THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened it’s BAER NINE or at leats the first seven holes, with the last two holes (17-18) set to open within days. The Construction has started on the Tournament Nine, with the entire renovation project expected to be finished by July of 2020. Tee times and more (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At TPC Deere Run for this weeks John Deere Classic.

TITLEIST THE #1 BALL IN GOLF ha launched some mid-season new products, and acquired a KJUS a premium sportswear provider.

ON THE CLUB SIDE. The New Ultralight Driver TS1 is now availble for purchase in your pro shops and retail stores.

The new driver was developed as part of the new Titleist Speed Project, and the new 275 kight gram-weight was created.

The weighting on this new club, was cut back to allow for maximized launch and distance at moderate swing-speeds. The TS1 continues to allow for usage of the Titleist SureFit Hosel, but with a high MOI.

“There are so many golfers that can benefit from the performance of our TS1,” says Josh Talge, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “”For seniors, juniors, women-really anyone who is the moderate swing speed player-TS1 is an absolute powerhouse. Because you can swing as smooth and easy as you want, and ball just takes off. The distance feels effortless.”

“With our four new models-TS1, TS2, TS3, and TS4-we know that any golfer who walks into a fitting. Can find a Titleist Driver that will max out their speed and performance,” said Talge.

The TS1 driver with it’s 275 gram weight, makes it 45 grams lighter than TS2, 8 gram lighter head, that will equal faster clubhead speed.

The Ultra-lightweight stock shafts include the Fujikura Air Speeder and MCA Fubuki Max Velocity at 40 or 45 grams. Lofts are at 9.5, 10.5, (RH-LH) and 12.5. MAP $499.00

NEW TITLEIST IRONS the T100, 620 MB and 620 CB made their debut on tour last month, at the U.S. Open. The TS2 and TS3 hybrids and U-500 and U-510 utility Irons came online at the Memorial Tournament in May. Titleist irons have been the most played Irons, on the PGA Tour the last five seasons.

  THE NEW TITLEIST TS1 LIGHTWEIGHT DRIVER-THE T100 AND 620 IRON SERIES

Coming back on August 16th

THE ACHUSNET Holding Corporation the parent company of Titleist, has now aquired KJUS, a creator of premium Sportswear performance products.

The announcement was made yesterday.

THE KJUS outerwear line is a worldwide leader in ski-wear. And has branched into golf over the last decade.

“We have been impressed by KJUS’s success in golf apparel andare extremely excited to bring KJUS into the Acushnet family,” said David Maher, President and CEO, Acushnet Holdings Company. More details at Achusnetholdingscorp.com. More information on Titleist golf products at Titleistgolf.com.

THE USGA RETURNS to DUPAGE GOLF with a qualifier for the U.S. Womens Amateur tomorrow at the Preserve in Addison. See Dupagegolf.com for all the big events coming to the Preserve-Maple Meadows-and Green Meadows. (R) THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 N. Roselle Road has reopened 7 holes of the BAER NINE, with the other 2 holes (17-18) reopening later this month. For details on tee times and more see Schaumburggolf.com or call the club (847)-885-9000. Construction has begun on the Tournament 9 for Phase 3 of the renovation, it will be done next summer.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Linkedin or Facebook. In the USGA Flash area.

THE USGA IS BACK tomorrow, even if it’s for one day. But a qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Amateur is a pretty big deal.

That qualifier will be held at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, in Addison. Another good feather in the cap of the Greg Martin renovated golf course.

The USGA has not posted the field for tomorrow yet, so I can’t ahre the locals who will be teeing it up. But I’m sure there will be some players from the area trying to make it into the field.

The U.S. Women’s AM will be played in Mississippi at Old Waverly, the site of the 1999 U.S. Women’s Open. A congratulations to Lemont’s Lauren Beaudreau, who already did qualify, and was the medalist at the Westhaven Country Club in Tennessee last week, after shooting a 67.

JOHN DEERE CLASSIC..it’s great to get the PGA Tour back in Illinois this week, when the John Deere Classic tees it up at TPC Deere Run in Silvis. Defending Champion Michael Kim will return, along with some locals that include Wilson’s Kevin Streelman and NU’s Luke Donald.

