THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is your home for a great summer golf escape. Home of the Donald Ross golf course celebrating 100 years, visit Frenchlick.com and plan your stay in historic French Lick Indiana. The Talamore Golf Resort is a great homes of golf in the Pinehurst area, see Talamoregolfresort.com and play golf in Sandhill country.         ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Here’s hoping Doug Ghim of Arlington Heights will hold the US Amateur’s Havemeyer Trophy on Sunday night.

The US Amateur is on at Riviera Country Club just north of Los Angeles in Pacific Palisades California.

What started out as a field of 312 players is now down to four players when the semifinals tee off in the morning.

For Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim, he is one of the last four players still standing after his 2&1 victory of Connor Syme of Scotland.

For Ghim he could get a lead on Syme, but could never pull away. Ghim went 1 Up after the third hole, and things were A/S after 5 holes. Ghim took the lead on 7 again, but at the turn things were back to All-square.

Ghim for the third time went 1 Up this time after 10 holes. But finally after a birdie on 13, Ghim finally took a 2 Up lead. It didn’t last because a par for Syme on 14 pulled him back to just 1 Dn. It was bogey that got the job done for Ghim on 16, and his lead was back to 2 Up with two holes to play.

When both players made par of the par 5, 17th hole Ghim had eliminated Syme and was moving on to the final four.

Click here to hear our interview with US Amateur semi-finalist Doug Ghim of Arlington Heights.

Semi-final matches at 8 Am PST are Theo Humphrey of Greenwich CT the #4 seed, vs Ghim the #9 seed.

At 8:20 Am PST, #7 seed Mark Lawrence Jr. of Richmond VA. vs #62 seed Doc Redman of Raleigh-Durham NC. Redman was a finalist at the recent Western Amateur at Skokie Country Club.

For more information on the US Amateur at Riviera Country Club, please visit the United States Golf Association’s website at USGA.org.

THE HOTTEST DRIVER OF THE YEAR, CALLAWAY EPIC (L), visit Callawaygolf.com French Lick Resort in historic French Lick Indiana, see Frenchlick.com Plan your stay.   _____________________________________________________________________

RORY SPEARS, of Golfers on Golf, presents The Gog Blog. The online partner of Golfers on Golf Radio. Follow Rory to Pinehurst where the new short course by Gil Hanse is taking shape. Then on Facebook, Linkedin & Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

THE PGA was make quite a splash during it’s debut at Quail Hollow CC, in Charlotte North Carolina.

When it was said and done, it was another young gun Justin Thomas winning his first major championship. There is a lot of new guys winning majors of late, in fact the number is like 8 of the last nine major winners, are first time major winners. Only Jordan Spieth breaks the pattern with his win at Birkdale in the British Open.

I saw Thomas play at John Deere a couple of years ago, and it was amazing how far he could hit a golf ball, considering he is only tipping the scales at near 150 pounds. Thomas has quite a coil move that allows him to pound the ball off the tee, his good friend Spieth and he might duel for quite a while at the majors and other events. Thomas will make a nice addition to future President’s Cup and Ryder Cup teams on the American side.

CBS was dumped on by many viewers for showing too many commercials and promo’s. I watched all of Sunday’s final round and didn’t think it was too over the top. It would be nice if all the tournaments only had commercial breaks done like the Masters Tournament, but the viewing golfing fan will never be that lucky.

SPEAKING OF THE FOLKS AT ANGC the Masters Committee recently spent a bunch of cash to buy some land from their good neighbors next door, the Augusta Country Club. The new land will allow the par 5, 13th hole to get pushed back some 40-50 yards. It will be interesting how the professionals adapt on this short par 5, that will now be tougher to cut the corner in an attempt for eagle or easy birdie.

Augusta National and it’s legal team has filed some documents against an auction house, that’s it running some auctions with green jackets, including one that is Byron Nelson’s, and two from members, likely past or deceased members. There is also some logo’d ANGC silverware out there as well up for bid. The club considers it stolen property and would like it returned. I wonder if this case makes it to court.

