matt Carter will help with the testing. Details and a review coming before long.

The Gog Blog returns all week. RS

  RICH HARVEST FARMS in Sugar Grove welcomes the LIV Series of Golf Sept. 16-18 so check out LIVGolf.com you can purchase your tickets today. The fun starts now.

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 late Jim McWethy (L) with Rory Spears (R) outside the Mistwood Clubhouse in Romeoville.

MISTWOOD GOLF PRESENTS!

THE RETURN of the McWethy Cup, a memorial to the late owner of the club, Jim McWethy.

McWethy passed away in 2020, from a lung disease. But before he did, he built a lasting legacy in the Mistwood Golf Club and Mistwood Golf Dome.

One piece at time, McWethy rebuilt Mistwood with architect Ray Hearn back-on-board, redesigned the golf course, then the practice area, and then finally the Mistwood Clubhouse. Then McWethy started rebuilding and rebranding the Mistwood golf dome.

THE MCWETHY CUP is Tuesday September 13th, and raises money for PGA Hope and the veterans of this country. So learn more at Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333.

CLUB CHOICE IRELAND is offering stays at the Martello Hotel, in Bray County, Wicklow. Learn more at Clubchoiceireland.com.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced a change in it’s driving range hours starting on Labor Day Monday, September 5th. Because range ball sales for the day will now end at 6 PM instead of 7 PM. More information call (847)-566-4653.

St. Andrew Golf Course in Scotland-the Swilcan bridge on the 18th hole.

ST. ANDREWS of SCOTLAND has announced the return of advanced tee times in 2023, for the first time before the start of the Covid-Pandemic.

Advanced tee-times have been on hold for over two years.

The ballot for tee times has just reopened and will run through the 7th of September.

But now you can also arrange tee times for the other six St. Andrews golf courses. But for more information on St. Andrews golf packages please visit https://play.standrews.com/ Applicants will receive the results of the ballot process this October.

SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES is running a Labor Day sale. So now you can save $25 on all Mesh style Sqairz golf shoes. Buy now and receive a special gift. Sqairzgolf.com.

GOLF DIGEST MAGAZINE has ranked the top golf courses in South Carolina. 11 of those courses are in Myrtle Beach. See which ones made the list at Playgolfmyrtlebeach.com.

DAYTONA BEACH area golf is now offering three exciting golf packages, to this now growing golf destination. So check out all the offers at Daytonabeach.Golf.

WILLOWBROOK BASED CLUB CHAMPION continues to grow across America, with the opening of four new locations. But right now there are specials at these new locations that include Albuquerque New Mexico, Wayne PA., San Jose California, and Princeton New Jersey. See more at Clubchampiongolf.com.

The Lawn at Deerpath Golf Course is open.

THE LAWN AT DEERPATH the Chicago area’s largest new putting green, will host a qualifier for the national championship of PopStroke which will be held later this year in Orlando Florida.

POPSTROKE has recently opened locations in several place around Florida, which include Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port St. Lucie and Orlando.

The Deerpath qualifier in Lake Forest will run from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday September 10th. The competition is nine-holes and each round costs $10 dollars. But the top two finishers at Deerpath will be into the national championship and play for money from a purse of over $100,000 dollars.

But for more information visit the Deerpath golf course website Deerpathgolf.com.

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