THE USGA WILL RETURNS TO ERIN HILLS IN 2022 AND 2025, find out why. Visit ErinHills.com. IF THE COOL WEATHER doesn’t suit you. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Linkedin and Facebook. At Mid Pines Golf Resort in Southern Pines North Carolina.

THE U.S. SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN is getting ready for it’s second meeting.

After an extremely successful inaugural championship, round 2 tee’s off next month in Southern Pines North Carolina.

Laura Davies is on a roll when it comes to winning senior majors. She took the senior slam or half slam, since there are only two senior women’s majors in 2018.

Davies wasn’t to upset about getting only 10 months, with the newest of USGA trophies after winning at the Chicago Golf Club last July.

Laura Davies with the trophy at the Chicago Golf Club.

With this years edition of the U.S. Sr. Women’s Open hitting the first tee next month, at Peggy Kirk Bells Pine Needles Resort, Davies feels she can correct that shortfall be simply winning again.

If she does, she will keep the trophy for 14 months this time, as the 2020 version of the senior women’s open moves back up north and into July.

With the first championship into the history books, what did the USGA learn from the experience last summer in Wheaton at Chicago Golf. What changes for this year, what stays the same.

JoAnne Carner (L) at the Chicago Golf Club with USGA PR manager Julia Pine.

One of the more exciting moments of that first championship, was watching JoAnne Carner hit the first tee shot. Carner then shot her age of 79 in the first round, by making a birdie on the par 5,18th hole.

Can that moment be repeated ? It could be, as Carner will have another shot to play with, since recently turning 80.  Because Carner is returning to play in the championship again this year.

If there is one disappointment, it’s that Bell herself is not here to witness the championship. After passing away a couple of years ago. When told her course would hold the championship, she requested her staff speak with USGA CEO and Executive Director Mike Davis. And see if Davis would add a super-senior division in the championship. If Davis would do that, she would dust off her clubs and come out and play. Nobody who knew Bell, doubts that she would have done just that.

  WELCOME TO PINE NEEDLES home of the 2019 U.S. Sr. Women’s Open, and now the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open. The par 3, third hole on the Pine Needles Course.

Click here to hear our interview with USGA championship manager of the U.S. Senior Women’s Open Katherine Thigpen.

Thigpen talks about the first year at the Chicago Golf Club, what to expect this year in year two, the return of 80 year old JoAnne Carner, on media day with Laura Davies who is ready to win again. Where is the 2020 U.S. Senior Women’s Open being played, find out where.

Tickets are now on sale for both the U.S Sr. Women’s Open, and the U.S. Amateur Championship that will be played on Pinehurst #2 and Pinehurst #4 in August.

For more information on the U.S Senior Women’s Open, please visit USGA.org or visit the Pine Needles and Mid Pines resort website.

WHISTLING STRAITS HOME OF THE 2020 RYDER CUP-and the American Club, a Midwest 5-star property. Visit Destinationkohler.com with four, Pete Dye golf courses.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook With the Ryder Cup in Milwaukee.

THE PGA OF AMERICA, has opened registration to purchase tickets, for the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Haven Wisconsin.

Starting today, through September 13th of 2019. Fans must register online for the opportunity, to purchase Ryder Cup tickets.

Tickets are only awarded through a PGA of America, Random Selection Process.

To register for tickets see, RyderCup.com.

“The Ryder Cup is one of the few sporting events in the world, where ticket demand requires this random selection process. So that all fans get a fair shot, at witnessing sports history first-hand,” said Jason Mengel, Director for the 2020 Ryder Cup. “We encourage everyone with interest in purchasing Ryder Cup tickets, to fill out the registration form on line. Due to the high number of individual inquiries we’ve received about our Random Selection Process, record setting demand is expected. We wish all registrants, the best of luck.”

The opportunity to purchase tickets and view the competition, between the best professional golfers of Europe and the United States. Will only be available to those, who fill-out and complete the online process at, RyderCup.com.