QUAIL HOLLOW, and it’s new Tom Fazio design seems to have hit home with the PGA and the players. While holes 1&4 were not big hits with the players, much of the rest of QH did well. Merchandise tent sales increased each day, and that alone is usually enough for a second look. Don’t be surprised if the course is back in 9 or ten years with another PGA Championship.

THE US AMATEUR saw some great play on day 1, that will not be rewarded. Illinois top am Todd Mitchell was DQ’d after not signing his scorecard. It’s not clear how that happened, but Mitchell took the high road and the blame. Somehow the USGA might need a better check system so this doesn’t happen again. FYI Mitchells scorecard was correct, just not signed.

COMING UP later this week. Have you heard of True Spec Golf, a new fitting studio along the Edens in Highland Park. I checked it out and will have more coming up later in the week,

CONWAY FARMS is in great shape for the upcoming BMW Championship. Tickets are on sale and skybox sales and corporate hospitality sales are strong. It should be a great week. The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

   THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows is now open for public play. On left the new Par 5, Fifth hole, on the right sketch drawings of possible designs for the new Preserve at Oak Meadows clubhouse for possible opening in 2019. To golf in 2017, see Dupagegolf.com ______________________________________________________________________

EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF CONTENT RORY SPEARS, presents The Gog Blog, the online content of Golfers on Golf Radio. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and to the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, Chicagolands newest golf property.

ARE YOU READY to try the latest new golf swing machine, and weight training device.

If so the SwingDuke is here. Enter inventor Mike Roelle of Elmhurst Illinois, who has found a unique style of mixing a way to improve your golf swing, and weight train your body for golf and more.

Why SwingDuke. Roelle created it to help his daughter improve her game when she played on her high school golf team. Roelle says that the SwingDuke will help any golfer, from beginners that are new to the game, to professionals of the sport. PGA Tour veteran Mark Wilson who lives near Roelle, came to see the SwingDuke in person. Wilson says in a statement used by Roelle, that “Most golfers can benefit from the SwingDuke.”

Mike Roelle stands by his machine, The SwingDuke in Erin Wisconsin, during U.S. Open week at Erin Hills.

Roelle says the SwingDuke provides a way to install a proper technique, and help a golfer develop a repeatable golf swing. It trains your motor skills learning process.

SwingDuke will allow the club to rotate, and extend while defining a proper swing plane.

SwingDuke allows for learning where your ball position needs to be, where your spine angle needs to be, and how to make a proper weight transfer.

Roelle says SwingDuke, helps the golfer get a feel for a proper golf swing, and gives the golfer instant feedback from hitting real golf balls. Roelle feels SwingDuke provides a great compliment to private lessons. SwingDuke provides weight training for the muscles golfers use most. The adjustable SwingDuke helps with resistance training to increase your swing speed, that creates better ball speed off the tee box.

The SwingDuke has been tested by various top rated area golf teachers, including pros who work in junior golf and with college players. To read their statements of support, and to see if the new SwingDuke is right for you, visit Swingduke.com.

Thoughts on the SwingDuke by Rory Spears in the Gog Blog Speaks Out tomorrow. RS

   CHICAGO’S LONGEST PAR 3, the 13th hole at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, home of the 2018 KPMG/LPGA PGA Championship (L) tickets on sale now online at KPMGWomensPGA.com. THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS is Open for public play, so come try out the newest golf course in town located in Addison See DuPagegolf.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogblogGuy in the booth at Conway Farms home of the BMW Championship coming next month.

Week 18 of Golfers on Golf radio is in the books, and we hope you enjoyed it. Teeing off at 9 AM the guys spoke with new Illinois Open Champion Patrick Flavin. Flavin is also the Illinois State Amateur Champion, being the first player since David Ogrin in 1980 to win both. Flavin is just the second player in state history to accomplish the feat.