GREAT NEWS TODAY..Illinois alum Dylan Meyer shot a 7 under par 65 at Pinnacle Country Club, to advance from the JDC Monday qualifier into the field for Thursday. An even par round of 72, was not good enough for Mistwood Golf Club’s Andy Mickelson to advance. Too bad Illini alum Steve Stricker has taken a pass this year to play in the Senior Players Championship, maybe next year for the 50th. Jordan Spieth was another maybe right up to the last minute, but opted out. Hopefully next year Jordan will go for his own version of the tractor-triple.

Schaumburg Golf Club GM Jon Parsons, points out the construction is still on going. But 18 holes are open for play, and the last two holes of the Baer 9 will open later this month. teetimes at (847)-885-9000

Schuamburg GM Jon Parsons, joined Golfers on Golf Radio last Saturday, and talked about the reopening of the Baer Nine, or at least 7 of 9 holes.

The remaining two holes on the Baer Nine holes 17-18, should be open at some point in July. Stay clicked in for details.

Construction has begun on the final nine holes, so be ready for July of 2020, because the opening of the final 9 holes will be exciting.

Schaumbrug will be one of the best public courses in the Chicagoland area, when the entire project is done.

FROM PEORIA..comes word that, The Weaver Ridge Golf Club of Peoria, has retained ISU alum DA Weibring to do renovation work on the golf course. New ownership took over the golf course last month.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW…RS

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB-401 N. ROSELLE ROAD has opened part of Phase 2, on the golf course renovation. THE BAER NINE has 7 of it’s 9 holes open, with holes 17-18 to open later this month. So come out and enjoy the first 16 renovated holes, or some good food and beverages in Chandlers Chop House. The newly extended practice range and putting green, and improved shortgame area are what any golfer needs for a fully enjoyable golf experience. See Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 to learn all the club offers. Construction has now started on the Tournament Nine.  ______________________________________________________________________

  THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. At TPC Deere Run in Silvis Illinois. The John Deere Classic weeks begins on Monday, and runs through Sunday July 14th.

THE BEN HOGAN Golf Company after having a multi-million dollar sales increase in 2018, has launched a new line of forged irons. The new irons are an upgraded version of the PTx line that was released in 2016. The new PTx Pro Irons were developed, for serious golfers who demand top level performance. They are built with a multi-step process that combines multiple materials into the club head. Mid Irons 4-7 are hollow and made of a forged 1025 carbon steel frame and forged MS300 steel face for a comfortable feel. Short Irons (8-PW) have lightweight Titanium inserts allowing for weight disbursement throughout the clubhead.

The Hogan Company feels that, “these are type of irons that Ben Hogan would design today, with current technology,” says Scott White, President and CEO of Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. The 7-piece PTx PRO iron set sells for $770.00 for more information please visit BenHogangolf.com or see Ben Hogan Social media sites. The Ben Hogan website has been recently upgraded for better views of equipment.

GOLFZON SIMULATORS have been awarded the Best Simulator/Premium for the third straight year by the Editors of Golf Digest. GOLFZON uses a swing plate instead of a standard mat, so golfers can hit from fairway, rough or sand positions. The backdrop includes courses form over 160 top golf venues around the world. For more details on the highest rated simulator on the market see Golfzongolf.com.

THE PITCHFIX divot repair tool, was also named the Best Divot Tool for the third straight year by the Editors of Golf Digest. Pitchfix Fusion 2.5 can be found online at Pitchfixusa.com.

To be, Illinois Golf Hall of Famer, Len Ziehm.

Len Ziehm a member of the newly elected Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2019, is on the road again finding new golf travel destinations.

This time Ziehm has hit the road in the great northeast, and his stops included golf in Poland. Poland Maine that is.

Ziehms recent travels included Rochester NY, and Valley Forge Pennsylvania. Through Rhode Islandon the back end of his trip, before back to Florida. He returns to Illinois this week and settles in at the John Deere Classic.

