BLACKBERRY OAKS GM/PRO Chad Johansen holds the Blackberry Amateur trophy, the 8th annual BBO-AM will be played June 23-24 at Blackberry Oaks, sign up now at Blackberryoaks.com or call the clubhouse at (630)-553-7170, the tournament is now sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra. MCQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook is the place with cool weather outside, work on your game, hit the OTB or enjoy all the great food and drink in the bar and grill, lessons from the Mistwood GC pro’s, see Mcqsdome.com  ______________________________________________________________________

              THE CHICAGO GOLF CLUB home of the 2018 US SR. Women’s Open, being contested from July 12-15. For more information on volunteering see USGA.org.

U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship Trophy as seen at United States Golf Association in Far Hills, N.J. on Thursday, January 26, 2018. (Copyright USGA/Jonathan Kolbe)

THEY ARE IN THE FIELD for the inaugural U.S. Sr. Women’s Open at the Chicago Golf Club, are LPGA Legends Tour founder Jane Blalock and Mary Jane Hiestand due to special exemptions announced today by the USGA.

Blalock, 72 was the LPGA rookie of the year in 1969, and record 27 LPGA Tour victories, that has her 19th on the all-time LPGA Victory list.

“I got goosebumps when I received the call,” said Blalock. “This is a historic event of mammoth proportions, so to have the chance to participate in this championship is so significant on many fronts. Senior Women now have the chance to compete on golf’s most prominent stage, and those of us who did not win a U.S. Women’s Open will now have another chance.”

Hiestand, 58 an amateur had a second place finish in the 2017 USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur. Hiestand has now competed in 43 USGA Championships, and was runner up in the 2013 U.S. Sr. Women’s Amateur at Cordevalle.

Jane Blalock (far right) at the Senior LPGA Championship this past summer at the French Lick Resort. Photo by Joy Sarver.

” I’m just so excited,” said Hiestand. A member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. “As soon as I heard four years ago that the championship was happening. I was looking forward to it. To not have to go through qualifying takes one variable out. It’s really icing on the cake. I think this championship will be another huge stride for women’s golf.”

The U.S. Sr. Women’s Open is open to all players who are 50 or older by July 12th of this year, and has a handicap index that does not exceed 7.4. The field will be 120 players. Entries opened earlier this month and the USGA has announced that the purse will be $1,000,000 dollars.

For more information on the U.S. Sr. Women’s Open Championship please visit USGA.org

  MCQ’S DOME is the place to be this week as outdoor temps stay on the cool side, so why not prepare for the outdoor season with a warm up in McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook. Hit some golf balls, get a lesson, or enjoy the OTB with some Kentucky Derby preview races, enjoy Chef Alton’s menu in the grill. Mcqsdome.com Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600 ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, only part of Golfers on Golf. Created by RORY SPEARS, Going Rogue this year, check out customize your own Rogue Driver, and follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook and Linkedin, with a Rogue Driver.

IF YOUR READY TO GO ROGUE with the new line of Callaway Clubs, why not customize your Rogue’s, at least the driver with one of the 82 combinations in color and design.

The Rogue Driver that sits on the Golf Digest Hot List with a Gold Medal rating, has come out with some of the best options for designing you driver with the colors you want.

If you want your driver to look like the popular Callaway Epic driver of a year ago, with the green colors, you can do that. order it with your school colors or something that just looks wild and crazy.

Visit Callawaygolf.com and check out all the options of creating your new driver in color and design. Listen to Sergio Garcia describe his Callaway fitting to see what’s new in his golf bag.

While visiting the Callaway Golf website, check out the customizing you can do on your Callaway wedges and other Callaway golf products.

   THE KING LIVES AT BAY HILL and he has great company, when Rory McIlroy shot lights out to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and sent the message he is ready for Augusta and to win his first green jacket, and complete his career Grand Slam. #BACK   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content and Creation, RORY SPEARS, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or on Facebook and Linkedin. At McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, Chicago’s Premier Golf Dome see McQsdome.com.

YOU COULD HEAR THE CHEERS rolling through Bay Hill the home of the King, Arnold Palmer all weekend long.

Maybe it was just that the Irish Kid was back in form kicking butt on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, or maybe it was because Rory McIlroy was back, and just in time to complete his career grand slam at Augusta in a couple of weeks.

McIlroy was in the 18th fairway on Saturday, when NBC color guy Johnny Miller was ripping on McIlroy for too much gym time and other things that had taken away from Rory’s string of major wins. With that stuck his iron approach shot about 18 inches from the cup. Dan Hicks for once nailed it by saying, “Johnny I think he heard you talking him about him.” While Millers mic went silent, the gallery was not, as they toasted the shot of the day in round 3. When it was over on Sunday, McIlroy was toasting with the press in the media tent and everyone else knew there is another player in the race at Augusta.

At McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, call for details at (630)-739-7600

THE FIELD OF CONTENDERS at Augusta now has an Elite 8. Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and three guys that are actually WINNING this year, Jason Day, Phil Mickelson, and McIlroy. Last years top two Masters finishers, defending champion Sergio Garcia with his new Callaway sticks is ready to strike again and Justin Rose, both are playing well enough to win at Augusta, and know the course well enough to do it.

One thing is for sure, the green jacket is up for grabs, and it COULD be an exciting week in Augusta Georgia.

The par 3 12th at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol, home of the Blackberry Amateur June 23-24, this year lets FILL THE FIELD #120 players wanted. Blackberryoaks.com or call (630)-553-7170

THEY ARE OPEN yes Blackberry Oaks in Bristol opened for the year in the 60 degree weather we had yesterday. GM and head professional Chad Johansen tells golfers on Golf that he had over 100 golfers to open the season.

BBO is not only a great course for us adults, but for the junior golfers as well, BBO has saying #Kidsrule, and they do all season long. Get your junior golfers enrolled in the CJGA.

DON’T FORGET the Blackberry Amateur will be played on June 23-24 this summer, and this years tournament is sponsored by both Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra. You can sign up now at Blackberryoaks.com or call the pro shop at (630)-553-7170. Johansen has also re-released his Guide for Golf, check it out online.

WHILE SUNDAY was a great day for outside golf, the week ahead here may not be, if not get your game ready by visiting McQ’s Dome. While there are several nice indoor golf domes in the area, MCQ’s is really leading the way in what it offers. A Tip of the cap or golf visor to owner Jim McWethy, and GM Dan Bradley for getting it right. The Mistwood Golf Staff is there all winter long for lessons and fittings. In a recent video, Mistwood Director of Golf Andy Mickelson and Superintendent Ben Kelnhofer discuss course improvements for 2018, including some tree removal on a few holes.

I AM ANXIOUS to go see the new Schaumbrug Golf Clubs new range now open. GM Jon Parson and his staff have much to be proud of, even as they go through the “pardon our dust” phase of renovation, now in year two of three. SGC will have 18 holes open all times, while the other nine is closed for work.

THERE IS ANOTHER forum tonight in Lake Bluff regarding the future of it’s golf course, tell the Park District #savethegolfcourse.

LOST IN THE HOOP-LA of yesterdays big win at Bay Hill by Rory McIlroy, was the retirement after 22 years at the Golf Channel by on-air talent Kelly Tilghman. Tilghman went through a lot over the years in various roles with the network, including a suspension for a lynching comment about TW, while reporting a story about a cover on Golfweek Magazine.

I’ve had the opportunity to talk with her on several occasions at tournaments, and one day for a while on the porch of the media tent in Kohler. I found her to be very nice and wish her the best in the next chapter of her life.

YESTERDAY I posted a story on Antigua Golf Apparel, one of the great names in golf wear, and my interview with Antigua CEO Ron McPherson. If you want to look good on and off the course this summer put on some Antigua golf apparel. The story on Antigua was the last piece of my stockpile of golf features from the 2018 PGA Show in Orlando this past January. I hope you have enjoyed the variety of content from the show.

JUNIOR GOLF SEASON is starting to get going. Check out the IPGA website on it’s connection with Junior Golf, get signed up for Drive Chip and Putt, are you ready for the PGA Junior League this season ahead. Check out IJGA.com and the list of tournaments for the season ahead. Get your juniors playing golf this summer.

The Gog Blog Returns this week. RS

  BLACKBERRY OAKS GM CHAD JOHANSEN designer of the Perfect Putting Aid and the Guide for Golf, holds the Blackberry Amateur Trophy, the 2018 Blackberry Amateur will be played on June 23-24, this year let #FILLTHEFIELD at 120 players. For more details see Blackberryoaks.com or call (630)-553-7170, sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra. MCQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook is Chicago’s premier golf dome, McQ’s has a full sized golf dome and lesson/fitting area, and OTB to plat the ponies and a second hole where the food and drink off the new menu will have you coming back for more. So if this weeks 40 degree temps make you want to be inside see McQsDome.com #McQs ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG part of Golfers on Golf is created by RORY SPEARS, You can follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Facebook and Linkedin. At Bay Harbor Golf Links, Rory’s shirt by Antigua.

