TWO PEA’S in a POD-Cast that is. BIG 3 Partner’s Len Ziehm and Golfers on Golf’s Rory Spears, have launched a series of podcast’s, with Part 1 a review of the 2017  Chicago season posted here on the Gog Blog. THE CALLAWAY EPIC DRIVER, was the #1 selling driver every month in 2017 across the country. But on Jan. 16 Callaway will be announcing another new driver, and more.  Stay tuned for Callaway Golf 2018      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content Rory Spears. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy In the Schuamburg Golf Club’s simulators bay.

CURTIS TYRRELL IS OUT THROUGH FRONT GATEWAY OF MEDINAH, and on his way to warmer climates, such as the Naples area of Florida, and the Bonita Bay Club, of Bonita Springs.

Medinah’s Superintendent of Grounds is finally moving on, about five years after the word was out that he was moving on.

Back in 2012, when Tyrrell and his crews were working hard on getting Medinah’s famed Course #3 ready for the Ryder Cup, Mother Nature didn’t deal Tyrrell a good hand as Tyrrell’s crews worked to create a new infrastructure on the course. As a result it was a scramble to get the course in tip-top shape for 24 of the best players in the world come late September. But by the time team Europe hit the first tee ball in late September most all was back in top shape.

Curtis Tyrrell outside the Medinah Clubhouse.

In the months leading up to the Ryder Cup the rumors were that Tyrrell would be getting let go by the club, which were false. Then the rumor, apparently let out by people at NBC during the Ryder Cup was that, Tyrrell was taking the same job at Hazeltine to be the new superintendent there, and prepare the Twin-Cites area club for the 2016 Ryder Cup.

That rumor was quickly followed up with yet another rumor, that Tyrrell had accepted a job at a big time club in New Jersey, maybe even working for current President Donald Trump. A story Tyrrell denied to Golfers on Golf at the time.

What did happen was the day after the Ryder Cup ended, Tyrrell got alongside of architect Tom Doak, and started on the renovation of Medinah’s # 1 Course. A few years later he rolled up his sleeves again, and worked with Rees Jones on a restoration of Medinah’s #2 Course, that reopened this past July.

Now in Florida three of the Bonita Bay’s five courses are approved to undergo renovations and Tyrrell will be right in the middle of them. He will start there in late January and get right to work.

Curtis Tyrrell bids farewell to Medinah and speaks on what’s ahead for him at the Bonita Bay Club in Florida.

Tyrrell says he will miss a club he put a lot of hard work into and the people he worked with through three renovations, but is looking forward to Florida and that his family is as well.

One things Tyrrell has to look forward to in Florida, is that there are plenty of Medinah members who call the Bonita Bay Club home during the winter. So he will still see plenty of familiar faces at his new club.

Medinah has begun a national search for Tyrrells replacement, and the job posting is on the club’s website.

  CALLAWAY GOLF’S PAUL SCHLIMM holds the Epic Driver at the 2017 PGA Show in Orlando, Epic went on to be America’s biggest selling driver in every month of 2017, see Callawaygolf.com and get ready for the new Epic launching Jan. 16, 2018. THE NCAA Championships at Rich Harvest Farms, launched the tournament season in 2017. The first of many tournaments in Chicago this year, NU & U of I had great runs.     _____________________________________________________________________

TWO PEA’S IN A POD- LEN ZIEHM (L) AND RORY SPEARS (R)

As the 2017 calendar year and golf year closes out, BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm and GOG-Director of Content begin a series of podcasts that golfers, especially Chicago area golfers should enjoy.

The 2017 in review podcast is just that, it’s a look a busy tournament season that was, with some discussion on course renovations, who stood out with equipment improvements, and which club that’s maybe in your bag was the big winner. plus a look at two local area amateurs that had a winning season.

Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, review the 2017 golf season with a focus on the Chicago area and it’s players.

More podcasts forthcoming on the tee.

Coming up next week, a preview of 2018. Then on a date yet TBA, Len Ziehm covers the travels of the Ziehm machine, with the Rory roadster adding in his side of golf destination travel.

In Orlando starting the 23rd of January, Part 1 and Part 2 (the 24th) a look at demo day and the convention center floor of the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show.

Brought to you by BIG 3 Golf. Happy New Year everyone.

