THE NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT RICH HARVEST FARMS in Sugar Grove. The Women’s Championships are underway. Well priced tickets are for sale at NCAA.com/Tickets or through the Rich Harvest Farms website. You can now purchase them when you arrive at Rich Harvest Farms. Great golf today in cold, wet conditions.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Rich Harvest Farms and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy #NCAAChampionships

NORTHWESTERN AND THE PURPLE CATS are a top the leader board after day 1 of the Women’s NCAA Division 1 golf championships.

It was solid day of golf for Northwestern on a cold and rainy day, where play never stopped like it did at the baseball game downtown.

Northwestern head coach Emily Fletcher could not have been “more proud” of her ladies after the first 18 holes.

Fletcher and her players admitted they had some “pep talks” this past week from Wildcats head football Coach Pat Fitzgerald, and men’s basketball coach Chris Collins. Both coach and players said those talks meant a lot.

Click here to hear the interview with Northwestern head coach Emily Fletcher.

In a round that took NU players almost 7 hours to complete, saw Hannah Kim hit the final putt of the day for the cats as daylight was running out at 8:13 PM local time time. Kim layed up on the par 5, 18th hole, and then from about 110 yards, nailed a wedge to 3 feet and made one of the five birdie putts on the 18th that was recorded all day. Scoring average for the day was recorded at 80.77. None of the Northwestern players scored 80.

Janet Mao 73 +1 is T-3, Stephanie Lau is at 75 +3 and T-9 with Kim. Nu’s 4&5 players Sarah Cho and Kacie Komoto both shot 78 +6, and were T-33.

Click here to hear the interview with Soph. Janet Mao.

With a late start time on day 1, the Wildcats missed most of the rain that hit the morning schools, in fact after the rain left, the temperatures moved north about 5 degrees. Just two shots back of Northwestern is Kent State in second place. Kent States players paired with NU players in the last five groups had a couple of bogeys on 18, and a par in the last group (compared to Kim’s birdie) to allow Northwestern to take the lead.

Fletcher said her team didn’t need to be told again about last year, after missing the nationals by 1 shot. Fletcher said her team “realizes how important every shot is”. A quick reminder was Northwestern’s men’s team missing out on this years nationals by shot after losing in a playoff.

Four schools are tied for third place, Arizona State, Stanford, Baylor and Ohio State. Purdue is 9th but Boilermaker August Kim and Michigan’s Elodie Van Dievoet are the individual leaders after even par rounds of 72.

RICH HARVEST FARMS OWNER Jerry Rich was out watching the action and said he took the blame for the poor weather, admitting he was in charge of that. Rich said that even the priest of the catholic church across the street who’s name is Bobby Jones, could not help with the weather either.

STAR ALUM’S in the crowd. LPGA stars Meg Mallon with Ohio State, and Furman alum’s Beth Daniel and Betsy King were out supporting the players and their schools.

Northwestern tee times start at 8:30 Am for round 2, weather permitting. Golfers on Golf Radio on the tee at 9:00 Am tomorrow on Am 750 WNDZ. Illinois men’s coach Mike Small is on the show at 9:10.

  THE 2017 NCAA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS underway at Rich Harvest Farms tomorrow with the ladies on the tee. The Northwestern Women’s team is in the field, come support the Cats. Tickets on Sale at NCAA.Com/Tickets Free parking.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Rich Harvest Farms and the NCAA Championships, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy with Nick Hardy of Illinois. Photo by Jennifer Dewar U of I.

It took some soul searching, but the Fighting Illini dug down to finish third at the West Lafayette Regional at Purdue University, and clinch a spot for the 10th straight year in the NCAA National Championships at Rich Harvest Farms.

After a solid first day Illinois was one shot out of first place and in good shape to advance. Round two was a disaster and Illinois went backwards tumbling into sixth place.

With the season on the line and a chance to play for the national title in their home state, Illinois lead by Junior Nick Hardy who shot a 2 under par 70 to finish at 3 under par, and become the co-medalist of the regional. He is the fourth regional medalist in school history.

