The best indoor golf facility in Dupage County, Links & Tee’s Golf Dome in Addison on Lake Avenue. Rates just $12 per half hour on weekdays, 414 on weekends and only $10 after 7 PM everyday. Open today 7 Am to 11 Pm, and Sunday 7 Am to 10 Pm. Call (630)-233-7275 Ext. 4 or visit Addisonparks.org. to learn more about the award winning golf facility.

By: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin & Twitter @GogBlogGuy

WGAESF.COM

The Western Golf Association (WGA) is pleased to announce that the list of Evans Scholars Alumni is now more than 10,000.

Last December 15 Evans Scholars graduated from various major universities, and that brought the total of Evans Alums to 10,009.

The Evans Scholars program was launched 85 years ago with the awarding of the first two scholarships, Chicago area caddies Harold Fink and Jim McGinnis.

Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) is now the nations largest privately funded scholarship program, and the largest scholarship program for golf caddies. To be awarded a scholarship, students must provide an outstanding record while being a caddie, a good academic record, leadership and have the financial need.

The foundation was started in 1930 by golfing legend Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., who wanted to help deserving caddies get a college education.

“Reaching 10,000 Evan Scholars Alumni is a remarkable achievement and a milestone that demonstrates the incredible scope of our program,” said WGA Chairman Dennis O’Keefe. “From humble, local beginnings to a strong and growing national presence, the Evans Scholarship continues to be a life-changing opportunity for caddies who might otherwise never have a chance to attend college.”

The Evans Scholars program has proved to be far-reaching one. Their are now Evans Alumni in all 50 states and in 22 countries around the world. After earning a bachelor’s degree, some 40% have gone on to earn a graduate degree.

Evans Scholars are now running companies like Kimberly-Clark and John Deere & Company. They have been appointed by the President of the United States to serve on advisory committee’s. Their work has lead to innovations in areas from outer space to military aircraft. In 2014 Evans scholars have donated more than 8 million dollars back into the ESF fund. overall ESF Alumni have given back over 93 million dollars to the foundation.

Currently the amount of caddies attending college is 870, with the WGA having a goal of raising the number to 1,000 in a single year over the next five years.

Since coming on board as title sponsor of the WGA PGA Tour event in 2007, BMW of North America has donated $19.6 million dollars. For more information visit wgaesf.org.

         The Buffalo Grove & Sports Center, McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove (847)-459-2321.

           THE BUFFALO GROVE GOLF & SPORTS CENTER 801 MCHENRY ROAD.

               Open today from 9 Am to 10 Pm, Just $11 until 6 PM for 30 minutes, Weekend hours Saturday 7 Am to 10 Pm and Sunday 7 Am to 8 Pm. Weekend rates are $12 for 30 minutes, the warm weather is coming. Come get that tune up lesson. Teachers include John Andrews, Todd Sones and Kristy Vik. Call (847)-459-2321 or visit bgparks.org. The best place for indoor golf in Lake County. Get the 5-hour pass for $85.

BY: RORY SPEARS, Editor & Director of Content.

The Western Golf Association and the PGA Tour along with BMW, have now formally announced the 2018 BMW Championship is headed out east to the Philadelphia area and the Donald Ross designed Aronimink Golf Club in Newton Square PA., in the Northwest Suburbs of Philadelphia.

wga.esf.com

The BMW Championship takes the top 70 players left in the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, and narrows the field down to the top 30 players that will be complete for the title in Atlanta the following week. The championship has been named the tournament of the year by the PGA Tour on four occasions, including 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014.

“We are delighted to add Aronimink to the list of prominent clubs that have hosted the BMW Championship,” said Vince Pellegrino,WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. ” Aronimink has served as a worthy and historic venue for many of golf’s finest championships, and we’re looking forward to adding to that tradition by bringing the PGA Tour’s best to the Philadelphia area in 2018.”

Since the club was founded in 1896, it has hosted the PGA Championship, theSenior PGA Championship, and the U.S. Amateur. It has hosted two PGA Tour events in recent years.

The BMW Championship Trophies. The Wadley (left) and the BMW trophy (right).

“We look forward to bringing a major world-class event to Aronimink,” said Steven Zodtner, president of Aronimink. “Our membership and the Philadelphia golf community are excited to partner with the WGA, BMW of North America, and the PGA Tour to showcase our championship golf course and return professional golf to our region.”