  DAN PHILLIPS is back teaching at McQ’s Dome, and on Saturday Jan.13th Phillips along with Drew Draper with present the Cleveland Golf Scoring Clinic at McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook from 12 Noon to 2 Pm. $149 per person and limited to the first 14 people who register. Students get 90 minutes of instruction and fitted for a Cleveland Wedge. To sign up email Phillips at dphillips@mistwoodgc.com or call Mcqs (630)-739-7600    _____________________________________________________________________

Standing by the fire place at McWethy’s Tavern in the Mistwood Clubhouse. The Gog Blog by Director of Content Rory Spears. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, on Facebook and Linkedin.

THE GOLF NEWS NEVER STOPS and neither does the Gog Blog, even all winter long.

ANTIGUA has introduced it’s 2018 Men’s Outerwear Collection, with Six new styles.

Antigua a leader in the golf apparel industry,now gives golfers more and more options for on and off the golf course.

“For Spring ’18, Antigua has no shortage of seasonal lightweight outerwear,” says newly elected SW PGA Section Hall of Famer and Antigua CEO Ron McPherson. “The half-zip pullover is to outerwear, what the polo collar is to a golf shirt- a staple. It’s the model of choice for cool weather garment of any weight. Antigua covers the gamut in both fabrication choices to function best in certain temperatures, as well as creating a variety of fashion options ranging from quilted tonal double knits, stripes with accents, fleeced garments. sweater-like fabrications, and contrasting embossed tonally striped windwear.”

Pam Miller director of sales for Antigua, shows off 2017 Antigua Windwear at the 2017 PGA Show.

The Six new options include, Style Profile, a contrasting 50-50 color to contrasting-black knit check. Style Voyage, a sweater-like apparel.

Styles Thunder, Cyclone and Maritime, while Thunder carries the long sleeves, maritime and Cyclone go with short sleeves. The three models provide a mix between solids and contrasting colors provide style that works on and off the golf course.

To close out the 2018 spring outerwear line is the Frontier, that is the way to go when cooler temperatures require something a little bit warmer. For more on these fashions please visit Shopantigua.com or visit Antigua.com. Golfers on Golf will have more on Antigua, after our visit to the Antigua booth at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando coming up Jan. 23-26.

StrackaLine Greens Guides, became an industry factor in 2017

2017 was the year for major growth for the STRACKALINE technology company, when their laser-scanned green guides were used by major players on all the professional tours, and by some 250+ college golf teams.

What the StrackaLine does is give golfers a look at green design and slope, from a standpoint of having topographical green maps accurate down to the millimeter. The maps give the golfer easy to read arrows, which allows for players to study a greens contour and fall lines, along with a slope percentage, from anywhere on the green.

StrackaLine has now scanned over 700+ courses including a variety of some of the countries top rated golf courses. Now a vast majority of Division 1 colleges use the guide including last year’s national champions.

“StrackaLine Greens Guides are leading the game forward, allowing players of all skill levels to better read putt and improving the pace of play,” says company president Jim Stracka. “The use of our green guides receive on the professional tours through out the world is a testament to the quality of the StrackaLine, as is the usage of over 250 college teams. We look forward to helping even more players properly read greens on their favorite courses in 2018.”

The books can be purchased for $97 in book form, or accessed via the StrackaLine App for $179 per course. More courses will be added to the list in 2018. For more information see StrackaLine.com.

MIURA GOLF the new PP-Neo Utility Club

MIURA GOLF has launched Four-New products in the last 90 days.

“Shinei Miura and his R&D team continue to push the envelope of how we design and manufacture clubs. The Passing Point Line provides golfers of all abilities the opportunity to experience Miura’s performance, craftsmanship, and feel,” said Hoyt McGarity, President of Miura Golf.

The PP-Neo utility promotes a floating weight technology (FWS) which repositions a 35-gram weight which floats above the sole of the club. The technology in the Miura-Utility Club give the club a a maximum center of gravity, that creates a greater ball speed and reduces spin. The matte black crown gives the gives the club head a smaller appearance than the actual size.

In addition to the PP-Neo, are the PP-W01 Wedges. The new wedges have been designed with a new process called SUS precision casting. The new W01 wedge, is the first Miura wedge not to be forged from one piece of soft carbon steel. The W01 comes with a wide 30mm sole, that allows the club head to return to square, at the Point of Impact (POI).

PP-9005 Genesis Irons, with a new Carpenter steel face, is the thinnest-face that Miura has ever produced. Bill Holowaty COO of Miura Golf says these Irons will not disappoint golfers looking for distance, forgiveness and performance. With weight being placed in the center of gravity, these Irons offer a new level of combination in spin and launch angle.