OUR BIG 3 partner has his stories posted at Lenziehmongolf.com., the Daily Herald on Wednesdays, and every issue of Chicagoland Golf, and the Chicago District Golf Magazine.

KEVIN FRISCH PR one of the leading Golf PR firms in America, based in Gaylord Michigan, has announced that Carl Mickelson has joined the firm as Sr. Vice President. Mickelson’s main focus is client and media relations, along with business development.

“Carl and I realizedseveral years ago, we share a similar vision for helping clients with a similiar approach to PR and business,” said owner Kevin Frisch. “I’m excited about the impact Carl will have helping our current clients. More details at Kevinfrischpr.com.

FROM THE DESK of Carl Mickelson. Island Resort and Casino in Bark River Michigan, has announced it will host a major NCAA Division Golf tournament, this September 1-2 on the recently opened Paul Albanese designed Sage Run Golf Course. 10 schools will compete in the Island Resort Intercollegiate, that will be 54 holes and hosted by South Dakota State University. More details at islandresortandcasino.com.

MORE FROM CARL-V1 Sports a golf industry leader in video swing analysis softwear for golf teaching professionals, announces an online V1 shop cutting edge camera technology. If you want camera systems that match with the V1 Pro that can be purchased right from V1sports.com.  Budget friendly items that include HD Camera Pack and a Premium Camera Pack are complete with V1 USB3.0 camera’s with an advanced lens, and 10-meter cable and a tripod or wall mount. For more information on V1 camera and teaching video products see V1sports.com or social media accounts.

THE BBC has reached a deal with the ladies European Tour to broadcast this years Solheim Cup, from September 9-15 at the GelnEagles resort in Scotland. Visit SolheimCup2019.com for full details of the programming for Solehim Cup week.

COG HILL has a variety of July specials, including family golf, range specials,bringing your junior golfer to the golf course. Some great alcohol taste testers at the month. For more information on what new at Cog Hill all month long, see Coghillgolf.com. Or call the club at (866)-Coghill.

Golf 360 with Patrick Manelly and Dave Lockhart.

The Golf360 golf program returns tonight Sunday July 7th, on NBC Sports Chicago.

This months features include. A look at the famed French Lick Resort, in Indiana. How Batavia Based Tour Edge golf clubs is making it’s mark on the PGA Champions Tour.

A look at Instruction from the IPGA. The trio of courses operated by the Dupage County Forest Preserve District, including the Preserve at Oak Meadows, that will host a USGA Women’s Amateur qualifier this Tuesday the 9th. For more information see Linksvideo.net/golf360tv.

THE WHITE EAGLE COUNTRY CLUB in Naperville, has started a bunker program, that includes improvements to the tees and greens. The club has hired the Bob Lohmann and Todd Quitno golf architecture firm to oversee the project. No serious maintenance has been done to the course, since 1987 when Arnold Palmer came to open the final nine holes.

Bunker positioning is still placed where the golf ball would fly in the late 1980’s. Greens side bunkers will not be cut to the edge of the greens. To prepare for the current work, the club did some tree removal in 2018. The clubs new shortgame area does include two USGA greens, one for chipping and putting. The other for pitching from fariways. The project is rotating through nine holes at a time, and should be completed by the fall. More information on the clubs website.

THE SALAMANDER HOTEL AND RESORT CHAIN that includes places like Innisbrook and Hammock Dunes, is now annoucing it’s newest propert in Half Moon Bay Jamaica. Details at Salamanderhotels.com.

Bay Harbor golf links in Petoskey

Bay Harbor and the Heather Course at Boyne Highlands, werr both named in the Top 100 Public Golf Courses in America, by Golf Digest.

Both courses are among the 10 courses owned and operated by Boyne Resorts.

Both courses and properties have won numerous awards from various national golf publications.

Bay Harbor was designed by Arhtur Hills in 1999 and the Heather Course at Boyne Highlands was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.. The Inn at Bay Harbor has received awards as a Best Resort and Best Spa. For details on a golf stay at Boyne Properties visit Boynegolf.com.

