COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE ILLINOIS, IRONS AND WOODS. Your golf season is extended to year-round in the Chicago area. Golf-Slots and More. On Rt.53     _____________________________________________________________________

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP POSTER by CASSY TULLY, on sale all week in the merchandise tent. Get yours autographed by Cassy.

THE FED EX CUP PLAYOFFS are here all week at Medinah Country Club.

After a two year wait, the BMW returns to town. The final BMW Championship.

What you need to know, if your coming out to the championship.

Parking-if you are doing a rideshare via Uber, Lyft, or taxi. You can drop off across the street from the golf course at Lake Park High School.

There is a limited amount of parking at Stratford Square Mall, you can purchase your parking pass with shuttle transportation to the golf course for $20.00.There is no onsite purchases. You can walk or bike to the lot at Lake Park High School-East Campus on Medinah Road.

BMW owners can get free parking, at the BMW owners lot. But they must have their pass, prior to arriving on site.

TICKETS There are upscale options through the championship. The Trophy Club, the Green Coat Club and the 1899 Club. Juniors 16 and under receive complimentary grounds admission when accompanied by an adult. Details at bmwchampionship.com.

TUESDAY is the Junior Clinic at 4 Pm, and kids 16 and under are free. PGA Tour veteran Mark Wilson a Chicago area resident will host. Because kids 16 and under are free, they must be with a paid adult. And the adult must have a grounds ticket for Tuesday. So let your junior golfer, learn from the professionals.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP Merchandise Tent is loaded with clothes, caps, glasswear and other gifts. And it’s located right across the path from the first tee box.

THE BMW Fan Challenge Powered by Topgolf CRUSH. So after watching the top 70 professionals on the driving range. Patrons can therefore walk down the range bleachers, and head to the Fan Challenge.

So do try the Five-Ball Challenge, hitting balls at targets, while using Toptracer technology.

And if you beat tour players scores, you are eligible for daily prizes.  So besides the fun of competing against the professionals. The top score of the week, wins a trip to the BMW M School performance center in Thermal, California.

BEWTEEN THE 18th green, and the 1st tee is the Biergarten. Therefore, you can find the authentic Bavarian German Beer, and of course pretzels. And so while you are there, don’t forget to visit the BMW Putting Challenge. Because it benefits the Evans Scholars, the prmiary charity of the week.

KIDS can enjoy the autograph zone. Because the pro’s have been asked to stop by before, and after play this week. And so many of them will.

Details at BMWChampionship.com.

COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE ILLINOIS-IRONS & WOODS. Where your golf season never ends. Golf and Sports Simulators, Slots, enjoy a beverage. Follow the build-up here at Golfers on Golf, and on social media sites like Facebook & Twitter.        _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Facebook, or Linkedin. In the WNDZ studio.

MEDINAH WEEK IS HERE.

It’s the week that golf fans have been waiting for. Fed Ex Cup, Playoffs and all of that.

Because it’s the long awaited return to Medinah, this should be a great week.

Besides the fact it won’t be about who wins on Sunday, it will be about enjoying golf in one of America’s top country clubs.

For the players, they will want to punch their ticket to the Tour Championship in Atlanta. For the fans it’s about going back to the Chicago area’s best place to watch golf. Period. Ever since the 2012 Ryder Cup ended, Chicago’s golf fans have wanted to know, so when is Medinah going to have another big tournament.

And that question has been answered. This week, it’s right here, right now. So do you have your tickets yet. The best 70 players on the PGA Tour are coming, are you. Don’t get left-out, be there.

Medinah was a great host for the 2012 Ryder Cup, and all those championships that came before. Golf history gets made at Medinah. Be part of it.

This Medinah Country Club is not the Medinah you saw 7 years ago. It’s different, it’s modern, but with all the charm and history it had before. The golf courses, 1, 2 and 3 are improved and better. The clubhouse is improved, other features have been added. Look around past Course #3, see what’s new. See why Medinah remains one Chicago’s flagship golf properties.

The BMW Championship drive’s off into the sunset on Sunday night. And BMW will drive off the PGA Tour as well. So who steps in to fill BMW’s shoes, that’s the big question. Because Chicago’s PGA Tour stop is heading to Olympia Fields in 2020, and hopefully staying in town come 2021 and beyond.

