BANDON DUNES                  CABOT LINKS                  SAND VALLEY

  MIKE KEISER (R) with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore at Bandon Dunes. Gog Blog Editor and Director of Content Rory Spears, on the floor of Sand Valley in Wisconsin during it’s early days of property clearing.

On Old Mac, at Bandon Dunes, one of the most fun golf courses you will ever play. Bandondunes.com

MIKE KEISER was once in the greeting card business, but he had bigger and better idea’s. Golfers everywhere are really glad he did.

What started out as nine hole course in New Buffalo Michigan, has grown into destination golf across America and into other countries as well.

For those in North America, Keiser and friends have created plenty of places to enjoy links style golf.

Keiser has heard all the terms that are “out there” about him. Visionary, magic man, and someone ahead of his time. But what he likes to say about himself, is that he is guy who likes to build “fun” golf courses. He jokes that he will continue to do so until he runs out of money. Then again if you know Mike Keiser, you know he might not be joking.

For those of you not up to speed on Keiser’s latest project Sand Valley in Wisconsin, it’s taking off and quickly. Keiser admits that they are doing more business than expected and the Midwest golfers who enjoy 18 holes across the sand dunes are enjoying themselves at Sand Valley.

The first 18 holes called Sand Valley, by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw has been open with all 18 holes since June 1st. Now Part 2 Mammoth Dunes the sequel by David McLay-Kidd is off and running as well. Nine holes are open already, and much of the other nine could be open before things shutdown in 2017.

Mike Keiser (L) and architect Jim Urbina survey Keiser’s Dunes Club, in new Buffalo Michigan. Some say it’s the best nine hole course in America.

The cottages have been full, and the Craig’s BBQ shack that overlooks hole 1 of Sand Valley has been packing them in. The main clubhouse is open too, and golfers are then headed out the door and onto Mammoth Dunes.

Coore and Crenshaw have built the par 3, course that will open in June of 2018, the only question now is when does course #3 get built and what lucky architect will get the call to start crafting up drawings.

After playing in the 2017 BMW Championship pro-am at Conway Farms to support the WGA and the Evans Scholars Foundation, Keiser took time to speak with Golfers on Golf, one-on-one. He spoke about Sand Valley, Bandon Dunes, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, a small growth in destination golf courses coming online.

But what gets interesting is the fact Keiser might not be done in Oregon, could he have found a new U.S. Open location, maybe so. Hear the scoop in our interview below.

Click here to hear our interview with Mike Keiser at the BMW Championship.

The season is not over at Sand Valley in Wisconsin, Sand Valley GM Glen Murray joins Golfers on Golf Radio this Saturday in the 2017 season finale teeing off at 9 Am on AM 750 WNDZ.

   A PROPOSED PLAN OF THE CLUBHOUSE AT THE PRESERVE (L), the par 5, 5th hole (R). It heads out straight before curving and heading up the hill. DuPageGolf.com The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison is now open for public play. Closed on Tues.  _____________________________________________________________________

Jordan Spieth (R) is back at the BMW Championship, and looking for another win in the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs.

Jordan Spieth is back and looking for another win in the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs.

Spieth returned to Conway Farms for the third time and says the course is quirky in a good way.

Spieth says the tour set up allows for two good “go for it” pins on each green and on a couple of others that pose a challenge.

In 2015 Spieth recorded an ace on the par 3, 2nd hole, and by doing that, the  tournament sponsor BMW put another caddie into college on a ” free ride”. Let’s hope Spieth can card another “ace” this week, and a bunch of other birdies as well.

Click here to hear Jordan Spieth’s press room interview before the BMW Championship at Conway Farms in Lake Forest.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow with a 1 on 1 special interview with Mike Keiser. Stay clicked in.

