THE 16TH HOLE AT Shinnecock Hills home of this weeks 118th U.S. Open Championship, the final round is today. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there. Today’s final round can be followed on Fox Sports and or online at USGA.org. The U.S. Sr. Women’s Open will be played for the first time at the Chicago Golf Club July 12-15.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, time for a hand-off. With the U.S. Open trophy at Gino’s East in Rosemont. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook and Linkedin.

IT’S U.S OPEN SUNDAY  who will win, several have a chance. Some people already believe that Shinnecock Hills and the USGA have won this week. That could be correct.

Does the U.S. Open have you fired up and ready to play, if so why not tee it up at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol, next weekend in the Blackberry Amateur June 23-24 The BBA is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra, and there will be plenty of that around if next weekend is as warm as this one. visit Blackberryamateur.com or call the clubhouse at (630)-553-7170. It will be a fun time for everyone, you can sign up through this coming Friday. So it’s not too late.

NEED MORE GOLF, okay the Red-White and Blue 4th of July scramble will take place at the Mistwood Golf Club. The Stars and Stripes Classic is in it’s 20th year. It’s a new format every six holes in this format. Sign up today by calling (815)-254-3333 or for more information see Mistwoodgc.com.

Tickets at KPMGWomensPGA.com

THE KPMG Women’s PGA Championship tee’s off at the kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer during the week of June 26 through July 1st. Danielle Kang is the defending champion and she will return to defend her title. Kang recently finsihed 4th at the U.S Women;s Open so her game is rounding into shape.

Notice to spectators. there si FREE parking at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake located on Peterson Road.

There are FREE shuttles that will take you to the Kemper Lakes during championship week. Hours are 6:30 to 8 Pm on Tuesday, 6:30 to 7 PM on Wednesday. 6:30 to 8:15 on Thursday and Friday, and 6:30 to 7 Pm on Saturday and Sunday.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION is open for the Illinois Open that will be played from August 6th through the 8th, at both the Glen Club and the Ravina Green. For more information on shifts and what volunteers receive please visit IPGA.com.

THE KIDS GOLF FOUNDATION based out of Jerry Rich’s Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, has received a $1,000,000 dollar donation from the Hansberger family, that is known for it’s association with the Ram Golf. To date this is the largest donation ever received by the KGF.

” I want to help the kids,” said Allan Hansberger of the donation. “I want the kids to be brought up with the game like I was.”

The money will be used to  cover the cost of running program sites, from Southern Illinois to as far north as the Wisconsin border. “We are extremely grateful to Mr. Hansberger and his family,” said Michala Mika, Director of the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois.

Jerry Rich the owner of Rich Harvest Farms and founder of the kids golf foundation, was instrumental in bringing the Hansberger family to the table of discussion, that led to the donation. For more information see KidsGolfFoundation.com.

THE SUMMER RESORT’S ARE WAITING FOR YOU…If your headed to Western New York, and maybe a stop at Baseball’s Hall of Fame, think about the Otesaga Resort Hotel,  it’s home to a great variety of history and some great golf as well. The resorts Leatherstocking Golf Course is #3 on the Best You can play list in New York. Orignally designed by the famed Devereux Emmet, who also designed the Top 100 course Congressional Country Club. Bob Cupp did an upgrade in recent years.

IN WESTERN PA., the Shepherd’s Rock Golf Club enter’s into its’ first full season at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington. The resorts first course Mystic Rock was also designed by Pete Dye. The property has three top hotels and several restaurants. The resorts golf academy headed up by former Oakmont CC teaching professional Eric Johnson is first rate. See Nemacolin.com for more information.

IF south for the summer works for you, the U.S. Virgin Islands might be your next destination. The Buccaneer the oldest family run resort  in the Caribbean is celebrating it’s 70th anniversary, and is near all of the islands top sight-seeing area’s. The Buccaneer golf course is short at 5,810 yards, but has ocean views on 13 of it’s 18 holes. Details at thebuccaneer.com.