At the bottom of the hour Scott Tamasello the tournament director of the Worlds Largest Amateur Championship played in Myrtle Beach was the guest.

The tournament begins on August 28 and runs through August 31st. With over 3,200 players in the field the golfers are spread out over 30+ courses in the Myrtle Beach area. See Myrtlebeachworldamateur.com for more details. Golfers on Golf Radio returns next Saturday morning at 9 AM on Am 750, WNDZ.

The Par 3, 2nd hole on Dubsdread at Cog Hill, with the new tour sand in the bunkers.

90 FOR 90, yes Happy Birthday Cog Hill, in 2017 as Cog Hill turns 90, the club is going to celebrate it’s birthday with as special rate on August 29th.

You can play Dubsdread for only $90 dollars that day. there will be shotgun start times to pick from. 8 Am or 1:30 Pm.

If you would like to schedule a fall golf outing, it’s not too late at Cog Hill. In addition how about a getaway to Cog Hill with a an overnight stay at the Marriott Burr Ridge. The Dave Pelz 1-Day short game school will be held on August 24-25-26, and then again on August 31- Sept. 1 and Sept. 2. The PGA Junior league fall instruction and matches are from August 17th to September 14th. In the pro shopn ew goodies from Adidas and Travis Matthew. See Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL.

THE CDGA’s 98 Amateur at Briar Ridge Golf Club was decided when Drake Bushong of Pekin/Lick Creek won a 3&2 36 hole match in the championship to defeat Michael Fastert of Des Plaines/SanctuaryGC. Heading into the championship match Bushong was the #13 seed, and Faster was #6. For more details see CDGA.org.

ARE YOU READY for the Ultimate buddies trip. Yes there are plenty of great places to go, but if you are not up for the plane ride, and want to keep the drive under two hours, why not try Kohler. Play four courses and stay three nights. See Destinationkohler.com.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS ON SUNDAY…RS

  THE LONGEST PAR 3 IN CHICAGO IS READY, ARE YOU? Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 KPMG/LPGA PGA Championship at KPMGWomensPGA.com. Come see the best players in women’s golf, bring championship golf back to Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. From June 26th through July 1st. Danielle Kang is defending champion

Danielle Kang invites everyone to join her at Kemper Lakes in June and July of 2018.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory from the toughest par 4 in the Chicago area, the 16th hole at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. Home of the 2018 KPMG LPGA-PGA Championship, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

The Women’s Western Golf Association  (WWGA) and the Western Golf Association (WGA), have formed a new partnership that started on August 1st.

This new partnership provides for the WGA to help assist the WWGA and their foundation, that was created in 1971, and has no awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to over 690 women from across America.

The two organization’s have a history together that dates back over 116 years. The WGA was the first sponsor of the Women’s Western amateur championship in 1901. The women then founded their own association in 1903 and changed the name at that time. In 2011 the WGA approved administrative support for the WWGA, that took effect in 2012.

As part of the newly reached partnership that is contracted for 5 years, the WGA will help the WWGA put on both their amateur championship, and their junior championship, and assist in securing clubs to be host venues.

“The history between these two golf associations goes back to the beginnings of the Women’s Western Golf Association. We have a great relationship with the Western Golf Association through the years,” said Frances Fleckstein, president of the Women’s Western Golf Association. “After forming our partnership again in 2011, we now look forward to taking the next step of having their full support, which will be beneficial to both organizations.”

WGA Chairman David Robinson says the partnership is a perfect fit for the two historic organizations.

“We’re excited to be deepening our relationship with the WGA, which has done so much in the Midwest and across the country for women’s golf,” said Robinson. “It is an organization whose values and storied history of championships and scholarships are very much aligned with our own.”

The two organizations jointly sponsor a Women’s Western Evans Scholar, that includes awarding a four-year tuition and housing college scholarship to a female caddie who excels in the classroom and on the golf course, and has a proven need for financial assistance.

THE 2017 WWGA NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP.