They have been a leader in golf apparel for sometime, and their various lines for the different seasons get better all the time.

If you haven’t bought a shirt-long or short sleeve from Antigua before, it’s time you start considering them now.

With modern day in-sync color schemes Antigua is putting together patterns that not only have a solid and bold look to them, they show creations that fit with the season.

For golfers they want apparel that works on and off the golf course, on the 12th hole or in the 19th hole. That has comfort on the 73 degree day or the 93 degree day. If you want something that sports well with your clubs logo, or that of your favorite destination property, then Antigua is for you.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR our interview with Antigua Apparel CEO Ron McPherson, a newly elected member of the Southwest Section of the PGA (Arizona) Hall of Fame.

Antigua CEO Ron McPherson

This years summer line is no different with the various color styles and patterns that Antigua has created.

Antigua like many of the many apparel companies has their share of professional golfers as company ambassadors on various professional tours.

Antigua works closely with their staff players learning what works,and what may not, from players who make their livelyhood on the professional golf tours.

             Unite                      Kaleidoscope               Beam                          Exchange             Antigua is constantly working on what feels better, looks better, and fits better when your trying to make a golf swing. So if your ready to look better on and off the golf course in the summer ahead, please visit Antigua.com or shopantigua.com. Ask for Antigua at your favorite golf shop and at your club.

 IS IT TIME TO GO ROGUE, Callaway’s Rogue Line of Clubs, Woods, Irons and now Hybrids, see Callaway Golf.com. IF YOUR NOT ready to take it outside yet, try the top golf dome in Chicagoland, McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, see mcQsDome.com for info.     _____________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Director of Creation and Content Rory Spears (R) gets his Swing Checked by Pro Dan Phillips in the McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook., Follow Rory on twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook

IT’S TIME TO SIGN UP YOUR JUNIOR GOLFER, and see if they can win a trip to Augusta National.

Registration is now open for the Drive, Chip and Putt contest, at the following website DriveChipandPutt.com.

There is no cost to sign up and boys and girls ages 7-15 are eligible to compete.

The is local qualifying in all 50 states and they begin during the month of May.

The top three local qualifiers in each bracket boys and girls will move on through sub-regional and regional qualifiers during the months of July August and September. In the end, 40 boys and 40 girls will earn trips to compete at Augusta National in front of the 2019 Masters on April 7th.

Drive, Chip and Putt, the competition is on.

“The future of our game can be seen in each junior golfer that participates in the 350 Drive, Chip and Putt events across the country,” said Diana Murphy president of the USGA. “We are grateful for the communities, golf clubs, parents, families and volunteers that encourage each young golfer to participate and chase their dream to compete at the national level.”

“We continue to celebrate the early popularity of Drive, Chip and Putt, and we remain energized by the smiles this programs brings to thousand of kids from around the country,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “We are fortunate to partner with two organizations-the USGA and the PGA or America-who take a leadership role in the successful management and growth of this initiative and share our enthusiasm for golf’s future.”

The first qualifier will be he;d on May 5th of this year.

   CHAD JOHANSEN holds the Blackberry Amateur trophy, that will be up for grabs on June 23-24 at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol, the BB-AM is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra, sign up today at Blackberryoaks.com, this is the year to go and #fillthefield at 120 players. MCQ’S DOME in Bolingbrook is Chicago’s premier golf dome, if not ready yet to head outside, to your prep work for the summer ahead at MCQ’s Dome on Bolingbrook Drive, McQ’s the winter home for the Mistwood Golf Staff.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content and Creation Rory Spears, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook and Linkedin, with Mike Jones at Shepherd’s Rock GC.

HE’S ON THE MOVE AGAIN, former Illinois PGA professional Mike Jones 2 year run at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Western PA. is over.

Due to changes in direction of the resorts future by Nemacolin’s President Maggie Hardy, Jones and other top resort executives are on the move to other destination properties.

In Jones case, his move sends him back out to the Great Northwest and in the Seattle Washington Area.

Jones will now call Suncadia Resort about 70 minutes from Seattle his new home. Suncadia has two 18 hole golf courses, but the resorts ownership group owns seven courses. Jones will oversee the golf operation, He starts at Suncadia on Monday April 9th.

The resorts two courses are the Prospector Course and the Rope Rider Course, for more information see destinatonhotels.com/suncadiaresort.