THE CDGA Amateur tee’s off tomorrow at the Briarwood Country Club in Deerfield. The final round is Thursday, the field of 75 golfers plays to a handicap of 5.4 or below. the championship is 36 holes of stroke play, before the top 16 players move on to match play. the course is a par 71 and will play to a yardage of 6,853. Greg Bauman the 2017 CDGA Mid-Amateur Champion and Michael Fastert the runner in the event last year, are among the favorites this week.

JUST CATCHING UP TO THIS ONE, the Titleist AVX ball is now available in your local pro shops and retail golf stores this high performance golf ball sells for a MAP of $47.99 per dozen. titleist says the ball has longer distance and a softer feel that golfers expect, see Titleist.com for details.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow,

   THE NEW CALLAWAY GOLF SHOES, check out Callawaygolf.com for more details. Chad Johansen the General Manager and head golf professional at Blackberry oaks Golf Club in Bristol holds the Blackberry Amateur Trophy, sign up today for next weekends Blackberry Amateur June 23-24, Blackberryamateur.com or (630)-553-7170.  ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ Saturday Mornings from 10-11 AM is the tee time. Join Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears for a great hour of golf talk.

WEEK #9 Golfers on Golf Radio is back for our U.S. Open show, talking Shinnecock Hills and more.

TEE TIME is from 10-11 AM on AM 750 WNDZ Chicago. Ann Liguori joins us live from the U.S. Open. We have interviews with the players, including leader Dustin Johnson and other players.

So as we make the turn on week 9 we hope you will join us.

OUR BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm has just posted a new travel golf column form his excursion to Grand Rapids Michigan. Among the courses he played was Pilgrims Run, a course GOG hear’s is pretty good. For more see Lenziehmongolf.com.

NORTHBROOK based KemperSportsManagement (KSM) saw it’s managed courses do well in the recently announced Best Courses You can Play by Golfweek Magazine. 23 KSM courses made the list. None were from Illinois, but Sand valley in Wisconsin did make the list.

KSM courses also received Loyalty Awards from the National Golf Foundation. Top honors went to Sand Creek Station in Kansas, and The Jewel in Minnesota.

TITLEIST has launched it’s new DS2 and DS3 drivers at the U.S. Open, with 40% of it’s staff players using the club. World #2 Justin Thomas is one of the players using the new driver. See titleist.com for details.

CALLAWAY GOLF has announced that it has 21 staff players in the field this week, including Phil Mickelson who is playing today on his 48th birthday. Callaway Golf also announced that the rookie and pro senssation Norman Ziong who played at Oregon, has singed with Callaway Golf as a staff member. Callawaygolf.com.

OVER 50 courses including some of the top courses in the Grand Strand Myrtle Beach area have singed up to be part of the KIDS PLAY FREE program, when accompanied by a paying adult. PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com for more information and a list of golf courses that are involved in the program.

GIANTS RIDGE a top golf destination in Minnesota, has announced a reduction in rates as courses come around from a tough winter and spring. For more details call Giants Ridge at (800)-688-7669 or Giantsridge.com.

Sign up now for the Blackberry Amateur at Blackberryamateur.com or call Blackberry oaks at (630)-553-7170 the championship is next weekend June 23-24.

  BLACKBERRY OAKS GENERAL MANAGER  Chad Johansen holds the Blackberry Amateur Trophy, the Blackberry AM is next weekend June 23-24 sign up now on the Blackberryamateur.com site or call the club at (630)-553-7170. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is getting ready to reopen the Players Nine on June 30th, along with the new putting green that day. Reservations will be sold starting this Monday June 16th, the Baer Nine will close on June 30th to begin it’s renovation process. For more details please visit Schaumburggolf.com or call the course at (847)-885-9000 #eatatchandlers   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook and Linkedin. At the Philadelphia Cricket Club.

THE NATION’S OLDEST COUNTRY CLUB the Philadelphia Cricket Club welcomes the Big Ten Championship to the club in spring of 2019.

Philli Cricket as it’s known was a country club for some 40+ years before it had a golf course.