Once the registration process is completed in October of 2019, winning applicants will be notified via email. If, they have been selected to purchase tickets. Because of the high demand for tickets, not everyone who applies will be awarded a chance to purchase tickets.

PGA of America President Suzy Whaley and Steve Stricker, the 2020 Ryder Cup Team USA Captain, hold the Ryder Cup.

The PGA of America, remains the only source for 2020 Ryder Cup tickets, and or on-site hospitality options.

Ticket options do include, the corporate hospitality package. To review corporate options, please contact Larry Sinclair at (502)-245-2000, and or Nick Dockter at (920)-565-6110.

There are complimentary ticket plans for military personnel. These are for practice rounds only, which are held Tuesday through Thursday. Children age 17 or under are free for practice rounds, when accompanied by a paying adult.

Team Europe won the 2018 Ryder Cup played in Paris France. Team USA was last victorious in the Ryder Cup, when it was held in 2016. At the Hazeltine National Golf Club, in Chaska Minnesota.

The history of the Ryder Cup dates back to 1927, with the initial matches played in Worcester Massachusetts. In the history of the Ryder Cup, the USA has won 26 times with Europe winning 14 times. There have been two ties.

For more information on the PGA, and or to follow player point totals as they compete to make the team, visit PGA.org.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT and the West Baden Hotel are ready to host your next golf trip, see Frenchlick.com. Registration has now opened to buy tickets for the 2020 Ryder Cup to be played at Whistling Straits in Kohler/Haven Wisconsin. Rydercup.com  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook and Linkedin. At the front door of Erin Hills with the USGA.

THE USGA IS COMING BACK TO ERIN HILLS.

What had been rumored is now official.

The 2022 USGA Mid-Amateur and the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open will be played at Erin Hills in Erin Wisconsin.

The championships will be the fourth and fifth USGA championships, played in Kettle Moraine country of Wisconsin. Located in the far Northwest suburbs of Milwaukee.

The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open will be played from May 29-June 1, and the 2022 Mid-Amateur Championship is held from September 10-15. Blue Mound Country Club which co-hosted the 2011 USGA Amateur Championship with Erin Hills, serves as the second course for the Mid-Amateur.

THE US WOMEN’S OPEN TROPHY (L) AND THE US MID AMATEUR TROPHY (R) photo courtesy of USGA.

“We are thrilled to return to Erin Hills, and bring the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. to such a memorable and deserving golf course,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “To bring these championships to a public facility all golfers can enjoy is especially exciting for us. The USGA has a great relationship with Erin Hills and the club has proven to be one of the premier golf venues in the nation as well as an excellent test of golf.”

The 2017 US Open Championship memorabilia case at Erin Hills.

Erin Hills was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten of Golf Digest magazine.

The golf course opened for play in 2006, and was renovated twice, most recently in 2010. Since 2010 the club has built a new clubhouse, and added several cabins for overnight guest stays.

Past winners of USGA Championships at Erin Hills include, Tiffany Joh in the Women’s Public Links (2008), Kelly Kraft in the U.S. Amateur (2011), and Brooks Koepka in the U.S Open (2017).

The 18th green and clubhouse at Erin Hill, set up for the 2017 U.S. Open.

“We’re honored that Erin Hills has been selected to host the most prestigious event in women’s golf,” said Andy Ziegler, owner of Erin Hills. “We made history here two years ago at the U.S. Open and are extremely excited to have the USGA return for more championships in the coming years.”

The 80th U.S. Women’s Open will be the third U.S. Women’s Open to be played in Wisconsin. The 1998 and the 2010 U.S Women’s Opens were played at the Blackwolf Run course in Kohler. The championships were won by Se Ri Pak in 1998 and Na Yeon Choi in 2012. These will be the 16th and 17th USGA Championships played in Wisconsin. The 15th championship will be played this July 22-27, in Stevens Point Wisconsin on the Sentry World golf course.

Click here to hear the interview with Erin Hills PGA Ambassador Rich Tock.

The last USGA Mid-Amateur Championship played in the area was in 2012, at the Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest.