 THIS CRADLE will rock. The new 9-hole short course at Pinehurst. Opening soon on September 30th. Visit Pinehurst.com or you can call (844)-804-3322. #4 closes in Oct.    _____________________________________________________________________

IN THE DEUCE with Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley, a man making all the right moves at the Home of American Golf. The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

The changes keep coming at Pinehurst and Resort President Tom Pashley continues to make all the right moves in keeping Pinehurst’s tradition and history, while a touch of new for those younger and newer visitors to the sandhills of North Carolina.

In recent months the new grill behind the 18th green of Pinehurst #2 has taken off, Dueces has been a hit with golfers, guests and members. (Yes, Pinehurst does have memberships).

A new pool just to the side of the newly improved members clubhouse has been a hit as well.

The new Pinehurst Brewery, coming in 2018.

Now it’s work on the courses that are coming to light. Course #4 is about to close so that architect Gil Hanse can make the changes and upgrades. The new par 3 short course called “The Cradle” opens in 18 days. There have been some changes to courses # 1&3 to help with the Cradle. A recent Holly Inn renovation has been completed and that will be featured here on the Gog Blog very soon.

Now it’s the new Pinehurst Brewery coming in spring of 2018, located with in walking distance of all the Pinehurst Resort Hotels.

It will have on-site brewing and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating along with a beer garden. While the old steam plant is getting restored, much of the original brick and other parts of the plant will be saved and restored as well. The original entrance will be recovered and have a glass entryway installed.

The backside and patio of the new Pinehurst Brewery. See Pinehurst.com for more information.

One major part of the restoration will be the full return of the famed smokestack, a major feature of the original Pinehurst Village. The plan calls for the original base of the smoke stack that still has it’s remains standing.

The Pinehurst Brewery will be an ideal setting for group functions, where some sections can be closed off for private use.

The building was originally known as the Power House and this steam power plant started it’s operation on December 31, 1895 so the Holly inn had electricity and steam heat when it first opened it’s doors to guests on New Years Eve. The plant provided heat, and electric for the community in it’s early years, which helped launch Pinehurst into the village it is today.

Now everyone can look forward to the brew’s it will create in spring of 2018. For more details please visit Pinehurst.com.

    THE CRADLE-NEW AT PINEHURST. Coming September 30th. See Pinehurst.com. NOW OPEN, Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, closed Tuesdays DuPagegolf.com. ______________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO VISITS MYRTLE BEACH IN 2016. Stay dry this week everyone in SC. Golfersongolf.com by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

THIS WEEK is week 22 of 23 for Chicago’s Favorite Foursome, the golfers from Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ. Tee Time is 9 Am on Saturday mornings.

This week the guys talk with Thomas Healy the COO-Head professional of SwingOIL. A golf energy product that helps the body through it’s physical strain of the day, on and off the golf course.

Used by Jason Day and 2016 U.S. Sr. Open Champion Gene Sauers. Now getting popular across the Champions Tour and in other sports as well.

Guest #2 Vince Pellegrino the Sr. VP of Tournaments for the Western Golf Association (WGA) with the BMW Championship driving in to Lake Forest this week ahead. Dustin Johnson is the defending champion. Get tickets at BMWChampionship.com or pick them up at Conway Farms in Lake Forest.

IF YOU ENJOYED our feature on the Cradle at Pinehurst, you should see whats coming up next from Pinehurst, where the changes just keep happening., and the home of American golf just keeps getting better. More on that tomorrow in our Sunday feature.

  THE 2018 KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP tickets at WPGA2018@pgahq.com the championship will be played from June 26th through July 1st. #Volunteersneeded.                                                                   LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS announces the sale of the Course At Aberdeen in Valporaiso Indiana. NOW ON THE MARKET the Antioch Golf Club in Chicago’s far north suburbs, cost now below $1,000,000 This 6,200+ yard golf course is the right venue for golfers of all skill levels. Off the golf course the clubhouse and banquet area’s are rated very highly. For more information contact Chris Charnas at (847)-866-7192.

WEST DES MOINES, IA – AUGUST 20: Catriona Matthew of Team Europe watches her tee shot on the first hole in her match against Stacy Lewis of Team USA during the final day singles matches of the Solheim Cup at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club on August 20, 2017 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

TICKETS are now on sale for the 2019 Solheim Cup in Scotland, at the website Solheimcup2019.com.