Michael Scimo Medinah President appeared on Golfers on Golf Radio (Am 750 WNDZ on Saturday), saying the members are excited about this week. And that the club enjoys hosting big championships. Medinah will welcome back another big championship, even if it takes another seven years.

NO CIRCUS NEEDED Tiger Woods pulled out of the Northern Trust Championhip this past week in New York, with yet another injury. And so his status is unknown for this week. Whatever decision he makes about playing this week is fine. But don’t take all week to do it. Because nobody is in the mood for days of, he might play or he might not.

Because in spite of what some misguided people think, not everybody is coming to see Woods. The new stars are here, and it’s time for them to get publicity they have earned.

THE BAER IS BACK. The Baer Nine is now completely open at the Schaumburg Golf Club. Because of the great recent weather, work is progressing nicely on the Tournament Nine. The last phase of the renovation, that should be ready to open by July of 2020. And there is now a fully renovated 18 holes open for play. I can’t wait to get out there and play, you should too. Tee-times at (847)-885-9000.

IRONS & WOODS a must visit once it opens. And the hope is that it will be open in late September, or early October. Owner Jamie Maravich’s vision for what Irons & Woods will be, is a good one. So you should follow the build-out as Irons and Woods gets closer to opening day. For those who enjoy year round golf, Irons and Woods will be for you.

IF YOU MISSED IT. Erin Hills has pushed back it’s closing date from October 15th, to October 20th.  So book tee times and over night stays now, because they will fill up quickly.

Enjoy Medinah week, the playoffs are here. I will see you there. RS

THE BAER IS THERE-now open for play, all nine holes of the Baer Nine. Schaumburg Golf Club has finished and reopened 18 of it’s 27 holes from renovation. The clubs  Tournament Nine, is closed until next summer. For tee times please call the club at (847)-885-9000. For more information online, Schaumburggolf.com. 401 N. Roselle Rd.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and Linkedin or Facebook. In the fitting bay at Club Champion in Schaumburg.

IT’S BMW CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK AT MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB.

IF YOUR in the market for new clubs, now is the time to get money for your old clubs. Club Champion is now offering “Cash for Clubs”.

But you must buy new clubs from Club Champion to get the cash bach. The average amount customers have been receiving, is around $300.00 dollars.

Club Champion now has four Chicago area locations. Schaumburg, Deerfield, downtown Chicago, and Willowbrook. For more details see Clubchampiongolf.com. #getfit #getnewclubs #enjoythegame

TOPGOLF has announced that they are opening two new Florida locations. Lake Mary and St Petersburg. Both locations will open for business in 2020. Topgof’s newest location in Thornton Colorado, (Denver area) has opened, as of this past Friday.

WE ARE GOLF and national golf day, has been scheduled for May 6th of 2020. It’s a day where members of the golf industry meet with politicians in Washington D.C., to help promote the benefits of golf.

TPC MYRTLE BEACH has been named the South Carolina golf course owners association course of the year. TPC Myrtle Beach is home of the Dustin Johnson Golf Academy. See TPCMyrtlebeach.com for details.

MORE FROM MYRTLE BEACH Myrtlewood Golf Club’s Palmetto Course that closed for renovation as of June 1st, is getting ready to reopen on September 1st. Architect Dan Schlegel is pleased with the progress. Bermudagrass greens are being installed, so the course adds 28,000 square feet of green space.

Schlegel says there will be,” more pin positions.”  With bunkers getting redfined and reshaped, removed or added. More details at MyrtlewoodGolf.com.

RADDA GOLF has announced they will begin selling limited items of the mens “disruptor line”, of golf apparel on NBC Universal’s new Ecommerce marketplace. Starting in the 3rd quarter of 2019.

GOLF360 airs on NBC Sports Chicago

The brand-new episode of Golf360 is now airing on NBC Sports Chicago, and NBC Sports Plus.

Hosted by former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly, and “Links”  Dave Lockhart.

Current features include. Royal Fox Country Club, Illinois PGA instruction, the new shoes at the PGA Tour Superstore. A preview of the BMW Championship. Golf in Northern Michigan, including the new Dana Fry designed South Course at Arcadia Bluffs. A stop at the range with Loyola Mens basketball coach Porter Moser. Past episodes http://www.linksvideo.net/golf360tv

ERIN HILLS HAS ANNOUNCED an extension to the golf season at Erin Hills. Closing day for the 2019 golf season, will now be October 20th. Call for tee times and overnight stays (866)-772-4769. More information at Erinhills.com.

CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON-XXIO announces partnership with Asics shoes on distributing two new types of footwear. Cleveland Golf is announcing the release of it’s new CBX 2 wedges on August 30th. More information at Clevelandgolf.com.

LOOKING FOR A NEW FALL GOLF DESTINATION LOCATION how about the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The best time of the year is here to make a visit. Five solid golf courses await you. Outstanding food and beverage await you. There are new golf cottages. All-inclusive packages for three night and three rounds of golf start at $349.00 per person. #Nagshead #thecarolinaclub #Kilmaric #Thecurrituckclub (800)-916-6244 or online at PlayOBXGolf.com

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

IRONS & WOODS-COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE on Rt. 53, North of Lake Cook Road. Golfing all year round is now your option. Golf simulators with style. #slots. _____________________________________________________________________

Golfersongolf.com The Gog Blog-with Director of Content and Creation Rory Spears. At the new Cassy Tully art studio in Milwaukee’s historical 3rd Ward, with artist Cassy Tully. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook.

One of golf’s premier artist’s, Milwaukee Wisconsin based Cassy Tully. Will have her artwork on display this week, at Medinah Country Club during the BMW Championship.

The orginal artwork created for the championship, features Medinah’s iconic clubhouse. Besides this weeks PGA Tour Fed Ex Cup event. Medinah’s rich golf history includes. The 2012 Ryder Cup, two PGA Championships, three U.S. Opens and Western Open’s.

So this week as fans attend the playoffs at Medinah, they can purchase an 18×24 poster of the clubhouse paining, created by Cassy for $25 dollars each.

Besides the posters, Cassy’s hand-painted ornaments can be signed and dated. And the $50 dollar ornaments are created with a texture of sand from Medinah’s bunkers.

(L) Cassy Tully’s BMW Championship at Medinah poster. (R) The Medinah Clubhouse.

Cassy’s canvas print of the clubhouse, will be auctioned off on Monday. And a portion of the benefits, will go to the Evans Scholars Foundation.

“My paintings, posters and ornaments, celebrate the BMW Championship through capturing the history of Medinah Country Club,”explained Cassy. “I’m honored to work with the Western Golf Association. And help support the Evans Scholars Foundation.”

And Cassy will appear in the merchandise tent. Starting Tuesday, and through Sunday to sign posters, personalize ornaments, and meet with fans.

Because Medinah’s clubhouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of golf. Having it captured on canvas, posters and ornaments is a special collectible opportunity for golf fans.

Besides the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, and the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Cassy’s created signature art for the 2015 Palmer Cup, at Rich Harvest Farms. And the 2018 BMW Championsip at Aronimink.

Because Cassy’s work blends traditional techniques, and modern acrylic painting methods. It makes her art so popular with golf patrons.

Her custom paintings are on display at the Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, the Valhalla Golf Club in Lousiville. And now the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. See more of Cassy’s work at www.cassytully.com.

Because of Cassy’s poularity with fans, her Medinah collection is expected to sell out. So don’t wait to make your purchases.

Click here and hear about the new IRONS & WOODS, coming this fall to Long Grove, on Rt.53 North of Lake Cook Road. Behind Menards. Golf & Sport Simulators-Slots and more. Because there’s no longer a reason, not to play golf year round.#Ironsandwoods  _____________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio (L-R) Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears Am 750 WNDZ

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is back for Week # 20.

And now we come down the stretch for the season. Because it’s Arlington Million Day, we have to talk about the the stretch.

And it is the stretch run for the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, this week in New York. And then it’s Medinah in the week ahead.

We are on the tee at 10 Am this morning on Am 750 WNDZ.

Our guests include Ryan Brown, the new Director of Golf at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena. Our states flagship resort in Illinois, now under new ownership.

Michael Scimo the Board President of Medinah Country Club, and home of this weeks BMW Championship, joins us to welcome everyone to this weeks championship.

Besides, you can hear from our new sponsor Irons and Woods, and David Cooke winner of this past weeks Illinois Open. Join us from 10-11 on Am 750 WNDZ.

IRONS AND WOODS COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE-ON RT.53 NORTH OF LAKE COOK ROAD-Behind Menards. Golf and Sports Simulators, Slots and more #fun. ______________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF-PRESENTS The Gog Blog, by Rory Spears (R) with Alex Praeger at Club Champion Schaumburg. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Linkedin and Facebook.

When Nick Sherburne and Joe Lee started to see the progress made by PGA Touring professionals, on the course and after working with club fitters in the tour trailers. Something hit home.

No, it wasn’t the Smash-Factor of a tour pro hitting a long drive. It was like, so what could happen if the everyday golfer had access to the same technology. Besides becoming a better golfer, and enjoying the game more.

Because with the proper clubs from Day 1, golfers in principle, shouldn’t have to spend a “big bucks” on clubs, then first go out on a golf course and find out they didn’t perform as expected. Little-by-little that message is hitting home. Because buying an expensive driver or putter right off the rack, and taking them out on the golf course and hoping for top results. Is no longer what most golfers are doing. They hit fitting centers like Club Champion.

Any golfer can go into Club Champions hitting bays and get fitted.

There was a time when golfers got fitted for more expensive clubs, like drivers and full sets of Irons.

But no longer does the process stop there. Hybrids, putters, and the golf ball are all now part of the process, because if you want to get it right top to bottom. Why stop at just part of your bag. Besides, don’t you want your entire game to be the best it can be.

If your not getting distance because your driver has bad ball flight, and you can’t sink a putt. You need to find out why. Because maybe-just maybe, it’s not your fault. Yes it can be the arrow, and not the indian.

Click here to hear the interview with Schaumburg Club Champion store manager, and master fitter and builder Alex Praeger.

The front entrance to the new Club Champion location at 152 East Golf Road in Schaumburg. And the state of the art hitting bay, where golfers find the way to the best clubs for their game.

It doesn’t matter what brand you like to play. Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, PXG, Ping, or Wilson. Let Club Champion find the clubs that are right for you.

Club Champion has four locations in the Chicago area. Besides Chicago, there is Deerfield, Schaumburg and Willowbrook. Further information at clubchampiongolf.com.

IRONS AND WOODS-COMING TO LONG GROVE this fall. Irons and Woods will be a golf and sport simulator driven fun establishment. With golf games, slots and more. So remember to put Irons and Woods on your schedule. Located on Rt. 53 North of Lake-Cook/Hicks Road, and directly behind the Menards Store on Lake-Cook Road. #golffun _____________________________________________________________________

David Cooke holds the Illinois Open trophy for the second time, after winning the 2019 Illinois Open. Photo by Rory Spears.

ONE FOR THE MONEY, and TWO FOR THE SHOW.

David Cooke won his second Illinois Open Championship in five years. And the good news is this time is he gets paid.

Because when Cooke won by 5 shots in 2015, he was an amateur.  The check will come in handy, as Cooke is getting married this weekend in North Carolina. And his cut of the purse will be $23,768.00. One would think that Cooke’s honeymoon with Claire Corbitt-Cooke, just got a little bit sweeter.

David Cooke tee’s off on the par 3, ninth hole, in the final round of the Illinois Open at the Glen Club. Photo by Rory Spears.

Cooke’s final round 5 under par 67, was enough to defeat runner-up Nick Hardy by 4 shots.

Hardy put together an early charge on the first six holes, to let Cooke know it would not be a cake walk. But after Cooke’s birdie on the par 5 14th hole, the feeling at the Glen Club was that Cooke had things under control holding a four shot lead. But he added another birdie on the par 4, 16th for good measure.

Cooke played steady golf all round. In fact his card was perfect, with 5 birdies and no bogeys. After the wedding and honeymoon, Cooke will look ahead to Q-School and the Korn-Ferry Tour, but has some options to play in Europe. This victory makes him the 12th player to win the open at least twice, and the fourth to have wins as both an amateur and a professional.

Hardy had 8 birdies on the day, and his 66 was the low round of the day. Besides the 8 birdies though, were two costly bogeys. And because those bogeys came on shorter par 4 holes, like 7 and 16. It ruined any chance Hardy had to catch Cooke.

Nick Hardy checks his yardge on the par 4, 13th hole. Photo by Rory Spears.

And so after the round, Hardy admitted the last piece that needs to come together in his game, is wedges. Hardy was also the low University of Illinois player.

Hardy edged former teammate Bryan Baumgarten by 3 shots. Baumgarten tied Jordan Less at 6 under par, to share low-amateur honors.

Illinois sophomore Tommy Kuhl finished alone in 8th place after a final round 71, and teammate Luke Armbrust was T-34th.