The club really got put back on the map after an architect Keith Foster renovation of it’s Wissahickon Course that was originally designed by A. W. Tillinghast. The course is ranked in the Top 100 courses in America on several national publications lists.

Wissahickon Holes 4 and 5

The men’s 2019 champions will be played at the club, from April 26-28.

“We are very excited to bring the Men’s Big Ten Golf Champions to the Philadelphia Cricket Club in 2019,” said Big Ten Associate Commissioner for Sports Administration Wendy Fallen. “We are confident that the clubs rich history and prestigious courses will provide a memorable experience for our students and coaches.”

The university of Illinois will come in as the defending champions, and having won nine of the last 10 championships.

“It is a privilege for the Philadelphia Cricket Club to host the Men’s Big Ten Golf Championship,” said club president John White. “Our membership is delighted to have been chosen to host a conference that has such a rich tradition. I am certain the student from 14 schools in 11 states that make up the Big Ten will find out golf course challenging and will enjoy the great hospitality in the Philadelphia area.”

The Philadelphia Cricket Club is the only club in America to open a new course in three straight centuries, with the most recent course being the Militia Hill Course that opened in 2002, and was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry.

Militia Hill that sits next to the Wissahickon Course, has some stone structures on the course, which was where George Washington’s army last camped before moving to Valley Forge.

   BLACKBERRY OAKS GM AND HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL CHAD JOHANSEN, holds the Blackberry Amateur trophy. The Blackberry Amateur will be played on June 23-24th, the championship is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra. Sign up at Blackberryamateur.com and play in this top Chicago area amateur golf event. THE DATE is set for the Schaumburg Golf Club to reopen it’s Players Nine, and new putting green and that is on June 30th, and Baer Nine will close on June 30th. For more information see Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000. #phase1done   _____________________________________________________________________

The Illinois PGA Section professionals and the CDGA Amateurs get ready to chase the Radix Cup.

THEY DID IT AGAIN, the CDGA Amateurs rallied on the back nine to win the Radix Cup by a 10-8 score, the same score they won the tournament by in 2017. The IPGA professionals led the battle for the cup 4-2 at the turn.

The day was not without some exciting moments and a Radix Cup first. In all there are six matches and in match #6, it didn’t long for Kemper Lakes professional Jim Billiter to hit a shot for the record books. After hitting a drive he didn’t like on the first hole, Billiters second shot a 3-wood from 257 (another shot he didn’t like) on the Par 5 first hole found the cup for a Double-Eagle 2. Bang 1 Up. It wasn’t more than 10 minutes later on the par 3, 6th hole, that amateur Dave Ryan’s 4-Iron from 200 yards found the cup for a hole-in-one.

Even earlier new Oak Park head golf professional Carson Solien and host professional started his first Radix Cup without and clubs. Minutes before tee-time Solien realized his clubs were still at his home, so he sent his caddie to go pick them up. They arrived on the first green, so his partner and assistant professional at Oak Park Ryan Peavey played solo on the first hole. The match was eventually halved.

Click here to hear the interviews with CDGA’s Dave Ryan, and IPGA professionals Carson Solheim and last Jim Billiter, who also talks about final preperations at his club for the upcoming KPMG/Women’s PGA Championship coming up later this month.

With the back-to-back wins in the tournament for the first time by the CDGA team since 2011-2012, the all-time series is now at 35-20-2 in favor of the professionals.

The lead in the tournament went back and forth, and was tied at 8-8 with the matches down the final group on the back-nine. But after losing the point on the front nine, CDGA amateurs Matt Murlick and Greg Bauman, earned two points on the back-nine against Billiter and Dakun Chang to win the cup for the amateurs.

THE GOLF SCENE with Steve Kashul is back for it’s 25th season, airing on NBC Sports Chicago, see local listing’s for time and dates, or visit their Facebook Page. The Schaumburg Golf is getting ready to reopen it’s Players Nine and it’s new putting green, stay clicked in for details or visit Schaumburggolf.com.

THE 57TH Radix Cup tee’s off today at the Oak Park Country Club, CDGA-IPGA

The 57th annual Radix Cup tee’s off today at the Oak Park Country Club, the CDGA Amateurs are the defending champions, but the Illinois PGA Professionals hold the series lead, 35-19-2.

The CDGA Amateurs are lead by Dave Ryan, Todd Mitchell and Chadd Slutzky.

The Illinois PGA professionals feature Travis Johns, 2018 IPGA Match Play Champion Garrett Chaussard, and new Oak Park head golf professional Carson Solien. Admission and parking are free, come out and see the matches this afternoon. A recap is coming later today here on the site so stay clicked in.

  BLACKBERRY OAKS GOLF COURSE GENERAL MANAGER CHAD JOHANSEN, holds the Blackberry Amateur Trophy, the Blackberry Amateur is played On June 23-24 so visit Blackberryamateur.com and sign up today, the event is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is going through a three year renovation, and the Players Nine is almost set to reopen, and when it does the Baer Nine will close. The new putting green is about to reopen as well, for details follow this site or Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000, the new range is now open. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or on Facebook and Linkedin. Behind the Shinnecock Hills Club house home of this weeks US Open,

IT’S US OPEN WEEK and the 118th U.S. Open tee’s off this week from the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in South Hampton, on Long Island in New York.

Brooks Koepka is the defending champion after his win at Erin Hills in Wisconsin last summer, Koepka shot a lights out 16 under par to win the championship. Which in the end doesn’t very U.S. Open like, but the set up of Erin Hills allowed for that to happen. Along with some great conditions for the golfers to play in. Some rain to soften things up, and very little wind. That being said that won’t happen again this year.

Shinnecock Hills superintendent Jon Jenning and I spoke at length a few weeks back, and he confirmed to me last night via-email the course was ready to go for the week ahead. (see my story in Chicagoland Golf this months issue) Which means, get ready, here it comes. From my talk with Jon and reports from those on site, the rough is up, the length is back 450 yards from the last open at Shinnecock in 2004, and par is still the same at 70. There are nine new tee boxes that  USGA CEO/Executive Director Mike Davis can use this time around and many of them he is likely to use.

I played Shinnecock a few years back on a nice fall day 73 degrees and wind at only 10-20, of course Jennings crews were out sanding fairways in front of me, so I needed the 56 degree when I did hit fairways (LOL). Shinnecock takes some getting used to, and about the third hole I found out why some pros compare it to Erin Hills. The stretch holes on back nine was were it kicked in for me. I made par on 14,15,16,17 and just missed one from 15 feet on 18, but one over par for the last five holes works for me.

What doesn’t work for me, is the flip-flops by the people in my business on the U.S. Open. First up, a few years back Davis was getting credit for finding a few new venues unlike what was going on with the PGA Championship, now he seems to be taking heat for Chambers Bay and Erin Hills. i give him credit for trying new idea’s. Chambers Bay might not be a winner, but Erin hills can still be. One national writer called Erin Hills toothless this week, toothless, seriously. Erin hills could have been set up harder, but it wasn’t to be on the safe side. As a result Koepka went wild.

The great thing about what Davis did, was move golf around the country. Golf has such a better presence than say tennis in this country, is that there are three majors here in the USA, and two of them move around so people everywhere see the best players up close. Call it marketing, but it works. The USGA and the PGA of America have to learn to not overload the New York area. What could be interesting is that with the schedule change, the talk is that there are some northern based courses that won’t be able to host PGA’s anymore, but maybe those courses get back in the game for U.S. Open’s and the USGA needs to think that way as well.

THE USGA gets a double-bogey for it’s pairing of Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas and Tiger Woods for rounds rounds 1&2. WHY. World #1 #2 and #80. Seriously ? what’s Woods ever done at Shinnecock. Oh that’s right, he got carried away on a cart after getting hurt in 1995, when he hit a ball out of the deep rough. Ah memories.

IT’S been ten years since Woods won the U.S. Open, and without a top finish this year, he gets to go through qualifying in 2019 to make his way back to Pebble Beach. I’ll be watching to see who messes up coverage, and who does a great job this week spraying it around to everyone. ATAD and you get tee’d up for bad coverage.

ERIN HILLS has announced they have added a plaque in the 18th fairway where Justin Thomas got home in two from during Saturday’s third round. Check out Erinhills.com to see what the plaque looks like.

Global Golf Post gets a bogey for today, and all the online folks that made a big deal on Tigers yacht pulling in, really? Where is DJ’s car and or Phil’s plane, spray it around please. I ‘ll have more on the U.S. Open all week long.

Is it over

HAS THE RUST OLEUM CHAMPIONSHIP seen it’s final year in Chicago. The contract is up and over, and maybe it doesn’t return.

CEO Tom Reed of Rust Oleum who helped bring the championship to his club Ivanhoe has just retired and the company could go in another direction. Might Rust Oleum go in another direction here in town, while speculation is that the championship is done here in Chicago, could it be a great fit at another course or courses around town. Rotate it to places like Mistwood, or the Preserve at Oak Meadows, Cog Hill or other places. Ivanhoe might just have been a bit far out for folks to drive to. The was enough local talent to root for, and more folks should have made the track out to see the championship. Give Rust-Oleum credit for trying, I hope they return, but I’m not holding my breath.

ART SCHAUPETER who designed the highly rated Highlands of Elgin, and worked with Greg Martin on the Preserve at Oak Meadows, just finished TPC Colorado just north of Denver, and this outstanding course is getting a Web.com event in 2019, maybe the dates of Rust Oleum too, any players in the Denver field would have a short commute to Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open next year. Stay tuned.

THE RADIX CUP is on for Wednesday at Oak Park Country Club, admission is free, come out and enjoy some good golf on this old Donald Ross Classic.

It should be a great week for golf, good weather in town, and in the 90’s for the weekend, so say the weather people. Go Play and watch the open. RS

    THE GOLF SCENE with Steve Kashul returns tonight for it’s 25th season, on NBC Sports Chicago, tee time is 6 PM. Check local listings for additional replays. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is getting ready to reopen the first of it’s three nine holes courses from renovation. The Players Nine will open soon, see Schaumburggolf.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

Golfersongolf.com On the 18th green at Erin Hills with the U.S. Open trophy, The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or on Facebook and Linkedin

IT’S US OPEN WEEK at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, follow us for all the updates all week long.

THIS WEEK THE REAL BATTLE is at Oak Park Country Club where the CDGA Amateur Team, who are defending champs, take on the Illinois PGA Professionals in the 57th Radix Cup. The IPGA Section guys lead the all-time series 35-19-2. Last year in this Ryder Cup (almost) style event, the CDGA Team won by a 10-8 score.

It was one year ago this week the U.s. Open was taking place at Erin Hills, and Erin Hills is back in the news with more to offer it’s guests coming into this U.S. Open venue. For reservations made upto June 17th, you can enjoy a free lunch and free round on the Kettle Loop with each paid Round. Took lock into this deal, call (866)-772-4769 and use the code EHJUNE. When you call ask for the details of the promotion. Erin hills is now taking reservations for 2019, the 2019 season will run from May 6th through October 13th. Visit Ernhills.com.

BLACKBERRY OAKS GENERAL MANAGER and head golf professional Chad Johansen holds the Blackberry Amateur Trophy, the Blackberry Amateur will be played June 23-24. See Blackberryamateur.com for sign up details, Let’s FILL THE FIELD 120 players needed.

THE BLACKBERRY AMATEUR is open for registration, let’s fill the field at 120 players for the 8th annual championship and make it the best one ever.

The amateur is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra.

Defending Champion Trey Tussey of Metamora, has made a verbal commitment to play again this year. The winner gets $750 in merchandise credit at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club.

The weather is slowly coming this spring, so why not come out and play. Blackberry oaks will not play over 7,000 yards like at some other events. so why not come out and have fun. It’s two days of great golf and great fun. Call BBO’s at (630)-553-7170 and get signed up today. BBO where #kidsrule, sign up for one of Chad Johansen’s Junior golf camps. bBackberryoaks.com.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville is getting ready for the 4th of July with the 20th Annual STARS & STRIPES CLASSIC, the shotgun start early in the day, has a 6-6-6 hole style change in formats. Mistwood is now running a turn in your old clubs for Mistwood credit on the purchase of new clubs. See MistwoodGC.com or call the club  at (815)-254-3333. Don’t forget fathers Day at Mistwood, Fathers Day brunch and more in McWethy’s Tavern.

ILLINOIS OPEN VOLUNTEER Registration is now open for the 69th Open Championship. the Illinois PGA is now looking for volunteers, for the Illinois Open to be played from August 6-8 at the Glen Club in Glenview and Ravina Green Country Club on August 6-7.

Volunteers can work in variety of area’s, that include scoring, spotting and shuttle driver. Volunteers do receive a hat, a shirt and meal voucher. To volunteer visit IPGA.com or call the Illinois PGA office, located at the Glen Club. Patrick Flavin of Highwood is the defending champion and will return to defend his title.

NEXTLINKS will share it’s golf experience with the fans attending the 118th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills this week in South Hampton New York. Their set-up is located near the train station and Gate 2 of the championship. The Shinnecock Nation is proud to partner with Nextlinks to share the interactive experience. See details at Nextlinks.com.

THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION has announced that Western junior Champion Willaim mouw will defending his title next week in the 101st Western junior Championship to be contested at the Evanston Golf Club in Skokie. More information at Westernjunior.com.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT , is back on Monday.

Golfers on Golf Radio, L-R Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears Am 750 WNDZ-Chicago 10 Am on Saturday mornings

  THE GOLF SCENE with Steve Kashul returns for it’s 25th season tomorrow night at 6 PM on NBC Sports Chicago. MAVERICK MCNEALY (R) your 36 hole leader at the Rust Oleum Championship being contested at the Ivanhoe Golf Club in Mundelein. Webtour.  ______________________________________________________________________

THEY ARE BACK for week #8 of the Golf radio season. It’s Golfers on Golf Radio with special guest host Mt. Prospect Golf Club Director of Golf Operations Brett Barcel. Today we talk the Rust Oleum Championship, final prep for the U.S. Open at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

We talk with Brett about the recent renovation at Mt. Prospect and how it has worked out for the Park District. AM 750 WNDZ 10-11 Am this morning. Join us.

GOLF 360 with former Bear Patrick Manelly and video king Dave Lockhart is back for another season, on NBC Sports Chicago, there first episode looks at the Mistwood Golf Club and a few other Chicago area hot spots, see local listings for time and dates.

DON’T FORGET this Wednesday, the 57th Radix Cup at Oak Park Country Club, the CDGA amateurs vs the IPGA Section professionals. The CDGA amateurs won by a score of 10-8 last year, and are the defending champions.

Round 3 of the Rust Oleum Championship tee;s off today at the Ivanhoe Country Club, come see the Web.com Tour.

US Open week from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club starts on Monday, it should be a great week.

Golfers on Golf is proud to be working with the Schaumburg Golf Club in promoting the reopening of it’s Players 9, which is coming soon. When it opens the Baer Nine will close for the season. When the Players Nine Opens, the new expansive putting green will open as well. More details see Schaumburggolf.com.

  SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB GM/HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL JON PARSONS points out the renovated first hole on the Players nine which will reopen shortly, and when it does the Baer Nine will close for renovation. The newly expanded driving range is open and the new large putting green will open shortly . For more information on the Schaumburg Golf and it’s three year renovation program, see Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000, while there, grab a bite to eat at Chandlers Chophouse,  _____________________________________________________________________

   THE RUST OLEUM CHAMPIONSHIP is under way at the Ivanhoe Country Club in Mundelein, come out all weekend long and see the Web.com Tour in full swing with plenty of our local players, including Nick Hardy in his first professional tournament.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or on Linkedin and Facebook. Rory will host Golfers on Golf Radio on Saturday Morning on Am 750 WNDZ Chicago, tee time is 10 AM, join us.

Callaway Staff player Maverick McNealy leads the Rust Oleum Championship after 36 holes

Maverick McNealy shot an 8 under Par 64 to take a one-shot lead after 36 holes at the Rust-Oleum Championship at the Ivanhoe Golf Club. McNealy is at 12 under par and  holds a one shot lead over  Kyle Jones who shot 67.

McNealy’s round included 6 birdies and an eagle, with one of those birdies coming on the last hole to take the lead.

Former University of Illinois standout Nick Hardy, playing on a sponsors exemption and in his first tournament as a professional, shot a second round 5 under par 67, to make the cut by two shots. Hardy was the Big Ten Player of the Year in his senior season at Illinois. Hardy’s only bogey of the day came on his last hole.

Two former Iowa Hawkeyes Brad Hopfinger of Lake Forest, and Vince India of Deerfeild also made the cut, Hopfinger is T-4 at 8 under par. and India made the cut right on the number at 3 under par.

2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir is in the field, and carded a second round 5 under par 67 to reach six under par., after his round he spoke with reporters.

Click here to hear the interview with former Masters Champion Mike Weir.

First round leader Wes Roach carded a 1-under par 71, and is now in 9th place at 7-under par. Web.com tour money leader Sungjae Im of South Korea, shot a six under par 66 to make the cut. He is one of the six players playing this week at the Rust-Oleum Championship who is in the field in next weeks U.S. Open.

Golf fans come out and enjoy the final two rounds of the Rust-Oleum Championship over the weekend at the Ivanhoe Country Club in Mundelein.

THE GOLF SCENE WITH STEVE KASHUL returns for it’s 25th year on television in Chicago, on NBC Sports Chicago, at 6 PM on June 10th. More down below in our column. IT’S OPEN the new driving range at the Schaumburg Golf Club located on Roselle Road in Schaumburg. The Players nine is about to reopen and when it does the Baer nine will be closed for renovation. The newly expanded range is open, and the new putting green will open with the 9 holes. Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, at the front door of the Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis Missouri. Home of the 100th PGA Championship coming in August. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook and Linkedin.

I’M BACK from St. Louis and PGA Media Day in St. Louis. What a trip it was. Down and back by car, and only saw 21 Illinois State troopers out looking to write paperwork and collect $$$, sad but true. Be careful if you are headed to Bellerive in August. There was four nasty construction zones, and high winds in the Mid-part of Illinois that dded to the driving adventure, UGH!

THAT being said, the PGA of America made it an interesting media day to say the least. The defending champion Justin Thomas was a good sport dealing with the program the PGA put on for over an hour, he had to walk in to Justin Timberlake music carrying the Wanamaker Trophy. JT and JT music, you get it, right?

PGA Tournament Director Kerry Haigh has the rough way up, over six inches, and the ball drops to the bottom all the time. Good luck getting out, because it’s not easy, trust me I know. I’m Happy with my six pars and I’ll go from there. If Haigh doesn’t trim the rough over 100 guys in the PGA won’t break 75, and the Par will be a U.S. Open like 70. It’s the worst I have ever scene, or tried to play out of, UGH!

Justin Thomas unloads on a drive on the 17th hole at Bellerive Country Club site of the 100th PGA Championship in August.

Thomas however was not fazed by Haigh’s rough, he simply went on during a casual round of golf and shot 65, that included him putting one in the drink on the second hole, and still making par.

The 17th hole playing 605 par 5, Thomas went driver-3 wood, and got home in two shots. He followed that up on 18 a par 4, playing 455, with driver of 335, and then in front of the camera’s and assembled media behind the 18th green, holed his pitching wedge from 125 for an Eagle 2.