“We’ve qualified for the national championship every different way you can for 10 years,” said head coach Mike Small. “This was unique because we were treading water for a day-and-a-half and struggling. I feel the golf course helped us because it’s so difficult coming in. We handled those last five holes with some strength and finished them off with no doubles. It feels great that we preserved through a sluggish day-and-a-half.”

The NCAA logo on the 18th hole at Rich Harvest Farms.

Hardy feels like the U of I golf team is finding ways to get things done when they need to.

“Every team that’s come through in the last decade has found a way to get it done in the toughest moments,” said Hardy. ” If we wanted to be the team that has done that for the last ten years, we had to be that team. It was definitely not easy out there today, and it took a team effort. Everyone needed to know that we could do it.”

“We are excited about the nationals,” said Small. ” We need to have fun with it, and I think the energy from the fans will help us.”

The men start their championship one week from tomorrow.

HEART BREAK for the Northwestern Wildcats, sitting in 4th place after two rounds Northwestern lost ground on day three. Then lost to Jacksonville for the final ticket to Rich Harvest Farms in a playoff. Jacksonville only stayed alive when a player who accidentally dropped a ball into a green side water hazard, stripped to his shorts to go into the water to find the ball and save a penalty shot. A penalty there would have put NU into Sugar Grove. Dylan Wu did advance as an individual to the nationals, but won’t have his teammates with him.

TRENT WALLACE from Illinois State University and the Chicago area, has advanced to the nationals as a individual. Doug Ghim of Arlington Heights will be joined in Sugar Grove by his University of Texas Longhorn teammates.

Two weeks of great golf at Rich Harvest Farms starts tomorrow, come be part of the fun. Free parking and well priced tickets on sale online and at Rich Harvest Farms.

 JERRY RICH HAS ROLLED OUT THE RED CARPET and welcomes everyone to the 2017 Men’s and Women’s NCAA Golf Championships at his Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. The ladies are on the tee this Friday, and the men start one week later. It’s two weeks of championship golf, and two final-fours. See the future tour stars of tomorrow, today up close and personal. Cheer on your school, or Alma-mater, well priced tickets are on sale now at NCAA.com/Tickets and of course Parking is Free.        _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy on the 18th hole at the Preserve (formerly Oak Meadows GC in Addison-for more see DuPagegolf.com).

I just drove past the new Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. It’s not open for play yet, but it will this summer and likely under 60 days. It looks great right now, so I’m sure it will be in real good shape coming opening day whenever that is.

Last week I sat down for a round-table with DuPage County FPD Interim Executive Director Ed Stevenson, and project architect Greg Martin. The story will run in the June issue of our print partner Val Russell’s Chicagoland Golf, do look for it in your pro shops and golf retail stores.

THIS WEEK THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove get underway. The ladies are on the tee first, starting Friday, with the national championship match off the first tee on Wednesday afternoon the 24th. The men follow starting two days later. Do you have your tickets yet, you should. Do remember this is a much better buy than heading down to the ball parks and or the United Center, and the NCAA and Mr. Rich would never think of charging you to park your car. If you want an adult beverage for under $10, that’s not a problem either. Burgers are not $12, bring the family and see the future stars of professional golf today.

CONGRATS TO THE LADY CATS… The Northwestern Lady Wildcats will be in the field at Rich Harvest after a second place finish at the Athens Georgia regional.

THE MEN-round one today is underway. Illinois in good shape, in the house at even par and 1 shot off the lead of UNLV. Nick Hardy -1 but Dylan Meyer at +3, expect him to bounce back in round 2. Northwestern could move up yet today, but sitting now in eighth place. Dylan Wu with a slow start, that is not helping NU.

SI WOO KIM at age 21 is your Player Championship Champion. How, why did he win. Well for one he hit fairways, something the big names did not do. Then like any big tournament winner, he made putts. The big names all faded. Is this the start of something for Si Woo, like the 1997 Masters was for Eldrick Woods. Or might he fade away like other players have, who became one-hit wonders. Si Woo might be a good guy, but he speaks zero English, a nightmare for the media. Hopefully he will learn a few short English phrases by the time he wins again.