Illinois alum Garrett Chaussard was one behind Kuhl, and was T-9 with 2017 champion Patrick Flavin. Flavin who started the final round, one under par. Went out on the front side with a four under par 32, but could not get any putts to fall on the back nine. Flavin put his drive on 18 in a fairway bunker And then after laying up with his bunker shot, his third shot into the green went splash and he finished the tournament with a double-bogey 7.

Illinois mens golf coach  Mike Small, looking for his fifth Illinois Open title, finished up T-40 after a 74. Small called the final round, “not one of my better days.” And he admitted to having a few holes in his game, because of not having proper practice time.

Brandon Holtz the 2017 and 2018 runner-up, finished with a solid 69 and that left him in 7th place.

Frank Hohenadel head professional at Mistwood Golf Club, was the only one of the four Mistwood professionals to make the cut. Hohenadel finished in third place after a 69. His best finish in an IPGA major, since his 2011 IPGA Section Championship win at Medinah. And it was the highest finish for a Mistwood professional in the Illinois Open.

Tee-k Kelly and (a) David Perkins who played in the final group with Cooke, shot 71 and 76. Kelly ending up T-4 and Perkins T-16.

Click here to hear interviews with Champion David Cooke, and runner-up Nick Hardy.

And so the next IPGA Section major is, the Illinois PGA Section Championship at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale. Dates are August 26-27-28 more information at IPGA.com.

IRONS AND WOODS coming soon to Long Grove, on Rt. 53 north of Lake Cook Road behind Menards. Golf and Sports simulators, slot machines, meeting rooms and more.   _____________________________________________________________________

David Cooke with the Illinois Open Trophy in 2015, Can he win No.2. By Rory Spears,, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy

One more time. Can David Cooke win it again, four years after his win at Royal Melbourne in 2015.

Cooke carded a 3 under par 69, at the Glen Club that left him at 8 under par (136), and holding a 3 shot lead over Tee-k Kelly, and (a) David Perkins.

While Cook might feel some pressure during Wednesday’s third and final round, the pressure on Cooke could be this Saturday when he gets married.

The final round at the Glen Club might be a walk in the park, by comparison. Not that Cooke won’t be challenged by those players chasing him.

Kelly who says he has been playing well of late, is ready to make a run at Cooke. And Kelly is bidding to be, only the 11th player in state history to win the both the Illinois State Amateur, and the Illinois Open. Because the players share a swing coach, and agent. The gallery following the two players will have some familiar faces in it. Perkins who equaled the low round of the tournament, with a 7 under par 65, at the Glen Club. Is ready to add the name of yet another amateur player to the Illinois Open trophy.

Mistwood Golf Club’s head professional Frank Hohenadel shot his second straight round of 70, and is alone in 4th place and 4 under par. Hohenadel the 2011 Illinois PGA Section champion, hasn’t won another section major in 8 years. But Hohenadel, who at one time was the longest hitting professional in the section, has after years of leaving his driver in the bag. Put his driver back in play. And the results are paying off.

Five players with ties to the University of Illinois golf team made the cut. (a) Tommy Kuhl and recent graduate Nick Hardy are both at 3 under par. (a) Luke Armbrust is at +1, along with reigning IPGA Match Play champion Garrett Chaussard. Former player and current head coach of the Fighting Illini mens golf team Mike Small, made the cut on the number at +3. But Small’s bid for a fifth Illinois Open title has gone by the wayside, being 11 shots in arrears of Cooke.

Brandon Holtz runner-up in both 2017 and 2018, sits shots back of Cooke at 2 under par. 2017 Champion Patrick Flavin shot a 2 under par 70, and is seven shots off the lead.

Because only 52 players made the cut, and final round tee-times start at 8 am. With the final group hitting the first tee at 11:07.

  IRONS & WOODS coming soon to Long Grove, on Rt.53 North of Lake Cook Road behind Menards. Golf and Sports simulators, slot machines and more. Late Summer.      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG with Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. With the Illinois Open trophy at the Glen Club. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook.

IT’S CHRIS BOYLE off to the lead after 18 holes at the Illinois Open.

Boyle shot his 7 under par 65 score at the Glen Club, while most of the other leaders played at Ridgemoor Country Club.

But the key to Boyle’s start, was making birdie on 4 of the first five holes. Then adding four more birdies on the back nine. The lone square on the scorecard came at the par 4, 16th hole.