The matches will be contested on the Centenary Course at Gleneagles. After the 2017 matches in Iowa attracted record crowds, the organziers in Europe are hoping to break those attendance records set in Iowa.

Catriona Matthew who serves as an ambassador for Scotland the Home of Golf, who in Iowa played in her 9th Solheim Cup and recorded 3 points while doing so said, “the players are looking forward to Scotland in 2019”.

Matthew added that with all that Scotland has to offer, that 2019 could be the best Solheim Cup ever. Tickets are now on sale at SolheimCup2019.com.

Illinois golf coach Mike Small with GOG Editor Rory Spears at the U of I golf facility in Champaign

The University of Illinois men’s golf team coming off another run to the final four this past spring at Rich Harvest Farms is ready for the fall season.

Led by seniors Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer the men’s team starts the fall season here in Chicago at Olympia Fields with it’s Fighting Illini Invite this coming Friday-Saturday and Sunday Sept. 15-17. 10 of the programs are in the top 25 in the country. Illinois is #6 and the top ranked team in the field is #2 USC. Open to the public and admission and parking are free.

The team will play in five fall events, among which includes it’s third straight appearance at the East Lake Cup in Atlanta reserved for team who make the final four the previous spring. The East lake Cup will be played from October 30 through November 1st, and is shown on the Golf Channel. Illinois has won the East Lake Cup in both of it’s appearances in the event.

“As a program, we are excited about the combination of the competition that we will see and the courses we will play this fall,” said head coach Mike Small. “We will face high quality competition on a combination of challenging  courses, which will make us a better team as we move into the Spring season.”

You can learn more on Illinois Mens golf at Fightingillini.com

The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow, the BMW Championship is this week at Conway Farms.

 IT’S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR CALLAWAY GOLF check out the new Epic Driver the new Steelhead fairway woods and Mack Daddy Wedges, See CallawayGolf.com. THE time is right for fall golf at the French Lick Resort in Indiana, visit Frenchlick.com. #Ross ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. The Gog Blog is an extension of Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. From there to Pinehurst where the home of American Golf is ready to rock again.

ONE OF THE NEWEST TRADITIONS in golf is getting ready to start at the home of one of the oldest traditions in golf, Pinehurst.

It’s not so uncommon to have a short course these days, more and more properties are putting them in. Now on September 30th, the home of american golf will open it’s new short course, “The Cradle.”

Designed by Gil Hanse, The Cradle is only 9-Holes and 789 yards. But it’s likely Hanse has created something that will catch the eye of those golfers who do make the trek to Pinehurst.

Golf has been on the scene in Pinehurst for almost 120 years, even founder James Walker Tufts could see in 1898, that golf had a way of fitting into the natural landscape of the sandhills of Pinehurst. Enter Hanse and and the first course at Pinehurst less than 18 holes, but that doesn’t matter because Gil Hanse one of the top talents in golf course design, has made this short course concept fit right in alongside where U.S. Opens and U.S. Amateurs are played.

The Cradle at only 9 holes and 789 yards has a very Pinehurst feel to it.

Who says courses have to be long and hard to challenge golfers of today’s game. In fact the new short course concept isn’t just something for Pinehurst or Bandon Dunes. It’s something that is catching on at many destination properties. In fact if there is to be any kind of new course “building boom” in the years ahead, it might very well be of the short course nature. There is no limit to how many holes these short courses can be. Perhaps the only limit is that there will be no limits in the terms of fun that can be enjoyed by golfers of all ages, sexes and ability.

The Cradle at Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day. See Pinehurst.com

It would sure be interesting to see what the famed Pinehurst course designer Donald Ross would say, if he was here to see the launch of The Cradle.