MIURA GOLF has announced a new High Bounce Tour Wedge (HB). The newly styled club head aligns the golfer allowing for better accuracy. It uses soft carbon steel, the Tour Wedge HB has a wider sole that tapers from toe to heel, which gives the middle of the sole a more effective bounce.

PGA Tour Miura ambassardor Abraham Ancer has put it into his bag, and has used the club on the PGA Tour. Lofts are available every 2-degrees from 50-62. For more details on this new wedge see Miuragolf.com.

Jack Nicklaus is raising money for charity

The greatest golfer of all time Jack Nicklaus, has donated his longtime  Gold Rolex watch for charity.

The Rolex style that was launched in 1956, was first given to Nicklaus in 1967. It was the only watch he wore for years, and is the watch seen in many of the pictures, when he held trophies from his 18 major championship wins.

The auction run by Phillips at 450 Park Avenue, will put the Nicklaus watch up for auction on December 10th.

THE CDGA AMATEUR was decided on the 37th hole at the Glen View Club. Jordan Less of Elmhurst and the Oak Brook GC, defeated David Perkins from the Quail Meadows GC of East Peoria.

Both players matched each other for mostof the holes, and neither player ever held a lead of more than 2 up. Less who won with a par, called it “my first win since junior golf.”

Perkins the defending champion called it “an exciting match, and a fun day.” Both players are headed for the Illinois State Amateur Championship at Cantigny Golf from July 16-18th. Details at CDGA.org.

ARCHITECT RAY HEARN of Holland Michigan (Flossmoor CC-Mistwood GC) has launched a Blog. Hearn’s Blog can be found at RHGD.com. hearn decided it was time to share some of his professional golf design insight, which includes Turgrass Science, Soil Science, landscape architecture,and golf course design. Hearn’s career has run 33 years, Renovation Ray as he is known is also an Evans Scholar.

The new Club Champion store in Schaumburg.

CLUB CHAMPION reports that 2018 very a very succesful year for the company. Just five years ago the company has only five locations. Now with 62 locations, Club Championstores do anywhere from 500 to 1,500 fitting per store. Not only is store revenue up, but CC sales in general.

Golfers are wising up to the fact they need a fitting before buying clubs, and during an era where online purchases have grown, thebrick and mortar stores of Club Champion continue to be in demand. Clubc has multiple stores in the Chicago area, with the newest opening being the Schaumburg Store located on Golf Road. For more details on Club Champion fittings, visit Clubchampiongolf.com.

AROUND THE WORLD GOLF…….

Cabotlinks.com

From the people who bring you Cabot links and Cabot Cliffs in Canada.

Welcome to their newest property, for when it’s a little cold up north.

Cabot Saint Lucia, with Cabot’s third golf course. Cabot St. Lucia will have a 375 acre property, in Cabot’s second resort in their rapidly expanding portfolio.

Cool sea breezes, white beach sand (probably in the bunkers too), and stellar ocean views await.

Ground breaking is underway. Cabot Saint Lucia-coming soon.

AT THE WENTWORTH CLUB IN LONDON-The Gary Player Invitational will take place on July 22nd. Many of the legends of Golf will join Gary in rasing money for the Player Foundation, and it’s goal to raise $100 million by the year 2025. The field is 72 players and top business leaders.

SIR NICK FALDO has opened Laguna Golf Lang Co’s award winning PAr 71 golf course in Vietnam, Asia’s new hot tourist destination. World Class hotels and more. See Vietnam Laguna Golf, by Sir Nick Faldo.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns on Monday. RS

   THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened 7 of the 9 BAER NINE Holes, with two holes open from the Tournament Nine, while the other seven holes have started the renovation process. The entire renovation is expected to be complete by July of 2020. For tee times and more, visit schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000.      ______________________________________________________________________

  THE 27TH HOLE AT THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB (L), Golfers on Golf Radio (R) with Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger-and Rory Spears.

  Todays guests include, Schaumburg Golf Club General Manager and Director of Golf Jon Parsons (L) and John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson (R).