Blue Mound Golf Club a Seth Raynor design, has previously hosted the 1916 Western Open, the 1933 PGA Championship, but most recently the 2010 Western Golf Association Junior Championship. Blue Mound will host the 2020 Junior Ryder Cup.

Erin Hills will open for the 2019 golf season on May 6th. The first tee of the course is seeing construction happen today. As work on the nearby new massive putting green continues.

Book your golf trip to Erin Hills, by visiting Erinhills.com and then calling (866)-772-4769.

THE LIGHTHOUSE ON SEA PINES-AT HARBOR TOWN-The Heritage Classic coming this week from Hilton Head in South Carolina, On to bigger & better, see Seapines.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 on Hilton Head.

OUCH-GOLF TOOK A DOUBLE HIT yesterday. Can it survive, time will tell.

From a local standpoint, 6 inches of the white stuff on April 14th should not happen. Some reports have a few days later in the week in the 70’s. Now that is what we need it, and need it quickly.

Some spring scrambles, and other golf events had to take a rain check. Or maybe a snow check. Here is hoping there is a quick melt-off.

Now the real question, do people even want to play golf. The events of yesterday in Augusta, leaves one wondering, is this Hello-World Part 2. Jeez we hope not. But this is the result you get, when the Back Nine on Sunday, turns into the front nine on Sunday, and the leaders tee off bright and early on a Sunday morning.

The string of 13 great Masters ended yesterday with Tiger Woods winning. With Patrick Reed slipping the jacket on Tiger in the Butler Cabin. Somewhere the members of the Augusta National Golf Club are cringing with those two together in the same room for the green jacket ceremony.

I thought this was a Masters week where the late-great Dan Jenkins was to be honored, but this was no way to do it. Now, Jenkins is rolling over in his grave. He like many, is not a fan of the new green jacket holder.

This was a could-have, should have, would have, day for both Francisco Molinari, and or Tony Finau. Even Brooks Koepka for that matter. How in the world did all three of them go-splash on the par 3, 12th hole. The Las Vegas sportsbook’s must have been full of gamblers in tears. Did I just hear someone shout “fix”.

Speaking of Koepka, he should be the main story line come June, as he bids for his third straight U.S. Open. Question now is will he be. You know that other guy won here 19 years ago. The second story line is that Phil Mickelson who won at Pebble Beach earlier this year, is going for the career Grand Slam, but will it be. Dustin Johnson who should be World #1 again this week, has a great track record at Pebble Beach that includes some “W’s”. Will he get a mention.

But before we get to Pebble Beach, there is a PGA Championship to play next month on Bethpage Black. The story should be about Jordan Spieth going for a career grand slam, but will it be. Or did the last U.S Open Champion at Bethpage, Lucas Glover work through the marital woes with his wife. That, grabbed the headlines a few months back.

I’m sorry to say, it will be all about that guy who won there in 2002. In fact everything that the women’s game received from launch of the Augusta Amateur, is likely lost now.

PGA TOUR events will now be filled with players that people in the gallery will say, I never heard of him before. Of course, because nobody will be writing the good stories, and what we need to learn about the up and comers.

Yeah it will be back to the days of, is he playing? Oh, I don’t need to watch because I know who is going to win already.

Press conferences will be filled with paparazzi media, asking the Masters Champion what his favorite TV show is or does he like Sushi.

On the heels of the dumbest ESPN story ever written about golf, how Tiger chews his gum like Payne Stewart did (that should have cost somebody their media credential) . Get ready for more bad Nike commercials too. Then again, the talking head-cover is due for a return.

Golf has been down that road before, on how it’s all about one player. It almost killed the sport, are we ready to travel down that low-road again.

Last but not least. Don’t even start with the #GOAT talk. If you really think that, go seek professional help. You need it. There will only ever be one GOAT. And that #GOAT is not a Tiger, it’s a Bear, and a Golden one at that. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is now open for the season. Check out Mistwood, it’s state of the art Performance Center and McWethy’s Tavern. Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS is now open for the season, find out the details for the Preserve by visiting DuPagegolf.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Linkedin and Facebook. In the 18th fairway (where-else) on Mid Pines by Donald Ross.