MIURA has created the latest in driving irons with the release of it’s ICL-601 Driving Iron. The Inner Cavity-Long Iron is the newest member of the Miura MG collection, and mesh with any set of Miura Irons. “This design is not new for Miura,” says McGarity. “It was first introduced with the highly popular IC-2003, series, but modern technology has allowed Miura to improve on the initial design. The new sole sits on the ground in a way that gives golfer a more comfortable feel, that they don’t normally get when hitting a long iron.

THE GOG BLOG returns with news on the Titleist Golf front tomorrow. RS

 THE CHICAGO GOLF CLUB home of the Inaugural U.S. Sr. Women’s Open, to be played in July of 2018, visit USGA.org for volunteer information, and just posted is the qualifying locations. THE CRADLE is Open at Pinehurst, Gil Hanse’s par 3 course has the golfers out in force during their stay in Pinehurst. See Pinehurst.com. #TheCradle     _____________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Director of Content Rory Spears, on the Donald Ross Course at the French Lick Resort. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin and Facebook.

THE TPT GOLF SHAFT continues to make it’s presence felt where it goes. It’s next step is the USA, and it’s first stop is the PGA Show next month in Orlando.

The TPT Golf firm based in Renens Switzerland, has now hired some key people to keep the growth and vision of the company moving forward.

“We took our time in making sure we found the perfect fit for each position,” says Sebastian Sebayang, Director of TPT Golf. “These hires are not only highly qualified to fill their roles, but they’re committed to our mission of revolutionizing the golf shaft industry so that golfers can finally achieve their full potential.”

THE TPT Golf Shaft

The new technical director is Jeff Meyer a 30+ year veteran with high performance composites. Meyer comes over from Titleist and Aldila.

Meyer says,” five minutes into my first meeting, I understood the advantages of the TPT material processes. The design and manufacturing processes are both different and superior than industry methodologies. Swiss engineering is so fine tuned. With our technology, we can engineer and shaft parameter we want.”

Jon Sinclair will join TPT as it’s USA Technical Advisor. Sinclair has a reputation as being one of the most sought-after experts in capturing and interpeting cutting-edge golf swing data. Sinclair says that,” the consistency we can produce a shaft – TPT is going to change the game of golf. Shaft stability will allow golfers to increase their potential speed.”

To oversee marketing and communications, TPT has linked up with Rooted-Solutions a Detroit company directed by former Golf WRX Editor-in-Chief Zak Kozuchowski. TPT has retained the Mary Beth Lacey a major US based PR firm, that represents several golf related firms.

TPT shafts are already winning tournaments on tour. The TPT 15LKP-LT-LW won back-to-back tournaments on the European Tour, the WGC-HSBC Champions in China and the Turkish Airlines Open (Justin Rose).

The Thin Ply Winding method allows TPT to control the design parameter. Having the ability to control the kick-point, the torque and weight allows for the TPT golf shafts to meet the exact needs of every golfer.

A third victory with the 15LKP-LT-LW driver shaft was recorded at the Indonesian Masters by a margin of eight strokes. The shaft allows for more distance and accuracy through an increased energy transfer, which creates a tighter shot dispersion and the right amount of spin.

Learn More at TPTgolf.com Golfers on Golf will review the shaft with the professional staff at Mistwood Golf/McQ’s Dome in the next couple of weeks.

  TPT GOLF SHAFTS our second feature on these new shafts is coming soon, for more information see Tptgolf.com. THE NORTH COURSE at Innisbrook has reopened from it’s recent renovation. Tee times are being taken now, visit Innisbrookgolfresort.com.      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content for Golfers on Golf. Getting the swing checked with Dan Phillips, who is now back teaching at McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook. You can follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook.

THE GOLF NEWS NEVER STOPS, and your best place to find it all during holiday week is right here, at the Golfersongolf.com website. While the sites shut down for the winter, or take a holiday break, GOG.com gives you all the news you need while relaxing at the 2017 years end.

SORRY LADIES..Jordan Speith is off the market. The reigning British Open Champion has formally announced his engagement to his long time girlfriend Annie Verret . No wedding date set yet, but Spieth is now officially spoken for. A few of Spieth’s PGA Tour friends took to social media to tease him about all the hearts he just broke. Verret is an event coordinator for the First Tee of Texas.

THE CALUMET COUNTRY CLUB clubhouse, front view.

ON THE MARKET is the Calumet Country Club,which just hosted the 2017 state amateur.

Chris Charnas and Links Capital Advisors are handling the sale of the club.

CCC was built in 1901, and designed by the famed architect Donald Ross. It was created for Chicago’s downtown area residents. The clu has easy access to both expressways and local railway service.

The over 30,000 square foot clubhouse is a beautiful place for for outings, banquets and weddings..The club is currently owned by a subset of the membership, that is looking for a long term deal in which they can still play at the club.

***BREAKING NEWS Charnas and LCA have just sold Antioch Golf Club***

Charnas is also in contact with an investor looking to buy a resort or club that has housing on site. LCA is working to find a buyer for the Klein Creek Club in Wheaton. If your looking to buy or sell, contract Chris Charnas at 847-866-7192. You can also reach Chris via email at chris@linkscapitaladvisors.com.

True Spec golf in Highland Park, is announcing a new location, a little further south .

True Spec Golf that recently opened it’s first Illinois location in north suburban Highland Park, is announcing a new Florida location.

The new fitting studio is located at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter Florida.

True Spec Director of Sales and Fitting Tim Briand says that,” The opportunity to open a facility in one of the more premier golfing markets in the country, Jupiter, Florida, is something we have desired for some time. We look forward to helping golfers of all skill levels, beginner and PGA Tour pro alike, find the best set they have ever played, for years to come at Trump National Golf Club-Jupiter.”

The new studio at Trump National features.  A large indoor range and fitting bay. The Trackman launch monitor. A full-sized Blueprint station. A fitting matrix with 30,000+ shaft and clubhead combinations. All top industry brands that include Callaway, Titleist, Miura and PXG.

“The greatest part of my job is being able to drive noticeable improvement to every customer’s game,” said Matt Morin, Lead Club Fitter. I couldn’t be more excited to bring True Spec Golf to Trump National-Jupiter.”

Each club fit by True Spec Golf is hand built in the Scottsdale Arizona facility. Fee;s for fitting sessions are anywhere from $125 to $450 per session. But True Spec is offering special rates through Dec. 31st. To learn more see truespecgolf.com/locations/jupiter/.

AG GOLF made a big splash at the PGA Tour Tournament meetings earlier this month. AG Golf is the official simulator of the PGA Tour. The officials attending the meetings had a chance to play in a Par 3 contest, from the best par 3 holes on tour. The simulators have over 60 courses programmed into them. For more information see www.aboutgolf.com.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPERSPORTS has ten of it’s managed properties in Golfweek Magazine Rankings. Courses in Golfweeks TOP 100 course list were the following. #2-Pacific Dunes OR., #4 Old Macdonald OR., #6 Bandon Dunes OR., #9 Bandon Trails OR., #12 Streamsong Red FL., #15 (new) Sand Valley WI., #18 Streamsong Blue FL., #42 Golden Horseshoe (Gold) VA., #50 Tobacco Road NC., #52 Wilderness at Fortune Bay MN.

KSM had more courses in the Top 100 than any other golf course management firm.

Cantigny Golf head professional Patrick Lynch (R) is seen here with Hans Larson HGP at Westmoreland CC. Lynch is one of the 2017 award winners for junior golf and golf development in Illinois, at Cantigny Golf.

KSM’s Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, has won the NGCOA Player Development Award, by the National Golf Course Owners Association. Cantigny Golf is well known for it’s Youth Golf 9-Hole Links Course. The youth clinics have reached over 1,500 golfers this year.

Cantigny Golf is a part of the KSM PDWeek that gives 15 minute free lessons to new golfers. More than 10,000 golfers took part in 2017. The award winners will be recognized on Feb. 8th.

Two Cantigny professionals Patrick Lynch and Greg Baresel won Illinois PGA Awards for golf and junior golf development in 2017.

OVERLOAD GOLF… Has announced that it has appointed Ken Kamada, a veteran operating professional of multiple venture-backed start ups and investors to join Overload Golf, to oversee their BAR Fund, that invests in golf businesses and other golf related technologies.

With a background starting at Morgan Stanley, Kamada created his own wealth management firm, Kamada Investment Management. As a result Kamada has served as CFO for several venture capital prominent firms.