Golfers on Golf Radio is on the tee this morning at 10 AM, on The BIG Am 750 WNDZ.  And we hope you will join us for a great hour of golf talk-from 10-11 Am this morning. Because this is golf season. Get out and play.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened the first seven holes of the Baer Nine as Phase Two of the golf course renovation nears completion. Holes 17 and 18 to open later this month. Construction has begun on the Championship Nine, that will reopen next July in 2020. For tee times call the club at (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com _____________________________________________________________________

                    Hannah Kim 2018                                   Alexandra Farnsworth 2017

                Stephanie Miller 2016                   Madasyn Pettersen 2015-with Jim McWethy

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

LADIES..who is up next to win the Phil Kosin, Illinois Women’s Open trophy at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

DATES: July 15-16-17. The format Pro-Am on Monday the 15th, with 36 holes on Tuesday, make the cut and play 18 more on Wednesday for the championship.

The Joe Kosin IWO Scholarship is awarded at the champions dinner. And all proceeds are donated to, the Chicago Friends of Golf Foundation.

Call Mistwood at (815)-254-3333 or visit Mistwoodgc.com for more information. On playing in the championship or the pro-am on Monday the 15th.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened most of the renovated BAER NINE, as the second phase of the golf course renovation wraps up. Holes 17-18 will open later this month. For tee times call the club at (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. At Payne’s Valley-part of the Big Cedar Resort in MO.

The Roscommon Michigan golf destination known as Forest Dunes, continues to add to it’s scenic and highly rated property.

The construction has started on a new 10-hole, par 3 golf course. The new golf course will be located on a piece land, that sits between the Loop, and Forest Dunes courses.

And close to the practice area, the clubhouse and HillTopPutting course.

The new course will have 10 fun and strategic holes, that will range between 50 and 155 yards. And the overall yardage will be 957 yards.

Welcome to Forest Dunes Golf-Roscommon Michigan

Forest Dunes owner Lew Thompson considered several top rated architects, before electing to hire Riley Johns and Keith Rhebb. Both have worked on well known projects with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore in past years.

Johns and Rhebb received recongition for their work, at the Winter Park Nine in Orlando Florida. Johns has worked at Forest Dunes before, under Tom Doak. During the construction of the Loop course.

Construction has started on the Par 3 course at Forest Dunes.

“We’re thrilled how quickly this project came together this year with the huge amount of trust that Lew has given us,” said Johns. “He wants a golf course that will be fun and playable for his grandkids and any golfer of any skill level, so that’s the main goal we’re keeping in mind as we build holes where you can play a vairiety of shots and trajectories and take different angles to get to the hole.”

The overall look should be visibly enticing to golfers. Fesuce features will be in some areas of the course. With the bentgrass greens to be sloped, this help’s shots feed near the hole. Bowl shaped features resembling catchers-mitts or table tops await golfers who play the course.

The blue prints of the new par 3 course.

“When you come to Forest Dunes, we want you to have a good time,” says Thompson. Who add’s he will allow music-eightsome’s and barefeet if that’s what it takes to make the game fun.  What Kieth and Riley are building is going to bring life and energy to the property. It’s going to bring people together, and make their time at Forest Dunes more enjoyable.”

One of the features in the design, is that holes 1 and 10 will be crossover holes. A tree protects direct ball flight complications. Because the course is in the central area of the property, golfers on the Par 3 course could have a gallery.

So with course is expected to be ready next summer (2020). Work was started, as soon as possible, this summer. Because grassing of the course starts in August.

To learn more about Forest Dunes, please visit Forestdunesgolf.com.

   THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC is coming up next week, at the TPC Deere Run Course in Silvis Illinois. Michael Kim is the defending champion, and will return to defend his title. Tickets at JohnDeereClassic.com. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has opened the BAER NINE, or at least the first seven holes of it, 10-16. Holes 17 and 18 to open by August 1st. Details on tee times, see Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 .    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook or Linkedin. On the National Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee.

THE GOLDEN BEAR IS BACK. So is the Great Waters Golf Course at Reynolds-Lake Oconee.