This is the first time since 1959 the BMW Championship or the Western Open has been held in Pennsylvania, when it was played at the Pittsburgh Field Club and won by Mike Souchak.

Aronimink Clubhouse and putting green.

“We are thrilled for the BMW Championship to come to the East Coast, helping our partners at the Western Golf Association broaden awareness and support the Evans Scholars Foundation as they seek to send 1,000 caddies to college by by the year 2020,” said Trudy Hardy, Vice President of Marketing for BMW of North America. “Our goal is to provide the ultimate premium experience to the Philadelphia area golf fans.”

Since 2007, the BMW Championship has raised more than $19.6 million for it’s sole charity, the Evans Scholars Foundation. There are currently 870 Evans Scholars enrolled at 18 universities across the country including eight from Pennsylvania. For more information on the champions please visit BMWChampionship.com.

        The Award Wining Tradition, and best deal in DuPage County. Links & Tee’s Golf Dome located 880 West Lake Avenue in Addison. As you get ready for the outdoor golf season ahead, why not work the rust off at the best golf dome in Dupage County. Links & Tee’s, Rates start at just $12 on weekdays, and only $14 on Weekends. Want better, how about just $10 after 7 PM.

  New mats, new range balls and more. See Addisonparks.org or call (630)-233-7275 Ext. 4, for more information.

              The Glen Club Home of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

25 candidates are up for the highest honor in the game of golf in the state of Illinois, that would induction as part of the 16th class for the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

The nominee’s for this years class come from a list of major champions, golf course architects, club professionals, top amateur players, golf course owners, media members and even one person who could be identified as a patron, or fan.

The Hall of Fame currently is comprised of 79 inductees. The selection committee is headed up by Chairman Tim Cronin. The 25 nominee’s will have to survive a cut down process that takes place on April 1st (no joke), where the 25 will be cut down to 10 finalists. On May 13th the 19 members of the selection committee will hear presentations and be able to question the presenters of the 10 finalists. Upon the conclusion of the presentations, the selection committee will vote for the Class of 2015.

Those selected to enter the hall will be notified that evening. There is will be dinner this fall, and at that time the new class will be honored.

The 25 nominee’s for the 2015 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame are.

1.   Benjamin Armstrong, won 2 state majors in the 1930’s.                                               2.   Robert Berns, graphic arts expert for Wilson and Ram golf.                                         3.   Louis M. Brown, supporter of the IPGA Foundation Scholarship Fund.                       4.   H. Chandler Egan, won 2 U.S. Amateurs, and 4 Western Amateurs.                         5.   Emil Esposito won 3 state major championships, longtime Kemper Lakes Pro.           6.   Harold Foreman Jr. 3-time Illinois Amateur champion.                                                 7.   Gary Hallberg 3-time winner on the PGA Tour, 1979 NCAA National Champion.       8.   Richie Hammel One of the founders of the IPGA Central Illinois chapter.                   9.   David Huske won 2 state major titles, long time rules official.                                       10. Drue Johnson won the WAC title at Arizona, final 4 of the 1969 Western Amateur.   11. Phil Kosin founded Chicagoland Golf, and hosted a golf radio show.                           12. William Langford, golf architect, designed Lawsonia, Butterfield,and Wakonda.         13. Leon McNair, longtime professional at Fox Bend, involved with First Tee Program.   14. Tim Miles Sr., Long time golf course operator, and with GolfVisions.                         15. Tull Monsees, low amateur in the 1965 Illinois Open.                                                   16. Bruce Patterson, IPGA professional of the year, IPGA 2001 teacher of the year.       17. Francis Peabody, helped lead formation of the CDGA .                                               18. Earl Puckett, long time treching professional, taught Hallberg & David Ogrin.             19. Harry Radix, Financed the Radix Cup.                                                                         20. Jerry Rich, designed Rich Harvest Farms, host of 2009 Solheim Cup.                         21. Horton Smith, won 28 PGA Tour events, including the first and third Masters.           22. Jim Sobb, winner of 8 Illinois major titles, twice IPGA professional of the year.           23. George Victor, won several local titles between 1930 and 1960.                                 24. Roger Warren, professional at Seven Bridges and PGA of America President.           25. Len Ziehm, 43 years Chicago area golf writer, for the Sun-Times and Daily Herald.

The Gog Blog will have updates about the Hall of Fame Class of 2015 as they happen, stay clicked in.

  DuPage County’s best indoor practice facility, and the award winning tradition shows why. Friday night is country night, discount’s for those wearing cowboy hats. Now is the time to get your Platinum 300 Dome Card for just $100, that gives golfers 300 minutes of hitting time. Open today from 8 Am to 10 Pm, rates start at just $12 for 30 minutes.

    Links & Tee’s Golf Dome 880 West Lake Avenue, call (630)-233-7275 Ext. 4 or online visit Addisonparks.org.

Golfersongolf.com Chicago’s No.1 Golf News Website, giving golfers Chicago’s Golf News, Year Round.

BY: RORY SPEARS, Editor & Direct of Content. Follow Rory on FB, Linkedin, and on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.    Last Saturday at the Chicago Golf Show the “Merry Mex” Lee Trevino dropped in to talk with golfers. Trevino battled weather coming out of Dallas Texas to make his visit to Chicago. Trevino battled bad weather, three cancelled flights and more to make it in for the 32nd Chicago Golf Show.

A packed main stage area, that had every seat taken and a standing-room-only crowd greeted both Trevino and David Graham who joined Trevino on Stage.

Trevino and Graham took time to meet with the Hinsdale Central boys and girls golf teams that are the reigning Illinois State High School Champions. Both trevino and Graham told stories about life on the tour, Trevino talked about getting hit by lightning at Butler National during the Western Open, and his friend the late “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks.

During a lunch break between both shows on stage, Trevino spoke with a small group of media and covered many golf topics from the “World of Lee.”

Click here to hear the full interview with World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Lee Trevino, who talks about the game today, money in golf, Rory McIlroy, Augusta National, Arnold Palmer, and having his own airplane.

Lee Trevino on the main stage.

After speaking, Trevino took questions and sign autographs for all who asked, as did Graham.

Trevino and Graham appeared courtesy of the Chicago Golf show and the Encompass Championship, that returns to North Shore Country Club in Glenview this July 6-12. Tom Lehman is the defending champion. Online visit Encompasschampionship.com for tickets information and more.

         The Buffalo Grove Golf & Sports Center at 801 McHenry Road, 1/2 mile West of Buffalo Grove Road. Hours are 9 Am to 10 Pm Mon-Fri., Saturday 7 Am to 10 Pm and Sunday from 7 Am to 8 Pm. Rates start at just $11 for 30 minutes weekdays before 6 Pm, it’s not late for the 5-Hour Pass, just $85.00. Call (847)-459-2321 to schedule lessons with Todd Sones, Kristy Vik, or John Andrews. The BGG & SC now in it’s 15th season of serving area golfers.

       BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

David Graham spoke at the media luncheon at Gibson’s on Friday.

The 32nd Chicago Golf Show is in the 19th hole, and it was a great weekend. The Chicago area golfers turned out in force especially on Saturday to see World Golf Hall of Famer Lee Trevino, and incoming Hall of Famer David Graham.

Trevino overcame his flight being cancelled three times on Friday, to still arrive in Chicago on Saturday to still do his two performances on the main stages. I will post the Trevino media segment coming up this week. Trevino and Graham packed the main stage area. Their segments on stage saw fans completely fill the seating area, and still have another 100+ in the standing room area.

I spoke with Graham on Friday, and covered a few topics with him including Merion Golf Club where he won his U.S. Open and more.

Click here to hear my interview with David Graham from the Chicago Golf Show.

           The Illinois PGA had a strong presence at the show, and again this year the FREE golf lessons were a big hit with show-goers. (L-R) Pro’s Hans Larson of Westmoreland C.C. and Patrick Lynch of Cantigny Golf were among the professionals giving lessons. On the right Westmoreland C.C. assistant professional Frank Hohenadel and other IPGA pro’s give lessons to golfers looking for a few tips. A tip of the cap or golf visor to all the hard work by the Illinois PGA section professionals.

The BMW Championship Trophy was on display at the show.

The BMW Championship was kind enough to bring out both of the trophies the champion will win this September at Conway Farms. The final round will be played on Sunday September 21st.

This July the Encompass Championship will return to the North Shore C.C. in Glenview. Yes, I did say July because there are new dates this year.