Overload Golf partner Randall Henry says the firm is “excited” to have Ken Kamada on the team. To learn more about overload Golf please visit golfinfo@overloadgolf.com or contact the office at (208)-209-4171.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

 THE NORTH COURSE at Innisbrook has reopened from renovation, the resort is now taking tee times and reservations for 2018, see Innisbrookgolfresort.com #Copperhead  ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Director of Content Rory Spears, from the fire place at McWethy’s Tavern it the Mistwood Clubhouse. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

It’s the day after Christmas and all through the clubhouse not a creature is stirring not even anxious golfers or club professionals.

Boy’s it’s cold out, only 7 degrees today here in the Chicago area. There is still an inch or two of snow from Sunday mornings dusting.

Bur fear not golfers, the daylight is lasting longer each day now, and we have all gained about 5 minutes per day already.

BUT THE REAL QUESTION IS what did you get for Christmas from Santa, your family or friends, or even the people in your favorite foursome. I hope that all golfers got something golf related, I did. A 2018 golf calendar, and $$$ from Mom and Dad to go buy those Pinehurst logo’d slacks in the way to the PGA Show in Florida next month.

My BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm already has some, so I do have to keep up with the Ziehm’s. I might need something from Streamsong as well, the Black Course by Gil Hanse is open and I plan to be stopping by after the PGA show.

Okay, did you get clubs? If so hold off on those high expectations right away. If they came right off the rack and you were not fitted. STOP RIGHT THERE. You might be in for a surprise. Go get checked out before the warm weather gets here. Go to True Spec Golf in Highland Park, Elevation Golf in Williowbrook, McQ’s Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, or the Schaumburg Golf Club in Schaumburg.

Those are four places in the Chicago area where you can get checked out on golf clubs to see if you have the right ones. Now if you got gift cards or a check, before you go buy clubs or even a new club, still hit one of the above recommended places and get fitted before you buy. ALWAYS the smartest way to go. For putter fittings two great other options include the barn on the range at Cog Hill with Kevin Weeks, or the putting lab at Blackberry Oaks with Chad Johansen.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR GOLF BALLS, there is a neat little price war going on between Titleist and Callaway. Titleist lowered the prices on year end 2017 Pro V’s down about 8 dollars to the same cost of Callaway Chrome. So Callaway now appears to have done the same thing and lowered it’s prices by about 8 dollars a dozen, so they are still cheaper than Titleist. For those of you looking for a deal, Callaway Chrome end of year 2017 stock, $31 per dozen. Grab them now.

GOLF GETAWAYS..for New Years or over the next couple of months. You do need to do a searching online. BUT, there are various resorts in WARM WEATHER offering deals if you book NOW. Check it out. The NHL All-Star game is in Tampa Florida the end of January, I’m not sure what Blackhawks will be playing yet, but a great getaway to see hockey and play golf all at once. As far as the desert goes, spring training will be here before you know it and Cubs and Sox fans will want to head out to Arizona, for baseball and golf. Book now before those properties fill up.

THE DOME’s ARE OPEN, with the cold temperatures outside, it’s a great time to visit McQ’s in Bolingbrook, Links and Tee’s in Addison, White Pines in Bensenville, Buffalo Grove and maybe a couple of the other smaller domes around town.

IF YOU CAN BE PATIENT. The new 2018 equipment will start coming out in less than 30 days at the PGA Show, so if you want the latest and maybe the greatest, give your reps and pro’s some time to get back from Orlando, and go visit them right after the Super Bowl and plan ahead. I will start passing along information as I get it from from the equipment manufacturers.

OUR INDOOR GOLF SHOWS, Chicago Golf Show, Tinley Park and Lake County shows are offering ticket specials, check online for details.

Within the next two weeks I will be at McQ’s Dome testing out the latest in shaft technology with the McQ’s-Mistwood pro staff. Then I will have a review with thoughts from the pro’s. The new TPT Golf Shaft created by a group of engineers in Switzerland and teaching guru David Leadbetter, is having success oversea’s and is coming here to America. TPTGOLF.com.

It was nice to see Mistwood professional Dan Phillips back teaching again, Dan spent the last year+ working on the marketing side for Mistwood and McQ’s, and while he did a great job there, he is now back on the golfside. Need a lesson go see Dan at McQ’s.

PS..the new menu at McQ’s is just plain good, new Master Chef Anton can cook up quite a feast, go enjoy. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. RS

 THE NEW CALLAWAY EPIC Driver-Coming Jan.16-2018. TPT Golf Shafts tptgolf.com. ______________________________________________________________________

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

The USGA has announced the qualifying sites for the 2018 inaugural U.S. Sr. Women’s Open at the Chicago Golf from July 9-16 of 2018.