Because the Great waters Course in under renovation, Reynolds is currently short one golf course. But when it returns, Lake Oconee will shine unlike ever before.

The Great Waters Course will reopen this October, and Jack Nicklaus himself will be there to open it.

To help celebrate the reopening, one lucky twosome, gets to join in for all the fun. And they get to meet the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus.

The 18th hole mid-renovation on the Great Waters Course.

Great Waters was originally built in 1992. As part of the current project, Nicklaus and his design team are taking out around 1,000 trees.

This will not only open up the golf course for better golf, but give golfers some outstanding views of the area.

The golf course will add some yardage that could allow for tournaments to return.

The Jack’s Back Getaway for two does include. A meet and greet with Nicklaus, with pictures taken.

Click here to hear Golfers on Golf, exclusive interview with Jack Nicklaus on the renovation of the Great Waters golf course, at Reynolds-Lake Oconee.

Jack Nicklaus at the recent U.S. Senior Open. photo by Rory Spears.

A special piece of Nicklaus headwear and other Nickluas apparel. A 4-day/3-night accommodations in a Reynolds Cottage. Round-trip domestic airfare and ground transportation. One round of golf on the Great Waters Golf Course. Another round of golf on the Oconee or National golf course. A Reynolds Kingdom of Golf presented by the Taylor Made club-fitting experience.

All meals included. And Tickets to the Reynolds “Rhythm & Brews Festival, that includes regional beers and wines. The cost of the giveaway package is, more than $6,000 dollars.

For more details on the “Jack is Back” promotion. Please visit reynoldslakeoconee.com.

Reynolds features more than 350 miles of shoreline, Six golf courses and much more. It is just 1 hour from the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport.

IRONS AND WOODS-COMING SOON TO LONG GROVE behind the Menards Store that is located on Lake-Cook Road just west of Rt. 53. Irons and Woods will be sports simulator driven, with plenty of golf. But with a bar, bands, slots and more. #staytuned. THE BMW Championship returns to Chicago at the historic Medinah Country Club, this coming August 12-18. For details visit Bmwchampionship.com. Ticket are now on sale.

THE GOG BLOG BY RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. At the Warren Course in South Bend.

THE LAST BMW Championship is coming to Medinah Country Club, the week of August 12-18.

Keegan Bradley is the defending champion, and via video hook-up he joined the media day press conference at Medinah yesterday. You can hear from him below.

The Medinah Country Club is thrilled to be hosting the PGA Tour again, for the first time since 1966. When the club hosted the Western Open for the third time.

Medinah has hosted six major championships, and the 2012 Ryder Cup.For Bradley he called the first two days of the Ryder Cup, among the most fun he has ever had on the golf course.

THE 18TH HOLE on Course 3, is rounding into shape.

The Top 70 remaining players in the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, will be in the field at Medinah.

The top 30 players in the point standings, after the BMW Championship move on to Atlanta for the Tour Championship. Justin Rose won the Fed Ex Cup Championship in 2018.

The 2020 Chicago Fed Ex Cup event, will take place at the Olympia Fields Country Club, in South Suburban Olympia Fields. Olympia Fields has recent hosted the 2017 KMPG-Women’s PGA Championship, won by Danielle Kang. And the 2015 USGA Amateur Championship won by current PGA Tour star Bryson DeChambeau. Next years championship sponsor, is still to be determined. Because BMW is not renewing it’s contract with the PGA Tour.

Since the 2012 Ryder Cup Medinah has under-gone changes around the club. All of the clubs three golf courses have had renovation, or restoration work done on them.

     THE OPENING HOLE on Course #1-renovated by Tom Doak. THE 8TH HOLE on Course #2. No longer known as the ladies course, but called the Family Course. The Tom Bendelow class design, was restored by former Medinah Superintendent Curtis Tyrell, with help from Rees Jones.

  THE PAR 3, 17TH HOLE (L) will create plenty of excitement during championship week. And the new elevated deck located on the back of the clubhouse, will be hot spot for Medinah’s members and guests during the tournament.

