THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS NEW CLUBHOUSE-Opening soon. Follow the plans for grand opening at DuPageGolf.com. But the Preserve at Oak Meadows golf course is open for play. Don’t forget that Maple Meadows & Green Meadows are open.   _____________________________________________________________________

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

JULY IS HERE.

So that makes it tournament time in Illinois. But that normally means that there are too many at once in the same week.

Because this week, there is the Illinois Open at Mistwood Golf Club. But then there is the John Deere Classic of the PGA Tour in the Quad Cities.

This year the John Deere Classic (JDC) celebrates turning 50. So go-online and get some tickets, make the drive out if your in the Chicago area. Because once you do it, you will find it’s easy to get there and quicker than you think.

The full field is not yet posted on the website for the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open. But heading into Tuesdays 36-hole rounds. Mistwood teaching professional Nicole Jeray will lead a solid field around Kelpie’s Corner and the sod-walled Mistwood bunkers. Jeray is bidding for her third title on her own turf. Because a third win in the IWO would tie her for the most wins ever, with Kerry Postillion.

THE CUT will fall on Tuesday night. The top 30 players will advance to Wednesdays final round of 18 holes. Golfers on Golf will be at Mistwood both days.

IT’S BACK TO SILVIS ILLINOIS for the JDC at the end of the week. But can defending champion Dylan Frittelli who has missed several straight cuts in a row, find the magic again at TPC Deere Run. We will see.

TUESDAY NIGHT IS “THE MATCH” will it be a great match. Because it’s not known who Bryson DeChambeau’s caddie will be. But can Lefty Phil hit bomb’s like Bryson. So what about the QB’s. Can Brady take down Rodgers again. Do stay tuned for that one, and lets hope it’s not a bomb.

OUR 4th member of Chicago’s favorite foursome-Len Ziehm is back in town from Florida. I will be teeing it up with Len at the Preserve today. it’s my first round there in a year, and Len’s first since 2018. I’m sure when we are done, he will have a lot to say.

LEN DID join us live in studio for Golfers on Golf Radio this past Saturday. But if you missed the show, you can catch a replay on the cloud. So take your mulligan at Soundcloud.com/Chicagosprogressivetalk.

It will be a great week for golf in Illinois and beyond. So stay clicked in to see what I have in store coming up later this week. The Ziehm and Spears Podcast will get taped together here in town. So don’t miss out-stay tuned. RS

THE ILLINOIS WOMEN’S OPEN this Tuesday & Wednesday July 6-7 at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. YOU ARE READY TO TRAVEL and it’s time to return to the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana. The Pete Dye, Donald Ross and valley links Golf Courses are ready to test your game. Get a room in the new Valley Tower that is connected to the French Lick Casino. Reserve your Play & Stay now FrenchLick.com     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook/LinkedIn. With Len Ziehm and Bill Berger at WCPT 820 AM-Chicago.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY.

So enjoy your day off, and have some fun. Because you can go play golf, always a great idea.

BUT THERE is golf on TV as well you can watch.

Because the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage tournament is off and running.

But this week there are tournaments in Illinois.

The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, will host the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open.

BECAUSE THE ILLINOIS Women’s Open is back.

The IWO is named in honor of the late Phil Kosin, who will be inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame on October 1st.

With the new format, 36 holes will be played this Tuesday July 6th. But then the low-30 scores and ties will play the final 18 holes on Wednesday July 7th.

Entries to the championship have closed. Details at MistwoodGC.com

Dylan Frittelli is the defending champion in this weeks John Deere Classic.

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE.

Because the John Deere Classic is back, with first round play starting on Thursday July 8th.

Dylan Frittelli is still the defending champion from his win in 2019.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of PGA Tour Golf in the Quad Cities.

So there is a 50 year book recapping the history, and other special events to commemorate the 50th championship. Learn more or get tickets at JohnDeereClassic.com.

LISA STROM is the new head coach of the Ohio State Women’s golf team. Strom played for the Buckeye’s from 1995-1999. After playing professionally for years, Strom returned to OSU as an assistant coach from 2011-2016. Before stints at Texas Tech and Kent State.

GOLF 360 with Patrick Mannelly and Dave Lockhart.

GOLF360 is back tonight at 6:30 PM on NBC Sports Chicago.

The show is hosted by former Chicago Bear, and current brew master Patrick Mannelly.