The championship was contested at the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst. Maddie Szeryk of London, Ontario was the winner over Dylan Kim of Sachse, Texas by a 3&1 score. Syeryk gets her name inscribed on the W.A. Alexander Cup along with many of the great LPGA players from over the decades.

River Forest C.C. was played at a par of 72, and a yardage of 6,295 yards.

Szeryk started to break the match open on the back nine of the first 18 holes of the 36 hole final. She lead 3-up after 18 holes. The lead was 2-up after 27 holes, but a Szeryk birdie on the 30th hole put her 4-up and give her a lead she would not lose.

Szeryk says will graduate from Texas Am next summer but return to defend her title, then in the fall move on to Q school.

The WWGA will be shortly announcing it’s host site for 2018 shortly. Among the courses under consideration is the home of the Illinois Women’s Open, Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. For details see WWGA.org. and follow the WWGA on Facebook.

  THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS and the practice area, is now open for public play. Try out the Chicagoland Area’s newest golf course by visiting DuPagegolf.com The French Lick Resort in beautiful French Lick Indiana is a 5-Star getaway you will enjoy to the fullest. Play the Pete Dye Course or the Donald Ross golf course celebrating it’s 100th year. For information see Frenchlick.com Home of the Sr. LPGA Championship.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory to Myrtle Beach home of the World Largest Amateur Tournament This August 28th through September 1st, and on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The 68th Illinois Open was history in the making. When Patrick Flavin of Highwood Illinois made his par putt on the 18th green, he became the second player in state history to win both the Illinois State Amateur and the Illinois Open championship in the same year.

Waukegan’s David Ogrin accomplished the feat back in 1980.

Flavin made it interesting as he started the third and final round with a six shot lead, but saw it start to slip away by the fourth hole.

Flavin did not make a bogey in the first two rounds, and he didn’t make one in the first three holes in final round. Then when it rains it pours. Flavin’s wide right tee shot on the par 3, fourth hole lead to a double bogey. Toss in a few birdies by some of the players chasing Flavin, and the lead was quickly cut in half.

Patrick Flavin 2017 Illinois Open Champion

While Flavin steadied the ship and started making par’s again, Northbrook’s Nick Hardy and defending champion Carlos Sainz Jr. were making birdies. Two groups ahead of Flavin, Matt Murlick the Marquette University Sophomore was making a run of his own, after holing out a bunker shot and starting out the round Eagle-Birdie.

Flavin finally got a birdie back on the par 4, 8th hole and felt so good about that near 20 footer, that he started to feel like he had the tournament. Flavin made no secret that he had read online about the chance to join Ogrin as one of the two players to win the am and the open in the same year.

When the back nine started, Flavin’s partner Brandon Holtz when on a birdie-birdie-birdie for the first three holes as he charged into contention. Past Champion Eric Meierdierks (2010) had his share of birdie opportunities that wouldn’t drop on the front, early on the back they started to fall, later on the back again they didn’t. The shot that cost Holtz a spot in a playoff with Flavin, was his tee shot on the par 3, 17th. Holtz staying away from the water, pushed it up the hill and into the weeds. Holtz managed to chop the ball out onto the green, but left himself over 40 feet back to the hole. He settled for bogey with a two putt.

Hardy with a birdie on 18 pulled within one shot of Flavin, and then had to watch with Holtz and Murlick to see if a four-way playoff was in the making. But when Flavin two putted from 35 feet on the 18th green, he was in the record books.

Flavin rounds of 64-64-74 for a score of 202, defeated Murlick, Hardy and Holtz by 1 shot. Sainz finished two shots back at 204, after a final round 3 under par 69.

Click here to hear interviews with champion Patrick Flavin, and runner ups Matt Murlick, Nick Hardy and Brandon Holtz.

Holtz as the low professional gets the top pay check of at least $15,250 that will increase slightly because of the strong finishes by amateur players, who only get a $750 dollar gift certificate in the pro shop. The maximum amount allowed by the rules of golf, set by the USGA.