Course #3, Medinah’s Championship Course, has had both bunker and tree work done in recent years. It can play to yardage of 7,657 yards, and a par of 72. Championship week, yardage set by the PGA Tour will likely beover 7,400 yards. Off the golf course, the clubs pool, and tennis area’s have been renovated. The range has been improved, and a teaching-fitting building was built.

Various area’s inside the club house have had upgrades done. Including the wine area, inside bars added, painted and recarpeted locker rooms. The club decided to honor it’s golf history, with replica trophys of the major tournaments it has hosted. It has them on display behind glass in the main lobby.

The Medinah Country Club you saw during the Ryder Cup in 2012, has changed. But in many ways the same, because the club does an excellent job preserving it’s long history.

Championship week will have all kinds of fun things for the fans to do, says WGA Sr. VP of Tournaments, Vince Pellegrino. Great food and interactive golf contests await. Click on below to hear the interview with Keegan Bradley and news about championship week.

The BMW Championship media day press conference, click on above.

Click on above to hear the interview with Medinah Club President Michael Scimo.

Stay clicked in to Golfers on Golf for updates on the championship through out the next several weeks. Tickets and hospitality plans are available at BMWChampionship.com.

  THE SENIOR OPEN TROPHY-Won by Steve Stricker at the Warren Course in South Bend Indiana. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened “most of” the Baer Nine, holes 10-16 on the course. Holes 17 and 18 will open later this month. The work begins today on the Championship Nine in the last phase of the renovation. For tee times and more, call the club that is located at 401 N. Roselle Road at (847)-885-9000.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. At the Sr. U.S. Open

IT TOOK, 25 USGA Championships but Steve Stricker is now a USGA Champion. Congratulations Steve, you earned it with a wire-to-wire win down in South Bend.

The Warren Course seemed to fit your eye from the start. 62-64-66-69 got it done. Taking down fellow Wisconsin buddy Jerry Kelly, and best field in golf for guys 50 and over.

Now let’s see if you can win #4 in two weeks at John Deere. That would really be something, so much for being in the 50 and over group.

I was down in South Bend a couple times this past week, and it was great to see the last U.S. Open in the area maybe until 2025.  Because that’s when the U.S. Women’s Open heads to Erin Hills. Between now and then, it’s a little dry around the Midwest with USGA Championships.

WHOEVER AT FOX scheduled the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for a three hour window on Saturday, needs to have their head examined. Seriously, the game that ran 4 hours and 42 minutes, never had a chance of being played in less than three hours. It left golf fans searching for the live coverage of Round 3 of the Senior Open all over the cable box. Joe Buck finally told viewers where the golf was at, after everyone missed the first holes, and Stricker and Kelly together on the first tee. UGH.

TODAY IS MEDINAH DAY and the last BMW Championship media day, after over a decade of having them. The WGA finally made it official last week, after several of us knew it for months, and said as much. The Western Golf Association says they have conversations going with six or seven Chicago area companies, about keeping the tournament here in the Chicago area every year.

Let’s hope that happens. For the WGA, this is new experience. Recruiting. They haven’t had to look for sponsor in years, haven’t had to recruit players, that’s decided for them. Even the Evans Scholars caddies come to them, and apply for that free college ride.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB reopened most of the Baer Nine this past Saturday. Holes 10-16 are open. 17 and 18 will be along within a few weeks. Work starts today on the Championship Nine. Can’t wait for next July when it’s all done in Schaumburg. Golf Architect Todd Quitno and his team are doing great work at Schaumburg. And now the White Eagle Country Club in Naperville.

THAT BIG RAIN STORM yesterday afternoon, wiped out Round 2 of the Blackberry Amateur at Blackberry Oaks. Tough break for GM/PRO Chad Johansen and everyone who pulled the event together. Most of the players had finished, or were most of the way through their round when, 2.5 inches of rain fell in 20 minutes. And that was that.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS.. Go play everyone.

  THE USGA SENIOR OPEN TROPHY gets presented today. Watch live on the Fox Network station by you. Or visit USGA.org. THE SCHUAMBURG GOLF CLUB has now reopened 7 of the 9 Baer Nine holes. Holes 17 and 18 will reopen by August 1st, and maybe sooner with good weather. Visit Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook.