RORY MCILROY has a new equipment deal for big bucks with Taylor Made, or is it really Nike in disguise. The KSP Capital Partners who purchased Taylor Made, have some folks believing they are a shell company for Nike. Former Nike players are jumping to Taylor Made, and still wearing Nike garb in the tournaments. Hmm!

WARM WEATHER IS HERE, so go play the courses are looking for your business after a slow April. Warm temps on tap this week, that makes for great golf.

THE MEDIA hits Olympia Fields tomorrow and Erin Hills on Wednesday for media and preview days of the KPMG/PGA for the ladies and the men’s U.S Open. more reports on that later in the week.

CONGRATS to Deerfield’s Vince India on advancing out of U.S. Open local qualifying after an even par 72, earned him the last spot in his U.S. Open local qualifier at the Bull at Pinehurst Farms in Wisconsin last week.

Many local players are trying to qualify today at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

    THE 2017 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S NCAA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE COMING THIS WEEK to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, well priced tickets on sale now, and parking of course is FREE. The Women are on the tee this week starting on Friday, and the Men one week later. Come support your school or Alma-Mater, and experience the pro stars of tomorrow up close and personal. Tickets on sale at NCAA.com/Tickets.       ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG BY RORY SPEARS, and Golfers on Golf Radio Saturday mornings at 9 Am on Am 750 WNDZ. Standing Mike Munro and Ed Stevenson, seated Rory Spears and Bill Berger.

Golfers on Golf Radio is on the tee for Week #5 as the season is off and running down the fairway. Today’s show includes guests the Jim’s.

Kemper Lakes head professional Jim Billiter, and golf course owner Jim McWethy (Mistwood-McQ’s and the new Green Street Grille located in Bensenville.

Billiter the winner of the Illinois PGA Match Play Championship this past week at Kemper Lakes.

McWethy in conjunction with mike Munro of Golfers on Golf and two other partners, has recently opened the Green Street Grille in Bensenville, and the ballroom at Union Station in Joliet.

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY is coming up on June 6th, please visit Women’sGolfDay.com for more details and the clubs closest to you that hosting this event.

DAVID LEADBETTER has announced a grow the game facility in Beijing China, his main USA based school operates out of Orlando Florida.

GOLFVISIONS golf management firm has added two more courses to it’s portfolio, Broken Arrow in Lockport and Antioch Golf Club in Antioch.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY GOLFER Dylan Wu has been named a finalist for the Jack Nicklaus Award, the award will be presented on May 25th during the Memorial Tournament.

TRICK SHOT ARTIST PETER LONGO will be performing at the NCAA Golf Championships at Rich Harvest Farms, see the championship website for dates and times.

CHRIS CHARNAS of Links Capital Advisors has announced the sale of the Pacific Golf Centers in Watsonville, California. More details at Linkscapitaladvisors.com.

BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm has added a couple of new features to his website Lenziehmongolf.com, Ziehm’s stories include a look at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina and on the new golf movie, Tommy’s Honor.

KEMPERSPORTS MANAGEMENT was recognized by the National Golf Foundation by operating top public courses in the Over and Under $70 dollar range. More than $70 award went to Butterfield Trail Golf Course in El Paso Texas. The under $70 dollar award went to Sand Creek Station in Newton Kansas. Another winner in the under $70 category, not operated by KSM was the Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana, IL.

GOLF 360 Directed by Dave Lockhart, has announced the addition of former Chicago Bear Lineman Patrick Manelly an Ivanhoe member. Jill Carlson is not expected to return for the season ahead, that s of now will include three shows, that will air at least five times on Comcast Sports Net.

The Gog Blog Returns on Sunday. RS

  THE 2017 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS are coming in just one week to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. The Women including Northwestern University play from May 19-24 and the Men from May 26-31. Well priced tickets on sale now at NCAA.com/Tickets, root on your school or Alma-mater. Hosted by NIU.         ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With Elisa Gaudet Director of Women’s Golf Day on June 6th, ladies go play golf, or enjoy a lesson. Check for the facility hosing a Women’s Golf Day closest to you.

When in doubt, bet the host professional. Jim Billiter the head golf professional at Kemper Lakes won his third Illinois PGA major championship by winning the Match-Play at his new home course Kemper Lakes.

Billiter survived a serious challenge by Glen Oak head professional Danny Mulhearn, who had won the play event 19 years ago. Billiter who was 2 down with five holes to play, rallied late to win 1 Up with a conceded par putt on the 18th green.

Billiter fell behind on the second hole when Mulhearn made his par, but a Billiter birdie on the par 5, 5th hole made things all-square.

After Mulhearn found the water on the 7th hole, Billiter took his first lead 1 Up. It was short-lived as Mulhearned answered with a 20 foot birdie putt on the 8th hole and again the match was A/S.

kemper Lakes head professional Jim Billiter your 2017 IPGA Match Play Champion

Mulhearn started quickly on the back nine with a 27 foot birdie putt on 10 to go 1 Up. After an Out-of-Bounds drive on 11 by Billiter, Mulhearn went 2 Up. A Billiter birdie on 12 cut Mulhearns lead down to 1 Up.

The par 3, 13th had some drama when Billiter missed the green, Mulhearn converted on a par save of his own, and when Billiter could not, Mulhearn went back to 2 Up.

Billiter’s 6 foot par putt on 14, put him back to 1 Dn. A Billiter par on the par 5, 15th hole brought the match back to A/S.

After both players made bogey on the 16th hole, they went to the famed par 3, 17th hole.

Billiter managed to find the green, with Mulhearn in a side bunker. Mulhearn could not get up and down after his bunker shot went long to the backside of the green, and Billiter went 1 Up after a conceded par putt.

On 18 Billiter found a fairway bunker and his approach just made the front of the green, Mulhearn with a longer fairway shot got home in two shots, but faced the longer putt. After his birdie putt came up short and his par putt conceded, Billiter missed his birdie putt for the win, but his par putt was conceded and the match concluded with a final tally of 1 Up for Billiter. His second match play win.

Click here to hear interviews with Jim Billiter and Danny Mulhearn.

In the semi-finals played in the morning. Mulhearn defeated Garrett Chaussard of Skokie Country Club, and Billiter defeated Curtis Malm of White Eagle Country Club. The next IPGA major is the Illinois Open in August at the Glen Club, with the second course being Briarwood in Deerfield.

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

  THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S 2017 NCAA Golf Championships are at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove from May 19-24 is women’s week, and May 26-31 is the men. Well priced tickets on sale at NCAA.com/Tickets, parking is FREE, support your school. The DONALD ROSS COURSE at the French Lick Resort is celebrating it’s 100th year, be part of the centennial, see Frenchlick.com. The RUST-OLEUM CHAMPIONSHIP is back for it’s second year at the Ivanhoe Golf Club from June 5-11. The championship is part of the Web.com Tour, tickets are now on sale at RustOleumChampionship.com.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. The KPMG/PGA Championship at Olympia Fields from June 26-July 2, the best of the LPGA will play. Tickets on sale now.

The golf season is here and so far Mother nature is not cooperating. The weather has been cloudy, rainy and cold, and in fact some golfers will say we had better weather the first three months of the year. I really hope things start to turn around tomorrow.

It’s that time of year where the golf media will start visiting the tournament sites, and there are plenty this year. The media day season is underway and it started last week at the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst.

The Big 3, Len Ziehm, Tim Cronin and myself, joined RFCC head professional Chris Gumbach for a round on the home of this years Women’s Western Amateur Golf Championship (WWGA). The championship it’s 117th will be played from June 12-17 and the field of 144 players is full with a waiting list.  See WWGA.org for more details. The River Forest Country Club that just underwent a bunker improvement program by architect Greg Martin, looks in great shape with the new white tour sand for the championship. One player who entered into the field that stems from Colorado, is sporting a +6.2 handicap.

The Ivanhoe Country Club clubhouse, home of the Rust Oleum Championship from June 5-11.

Earlier today the Rust Oleum Championship tee’d off year number two at the Ivanhoe Country Club in Mundelein.

This years championship will be played from June 5-11, the week before the U.S. Open. Tickets on sale now, and all the money is going to various area charities.

Defending champion Max Homa was expected at media day, but had a scheduling conflict with his U.S.Open qualifier and could not attend. Web.com players Vince India of Deerfield (University of Iowa) and Michael Schachner of Mundelein (Duke University) who grew up playing Ivanhoe filled in along with Taylor Pendrith of Canada, who played college golf at Kent State. Pendrith and Schachner along with Lake Forest native Brad Hopfinger received tournament exemptions.

Tournament Chairman Scott Cassion, and Ivanhoe Director of Golf Jim Sobb are encourage about the growth of the championship, and are looking forward to all the golf fans coming out to support this tournament in it’s second season. Tickets are now on sale at Rustoleumchampionship.com. A great field is expected including some players with local ties, and players who have spent time on the PGA Tour.

THE WOMEN’S NCAA REGIONAL’S are underway and things are off to good start for the Lady Wildcats of Northwestern who are in third place in Athens Georgia, top six teams advance to Rich Harvest Farms (RHF).

IN NEW MEXICO things not going so well for the University of Illinois who sit in 13th place out of 18 schools, only the top six move on to RHF. Coach Renee Sloan has recently gone to more of a younger lineup, with some upper classmen sitting out. Not sure that strategy is currently paying off. Illinois will have to rally to make the nationals. Tuesday’s round two needs to be moving day for the Illini.

AT KEMPER LAKES the Illinois PGA is holding it’s first major championship of the year the IPGA Match Play Championship. Past Champion Jim Billiter now head professional at Kemper Lakes is rolling after 6&5 win in his first match. Past champion Travis Johns a winner in his first match 3&2. Rich Dukelow of Medinah blasted current IPGA President Mark Labiak 8&7. Mr. President, less time on IPGA paperwork (LOL).

Green Street owners Mike Munro and Jim McWethy (Mistwood & McQ’s owner) welcome you to Green Street in Bensenville. 120 Green Street downtown Bensenville. M&M, Two Golf Dome owners now working on another project. Greenstreetgrille.com

The golf media gets a look at Mistwood on Wednesday. the home of the Phil Kosin Illinoi Women’s Open.

Mistwood one of Chicago’s top public courses, has now completed all three phases of it’s renovation plan, the golf course, the performance center and the clubhouse. The introduction of McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood gives the club on of the best 19th holes in all off the Chicago area. IN FACT this just in, the Mothers Day brunch at McWethy’s Tavern has just sold out. McWethy’s welcomed over 800 people for Easter, and now Mother’s Day has pushed the envelope further. See MistwoodGC.com or call (815)-254-3333 for tee times and reservations.

Coming this summer, see DuPagegolf.com

ED STEVENSON Interim Ex-Director of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District was kind enough to show me around the new Preserve at Oak Meadows Golf Club. While I have seen other courses reopen for business with less grass in place after renovations, Stevenson is not ready to announce opening day quite yet and admits some warm weather over the next 50 days would really help the final stages of the grow-in process.

The good news is that this Greg Martin renovation is really taking shape, even if a little slower than hoped for. So when the Preserve does open, it will be really ready for play. The tree removal and new white tour sand really give the course a wow-factor.

In addition, the recent wet weather has tested the new drainage system, and the early reports show that system is working very well. Gone are days of heavy rains putting the course several feet underwater for days. Follow all the progress and news on opening day at DuPagegolf.com.

The Gog returns tomorrow… RS

  THE 2017 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S NCAA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP’S are coming to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove (outside Aurora) from May 19-24 the Women, and from May 26-31 the Men. Well priced tickets on sale now at NCAA.com/tickets and of course parking is FREE. Support your school or your Alma-mater, see the future pro’s today.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the NCAA Golf Championships and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy with Illinois Men’s Golf Coach Mike Small.

It’s spring time and that time of year where in men’s college golf, the Illini headed up by men’s coach Mike Small are heating up for another run for a potential national championship.

They have been close several times and have finished as high as second place. There have been several top four finishes and more trips to the elite eight.

Maybe this year, is the year they break through and win it all when the national championships come to Illinois, and Rich Harvest Farms.

But first there is work to be done in West Lafayette Indiana, on the Kampen Course at the University of Purdue. The 54 hole regional will be played from May 15-17. The low five teams and low individual not on one of those five teams, will advance to Rich Harvest Farms.

Click here to hear our interview with Illinois Men’s Coach Mike Small.

The Purdue Regional at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex will see the Illini winners of three straight tournaments come in as a #2 seed, while the University of Florida Gators will be #1. 3. is UNLV , 4. is Auburn, 5. U-South Carolina, 6. is Colorado and 7. is host Purdue.

Big Ten Player of the Year Dylan Meyer of Illinois, and Ben Hogan Award finalist.

Illinois advanced to the regional by earning the Big Ten Conference automatic bid when they won the Big Ten Championship by 16 shots over second place Northwestern. As a result, coach Small was named coach of the year in the Big Ten. Big Ten Champion Dylan Meyer was named the Big Ten Player of the Year. Michael Feagles was named Freshman of the Year. Nick Hardy and Edoardo Lipparelli joined Meyer on the All-Big Ten first team.

The University of Illinois announced the Big Ten has awarded Freshman Bryan Baumgarten the Sportsmanship Award Honoree. Small has now been named Big Ten Coach of the Year, nine times.

The conference championship was the third in a row for Illinois, and it’s eighth in the last nine years. Small has won eight titles as coach, and one more as a player during his time at Illinois.

MEYER A HOGAN AWARD FINALIST..Junior Dylan Meyer has been named a finalist for the Ben Hogan award, college golfs equal to the Heisman Trophy in college football. The award is presented at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth Texas, during the week the club hosts the PGA Tour on May 22nd.

 RICH HARVEST FARMS OWNER JERRY RICH, welcomes everyone to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove from May 19 through the 31st for the 2017 Men’s and Women’s NCAA National Championships. The Women’s tee off first from May 19-24 and the Men from May 26-31. Support your school or Alma-Mater, NCAA.com/Tickets on sale now.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the 2017 NCAA Championships at Rich Harvest Farms and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

After a second place finish in the Big Ten Championships on the Baltimore Country Club East Course (Five Farms), Northwestern University will head south to Louisiana for the Men’s Regionals.

The Wildcats have been to the University Club at LSU to play in the regionals on two occasions, most recently four years ago.

Northwestern’s Director of Golf Programs Pat Goss told Golfers on Golf Radio this morning, that NU has missed advancing to the nationals on both trips to the University Club, once missing by one stroke and once missing by four shots.

THE NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY at Rich Harvest Farms.

The field at the University Club includes the #1 seed the LSU-Tigers. Right behind LSU is the reigning defending national champions, the Oregon Ducks.

Then it’s University of Virginia, Duke University and then Northwestern. University of Iowa of the Big Ten is seeded 10th.

Of the 14 schools, five teams and the low individual not on one of the five teams, will advance to the nationals in Sugar Grove.

Northwestern won once in the fall, and then started the spring schedule with a win at the Big Ten Match Play Championship. (Illinois did not compete).

Northwestern shot 3 under par in the final round at the Big Ten to beat third place Ohio State by 10 shots. northwestern did finish second by 16 shots to Illinois.

Northwestern Coach Pat Goss talks about Northwestern advancing to the LSU regional as the number five seed, and the national championships at Rich Harvest Farms.

Sophomore Ryan Lumsden took second place, by shooting under par in all three rounds of the championship. Wu finished up the final round with a three under par 67, given Wu the Les Bolstad award for low scoring average in the Big Ten this year.

It marked the first time in six years all four Northwestern players finished in the Top 25. With their performances in the Big Ten Championship, both Lumsden and Wu were named First-Team All Big Ten.

Coach Emily Fletcher will lead the Nu Women’s team to the Athen’s Georgia regional at the University of Georgia.