So this week’s show includes features on the Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora. That will serve as home of this years Illinois Open.

But you can also get instruction from the pro staff at the Boyne Golf resorts in Michigan. But don’t forget to see the latest from Batavia based Tour Edge Golf. GOLF360 tonight on NBC Sports Chicago.

THE BLADE AND BOW LOUNGE will offer a VIP experience for those golfers playing in the Myrtle Beach World’s Largest Amateur from August 30-September 3rd. The B & B VIP experience is an addition to the World’s Largest 19th Hole. This experience is limited to 250 people at a cost of $249.00. So visit MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com for more information.

LAB GOLF Putters, is creating a special edition 4th of July Patriotic Putter, for only $900.00. But this limited edition will have only 15 of it’s kind made. So visit LABGolf.com quickly before they are all sold out. But you can a photo on Facebook under Rory Spears. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE at THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS. Food and beverage positions are now being hired. Stay tuned for details on opening day at Dupagegolf.com ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio Saturday afternoons for now at 4 Pm. With Ed Stevenson (R), Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears (L). Am 820-WCPT Chicago.

Golfers on Golf Radio Week-12 is here.

So relax after your round of golf today and enjoy the show.

Because the 4th member of Chicago’s favorite foursome, Len Ziehm is in the house up from Florida.

So for the first time in 2 years, the Hall of Fame inductee is with us.

But there is more. Because with the John Deere Classic on the tee for the week ahead. Championship Director Clair Peterson joins us. So does Tiernan Byrne of Club Choice Ireland, live from the Irish Open.

So join us on the tee at 4 PM on WCPT AM 820-Chicago. OR listen live on WCPT820.com OR check us out on Facebook Live on the WCPT820.com website.

BUT YOU CAN listen on your phone via The Tune-In Radio APP search WCPT820.

BUT IF YOU NEED a mulligan, head to Soundcloud.com/Chicagosprogressivetalk. And then just scroll down to the podcast.

So join us live at the top of the hour 4 PM WCPT 820 AM. Thanks for listening, Ed, Billy, Len and Rory.

THE PRO SHOP IS TAKING SHAPE and the Scoreboard is up. The New Clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows is getting ready to open. So follow all the details on the grand opening of this new gem off the course, at DupageGolf.com DuPage golf is now holding interviews for food and beverage staff employment opportunities. #DupageGolf   _____________________________________________________________________

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

Welcome to Pine Valley Golf Club

THE PINE VALLEY GOLF CLUB, the long time No. 1 rated course in America, has changed it’s membership guidelines.

Because for years Pine Valley was for men only. But not anymore.

Club President Jim Davis informed the membership, that the club has admitted three female members.

The three new members all have solid backgrounds in golf. World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Annika Sorenstam, Sarah Ingram, and Meghan Stasi.

While Sorenstam had a long outstanding career in professional golf. Both Ingram and Stasi have distinguished amateur careers in golf. Ingram and Stasi are both winners of the USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur championship. Both were top college players, and have played in and won amateur other championships. Ingram in Tennessee and Stasi in the Philadelphia. Both ladies have represented the United States as members of the Curtis Cup team.

Ingram and Stasi have both participated in the Women’s Western Golf Association’s Amateur Championship, with Ingram winning the amateur championship in 1991.

THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS is getting ready to open it’s new clubhouse, and hiring continues today from 12-3 for the food and beverage staff at Oak Meadows. But in the meantime the golf course is open for play. See more by visiting Dupagegolf.com  _____________________________________________________________________

Former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly presents Golf360.

GOLF360 has a special 4th of July Edition.

So check out NBC Sports Chicago Sunday night at 6:30 PM.

Because former Chicago Bear Longsnapper Patrick Mannelly presents GOLF360.

Mannelly and fellow Brew-master Dave “Links” Lockhart

This Star-Spangled Show features a look at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora, that will host the 2021 Illinois Open next month.

But there is more on this coming weeks John Deere Classic in Silvis Illinois, as the championship celebrates it’s 50th year as part of the PGA Tour. How about some golf instruction from the pro’s at Michigan’s Boyne Golf Resort.

What’s happening with Batavia’s Tour Edge Golf, that is a growing presence on the PGA Champions Tour.

So are you ready to visit the UP of Michigan. If so the Island Resort & Casino’s Sweetgrass and Sage Run Golf Clubs, make a great spot to stop and play.

Watch it all on Golf360 Sunday night at 6:30 PM on NBC Sports Chicago, before the fireworks really start.

THE BALTIMORE COUNTRY CLUB-Five Farms (L) and CAVES VALLEY GOLF CLUB (R) are front runners on the Baltimore golf scene. Old and Modern Classic Course. So stay tuned for a series on golf on where the BMW Championship will drive to in 2021.    _____________________________________________________________________

Len Ziehm and Rory Spears in the Port St. Lucie Florida studio. Ziehm and Spears coming from Illinois in the weeks ahead.

ZIEHM & SPEARS are back again with Podcast Series 2021-Volume 22.

This week Len and Rory discuss a variety of golf topics, including right off the first tee, the surprising caddie change for Bryson DeChambeau, at this weeks PGA Tour stop in Detroit.

But it doesn’t stop there. Because other topics include, sports stars outside of golf promoting certain tournaments, or golf itself.

But you also get a teaser about what golf company might be having some new product coming out on the market in about two weeks.

But of course some pre-John Deere Classic chatter. More on the Illinois Women’s Open coming up this week at Mistwood Golf. That is in advance of the Illinois State Amateur Championship also at Mistwood in 3 weeks.

Updates on the opening of Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, and new developments and staffing interviews for the Preserve at Oak Meadows. So which apparel company did a new 3 year deal with the Western Golf Association.

CLICK HERE to hear the latest edition of the Ziehm & Spears 2021 Podcast Series with Volume 22.

Len Ziehm has covered golf in Chicago and beyond for 53 years, and is a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. Rory Spears has covered golf in Chicago and beyond for 36 years. He grew up working 11 years at the Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Heights and the Chevy Chase golf club in Wheeling Illinois.

Len and Rory provide Chicago’s most complete weekly golf update, with some national golf news mixed in too. Enjoy and Thanks for Listening, Len and Rory.

THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS is holding interviews today and tomorrow for food and beverage staff jobs, as the new clubhouse prepares to open. So please visit DuPagegolf.com for details. The golf course is open, along with Maple Meadows and the nine hole course Green Meadows. Today’s interviews 12-4, and tomorrow is 12-3.    _____________________________________________________________________

The Western Golf Association (WGA) dating back to 1899.

NOW IT’S OFFICIAL!

Peter Millar apparel and the Western Golf Association have extended their agreement for 3 more years.

But there is more good news. Peter Millar has agreed to fund in full, a second Evans Scholarship for a caddie to attend college.

So as a result of this extension. Peter Millar a casual attire sportswear company, will be a featured brand at WGA tournaments and ESF events through 2023.

Peter Millar has been providing pro-am gifts at the BMW Championship since 2018, and has been part of the volunteer uniforms. But in more recent years, the Millar brand has been added to the Evans Scholars Invitational (ESI) on the Korn Ferry Tour. It’s now part of the Western Junior and Western Amateur Championships.

“Peter Millar has shown an unwavering commitment to supporting our dual missions of conducting world-class golf championships and changing lives by awarding college scholarships,” said WGA President & CEO John Kaczkowski. “By establishing a second Endowed Named Scholarship, Peter Millar is providing another opportunity for a promising young student to attend college. As the Evans Scholars Program expands nationwide, we look forward to collaborating with Peter Millar to identify brand new opportunities for their brand.”

“The mission of the WGA/ESF has long been one that Peter Millar has admired and supported. Because caddies are one of the most important foundations and traditions of the game,” says Todd Martin, President Peter Millar Golf. “So many of the member clubs are wonderful partners to Peter Millar. Because over the last 10 years, our WGA/ESF partnership has grown every year through the championships, especially the BMW Championship. So without question, we are by far most proud that our company will be able to have a life altering impact for a young man or woman by providing them a four-year education through this Peter Millar Endowed Scholarship.”

More details at WGAESF.org.

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

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

YOU KNOW THE MOVIE…

Planes Trains and automobiles.

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

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

Security lines and procedures aren’t great.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SO WHAT A WEEK IT IS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Club Champion store on Golf Road in Schaumburg

WILLOWBROOK IL. based Club Champion has done it again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Myrtle Beach, America’s Golf Capital.

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

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

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

Titleist T100 T100S and U-505 Utility Irons

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

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

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

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

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

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is back for Week 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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