For more details on the Illinois Open visit IPGA.com

CHAMPION PATRICK FLAVIN will join Golfers on Golf Radio this Saturday morning at 9:10 Am on AM 750 WNDZ.

 THE DONALD ROSS COURSE at the French Lick Resort is celebrating 100 years, join the party, make your tee time at Frenchlick.com. Callaway’s Paul Schlimm show’s off this years hottest new driver, the Callaway Epic Driver, see Callawaygolf.com for more.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the Preserve at Oak Meadows, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

FINALLY it’s open for the golfers to come enjoy, today the Preserve at Oak Meadows reopens for golf to the public golfer.

The renovation project that started in early July of 2015 has wrapped up. But then maybe it hasn’t, and actually the process to restore Oak Meadows started long before the dirt started getting moved in 2015.

It really started soon after the April of 2009 fire that burned down the old clubhouse. There was insurance money and smarter heads all came to the table and realized, why just rebuild a clubhouse when there is much more we could do here. Oak Meadows flooded and it flooded to frequently, quite often leaving the golf staff run by head professional Ed Stevenson scrambling to move outings or permanent tee time holders over to Maple Meadows across the street, or maybe lose the business all together. That needed to stop.

Jenna Koeppen of Elmhurst and a member of the York High School girls golf team, test drives the new Preserve layout in a preview round.

Stevenson then worked with a team from the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, to sort through the over 20 architect firms that wanted to redesign the golf course.

In the end, Aurora based Greg Martin and his team won the bid, and the project started moving forward. It was Martin along with Stevenson that had a vision of what the old Oak Meadows could be come, and the Preserve is what has risen from the flood waters of Salt Creek.

What golfers now have is one of the best public layouts in the Chicago area, if not the entire state of Illinois. Granted there are still a few small grow in patches around the golf course, that will likely all be gone by spring of 2018. Martin calls the Preserve the most rewarding project if his career, so why not have a rewarding round of golf for this summer by test driving the Preserve. If you wish to enjoy some golf in 2017 during the Preserve’s preview season, check in at Dupagegolf.com for all the details.

THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP on tap this week from Charlotte North Carolina, where University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small is in the field, along with Kevin Streelman from Wheaton.

PGA.com

There is some talk that this week the PGA of America will announce the switch of the PGA Championship to May, from the month of August. While some folks think this is a great idea, to move it further away from the NFL. I’m not big on the idea. First off it requires that the PGA Tour moves the Players Championship back to March, which is not a bad idea.

But the whole concept of the U.S. Open in mid-June being the last major of the year on American soil fr the year, doesn’t work for me. Then it will feel like there are no majors to watch in the heart of summer. It’s said then every four years the championship is not affected by the Olympics, what if golf doesn’t last in the Olympics. Plus last year I did not get that big of a buzz from Olympic golf, and many other folks did not either. If I’m professional golf in America, I’m not taking a back seat to the Olympics every four years.

THE SOLHEIM CUP, the Ryder Cup of Women’s Golf is on tap next week in Des Moines Iowa, did you know. Well the people of Iowa probably do, but not many folks beyond the Hawkeye state. I’m sorry but the LPGA still needs to promote their big events better than they do. Good luck to both sides and GO TEAM USA.

THE 115th Western Amateur. Kudo’s to everyone at Skokie Country Club and Western Golf Association for a great week, and a great championship, highlighted by an exciting final match between Norman Xiong and Doc Redman, won by Xiong. The longest ever, 22 holes. Skokie continues to be a great venue for this top amateur golf championship. Good luck to Sunset Ridge the next host in 2018.

The Gog Blog Returns with more Illinois Open all week long. RS

 THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS OPENS TOMORROW AUGUST 7TH for public play. On left possible new clubhouse designs from architect Dan Wohlfeil, on right the seventh hole on the Preserve, built on the alley of the old third hole. DuPagegolf.com.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory across the bridge at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

THE 68TH ILLINOIS OPEN tee’s off tomorrow at two clubs in Chicago’s north suburban area.