 THE CALLAWAY ROGUE DRIVER, is it time to to Go Rogue, see Callawaygolf.com. The premier indoor golf dome in the Chicago area is McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, work on your game, get a lesson from the Mistwood Golf pro’s, details at McqsDome.com.      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG part of Golfers on Golf, by Director of Content and Creation Rory Spears, Follow Rory to the Par 3 Course at Pinehurst, the Cradle, at Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin and Facebook

There is nothing better than carrying a special bag like the par 3 course bag at Pinehurst’s The Cradle, or at the Preserve, the par 3 course at Bandon Dunes.

This May 1st the Par 3 course, The Sandbox will open at Sand valley in Wisconsin.

But at courses like this, and others based in places like Oregon and Wisconsin, there are courses like Mike Keiser’s Bandon Dunes, or his new Midwest resort Sand Valley, that sits only a couple of hours from 2017 U.S. Open site Erin Hills, It’s courses that are located in places where a rustic remote feel, fit right in to the landscape.

So if your looking for golf gifts that have a unique look or feel to them, come across as a bit rustic, old-time, or wild west style, see the line of products at Seamus Golf.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR our interview with Seamus Golf President Akbar Chisti.

Seamus Golf owner and co-founder Akbar Chisti pounds out a new Erin Hills ball marker for a PGA Merchandise show visitor

According to owner and co-founder Akbar Chisti, Seamus Golf was started in Oregon, which made it a perfect vendor to get a major bump in the golf world from a resort like Bandon Dunes.

Chisti says that Seamus Golf started by designing head covers, and it’s line spread from there.

There is now some of most creative ball markers you will see. Why not get a copper colored non-reflective style ball marker complete with course logo on one side, and your name and date of the round on the other. If you need head covers, or travel bags or other specialized golf bags or gifts, visit Seamusgolf.com. Let Seamus golf put their stamp on your golf products today. Mark the spot, the Seamus way.

Seamus Golf can also be found on Social media, something new for golfers like you .

  MCQS DOME, Chicago’s Premier Golf Dome is the place to be with yesterdays snowfall still on the ground, get your game tuned up for the outdoor season ahead, and while your there, play the ponies in the OTB or enjoy the NCAA basketball tournament. Details see Mcqsdome.com in Bolingbrook. THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is ready to welcome you for another season of golf and more. Play the Donald Ross Course and the Pete Dye Course, and see the improvements around the resort see Frenchlick.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Creation and Content. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook and Linkedin. Is it time to GO ROGUE, see Callawaygolf.com.

For those of you who would like to keep your numbers on an APP, the new 80Breakr might be for you.

What is 80 BREAKR?

It’s a variety of things that golfers can use, and early into 2018 golfers are using it, says Thomas Stewart, President and designer of the 80Breakr app.

If you asking about the name, part of comes from Stewarts personal quest to do just that, break 80 for the first time on the golf course.

President and designer of the 80 BREAKR APP Thomas Stewart shows off his product at the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show

But overall 80 BREAKR is a lot things, and as more golfers or golf courses sign up to use it, it can mean a lot before, during and after your round of golf.

If you want to keep your own score on it, you can. You can keep your partners score. You can keep the stats you want to keep so you know where your playing well and where your not.

Need data to take back your professional so he or she can take one look and know where the direction of your next lesson needs to go.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR our interview with Thomas Stewart the designer of the 80 BREAKR App.

80BREAKR can save your scorecards for the entire season, so when you need to pull them back up for the pro, to help post scores for handicap purposes, all the information is right at your fingertips. If you round includes wagers for cash or post round beers, 80Breakr can keep score for you and your partners as well. There will be no doubt or questions on who owes who when your in the 19th hole.

When your local course or golf club signs up for 80BREAKR, they can keep track of you on the golf course, or even send the beverage cart to your golf hole when it’s needed.

For more information on 80BREAKR and all it brings to your golf game or your golf course or club, please visit 80breakr.com.

  BLACKBERRY OAKS GM/PRO Chad Johansen holds the Blackberry Amateur trophy. The Blackberry Amateur will be held June 23-24 and it’s time to #FILLTHEFIELD, there is room for 120 players, this years event sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra, sign up at BlackberryOaks.com or call (630)-553-7170, Blackberry Oaks home of the Perfect Putting Aid, and the Guide for Golf. TOO COLD YET OUTSIDE, keep it inside at McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, the top Chicago area indoor golf dome, work on your game with the Mistwood Golf Club professional staff, or visit the OTB, Mcqsdome.com    ______________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF PRESENTS THE GOG BLOG created by Rory Spears, Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Taking a lesson from PGA Professional Dan Phillips at MCQs Dome.

2018 is an exciting year for the PGA of America, it’s a Ryder Cup year, where the USA looks to defend it’s win at Hazeltine in Minnesota, by winning again this time in France.