However Encompass CEO Tom Ealy did confirm to Golfers on Golf that 2015 will be the last year for Encompass to sponsor the championship. The tournament board has already begun a search of companies to become the new sponsor. Whether or not the championship would need a new golf course is still in the air. North Shore C.C. is still deciding on a potential major renovation the entire club, and especially the golf course.

Addisonparks.org 880 West Lake Street (630)-233-7275 Ext. 4

The Gog Blog hears that an Oak Brook area golf course will undergo a renovation in 2016. Stay tuned for details.

The show had booth’s from the U.S. Amateur at Olympia Fields coming this August, and from the Palmer Cup and the Western Amateur both of which will be played at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

It was good to see the local courses that showed up and had a booth. Shepherd’s Crook in Zion, Cog Hill in Lemont, the Billy Casper courses that also offered show attendees a round of free golf, Makray Memorial in Barrington, Mistwood in Romeoville, and a few more.

The Midwest contingent of courses and resorts gave golfers plenty of destination golf courses to check out.

The Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon Michigan, has Tom Doak creating a unique new design.

The routing for both designs of the new Tom Doak course at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon Michigan were on display.

It’s a golf course that will be played both backwards and forwards, fun times when this course opens in fall of 2016.

A new course will get built in the Upper Michigan Peninsula area, near the Sweetgrass Golf Course. Details are unfolding.

There was three days of great golf talk, enough deals, discounted clubs and golf tip trips to plan, to have every golfer charged up for the season ahead.

Congrats to show owner Tom Corcoran and his staff for another great show, hopefully the temperatures will rise and snow will begin to melt. In the meantime hit the golf domes and be ready for April. Golf season is coming, be ready. RS

 The Chicago Golf Show’s Final Day doors open from 9:30 to 4 PM. Then it’s time to take your game to the domes, Links & Tee’s 880 West Lake Street in Addison call (630)-233-7275 for more information on lessons and activities. The Buffalo Grove Golf and Sports Center Old McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove, for rates lessons and more call (847)-459-2321.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on FB, Linkedin, & Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The Chicago Golf Show tee’d off Friday afternoon at the Gibson’s Steakhouse across the street from the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

One of the first announcements that was made was by the Illinois PGA. Executive Director Michael Miller made the announcement that the state championship the Illinois Open had a new format and two new host sites for 2015.

The new courses for 2015 are the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, and the Hawthorn Woods Country Club in Hawthorn Woods.

In 2015 the field size will expand from 156 players to 258 players, after the first two days of play the field will be cut down to the low 70 scores and ties for the final round. The final round will be played at Royal Melbourne.

“We’re excited to announce the expansion of the Illinois Open Championship field size, as well as the move to utilizing two golf courses to conduct the championship,” said Miller. “Both of these changes are firsts in the history of the event, and we feel confident that the field expansion will lead to increased qualifier registration and allow us to grow the championship to the next level.

Michael Miller, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section

The dates for the championship are July 20-21-22.

“The Illinois PGA continues the long-standing tradition of conducting the Illinois Open on championship-caliber golf courses,” Miller said. “Hawthorn Woods and Royal Melbourne are no exception as both courses have plenty of championship history. We are confident the courses will provide a stern test for the top amateur and professional players of Illinois.”

Hawthorn Woods served as host for the championship from 2008 through 2011, before the championship moved back to the Glen Club for the past three years. Royal Melbourne has hosted the Illinois PGA Section Championship in 2003-2004. Royal Melbourne is a Greg Norman design golf course and Hawthorn Woods is a Arnold Palmer designed golf course.

There are seven qualifiers for this years championship.

Qualifier #1-Royal Hawk C.C. in St. Charles, June 4th.                                                     Qualifier #2-Glencoe G.C. in Glencoe, June 8th                                                                 Qualifier #3-Turnberry C.C. in the Village of Lakewood, June 11th                                   Qualifier #4-Balmoral Woods C.C. in Crete, June 17th                                                     Qualifier #5-Bloomington C.C. in Bloomington, June 22nd                                                 Qualifier #6 Willow Crest G.C. at Oak Brook Hills Resort, Oak Brook, June 25th               Qualifier #7 Elgin C.C. in Elgin, June 29th.

Presenting sponsors of the 66th Illinois Open Championship include, Athletico, KemperSports, Oakley and Wilson Staff.

Click here to hear the interview with IPGA Director Michael Miller on the new look Illinois Open and other major championships and year ahead for the IPGA.

For more information on the Illinois PGA visit IPGA.com.