First up is the Glen Club in Glenview, and second is the return of the Briarwood Country Club in Deerfield that played host to the State of Illinois’ Open Championship in May of 1966. That saw Emil Esposito now a 51 year golf professional in the Illinois PGA Section come away with the title in a playoff, when he 1-putted from 3 feet to win his first of two titles in the state open.

The field of 268 players will begin play tomorrow morning at the Glen Club or Briarwood, then play the other course on Tuesday, the field is then expected to be cut to the low 70 and ties. The remaining players will play the third and final round at the Glen Club.

Defending Champion Carlos Sainz Jr. with the Illinois Open trophy

Defending champion Carlos Sainz Jr. of Elgin is back to defend his title this year. In 2016 Sainz shot 17 under par at Royal Fox Country Club and Royal Hawk Golf Club to win the title.

When not playing in Illinois, Sainz is competing on both the PGA Tour Latinoamerica Tour in South America, and on the PGA Tour of Canada, his carded a 6th place finish at the Mackenzie Open in Montreal two weeks ago.

“I’m very excited to return to compete in the Illinois Open and play a great venue in The Glen Club,” said Sainz. “The Illinois Open was the biggest win for me in the state and I look forward to having my family there to support me.”

Sainz says his biggest challenge will be getting used to the type of grass used up here, after the Bermuda grass and other types he found in South America.

Four time champion Mike Small and the only player to win the championship three times in a row, will not be able to compete since he will play in the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in North Carolina, after qualifying to play by finishing in the Top 20 in the Club Professional National Championship.

Nick Hardy a senior who plays for Coach Small at the University of Illinois, and made the cut recently at the John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour, and the match play at the Western Amateur at Skokie, returns to the Illinois Open after being the low amateur in 2016.

72 year old Gary Groh winner of the 1994 Illinois Open, heads up the field of Illinois PGA Section professionals. Some of the other top IPGA section professionals that are competing include Danny Mulhearn who recently played well at the U.S. Senior Open, Jim Billiter winner of the 2017 IPGA Match Play Championship. Patrick Flavin of Highwood the recently crowned Illinois state amateur champion is in the field.

The purse is expected to be near $100,000 dollars with the winners share to be around $17,500.

Admission at both clubs is free, and while at the Glen Club do tour around the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, where admission is also free. For tee times visit IPGA.com.

 THE FRENCH LICK RESORT in where-else but beautiful and historic French Lick Indiana, home of the Senior LPGA Championship, visit Frenchlick.com and book your stay today. The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Opening on Monday for public play, along with the range, for information rates and more at The Preserve see DuPageGolf.com.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Flashing back one year to the Knollwood Club home of the 114th Western Amateur. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

History was made at the 115th Western Amateur Championship, as the championship match went on for 22 holes, the longest final match ever.

When the smoke and dust settled, only days after the flood waters receded, Norman Xiong from Canyon Lake California and a member of the University of Oregon Ducks golf team, had survived against Doc Redman from Raleigh North Carolina and a member of the Clemson Tigers golf team.

Xiong started off hot and had a 4 up lead at the turn, he was 3 up after 15, and then hung on for dear life in one of the great final matches in Western Amateur history. It was the first time since 2015 at Rich Harvest Farms the final match had gone extra holes, and the 13th time extra holes were needed in the championship match in the history of the Western Amateur.

“I tried to have some fun and stay in the moment,” said Xiong. “I played one hole at a time.” The Sophomore at Oregon became the 25th medalist to win the tournament, and he was is the first to do so since Chris Williams in 2012 at Exmoor.

2017 Western Amateur at Skokie Golf Club in Glencoe IL on Saturday August 5, 2017
(WGA/Charles Cherney)

Redman’s rally almost came full circle on the 18th hole, where he had a 20 foot birdie putt to win the title. But the putt lipped out and the match moved on to the 19th hole. On the 19th hole (hole 1 at Skokie) it was Xiong who saw his potential winning putt lip out.