The 100th PGA Championship will be played at Bellerive Country Club outside of St. Louis. It will be the last time, at least for a while the PGA Championship will be played in August, before moving to May.

There is more news on the PGA’s future that has been written in recent days, the PGA of America offices are expected to move to Frisco Texas, about 20 miles North of Dallas. If the PGA moves to Frisco there would also be several courses built there, as many as four have been reported. One report has the first course being built by Gil Hanse. But now Hanse has the hot hand and his name gets tossed around almost any new project on the board. As for a Hanse to build a course in Frisco, lets wait and see. There is some speculation that two of the four courses would be designed with the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup in mind.

Jim Richerson PGA of America National Secretary

Golfers on Golf caught up with Jim Richerson the current Secretary of the PGA of America during the PGA show in Orlando Florida, Richerson also discussed his recent jump from Kohler Company in Wisconsin, to Troon Golf based in Arizona to start a new chapter in his career.

Richerson had an exciting run in Kohler where he played a key role in both the 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships. He worked with the Kohler family and the legendary golf architect Pete Dye to improve the famed Whistling Straits Golf Course for both championships and every day play by the resorts guests. Richerson also was instrumental in the USGA’s and Women’s Open return to Blackwolf Run in 2012.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with PGA of America National Secretary Jim Richerson.

For more information on the PGA of America and it’s Championships and Programs, please visit PGA.com.

      THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-Top Left, Schaumburg Golf Club prepares to open this Friday, including it’s new driving range. Top Right, Innisbrook Resort and it’s famed Copperhead Course is ready for you to play, the pro’s have left town, for information see Innisbrookresort.com. Lower left, not ready yet to head outdoors, get to McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, Golf-OTB Horse Racing, Mcqsdome.com. Maple Meadows Golf Club part of the DuPageGolf.com network of courses will open for the 2018 golf season tomorrow. ______________________________________________________________________

THE ENTRANCE TO THE SNAKE PIT on the 16th tee box at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook a PGA Tour course you can play. The Gog Blog Part of Golfers on Golf, by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Linkedin and Facebook.

THANK YOU PAUL CASEY for saving golf for at least another week, Patrick Reed you could have won and probably should have won, but you butchered the 18th hole. Got get’em next week.

Justin Rose was right there for a while, but he let it get away. Paul Casey came though with solid play and a final round 65, that on Copperhead is great golf.

Kudo’s to University of Illinois Senior Dylan Meyer, who not only made the cut but was tied for 8th place after day 1 of the championship. It’s a story that deserved some play in the media but for one reason didn’t get what it deserved-COVERAGE. The sound you heard over weekend, was remote control buttons being hit to put on college basketball, preseason baseball, or even Blackhawks hockey or Bulls basketball, two teams that won’t make the playoffs this year. Why, because TV ruined a great golf event by making it all about one person. Sad. That’s what it is. Golf has been down this cart path before and it’s a bumpy ride, it’s not a soft walk down the fairway either.

In the end the championship got what it needed, a real winner and champion. What I would like to know, is why players like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy missed the cut. We could have had more from Sergio Garcia who looks locked in with his new Callaway Clubs and seems poised to repeat in Augusta. Steve Stricker had a great week, after winning a week ago on the Champions Tour, but we didn’t get any information on him. Sad, As a viewer from Illinois, a little more on our local guys, past champions in this event would have been nice, thanks for nothing on Kevin Streelman or Luke Donald. NBC and the Golf Channel provided terrible coverage again, and golf is the big loser here.

2018 has the potential to be a great year for golf, and just one week after a stellar weekend of winners and finishes, we get this crap. Golf headed down the gutter about 6-10 years ago because of not covering the big picture, hopefully it’s too late to keep all the great momentum going forward.

TO ALL the #GOAT types out there, I’m not sure where this campaign started, but you  all need professional help if you actually believe this. If your wondering who the best 5 Players in the games history are, here is a pretty good look.

Jack Nicklaus real #GOAT, Arnold Palmer, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan. If you don’t understand why, look it up, and you just might learn something about the game and it’s true history.

WITH THAT we are on to Bay Hill, and it’s time to remember Arnie.

OUT DOOR GOLF SEASON..seems to be here this week in fact. First on the tee this week is the Orchard valley Golf Club in Aurora, opened today. Maple Meadows Golf Club part of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, opens tomorrow, and the Schaumburg Golf Club will open on Friday, the 18 holes that are not under renovation at this time will be open. In addition GM Jon Parsons says the new range will open on Friday as well. From Friday to Sunday temps are supposed to be between 50-60, so go for outside golf if you wish.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS