THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS part of DuPage Golf. Visit Dupagegolf.com.         _____________________________________________________________________

WeWill.northwestern.edu

Northwestern University has announced a major renovation to the Gleacher Center, to create one of the top indoor golf facilities in the country.

The renovation is possible with the gift of $5.7 million dollars from University Trustee Eric J. Gleacher (62) and Paula Gleacher.

As part of the overall renovation project, the Patten Gymnasium will also be renovated.

“Providing a world-class experience to our student-athletes academically, socially and athletically is the core of our daily mission, and renovation of the Gleacher Golf Center and Patten Gymnasium will help us deliver on this commitment,” said Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips.

“Twenty years ago we celebrated the completion of the original Gleacher Golf Center with the purpose to develop winning teams,” Gleacher said. “Winning was and is the ultimate goal, which motivated our efforts 20 years ago and continues to motivate us today. Northwestern’s stature in intercollegiate golf has been significantly enhanced as is indicated by the results our coaches and student-athletes have earned. I have no doubt that our achievements over the next 20 years will be even more outstanding.”

The new Gleacher Center will include. An indoor short-game and putting area expanded to 5,400 feet, with raised ceilings and nearly a 3,000 square foot green.

A state-of-the-art training area with three bays that will feature Swing Catayst Force Plates and a Trackman Golf Simulator, as well as a dedicated video instruction bay.

A 19′ x 8′ digitally adjustable putting platform that includes a 3D-modeled green that can be tilted at any angle and an overhead projector that utilizes augmented reality to display putting paths and drills.

Brand-new locker rooms featuring world-class amenities including custom-designed lockers with multiple charging stations and room for a travel bag, luggage and golf bag.

A 1,200-square foot student-athlete lounge with a dedicated study area and full kitchen for integration of Northwestern’s Performance Nutrition program, and a nearly 1,000 square-foot sports performance hub.

“We can not thank Eric and Paula Gleacher enough for their incredible support of Northwestern Golf,” said Director of Golf and Player Development Pat Goss. “Mr. Gleacher helped pioneer a new era of Northwestern Golf with his vision 20 years ago, and this gift exemplifies that his commitment to our program is stronger than ever.”

A drawing of the new Gleacher Center

Since the founding of the current Gleacher Center, Northwestern Golf programs both men’s and women’s have combined for 50 tournament victories, and seven Big Ten titles.

NU has 10 Top 20 finishes at the NCAA Championships, and 58 individual wins, 71 All-Big ten honorees and 20 All-Americans.

The Gog Blog is written by Rory Spears, Director of content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Linkedin and or Facebook.

NEW BALANCE GOLF SHOES-Not just for runners anymore. See the new line online at Newbalance.com. Reynolds at Lake Oconee-Do you have Georgia on your Mind. 5 courses or 6 courses when Jack Nicklaus gets done. Visit Reynoldslakeoconee.com .     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Linkedin and Facebook. Happy 10th birthday to the Pete Dye Golf Course at the French Lick Resort.

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY to the Pete Dye Golf Course in French Lick Indiana. Last Friday was 10 years since the famed course opened.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY WISH goes out west to Oregon, Bandon Dunes Celebrates the BIG 2-0 this week. Amazing how time flies sometimes.

HOW ABOUT the Illini. Kudo’s to Illinois Men’s Golf Coach Mike Small and his team for the winning the Big Ten title on Sunday at the Philadelphia Cricket Club by 5 shots over Purdue University.

Purdue had a 1 shot lead with 10 holes to go, but the Illini stormed back during the “Back Nine on Sunday” to build up at one point a 7 shot lead. That lead got down to 4 shots with two holes to go, but a couple of key birdies including one on the stingy 18th hole by Junior Michael Feagles helped him get under par for the day. It also gave some cushion to a shrinking lead.

Click here to hear the interview with Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small after winning the Big Ten men’s Golf Championship for the Fifth straight year.

Another key birdie came for Co-Champion on the individual side, Freshman Adrien Dumont de Chassart who hails from Belgium. Dumont de Chassart (The Big Ten Player of the Week) birdied the long par 3, 240 yard 15th hole down the stretch when Illinois needed it, to hold off a late charge by the Boilermakers. For the Illini, it wasn’t just a fifth Big Ten Title in a row, it was 10 titles in 11 tries. Pretty special, now on to Regional’s. Illinois will learn where that is on Wednesday.

The 2020 Men’s Big 10 Championship returns to Illinois and Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

THIS WEATHER IS AWFUL. Our golf courses deserve a break at this point. Who ordered the snow on Saturday, as May flowers come calling this week. With the current downpour going on outside, after the snow melt-off, things are going to be soggy all week long. You can plan to play next weekend because the seven-day forecast is looking great.

THE NATIONAL PGA CLUB PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP is underway in Bluffton South Carolina. The Illinois PGA Section has 11 players in the field. Currently after Round 1, Curtis Malm of White Eagle CC in Naperville and Adam Schumacher from the Indian Hill Club sit in 52nd place to lead our section players. Keep going guys. The Top 20 finishers get to play in the PGA Championship at Bethpage next month.

SPEAKING OF BETHPAGE..did Taylor Made Golf just make Rory McIlroy the fan favorite at Bethpage. Between now and the start of the tournament, if you buy a new TaylorMade F6 driver, and Rory Mcilroy wins the championship, your $600 new Taylor Made driver is a Freebie. So if your going to buy one do it quickly, because now is the time.

McIlroy, and New York fan favorite Phil Mickelson, along with Jordan Spieth who is attempting to close out the career Grand Slam. Will be the favorites on Long Island.

10 FINALISTS have been named for next months final voting (May 30th), for the 2019 class for the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. Our BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm is one of them. Congratulations to Len on making the first cut.

Finally, I’m off to remember another golfer we lost this morning. Chet Coppeck, I’m hoping your finding the fairways green in skies above that are now your dance floor.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

  MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville, where there are a few days left of springs rates. Enjoy and the snow is about gone. Mistwoodgc.com. Happy 10th Birthday to the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort. Plan your getaway today Frenchlick.com.    ____________________________________________________________________

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

THINGS ARE SETTING UP for a great final round at the Men’s Big Ten Golf Championship, at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. The oldest Country Club in the country (1854).

Top rated Illinois is tied for the lead with the University of Minnesota, with first round leader Purdue, just one shot back.

The rest of the field, will have hard time making up ground on these top 3 schools.

Varun Chopra leaded Illinois with a +4 74 in Round 2, Illinois in tough conditions saw it’s team score drop 16 shots from Round 1. But still managed to move up into a T-1 with Minnesota. Purdue the first round leader fell back after it’s team score was 27 shots higher than the first round.

Northwestern continues to struggle, and was 18 shots back off the lead after Round 2. The Wildcats will be out early in Sundays final round.

THE COG HILL DEMO DAY TODAY-starting shortly until 1 PM. Cog Hill on Archer Avenue in Lemont. All the major companies Happy 20th Anniversary to Bandon Dunes.  ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 The BIG WNDZ Chicago. L-R Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger-Rory Spears 10 AM Saturdays.

WEEK #5 Already for Golfers on Golf Radio, on Am 750 The Big WNDZ radio Chicago.

Tee time is 10 AM, and this week, we take a look at this weeks upcoming 20th anniversary of the opening of Bandon Dunes, with the resorts first GM Josh Lesnick of Kemper Sports.

Whatever Mike Keiser was thinking the plan sure worked out just fine.

David Feaser the President of the Myrtle Beach based Peakvision Sun glasses joins us. Sunglasses by golfers for golfers.

We have the 10 finalists for the 2019 Class of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, stay tuned in to see who they are. Tee time is 10 AM, AM 750 WNDZ. To cold outside to play, soak up some golf by joining us. Updates on the B1G Ten Men’s golf championship from the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Join us.

THE COG HILL OUTDOOR DEMO DAY tomorrow from 9 Am to 1 Pm, rain or shine, or snow. Hit under the roof with the heaters going if needed. All the main companies will be there. See Coghillgolf.com. NEW BALANCE GOLF SHOES, New Balance no longer just for runners, just very comfortable shoes for golfers. Please visit Newbalance.com     _____________________________________________________________________

THE 18TH HOLE at the Philadelphia Cricket Club-Wissahickon Course. (R) Rory Spears Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf puts his approach in the right greenside bunker wasting a 304 yard drive on the 18th. You can follow more from Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or on Linkedin and Facebook. #Phillycricketclub.

AFTER ROUND 1 of Men’s Big Ten Golf Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Purdue holds a five shot lead over top rated Illinois (24) and Minnesota.

Varun Chopra and Michael Feagles with +1 scores of 71, lead Illinois. They are tied for 8th place in the championship. Tee times for Round 2 start at 8 Am CST.

The course is set up at a Par 70, and is playing at 7,119 yards. Illinois is the defending champions, having won in 2018 by shots at the Baltimore Country Club.

Live scoring is available at Golfstat.com.

“We didn’t have our best today, but we preserved through a challenging day on the golf course,” said Illinois coach Mike Small. “The course played fast and the pins were tucked.”

Northwestern is T-9 with Nebraska at +15, the Cats are 13 shots back. David Nyfjall led Northwestern with a 2 over par, round of 72.

THE WEST BADEN HOTEL and the Pete and Alice Dye portrait in the mansion at the Pete Dye Golf Course at the French Lick Resort. See Frenchlick.com to book your stay.

Happy 10th Pete Dye Golf Course from all of us at Golfers on Golf. Rory Spears on the rock at the Dye Course.

It was 10 years ago today that the Pete Dye Golf Course opened at the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana.

It was another one of the great moments in the resort’s recent history under the Cook Group that owns the resort.

When the ownership decided to build a new golf course on the high part of the resorts land, they new that only one architect was the right person.

Indiana’s very own, Pete Dye.

It’s too bad that Dye now in 90’s is not in good health, and unable to come enjoy 10 years of success. But today’s golfers are are likely enjoying their round.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT-the Volcano bunkers on the Pete Dye Course.

Visit French Lick Resort, home of the Sr. LPGA Championship this October. For details on the all the tournament golf, and the new rooms by the casino. See the resorts website at Frenchlick.com or visit the resort on it’s social media pages.

  NEW BALANCE SHOES not just for runners anymore. Golfers NB has you covered in comfort Newbalance.com. THE CALLAWAY EPIC FLASH DRIVER-Callawaygolf.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. The Cog Hill Range is open all year round.

Come rain, sleet or snow. The Cog Hill driving range is open year round.

Tomorrow is no exception. From 9 Am to 1 Pm is the largest Chicago area outdoor equipment demo day.

If the weather is a challenge (and it could be), no worries. You can hit under the roof and under the heaters.

The following companies have signed up to take part in Cog Hill’s demo day.

Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, Wilson, Ping, Cleveland/Srixon, Zero Friction, U.S. Kids, Tour Edge, Bettinardi,Clic Golf Carts.

Cog Hill is located at 12294 Archer Avenue, Lemont. (866)-264-4455 or visit CogHillgolf.com Time for new clubs ? come hit the best products on the market and see where all the improvements have taken the game.

NEW BALANCE GOLF now making golf shoes for those on their feet, on the course. See Newbalance.com. The Mistwood Golf Club Performance Center. One of the Top 100 fitting locations in America says Golf Digest. Mistwoodgolfgc.com (815)-254-3333    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. In the Mistwood Golf Club Performance Center.

GOLF IS A GREAT SPORT, millions of people play the game.

Plenty of golfers up north are looking to put a very cold winter behind them. The thought is of getting outside and playing golf to many, is like going to opening day in baseball. It’s more than just Game 1 of 162, it’s the start of summer.

The same can be said for golf, that first round of the year, makes it feel like spring or summer has arrived. There are plenty of golfers who love the game, and just can’t wait to go play.

They don’t need any encouragement, other than no snow on the ground, some sunshine and warmer temperatures. Plain and simple. Golfers don’t head for the course in droves, because somebody won a tournament. It doesn’t work that way.

When you go out and say otherwise, and or post that on a social media network you insult a lot of people. If I’m an owner, a golf professional, a marketing director, a staff member or superintendent, and the director of golf or head professional claims they only have a crowded course because of the Masters winner. You just drove one in the face of everyone you work for, and or works for you. So think before you post, and believe in your product. If you don’t, it’s time to go work somewhere else. The WARM and sunny weather all weekend long, felt really good, and let’s hope it stays for a while.

CLUB FITTING…I have talked about it all winter. Because it’s really the best way to decide what clubs should be in your golf bag. So today, I will go through a fitting to determine what I need in terms of a new driver, fairway woods and irons. So i’m having two friends who need new clubs tag along, and work through fittings of their own.

If you think this is the year to lower your handicap, hit the ball a little further because you need to, then get to a club fitting now. Why spend the summer watching your handicap rise, continue to miss fairways, greens and putts. Are you the one filling up your partners wallets, after the weekly round every weekend. Are you the “D” player on your 4-player scramble team all the time. Do you have to buy the drinks all the time. How about having the joy of seeing a ripped drive go right down the fairway, because it is a great feeling. See that lofted mid-iron shot hit the green and from over 130 yards. Those wedge shots get out of the rough and the bunkers, so they land on the green.

My group and I are headed to Mistwood Golf Club to get it right. I’ll have more on my club fitting process on this site, and on Golfers on Golf Radio in the weeks ahead.

The University of Illinois Men’s golf team was second, behind the host Hawkeye’s, at the Hawkeye Invitational this past weekend. Six shots behind Iowa.

TOPGOLF has now opened it’s 50th venue, with the opening of the newest Topgolf in Greensville, South Carolina.

RS

  THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows-part of DuPage Golf, see Dupagegolf.com for more on all three courses, that include Maple Meadows and Green Meadows. The U.S. Open trophy case at Erin Hills, opening day in Monday May 6th. Details are at Erinhills.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Linkedin and Facebook. On the 18th green at Harbor Town-design by Pete Dye and the #GOAT Jack Nicklaus.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE !!!!

Tune is this afternoon to see the final round of the RBC Heritage tournament at Sea Pines Resort, on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

The championship can be seen on CBS. The PGA Tour moves on to New Orleans this coming week.

ARE YOU READY for the summer scramble championship. The CDGA Scramble Championship sponsored by Jersey Mike’s Sub’s starts on June 7th, and runs through September 13th. You can register at CDGA.org/scramble.

Cost per team is $300, or $75 per player. Prizes will be awarded on September 13th at Bowes Creek in Elgin at the tournament finals. Prizes include a trip to Tullymore Resort in Michigan.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein will host a Taylor Made Golf fitting day on Saturday May 11th, from 10-2. For information on signing up for a personalized fitting appointment, visit Pine Meadows website and follow the link. You can call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-GOLF.

Topgolf in Naperville

TOPGOLF is encouraging everyone to “Take a Swing at Golf”, on National Golf Day on May 1st.

50 U.S. Topgolf venues will offer complimentary group golf instruction classes Wednesday May 1st.

Topgolf is partnering with WE ARE GOLF. These classes will take place at 4:30-5:30 and 6:30 P.m., last year Topgolf gave out more than 4,300 free golf lessons on National Golf Day.

For more information you can visit Topgolf.com/lessons or learn more on Topgolf social media sites. Topgolf will open a new Chicago area location later this summer in Schaumburg, on the location of the former Motorola Campus.

The future drawing of the new Finkbine Clubhouse for the University of Iowa.

The University of Iowa shot a 36 hole score of 29 under par, to lead the Hawkeye Invitational by three shots over Illinois.

The Fighting Illini now ranked 30th in the nation, were lead by Varun Chopra whose 36 hole score was 8 under par.

The Hawkeye Invitational will conclude today, after another 18 holes are played on the schools Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City. The field includes four other Big Ten teams in addition to Iowa and Illinois.

Welcome to TPC Deere Run home of the John Deere Classic

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC has announced that Korean native Ho Sung Choi, with the fisherman style golf swing has accepted a sponsors exemption to play in the classic this July 11-14.

Choi 45, has won four times around the globe, including the 2018 Casio World Open on the Japan Golf Tour.

This will be Choi’s second event in the United States.Choi recently played in the AT&T Pro-am at Pebble Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets for this years tournament. Visit Johndeereclassic.com.

KUDO’s to former Chicago tackle Jim (Jimbo) Covert on winning the Hootie and Blowfish Monday after the Masters charity golf tournament. The team was captained by PGA Tour player Billy Hurley.

THE STRACKA LINE celebrates 10 years of growth and Innovation. What was first a new product idea at the PGA merchandise Show in 2007, has grown into being part of PGA Tour telecasts in 2019. The USGA approved the books earlier this year, 11 years after making a debut on the PGA Tour. The Stracka Line book was created when owner Jim Stracka bought out yardage book founder “Gorjus” George Lucas. For more details on Stracka Books visit Strackaline.com.

THE GOLF COURSES OF KOHLER are now open for the 2019 Golf Season. The original Blackwolf Run design and the Irish Course are also now available to golfers for only $80.00. Call (844)-338-8518.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday. RS

THE USGA RETURNS TO ERIN HILLS in 2022 and 2025, find out more this morning. Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is Open for summer Mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333 ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. In studio at the BIG AM 750 WNDZ Saturday mornings at 10 AM.

Golfers on Golf Radio Week #4 is back on the tee this morning at 10 AM, on the BIG AM 750 WNDZ Chicago.

Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears will bring you the best of golf talk on Chicago’s radio dial from 10-11 am.

Among our topics today, a tribute to sports talk radio pioneer Chet Coppeck.

The USGA is returning to Erin Hills, find out when and with what championships. This weeks PGA Tour stop takes us to one of the best resorts in the country, Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

Our guests include Rich Tock from Erin Hills and Cary Corbitt of Sea Pines will join us today. So stay tuned in. Am 750 WNDZ 10 Am this morning. It’s GOG Radio Week #4.