One might have to think that Ross would enjoy the concept, anything that would create more golfers to test their game on his Pinehurst #2 design would be fine with him. On the back patio of the Ross home near the third fairway of Pinehurst #2, sits the actual rocking chair Ross would sit in as the golfers played down the fairway behind his backyard. Today Ross might move his rocking chair over to the Cradle and watch the games generations of golfers enjoy themselves.

The scorecard of The Cradle, opening at Pinehurst on September 30th.

It might not be long before both Pinehurst members and guests are sitting out near the cradle and waiting to see who can make the days first or last hole-in-one.

The first hole at 113 yards is one of the toughest and longest on the course. Only the fourth hole at 127 yards plays longer.

The final hole at 112 yards will be a fun test to end your round.

Click here to hear thoughts on The Cradle at Pinehurst by designer Gil Hanse.

WWRT-What Would Ross Think. One would have to believe that the famed designer would enjoy the concept of The Cradle at Pinehurst.

The Cradle isn’t far from the steps that wander around the famed main clubhouse at Pinehurst. It’s a short carry of the bag over the shoulder for those who wish to play.

“Pinehurst’s place in golf goes back almost as far as the time the game was first introduced in America,” says Pinehurst Owner and CEO Bob Dedman Jr. “As we embark on the latest era at Pinehurst, it’s symbolic that our newest course sits on the same ground as the original first holes of golf at Pinehurst. We look forward to watching players of all ages and all abilities enjoy golf at The Cradle.”

Hanse has weaved the native wiregrass and sandhills of Pinehurst into The Cradle. The green fees for the Cradle are at $50 this fall, and will vary by season. Kids under 17 play free when accompanied by a paying adult. Resort guests may book tee times in advance. Public tee times 24 hours in advance. Tee times can be made at 1-800-ITS-GOLF.

More on Pinehurst in our Saturday Morning Short Game column. Pinehurst.com.

  SHEPHERD’S ROCK at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is now open for play, fall specials now in play, see Nemacolin.com. This Saturday SwingOIL CEo Thomas Healy joins Golfers on Golf Radio, learn more about the best golf energy drink on the market used by Jason Day, and 2016 U.S. Sr. Open Champion Gene Sauers see swingoil.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy and to the Schaumburg Golf Club where the improvements continue to happen.

Editors note: Last fall I toured the basement of the Schaumburg Golf Club and saw the improvements downstairs.

The new hitting bays with simulators and areas to eat and enjoy all your guests and company were well done. Now one year later the outdoor part of the project is coming together, and what has been done in 2017 looks great as the work in Phase 1 is near completion.

I spent this Wednesday with the clubs GM/Head Professional Jon Parsons and took a tour of the Players Nine and the Driving Range work. It’s eye opening for golfers that will love the finished product not only next summer, but in summer of 2020 when the entire renovation is all complete and reopened.

Schaumburg GM/head golf professional Jon Parsons shows off the 19th hole on the Players-9 at SGC.

The Schaumburg project is moving along quite well, and the clubs GM and head golf professional Jon Parsons could not be more pleased.

The truth is also that he should be and it starts with the new driving range. The old range had a yardage of 240-270. It will now be 305 to 340. That is a difference maker right there. The putting green that previously was about 3,000 square feet, will now triple in size to about 9,000. The back end of the range will now have a private lesson area, and a short game area with a green, chipping area’s and practice bunker. The practice area alone gives Schaumburg Golf Club a new presence that moves it into one of the Chicago area’s better public courses.

The new Schaumburg GC driving range. Wider, longer and more natural grass teeing area.

What golfers will see when they hit the golf course, is new looking bunkers with a flair to them. The will be loaded with the white tour sand, and the brand that was just put in at Cog Hill on course #4.

In addition the Players 9, the first nine to be redone will have two new holes for golfers to play. A pond was relocated and enlarged to hold more storm water. It then allowed architects Bob Lohmann and Todd Quitno to flip-flop holes 25 and 26, and change them from par 4 and par 3, to par 3 and par 4 on hole 26.

Hole 22 a par 4 back towards the clubhouse is growing in very well.

The back end of the driving range now has an area for private lesson instruction, and a newly improved short game practice area. That comes with a larger green,bigger practice bunker and larger chipping areas. This area is to the left side of hole 27.

Parsons says that the current plan is to get the renovated Players-9 open by the 4th of July in 2018. However since the last two holes are about to be seeded and the other seven holes are already having the fairways, tee’s and greens cut, if the fall allows for some good grass growing weather,a nd winter isn’t too harsh, Parsons admits that date “could be” moved up.

  Holes 24 (L) and 27 (R) have already started solid grow in, and should look almost playable even before winter hits. For more information on the Schaumburg Golf Club renovation project, stay clicked in on this site, or visit Schaumburggolf.com. The course is located on Roselle Road in Schaumburg just south of Higgins road.

   THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows in Addison is open for public play, DuPagegolf.com. The area’s biggest renovation project the Schaumburg Golf Club has it’s Players Nine work now almost completed except the grow in. See Schaumburggolf.com for details and see our story coming next on what will be new at Schaumburg Golf Club #Hole22    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, follow Rory to the Schaumburg Golf Club and on Fscebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

35 Illinois PGA Professionals again this year have come through during the Birdies For Charities Outing this past Tuesday at the River Forest Country Club.

This was the seventh year of the outing that was first proposed by Medinah’s Travis John’s, who had played in a similar event in the North Texas PGA Section before coming to Illinois.

The figure raised by the event this year was $269,485 dollars, which brought the seven year total to $1.18 million.

The Illinois PGA Birdies For Charity Team at River Forest Country Club

“The pro’s really pulled through this year,” said Chris Gumbach, event co-chair and host PGA Professional at the River Forest Country Club. “Each year we have the generous support of our donors and the tireless effort of our fellow PGA pros that play golf for nearly 12 straight hours straight and raise significant for four deserving children’s charities . And, this year we reached some major milestones. Of course we have a lot of fun playing golf together as well.” The 35 pros that played, raised money for the following charities.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, JDRF, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and the Illinois PGA Foundation.

“Since the inception of this event seven years ago, Illinois PGA Professionals have continually demonstrated their dedication and enthusiasm for doing what they do best-play golf- to assist charities that help children and families improve their lives,” said Carrie Williams, executive director of the Illinois PGA Section.

Medinah’s Johns lead the field with 30 birdies, followed by Nick Papadakas (Onwentsia Club) and Sean McLeod (Medinah) with 29 birdies. Curtis Malm (White Eagle Country Club) had 26, with Brian Psenicnik (Twin Orchard Country Club) and Adam Schumacher (Indian Hill Club) having 25 birdies each. Chris Gumbach raided the most in donations with $28,085 and Papadakas with $26,480.

“When Travis suggested the idea and outlined the event for us, it was an immediate ‘yes’ for me, recalled Gumbach. “And it’s very satisfying to see all that we’ve been able to accomplish in seven years and the impact the event has had to help these charities and kids and their families.”

For information on the event and how to donate please visit ipgabirdiesforcharity.com

 TRUE SPEC GOLF fitting studio, new to Chicago and located in Highland Park on Old Skokie Road next to the Edens Expressway, Truespecgolf.com. IT IS AN EPIC season for Callaway Golf, For an Epic Driver, or Mack Daddy Wedges, see Callawaygolf.com.   ______________________________________________________________________

WELCOME TO THE late Edition of the Monday GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT COLUMN.

THE GOG BLOG is part of Golfers on Golf Radio, and is written by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

LABOR DAY IS HERE, which means the end of summer golf is coming, and the fall golf season approaches. It’s that time of year that makes you wonder where summer has gone, and how it passed by so quickly.

It leaves me asking how I didn’t play more golf, and why I spent too much time at the ballparks, again!

THE PLAYOFFS!!! yes playoffs are underway, and next up on the schedule next week is the BMW Championship at Conway Farms in Lake Forest. But more on that to come.

First up is getting out to enjoy the last couple of weeks on the golf course while it is still summer. Now that it’s past Labor Day there are specials to be found, keep your eyes open. It’s a fun time of year to play, courses are not as crowded, it’s not so hot out and not yet to cold either.

Both the University of Illinois and the Northern Illinois University have Invitationals coming up if you want to see some good college golf. Illinois at Olympia Fields, and Northern Illinois at Rich Harvest Farms.

In just a couple of weeks fall will be here and while it’s one of the nicest times of the year to play golf, it does go by quickly. It’s about a 6 week window to enjoy the game, between the trees, lakes, ponds, creeks and high grass. It’s all very colorful, but as the colors turn our season turns towards the end of the round. Before you know it, it’s time to hit the simulators and the golf domes, while think about a winter trip and maybe some new clubs. Go enjoy what’s left of the 2017 golf season while you can. I know I will.

THE BMW Championship, are you ready. Conway Farms is getting there as the top 70 players will arrive and try to make the top 30 the following week in Atlanta. Dustin Johnson the defending champion is back in the field, so is Jason Day who won at Conway Farms in 2015. Need tickets BMWChampionship.com,support the Evans Scholars and put a caddie in college.

THE ILLINOIS PGA PROFESSIONALS are raising money with a birdie for charities day at the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, the IPGA pro’s have now raised over 1 million dollars in the years they have been playing the fund raiser. Great job everyone.

IT WAS tough to see the damage at my old place of employment the Chevy Chase golf course in Wheeling. That mid-July rainstorm really hurt many of the area courses, it brought back memories of my year there cut short by a flood in the late 80’s. I wish CC good luck at getting back on it’s feet. The Wheeling Park District is hopeful to get the course back open this month. After viewing the property my guess is week 1 or 2 in October.

I’m planning on heading over this week to see the Schaumburg Golf Club’s renovation project that is in phase 1 of 3, details as I have them. The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

   CELEBRATING 100 YEARS at the French Lick Resort is the Donald Ross Course (L), see Frenchlick.com Indiana’s 5-Star Resort. Callaway the golf world’s new mover and shaker golf company, the Mack Daddy wedges by Roger Cleveland Callawaygolf.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG an extension of Golfers on Golf Radio. By Editor and Director of Content Rory Spears. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy more on Pinehurst later this week.

EDITORS NOTE: It was stunning news to hear what happened at the Traditions of Chevy Chase in Wheeling. Being out of town when the massive July rain storm hit, I was unaware that flooding had closed Chevy Chase since Mid-July.

In the late 1980’s I worked at Chevy Chase for a couple of years. One of them cut short be a massive rain storm that flooded the course on July 31st.

After being closed for 10 days, all of the employees were called in for a meeting, and told that the course would not reopen for 1987. The flood waters had damaged too much of the golf course. When Chevy reopened a week later than normal in April of 1988, the grass was still “iffy” in places and the customers complained, permanent tee time holders wanted the option to not play if they chose to do so. The Park District refused the demand and eventually by mid-summer things got better. Only to be hit again by another storm that shut the course down for 8 days. At that point the park shared with the employees that they planned to do something to help stop the flooding.

A renovation plan with an architect suggested widening and deepening the creek, and making the pond deeper and a little wider to hold more water. While some steps for were taken, it was just after 2000 when renovation work was done, that helped reduce flooding and improved the golf course. A water retention basin was created left of the par 5 second hole to help hold water. A visit I just made to the course showed it was still full of water. Some of the water Chevy Chase gets now, comes from the townhouse development that borders the north side of the golf course. What can be done going forward is a good question. But what is known is the course has been closed for almost two months, and a reopening date is unknown. I wish my old place of employment the best in getting the doors open again and tee sheet full before winter arrives. RS

      The Traditions at Chevy Chase Clubhouse (L), and the sign in front of it today (R).

The Par 3, 13th hole at Chevy Chase still has some growing in to do.

On July 11th the rains came and many of the north suburban golf courses were affected after some 10+ inches of rain fell in the area.

The ones along the Des Plaines river seemed to be the hardest hit, but some near the Fox River had issues as well.

The good news is that many if not almost all of them are back up and in play. Chevy Chase in Wheeling is one of them that is still not open. Opening day is still unknown by the Wheeling Park District and the golf staff at Chevy Chase. The were parts of the golf course that were untouched by the flooding, and those area’s look great. Some of the parts that got flooded, unfortunately still have a way to go.

The 14th fairway at Chevy Chase in Wheeling

The park district says that 14 out of 18 fairways were affected. The 8th green was the hardest hit, and 50% percent of the green had to be fixed.

The losses have been over 10,000 rounds of golf and some 36 outings.

the park board says they will reopen the golf course when golfers can play the course without damaging it further and the golfers playing experience is not impacted by the damaged area.

During the repair time the park district has seeded 15 acres with bent grass and 25+ acres of rough. During the time the course has been closed, repairs crews have done other projects. They include bridge and cart path repairs, along with work on the sprinkler system.

The Wheeling Park District is hopeful that the course can reopen later this month. Time will tell. Monitor this website and the park district website/facebook page for details.

ED STEVENSON Ex. Director of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District welcomes everyone to come out and enjoy the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. For more details on tee times and famed Rambo Scramble coming to Maple Meadows in October see DuPagegolf.com. THE EPIC year of Callaway Golf continues see Callawaygolf.com ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio is standing L-R Mike Munro & Ed Stevenson, Seated L-R Rory Spears & Bill Berger. Teeing off at 9 Am on Am 750 WNDZ

Golfers on Golf Radio is back again this morning for week 21 of 23, our season is flying by quickly.

This week our guests include, from Boyne Resorts in Michigan, Josh Richter the Director of Golf. From the Callaway Golf Company Connor Crail the area regional manager.

Then for one last time before he heads off into the the retirement phase of life, long time Chicago area Titleist Sales guy Kent Sands.

Next week and the last week of the show, there are more top of line golf guests already scheduled, and or expected. Tune in at 9 Am this morning for week 21 of Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ.

The Northern Intercollegiate comes to Rich Harvest Farms on September 24-25.

Three Big Ten schools are in the field for this years Northern Intercollegiate to be played at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, and hosted by Northern Illinois University.

The tournament will be played on September 24 and 25. The three Big Ten schools include Wisconsin, Purdue and Michigan.

Some of the other top programs in the field this year include Marquette and Virginia. tournament rounds start at 8:15 on the 24th. Then at 7:45 Am on the 25th, admission is free to see the tournament.

The Second Hole at Conway farms home of the 2017 BMW Championship.

The BMW Championship is coming for a third time to the Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest.

The championship week is September 11th through September 17th. Dustin Johnson is the defending champion, and is expected to be in the field for the championship.

With the championship moving to the Philadelphia area in 2018, this is the last time until August of 2019 when the BMW will be played at Medinah, to see the event played in person in the Chicago area. For tickets please visit BMWChampionship.com. Support the Evans Scholars.

Sage Run at Sweetgrass Island Casino, opens June of 2018.

The brand new Sage Run golf course at the Island Resort and Casino, will be the third new course in Michigan in the last three years. This shows the golf economy in Michigan is starting to rebound.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a fast growing golf destination.

General Manager of the Island Resort Casino Tony Mancilla says that the guests of the resort were looking for a bigger golf experience, and one with more options. The golf course is part of an $8 million dollar renovation that hopefully entice guests to stay more than one night. A full service spa, bingo parlor and sports bar have been added. Paul Albanese is the designer of both courses at Sweetgrass.

The new course will have a different look than the Sweetgrass course. Sage Run will be about 75% through the trees, and will play up and down through the trees. Shuttles will be available to take resort guests a couple of miles down the road to the new golf course. Albanese calls the famed “Royal County Down” as the inspiration for this new golf course.

For more information on the golf course and the resort, visit islandresortandcasino.com.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday. RS