The championship is open to all female competitors who will be at least 50 years of age or older by July 12th, and whose handicap does not exceed the index of 7.4.

Visit USGA.org for more details on applying to play in the championship.

The following is the list of qualifying sites for the championship.

The first site is on 6-4-2018, the Alta Mesa Golf Club in Mesa Az.

On June 6th, Pine Needles Lodge and GC, in Southern Pines NC, and Springfield Golf and CC in Springfield Va.

On June 11th. Newport Beach Country Club, Newport Beach Ca.

On June 12th Olympic Club (Ocean Course) San Francisco Ca. CommonGround Golf Course Aurora, Co,. Bent Creek Golf Club Eden Prairie Mn., Whippoorwill Club, Armonk Ny.

On June 14th. The Fairwood Golf & Country Club Renton Wa.

On June 18th. Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forest IL., Scioto Country Club Columbus Oh., Northhampton Country Club Easton Pa., Onion Creek Club, Austin Tx.,

On June 20th Richland Country Club Nashville Tn., On June 26th. LPGA International Golf Course (Hills Course) Daytona Beach Fl.

Tickets have not yet gone on sale for the championship. Stay clicked in for further details.

THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content Rory Spears

WISHING ALL OF OUR READERS and our Golfers on Golf Radio listeners a very Merry Christmas, from all of us at Golfers on Golf.

We’re back tomorrow.

Bill Berger, Mike Munro, Ed Stevenson and Rory Spears.

We hope that Santa Claus and your friends and family all brought you some well needed golf gifts this year. Here’s to that next time wherever it is.

  A NEW CALLAWAY EPIC DRIVER coming Jan.16-2018. TPT SHAFTS see Tptgolf.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy With Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small at U of I.

University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small continues to fill up his trophy case, as he earns the Sr. PGA Player of the Year from the PGA of America.

Small will receive the award on June 15th during the week of the PGA Professional Championship, that will be contested at Bayonet Black Horse in Seaside California.

Small has won the PGA Player of the year award three times, 2006-2007-2010. He wins this years award with a  third place finish at the PGA Professional Championship. A fourth place finish at the Senior PGA Professional Championship. Small then made the cut at the U.S.Sr. Open and finished 42nd. Small is now the only Illinois PGA Section member to win both the PGA Player of the Year, and Sr. PGA Player of the year award.

“My schedule has always been dictated by my coaching, and when I get a chance to play, it is a bonus,” said Small (in a release from the PGA of America). “I’m a coach first, a player second and I look upon any success as giving me credibility as a coach. It is an honor to win this award. The PGA is very important to me and a big part of my coaching.”

Small has won the PGA National Championship three times, and has won the Illinois PGA Section Championship a record of 12 times. A record likely to never be broken. Small has won the Illinois Open four times, and played in 11 major championships. Comprised of the PGA and U.S. Open. He has made the cut in 15 of the 34 PGA Tour events he has played in, since leaving the tour full-time.

In 2017 he was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was won the B1G Ten Coach of the Year award a record of nine times. During his time at Illinois the Illini have won the Big Ten Conference numerous times, and have several final four appearances in the NCAA Championships including this year at Rich Harvest Farms. 22 of his players have made All-American and over have been All-Big Ten.

This year, Illinois lead by Small and Seniors Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer are expected to make another strong run in spring of 2018 at a national championship.

  DAN PHILLIPS is back at McQ’s and Mistwood doing what he likes to do, and that’s teach golf, visit mcqsdome.com or mistwood.com to learn more. Holiday Sale at the McQs Dome ends today at 8 PM. Enjoy dinning at McWethy’s Tavern & Green St.Grille THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content RORY SPEARS. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Getting my swing checked out at McQ’s Dome .  ______________________________________________________________________

   THE MINIATURE GOLF course at the Chicago Golf Show run by the Illinois PGA Section. The Long Putt Contest, putt for prizes, always a favorite at the golf show.

RIGHT NOW you can buy tickets for the Chicago Golf Show that will be held from Feb, 23-26 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The current ticket special is FOUR-Saturday or Sunday Tickets for just $28, which is a $16 dollar savings.

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW is presented by the French Lick Resort, in French Lick Indiana. This offer expires on January 7th. Come enjoy the 35th anniversary of the Chicago Golf Show.

The show will have many of the top courses and golf resorts from around the country  in attendance with booths. Free lessons from members of the Illinois PGA Section. Visit Chicagogolfshow.com for more details.