FINAL ROUND PLAY in the U.S. Sr. Open in South Bend IND, on the Ben Crensahw and Bill Coore designed Warren Golf Course.

Team Wisconsin on top of the leaderboard. Steve Stricker is first at 18 under par. Jerry Kelly is econd at 12 under par. Can anyone catch them. Can Kelly catch Stricker. That will be a tough go.

It’s the last scheduled U.S. Open in the Midwest until the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills.  See USGA.org

The 2017 U.S. Open collection in the clubhouse at Erin Hills.

ERIN HILLS has opened the new first tee box, as the new drumlin putting green gets closer to opening. The new large putting green should be very entertaining. There is a video on the Erin Hills website, and on Youtube.

The club has announced it is taking reservation now, for the 2020 calendar year through mid-September. As the dates get closer to the Ryder Cup, there will be announcements regarding both golf and overnight stays. Erinhills.com or call Erin Hills at (866)-772-4769.

THE MEN’S GOLF SEASON at the University of Illinois came to an end at the NCAA Championships, as the Illini could not survive the 54 hoe cut. But good news came for head coach Mike Small. Small was named the Midwest Region Coach of the Year, by the College Coaches Association of America for the tenth time. Small guided the Illini to their 5th consecutive Big Ten Title. And10th title in 11 years. Illinois won it’s NCAA regional to advance to the nationals. Where they have played for 12 straight seasons.  And that is the second longest streak in the country behind the University of Texas with 13 straight years.

WWGA.org

THE WOMEN’S WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION has announced it’s 2019 Woman of Distinction. Beth Daniel the Women’s Golf Hall of Famer, and 2009 Solheim Cup Captain, who lead team USA to the cup at Rich Harvest Farms.

Daniel will be honored on October 3rd at the Glen View Club.

The Women’s Western Golf Association’s National Amateur Golf Championship, will held the week of July 15th. It will be contested at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove.

PINE MEADOW in Mundelein has announced it’s new White/Silver tee markers layout is open and rated by the CDGA. The yardage for these markers play at 5,800 yards. Getfitted for the new Titleist TS-Drivers this Tuesdays July 2nd (847)-566-GOLF.

THE WORLD AMATEUR HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP in Myrtle Beach SC. has announced they have received over 3,000 entries for this years championship. The current figure is 3,002 for the August 26-30 event. Four days, and one practice round. The championship takes place on 60 golf courses through the Myrtle Beach area. See Playgolfmyrtlebeach.com for more details.

Myrtle Beach has announced that this May the area saw over 306,000 rounds of golf played. An over 10% increase from one year ago. Course profits were up over 17%. Myrtle Beach Golf, a true golf destination. Playgolfmyrtlebeach.com.

FOUNDERS GROUP MYRTLE BEACH HAS ANNOUNCED that the Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood Golf has closed for renovation. FGI has hired Dan Schlegel and Schelgel Golf Design to renovate the golf course. The sizes of the greens will increase by 28%, and all bunkers will be reshaped, and redone. The course closed on June 24th and will reopen on September 1st. Details at myrtlewoodgolf.com.

CHARLIE RYMER, was named Father of the Year for 2019. As part of the Myrtle Beach Family week that took place earlier this month in Myrtle Beach SC.

GRANDE DUNES GOLF RESORT in Myrtle Beach, a course you can play. Will host the South Carolina State Open Championship July 8-11. The championship is 54 holes.

BEER-BIRDIES and more. Destination Kohler with specials now through September 3rd. Call (888)-293-7337. Four Championship Pete Dye Golf Courses. #kohlergolf

THE ALDILA ROGUE GOLF SHAFT MSI-returns August 1st, now in Black.

The JOHN DEERE CLASSIC will have country singer Dustin Lynch performing championship week, on July 10th. As part of the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund. The concert will take place at, THE RUST BELT a new concert venue in East Moline. See Johndeereclassic.com for further information.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday, with the Gog Blog Speaks Out. RS