Bellerive has had a reputation for shaky greens over the years, the new course superintendent that took over in 2017, was a former assistant and knows the course and what to do and what not. His work is paying off, as the greens while slow, did roll well and are in great shape. The collars in most part have had some work done and are settling in still. fairways and tee boxes are mint and the players should love that part of the golf course. I’ll have more on Bellerive in the weeks ahead.

BACK TO THE U.S. OPEN, making it into the field from Monday’s Sectional Qualifiers included, Northwestern’s Ryan Lumsden who carded a 6 under par 36 hole score to advance, he will be joined at Shinnecock by Dylan Meyer who just graduated from Illinois. Another Illinois alum is back in the field at age 51, Steve Stricker heads to Shinnecock after being double digits under par at his qualifier. Winning his sectional was Garret Rank the NHL hockey referee, who was runner-up in the 2012 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship at Conway Farms. Ranks frequently plays in the Western Amateur as well, look for him doing some Blackhawks game at the UC this coming winter.

THE GOLF SCENE with Steve Kashul returns for it’s 25th season this Sunday night at 6 PM on NBC Sports Chicago.

They are back. The Golf Scene With Steve Kashul returns this Sunday night at 6 PM, on NBC Sports Chicago. (Formerly Comcast Sportsnet).

The Golf Scene is the longest running golf TV show in the country, and it’s one of the top 5 longest running TV shows in Chicago history.

In the season’s first episode, segments include Ravisloe CC, and a close up look at Cleveland Golf’s Irons.

While the first run of the show is this Sunday, watch local listings for repeats of the show that also will be seen on NBC Sports Chicago.

THE GOLF SCENE promo with Steve Kashul, click here to hear it now.

Congrats to Steve and show owner Tom Miller on their long run of success with The Golf Scene. See more from The Golf Scene on Facebook.

FOR SALE is the Klein Creek Golf Club in Winfield, per Chris Charnas at the Evanston based Links Capital Advisors, price now reduced. Call Chris at (847)-866-7192 for more information.

It was great to see defending John Deere Classic Champion Bryson DeChambeau get his second PGA Tour win at the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Tournament in Ohio last week. Apparently DeChambeau is winning PGA Tour events two years after getting sponsor’s exemptions to play in them. Both John Deere and Memorial come two years after Clair Peterson and Jack Nicklaus gave them to DeChambeau, who is now in the Top 8 spots for the Ryder Cup team.

MT. PROSPECT GOLF CLUB Director of Golf Operations Brett Barcel joins us as studio guest host this Saturday, on Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ-AM Chicago, tee time is 10 AM.

CLUB FITTERS TRUE SPEC GOLF, that has a great studio in Highland Park, is expanding. True Spec recently opened a new studio in Pinehurst at Pine Needles resort on June 4th, and will open in new Yrok City and Boston next week on June 12th. See more at Truespecgolf.com.

THE NEWS IS still good for Callaway Golf, last month’s sales have Callaway’s Rogue Club line being a #1 seller in several categories, and soon to arrive is Callaway Rogue in a Jet-Black, check it out if you are thinking of buying. Callawaygolf.com.

Callaway is also announcing that Marc Leishman and Adam Hadwin are wearing some of the new line of Callaway Golf Shoes at the U.S. Open next week.

OUR BIG 3 PARTNER LEN ZIEHM has posted at his Lenziehmongolf.com more golf travel news on Branson and Lake in the Ozarks Missouri golf, and a look at the Pete Dye Trail in Indiana. If your hitting the road for golf, follow the Ziehm Machine to your next golf destination.

THE GREENBRIER RESORT in West Virginia has announced that they are the next resort to be constructing a new Par-3 course, good to see.

Nice to see Illinois Men’s head golf coach Mike Small win the Midwest Region Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Golf Pride Grips, and voted upon by the College Golf Coaches Association.

ONE FINAL THOUGHT, IT’S REALLY EMBARRASSING to see just about everyone having to add TW’s name somehow to every golf interview. Every player doesn’t need to comment on his return to the tour this year. Let’s talk golf, not one guy.

This week the Rust Oleum Championship tee’s off at Ivanhoe Golf Club in Mundelein, hope to see you there. RS