THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is a proud sponsor of Golfers on Golf Radio, heard on Saturdays at 4 pm on WCPT AM 820. So tune in, or watch the show on Facebook. Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger & Rory Spears host. But see FrenchLick.com for #PeteDyeGolf    _____________________________________________________________________

Len Ziehm (L) Rory Spears (M) and long time golf industry executive Doug Schmidt podcast from Innisbrook Resort in March of this year.

ZIEHM & SPEARS they are back for another edition of the Z&S Podcast Series 2021-Volume 15.

Because Len Ziehm has a lot to say.

So yes some things never change. But Rory has plenty to add as well.

This weeks edition has Len and Rory debating the NCAA College Regional assignments. So did the B1G Ten get the shaft from the selection committee having their schools sent so far away to compete.

HOW ABOUT LOYOLA, back in another tournament again. But they face tough competition as a #13 seed. So they better call Sister Jean to help. Cog Hill Dubsdread hosted a U.S. Open qualifier this past week, who won. Cog Hill’s range now open at night with lights.

THE KORN FERRY TOUR will have minimum purses of $1 million dollars starting in 2023, a sizeable jump from it’s current amount for many of the tournaments. What does that mean for the Evans Scholars Invitational, that will need to make a purse increase as well.

ERIN HILLS opens on Monday for another exciting year of golf, and also in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin is looking for a new head golf coach. Who are some of the top resort properties hosting Symetra Tour events in the next few months.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2021-Volume 15.

FOREST DUNES has named it’s new Short Course-Len and Rory have more on the news.

Thanks for listening to another week of Ziehm and Spears-Len & Rory.

  WHITE DEER RUN in Vernon Hills is under new management. WhiteDeerRun.com So go book your tee time at one of Lake County’s top public golf courses. (847)-680-6100.  _____________________________________________________________________

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

THE BOOTLEGGER 10-hole Short course at Forest Dunes.

FOREST DUNES in Roscommon Michigan has now named it’s new 10-hole short course.

SO THE WINNER IS: The Bootlegger.

But while there was some limited play last fall, the course opened for good today May 6th.

This 1,135 yard short course was designed by Riley Johns and Keith Rhebb. Because the location is perfectly located on the grounds of Forest Dunes, it’s easy to access for play.

SO HOW LONG ARE THE HOLES ? Not very. Because the longest hole is 150 yards, with 65 yards being the shortest. But how did the name Bootlegger arrive ?

So legend has it that the Forest Dunes property has a history. But while owned by General Motors founder William Durant originally, the land got sold to a group of mafiosos (The Purple Gang) in the 1930’s. But known as the Detroit Partnership (think the Martin Scorsese’s film-The Irishman), the land became involved as a placed used in the smuggling of alcohol from Windsor, Ontario to Detroit.

The 10-hole Bootlegger Course at Forest Dunes.

JOHNS and RHEBB were able to build the Bootlegger in 81 days. But the Bootlegger was created with fun and amazing shot values.

“We essentially had carte blanche, which was awesome, and only way we could get the project completed in time,” says Rhebb. “One of the few requests was to make the course ‘playful’- a theme that prevailed though out the design process. So we had fun with it.”

IF YOU HAVE NEVER had a hole-in-one, playing the Bootlegger might be your best chance to get one. Because Bootlegger’s greens funnel balls towards pin locations. So should you make an ace-maybe it will be because your pumped from the music from 16 speakers around the course.

YOU CAN use a putter on a few holes, and try to make 1 or 2 teeing off with the flat stick. So take a whack at an ace with your putter. Because you can’t do that on the award winning Tom Weiskopf designed Forest Dunes course, or the Tom Doak built reversible layout the The loop.

So learn more about ‘The Bootlegger’ course by visiting ForestDunes.com

IT’S TIME TO GOLF at the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana. The courses are back & open for 2021 you should be too-Donald Ross-Pete Dye see FrenchLick.com.   ____________________________________________________________________

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

The Fighting Illini are off to Oklahoma as a #2 seed.

THE MEN’S NCAA Golf Regional assignments are out.

BUT THE B1G TEN will have to hit the road to compete, from May 17-19.

Because Big Ten Champions Illinois are off to Stillwater Oklahoma, and the Karsten Creek Golf Club. So this makes 13 straight years, the Orange and Blue have made the regionals.

But the #2 seeded Illini won’t be alone in Oklahoma, they will be joined by #11 Northwestern, and #5 seeded Notre Dame.

But for even more travel, the #35 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes get to go to Washington State. Where they will compete at Tumble Creek Golf and Country Club, in Cle Elum Washington. Wake Forest is the top seed. But while the trip is far, Iowa Coach Tyler Stith says his team will be ready to go. “Last year at this time we were not playing golf. So I told our players where ever we end up we will be grateful, and we will have a great attitude.”

INDIANA UNIVERSITY is back in the regionals for the first time since 2013. But it’s the tenth appearance for the Hoosiers under Coach Mike Mayer. “First and foremost, it’s been a great team effort, all 11 players on our roster have contributed,” said Mayer. “Because it’s been a while since we have been in the post season, we are thrilled to be going to Florida and play.”

INDIANA will join Ohio State of the Big Ten in Tallahassee Florida regional, played at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club.

FLORIDA STATE is the top seed in Tallahassee. With Indiana at #8, and the Buckeyes of Ohio State are at #11. 2021 is the 50th NCAA postseason appearance for the Buckeyes. Ohio State advanced to the nationals after their last regional appearance in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. At the national finals the Buckeyes finished in 13th place.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY has two players Joe Weiler and Cole Bradley, advance to regionals as individual players. Both Weiler and Bradley will compete at the Sagamore Golf Club in Noblesville Indiana. But not advancing as a team, ended Purdue’s six year run of team play in the regionals.

But for more on B1G Ten golf stay clicked in here. Because Illinois golf coach Mike Small and Fighting Illini players spoke to the media earlier today.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN head golf coach Michael Burcin, has resigned after 11 years with the Badgers, the university has announced.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is open for golf, your visit to the spa or the casino (must be 21 years old to enter). Book your next golf trip to French Lick. See FrenchLick.com. _____________________________________________________________________

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

    University of Illinois Men’s Golf team member, Adrien Dumont de Chassart has been selected to the International Team for the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms, June 11-13.

Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

But entire rosters for both men’s and women’s teams will be announced shortly.

THIS IS Dumont de Chassart’s first appearance in the Arnold Palmer Cup.

Dumont de Chassart is a native of Villers La Ville, Belgium, and becomes the sixth member of the Fighting Illini Golf Team to play in the Arnold Palmer Cup.

Past members include Nick Hardy (2017), Charlie Danielson (2016), Thomas Detry (2014-2015), Thomas Peters (2012), and Scott Langley (2010).

Dumont de Chassart, is ranked 30th nationally by Golfstat, and recorded a second place finish at last weekends Big Ten Championship won by Illinois.

But he is second on the team for stroke average (71.04) for this year, while tying for the team lead of top finisher for Illinois at three events this year. But Dumont de Chassard has top-10 finishes in six of eight events, and three top-5’s.

BECAUSE ILLINOIS has not yet finished it’s season. Dumont de Chassart will be part of the Fighting Illini’s play at the NCAA Regionals, from May 17-19. Illinois hopes to extend it’s streak to 13 straight years of going to the NCAA Nationals.

Golfersongolf.com will have more on the full rosters for the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup shortly.

OPENING IN Summer the Preserve at Oak Meadows Clubhouse. See Dupagegolf.com _____________________________________________________________________

THE 2021 B1G TEN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS the Fighting Illini of Illinois.

SO THEY DID IT AGAIN, Illinois has won yet another Big Ten Conference Championship.

But this time with no room for error.

Because it was the smallest margin of victory in school history. 1-Shot over Iowa. The two shot lead U of I started the day with, was gone in just 3 holes.

The first three holes the Illini were +3, and Iowa was -3, and took the lead. In fact Iowa had a 10 shot lead by the turn, said Illinois Coach Mike Small. “We got punched in the nose early, and didn’t respond until after 8 or 9 holes. It took some great golf on the back nine to rally and win.”

Small was really proud of his team that like all NCAA programs, has endured a lot during these pandemic times. “It’s great to see the smiles on the kids faces,” said Small.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Illinois Men’s head golf coach Mike Small. Who covers a variety of topics about golf.

SO NOW ILLINOIS waits for the phone call to see where they begin championship play. Small is hoping to keep the Illinois streak going, of consecutive appearances at the NCAA National Championships. Texas has the lead with 13 years, Illinois is second with 12 years. Destination Scottsdale Arizona-Grayhawk Golf Club.

BRIAN BULLINGTON of Frankfort Illinois, shoot s a 7 under par 65, at Cog Hill, on Dubsdread to advance out of local USGA qualifying for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in June. He shoots the low score of the day, and five players in total advanced to the final qualifying.

LAST Tuesday when I played the course, there was still some recovering to do from the aeration and sanding work that has been done. But maybe the warm weather weekend helped tune things up. Because the colder weather and snow Cog Hill was hit with, the previous week, slowed down the process.

THIS SOUNDS LIKE FUN! Tuesday June 1st DuPage Golf and the Preserve at Meadows have teamed up with the Green Street Grille, for a fun day of golf and food. Because for only $100 per player, enjoy a four-player (play your own ball), 1-best ball score per hole. Field limited to 108 players, shotgun start at 1 Pm. But after golf it’s a short drive over to the Green Street Grille for dinner. See DuPageGolf.com for more details.

THE EAGLE RIDGE RESORT and SPA, has hired in Mike Weiler as it’s new Director of Golf this past week. Weiler has started already, and replaces Ryan Brown who left for Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

  INNISBROOK is home to this weeks Valspar Championship-on the Copperhead Course one of four courses at the resort. So play where the pro’s play Innisbrookgolfresort.com. _____________________________________________________________________

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 or Instagram. On the Copperhead Bridge-hole #12.

THE VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP IS BACK.

So dial it in today on CBS, and catch all the action. Two-time defending champion Paul Casey seems to be out of the race for a 3-Peat. But he did make the cut for the weekend.

Copperhead is a course you can play, since it’s resort course. Innisbrook has 4 golf courses, the others are the Island Course, and the North and South Courses. Play them all. Because they are worth a round of golf or two on.

Pine Meadow in Mundelein is welcoming back Mothers Day golf in 2021.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein is welcoming back in 2021, Mothers Day Golf.

Mom’s can play FREE  after 11:30 Am with a paid $19.00 golf cart fee, on Mothers Day May 9th.

But there is more good news from Pine Meadow. Because the online automated tee time system has been activated as of Noon on May 1st.

For more details see PineMeadowgc.com or call the pro shop (847)-566-GOLF (4653).

WHITE DEER RUN Golf Course in Vernon Hills has been sold through Links Capital Advisors, and Chris Charnas. Linkscapitaladvisors.com.

THE GOLF HERITAGE SOCIETY has announced that Glenn Haueisen has been named to the societies Board of Directors in Region 4. This area includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Society president Bern Bernacki said,” his involvement with in many aspects of golf through the years will provide the GHS with important insight.” Details at GolfHeritage.org.

Eagle Ridge has opened it’s restaurants and expanded the hours. The Highlands is now open.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT in Galena is gearing up for the summer months.

So first on the tee is the great news that the Highlands Restaurant is now open.  But with new hours as of this weekend.

Because summer is right around the corner. All of the resorts dining places are expanding their hours.

But on the tee, or at least the range. Is the Callaway Fitting Day on May 15th, that runs from 10-2. So why not head to Eagle Ridge and help welcome new Director of Golf Mike Weiler. So for more information visit EagleRidge.com.

Lawsonia Links the 14th hole. A classic course you can play.

LAWSONIA LINKS in Green Lake Wisconsin, has been named the #23rd ranked course in the country, You Can Play by Golf Magazine.

But there is more news from Lawsonia. Because it’s not just the Links Course making news. The Woodlands Course will finally reopen on May 14th, and the Links Course will host the Wisconsin Women’s Open on June 15th and 16th.

Learn more at Lawsonia.com.

The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, home of McWethy’s Tavern.

MOTHER’S DAY at MISTWOOD and McWethy’s Tavern.

Because Sunday May 9th is Mothers Day, and you can reserve your table today.

The main dining hall-The Great Hall and McWethy’s will be open until 9 Pm.

But for those looking for more on the golf side. Check out Mistwood’s Short-Game clinics. Mistwood pro’s Andy Mickelson and Chris Ioriatti work with students on a 4 to 1 ratio. Clinics meet weekly all May. See MistwoodGC.com or call (815)-254-3333.

GIANTS RIDGE RESORT, a highly rated resort in Northern Minnesota, has announced it’s golf courses have opened for the season. Learn more at GiantsRidge.com.

POINT O’WOODS clubhouse in Benton Harbor Michigan, is getting some renovation work done. Official reopening in early June.

THE LONG TIME home of the Western Amateur, Point O’ Woods Golf Club in Benton Harbor Michigan, is getting an indoor renovation in it’s clubhouse.

The official reopening is expected in early June.

But the word is the club’s list of members is almost full, and could need to start a waiting list before long.

So one has to believe that before long, the Western Amateur will be returning, with all the improvements made by the club.

New Callaway golf shoes for the ladies.

SO LADIES would you like some new shoes for Mother’s Day.

C’mon ladies, new shoes-such a good plan, right!

Callaway Golf has created the new athletic designed-Malibu shoe. Comes complete with a spikeless outsole, and multi-directional traction lugs to keep you stable during your swing. Comes in both navy or grey colors with a suggested retail of $79.95.

BUT IT DOESN”T STOP THERE. Because New Balance has added Women’s Fresh Foam Breathe, available in white-grey and navy with a suggested retail of $69.95.

OMNI LaCOSTA Resort and Spa, in Carlsbad California has added Ryan Faust of Faustygolf.com to it’s golf training staff. Because if your body is in need for more flexibility and you want to gain swing speed. Stop and see Faust on your next trip to Southern California. See more at OmniLacosta.com.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-RETURNS TOMORROW. RS

THE INNISBROOK RESORT-is home to this weeks Valspar Championship on CBS. An outstanding field is competing for the title. YOU can play where the pro’s play. So book your next golf trip to Innisbrook and play golf on Copperhead. Visit Innisbrookresort.com _____________________________________________________________________

RORY SPEARS (L) and ED STEVENSON host week #3 of Golfers on Golf Radio today at 4 Pm on WCPT Am 820.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-WEEK #3 is here, with a tee time of 4 pm.

So dial us up on AM 820 WCPT, your hosts today are Illinois PGA Professional Ed Stevenson and long time Chicago journalist and sportscaster Rory Spears.

But we will also hear from show contributor Len Ziehm, with some thoughts on resort golf in Minnesota, and the U.S. Open qualifier this week on Dubsdread at Cog Hill.

Guests include the publisher if The Illinois Golfer Tim Cronin, who serves as the committee chairman for the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. Cronin will have an update on the 10 finalists who remain in the running for this years 2021 Class of Inductees. Because only 4 or 5 are likely to get voted in this year.

Jim Nugent publisher of the Global Golf Post, joins us about 4:30. Nugent will share his thoughts about the next revision of Medinah Course #3. Plus the state of various segments of the golf industry.

So if you miss the show live, you can visit the WCPT AM 820 website, and listen or view the program. But another way is to visit the Cloud at Soundcloud.com/ChicagosProgressiveTalk and scroll down to the podcast.