When Round 2 begins on Tuesday, Boyle who lives in Crete, and works as an assistant professional at Balmoral Woods, will have a two shot lead on the field.

“I was hitting my shots early and my plan for the golf course was working,” said Boyle.”My goal was to make three birdies per side, and I exceeded that on the front nine. I hit my goal on the back nine. I know I had a good score today, but it’s only 18 holes and there are two more days to go.”

David Cooke who won the championship in 2015, by a 5 shot margin (the largest ever by an amateur player). Posted a 5 under par 67, and is alone in second place.

“I got off to a good start today,” said Cooke. “But they key to my round was being able to take advantage of the par 5’s.”

Three players headed up by Tee-k Kelly are tied for third place at 3 under par. But only Kelly played at Ridgemoor.

Defending champion Vince India is not playing this year due to commitments on the Korn-Ferry Tour. 2017 Champion Patrick Flavin finished at +1 with a 73. University of Illinois mens golf coach Mike Small, who is looking for his fifth Illinois Open title carded a 76. That left Small who played Round 1, at Ridgemoor at +4.

2016 Illinois Open champion Carlos Sainz Jr. withdrew on Sunday night. Professional John Platt from Mistwood Golf Club replaced him. The day’s first alternate Paul Schlimm Sr. also joined the field, that included his son (a) Paul Schlimm Jr. a member of the golf team at Northern Illinois University.

Mistwood Golf Club led the way with the most members of it’s professional staff in the field, with four. Frank Hohenadel had the low score a 70, Andy Mickelson shot an even par 72, Platt shot 75 while Chris Ioriatti carded an 80.

Round 2 will be contested at both the Glen Club and Ridgemoor Country Club on Tuesday. The low 50-players and ties will make the cut after 36 holes, and play the final round on Wednesday at the Glen Club.

IRONS AND WOODS-COMING TO LONG GROVE THIS FALL. RT. 53 North of Lake Cook Road-behind the Menards. Golf and sports simulators, slot machines and more.     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-with Golfers on Golf’s Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. With Alex Praeger at Club Champion in Schaumburg.

IT’S OPEN WEEK. Yes, our states version of the Open Championship.

264 players, two golf courses, three days and 54 holes of golf. That is unless there is a tie, and at least three more holes are needed for a playoff.

Defending champion Vince India, has not returned, so this year there will be a different name on the trophy. Even though several past champions are playing, and looking for a second or third trip to the winners circle.

There is no clear-cut favorite this year. So do come out to the Glen Club, or Ridgemoor Country Club because the golf will be fun to watch. Besides you can cheer-on your favorite local professional or top amateur player. The open wraps up on Wednesday at the Glen Club, with a trophy presentation around 4-5 PM. And I will see you there.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF there is so much going on in Schaumburg these days on the golf scene. First up great news from the Schuamburg Golf Club. The Baer 9 renovation part of the clubs 27 holes, is working it’s way to being done. Because in late June the first seven holes reopened from renovation. Now comes word that hole 17 is open. And that hole 18 is only days away fom having the entire nine open for play. Stay clicked in for details.

TOPGOLF SCHAUMBURG is no longer just a hole in the ground. So as construction continues, the building structure is going up and things are taking shape. I can’t wait to see what new options will come with the facility when it opens.

CLUB CHAMPION SCHAUMBURG and of course it’s on Golf Road. So where else could it be. I was back to the store last week for the first time since January, and that was before the store opened. Alex Praeger the store manager, and master fitter, showed me around and I tested some new clubs. The options there for your game are endless. I’m back later this week with more on club fitting the Club Champion way.

HE IS NO RANK AMATEUR it was great to see Garrett Rank the 31 year old cancer survivor and NHL referee win the 117th Western Amateur at Point O’Woods. I first met Rank at the 2012 USGA Mid-Amateur at Conway Farms. He made the championship match against the famed Nathan Smith. And he took Smith to the 36th hole before Smith made the history books as the first to win the championship four-times.

I have spoke with Rank at the Western Amateur in recent years, and at Blackhawks games he has worked at the United Center. He is a great ambassador for both sports, and he is not turning pro in the golf ranks anytine soon. I’m looking forward to seeing him back at the UC this winter.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP tee’s off at Medinah next week. Our coverage starts later this week, so stay clicked in for all the details of golf returning to Medinah Country Club. But first let’s see who wins “The Open”. RS