Finally on the 22nd hole, Redman missed the green and could not get up and down to save par and extend the match, after Xiong two putted from 12 feet.

“I wanted to stick to what I’d been doing, to see if I could make some birdies,” said Redman. “There was nothing crazy going on in my head.”

It did take a crazy comeback by Redman winning holes 11, 15,16, and 17 to make the match All-Square headed to 18. After Xiong won four of the first five holes, many in the gallery thought match might be headed for a quick 6&5 ending. But that was not to be.

In the semi-finals Xiong defeated Derek Bard 2&1 after trailing on the front nine 2 Dn. Redman broke open a tight match with Cameron Champ on the back nine to win 3&2. Xiong also called Skokie Country Club one of the five best golf courses he has ever played.

Sunset Ridge will host the Western Amateur in 2018, then the championship returns to Point O’Woods in Michigan in 2019, and then it’s off to Indiana and Crooked Stick Golf Club in 2020, and the Glen View Club in 2021.

   THE SUMMER LINE OF GOLF SHIRTS BY ANTIGUA GOLF, at the Senior LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort, see Antigua.com or ShopAntigua.com and visit Frenchlick.com to book your stay at this 5-Star Property. This Monday August 7th The Preserve at Oak Meadows will open for public play. See DuPagegolf.com for details ______________________________________________________________________

  Ed Stevenson (L) and Rory Spears (R) along with PGA Life member Bill Berger are your hosts for this Saturday’s segment of Golfers on Golf Radio on Am 750 WNDZ, with the tee time being at 9 AM. Golf talk radio when your awake to hear it.

OUR GUESTS INCLUDE  Former Illinois Open Champion and long time Illinois PGA Section professional Emil Esposito, who will help preview this weeks Illinois Open Championship. Martin Armes owner of Armes PR, the leading golf PR firm for golf properties in the Carolina’s. North Carolina will host this weeks PGA Championship, at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte.

The 115th Western Amateur at Skokie Country Club, the finals are tomorrow starting at 8 Am. WGAESF.org

IT’S DOWN TO THE FINAL FOUR at the 115th Western Amateur at the Skokie Country Club in Glencoe.

The semi-finals on the tee at 8 Am include, the medalist Norman Ziong vs Derek Bard. Bard was the championship match finalist against Bryson DeChambeau at Olympia Field in the 2015 US Amateur Championship. semi-final match number two has Cameron Champ vs Doc Redman.

The championship match will begin around 12:45 Pm on Saturday afternoon. The time could move up or be moved back, based on the time it takes to play the morning matches, or if incoming bad weather is approaching. The last local player standing was Nick Hardy of Northbrook, who plays on the University of Illinois Golf Team and will be a senior this fall. Hardy made the match play, but lost 7&5 in his match in the round of 16. Defending champion Dylan Meyer did not make the 36 hole cut.

CDGA.org

The second annual CDGA fourball returns this coming week, Aug. 7-10, and will be contested at The Club at Wynstone. The new name under new ownership.

37 teams will play 18 holes on Monday, with the low 16 teams advancing to the match play on Tuesday. Quarterfinal and semifinal matches are played on Wednesday, and the championship match is on Thursday.

Among the teams to watch are the defending champions Michael Natale who plays out of Cog Hill and Steve Sawtell who plays out of the Glen Club.

The other finalist team from 2016 is back as well, John Erghott from Mt. Hawley Country Club, and his partner also from Mt. Hawley is Rick LeHew.

THE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT’S  Association of America has launched a new website. GCMOnline.com is the new home of Golf Course Management magazine. The publication has been known as a industry leader for years.

NIGHT GOLF is coming to Cog Hill on August 11th at 8:30 PM, put your team together and register at Coghillgolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG is written by Rory Spears, the Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Check us out live on air in the morning on Am 750 WNDZ… RS