BUT REMEMBER every week the show can be heard live on WCPT Am 820. So you can also enjoy the show online at WCPT820.com. Watch the show on Facebook and You Tube. But you can also listen live on the Tune In Radio APP Search WCPT 820.

So join us every week for the next exciting edition of the award winning Golfers on Golf Radio. Chicago’s longest consecutive golf radio program, now in it’s 31st season.

INNISBROOK RESORT in Tarpon Springs Florida. The home to this weeks Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour, and the Copperhead Golf Course. You can play where the pro’s on the PGA Tour play. Book your stay today at the Innisbrookgolfresort.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS the Podcast Series. Rory Spears (L) and Len Ziehm (R) share the latest Chicago area golf news and beyond. Every week.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2021-Volume 14.

Len and Rory, they are back for another week, with all the Chicago area golf news and beyond.

This week, Len and Rory talk about the recent PGA Club professional championship.

Congratulations to Andy Mickelson from Mistwood Golf Club for making the cut at the championship. Because he is the only member of the IPGA Section who did. Congrats to the other 10 players who qualified to be in the field.

The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame has narrowed the list to 10 finalists for this years class of 2021. Other news includes improvements at Cog Hill. New golf professionals at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa and Grand Geneva Resort and Spa.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 14.

What’s happening with golf for Mothers Day. Course Improvements at Fyre Lake in the Quad Cities, and the Forest Dune par 3 course has a new name.

So thanks for listening, Len and Rory.

  THE PETE DYE COURSE AT THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is open for the season. So is the entire golf operation for the 2021 golf season. Learn more at FrenchLick.com         ____________________________________________________________________

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

The Brute Course at Grand Geneva Resort-Lake & Spa.

GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA has announced Ryan Brown as it’s new Director of Golf.

The resort also announced that it’s two golf courses, The Brute and The Highlands have opened for the 2021 golf season.

Brown an 11-year PGA Member, joins Grand Geneva a 2-year run at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena Illinois. Prior to Eagle Ridge brown worked at Boyne Resorts in Michigan.

Grand Geneva has also announced that David Hallenbeck, a 48-year employee of the resort, will retire shortly. But Hallenbeck will become the resorts golf ambassador.

“We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the Grand Geneva team. He brings a wealth of knowledge, skill and expertise in golf marketing and the sport in general,” said Stephen M. Magnuson, managing director, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. “So we look forward to another year of golfers enjoying our courses as well as the amenities the resort has to offer.”

You can learn more about the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, and it’s golf operation by visiting Grandgeneva.com/golf.

WELCOME TO CENTENNIAL PINEHURST 8 (L), getting upgrades in summer of 2022. The new Cradle Bar coming this fall to the Par 3 Cradle Course-details Pinehurst.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

PINEHURST LOOKS TO ADD A 4TH HOTEL drawing (L)-On (R) what it could look like.  ______________________________________________________________________

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

Rory Spears in the Pinehurst brew pub. Something new is brewing in Pinehurst, and it’s not in the pub.

SO COULD IT BE !. A 4th hotel at the Pinehurst Resort.

But this one could have something the other three hotels don’t.

Because that would be a view of one of Pinehurst’s 10 golf courses. The 9-hole par 3 course the cradle.

The lodge would have less than 100 rooms. But would add a strategic location for guests to stay while at the resort, close to the golf courses.

THE HISTORIC CAROLINA HOTEL (L) and the recently renovated Manor Inn. Arnie loved the Manor, so will you. The Manor Inn now with all the modern comforts of home.

The Holly Inn renovated just 2 years ago, and where history meets the needs of todays golf travelers.

The Pinehurst hotels, with maybe the final member of a foursome on it’s way.

So should the lodge pass all the needed approvals, the plan would be for the new facility to open before the open.

The U.S. Open that is, in 2024.

Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day, and hopefully soon about to get a little bit nicer.

For more information on ‘The Home of American Golf’ see Pinehurst.com.