THE MASTERS and the “Back Nine on Sunday” gets underway this afternoon. Don’t miss it.

This week Golfers on Golf Radio, Am 750 The Big WNDZ, had a great masters show. Live guests included Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer, and the new head golf professional at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Jamie Nieto.

A replay of the show will be posted here on this website. If you missed the live version.

BLACKBERRY OAKS Golf Club in Bristol, home to one of the best 4-person spring scrambles. Cancelled today’s outing because of bad weather. Therefore Blackberry Oaks has rescheduled for April 28th. More information at Blackberryoaks.com.

AMERICAN BILLIONAIRE Ric Kayne, is spending $50 million dollars. Kayne will build two new public golf courses. Great news, but you need to visit New Zealand to play them. Kayne has hired Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw to design the first course. Architect Tom Doak will build the second.

PING GOLF is holding a fitting day at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein. Come try the Ping G410 driver, from 10 Am and 2 Pm, Saturday May 5th. Call (847)-566-GOLF, for more information.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY golfer and California native Brook Riley, tied for first place at the Silverado Shootout, in Napa Valley California. Riley was therefore named the Big Ten’s, Women’s Golfer of the Week.

GOLF APPAREL designer Peter Millar, has opened his first boutique in downtown Chicago. It’s the chains 16th store overall, it’s the first Millar store in the Midwest. The Millar store opened on Friday, and it’s located at 877 North Rush Street.

RECORDING star Justin Timberlake, has confirmed he will participate in the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf. The Legends Tournament is held at the Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale Missouri, April 24-28, and it’s part of the PGA Champions Tour. Other celebrities confirmed include Mark Wahlberg, Kid Rock and Roger Clemens.

Senior golf stars that are playing in the celebrity shootout include legends, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday. RS.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT-book you next getaway to one of the top golf destination properties. Visit Frenchlick.com. Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is now open for the 2019 golf season. Enjoy the course, practice in the performance center, and then head into the main clubhouse and try out McWethy’s Tavern. Call (815)-254-3333. #Mistwood ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio on the BIG AM 750 WNDZ-Chicago. Your hosts L-R Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, and Rory Spears.

Golfers on Golf Radio returns for Week #3 on the Big Am 750 WNDZ.

10 Am is the tee time and the main topic of the day, is the Masters.

Tim Cronin the publisher of the Illinois Golfer, and local golf historian joins us to talk masters history and the week it is.

Cronin has been to Augusta National on several occasions and can to speak to the improvements at the club.

The second half of the show Jamie Nieto, the new head golf professional at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison will join the group. Golf today, because maybe not tomorrow.

AM 750 the BIG WNDZ from 10-11 AM, join us. It’s Masters week.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville is now open for the season. Book tee times by calling (815)-254-3333 or Mistwoodgc.org #EatatMcWethysTavern. Welcome to the front gate of the Augusta National Golf Club-Enjoy Masters Week.          ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG with Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. Roger Cleveland Callaway wedge designer, with the new Callaway Mack Daddy and PM Wedges.

BACK AND BETTER.

The Callaway Golf wedge line by Roger Cleveland just got better. That’s because after the success of the Sure-Out wedge, the second version is available as of today.

Sure Out is the wedge made for golfers who struggle around the green, and in the rough. Do you have issues getting out of the sand, Sure Out is for you.

When you need a club that helps from all the tough lies, Sure Out is what you need, because your game deserves better.

The Callaway Sure Out 2 Wedge.

Sure Out 2 is the wedge that helps you gain playability from all lies. The Sure Out 2’s enhanced sole design, that has redefined the bounce angle, and extra heel relief brings more to your short game.

Full-Faced Grooves: There are now 17 full-faced grooves, that come with a redesigned groove patter for more spin.

You can now play more aggressive, and create shots with spin stopping power. This feature brings better distance control, so you can stop yourself near the pin and leave shorter putts for pars and birdies.

NEW LOFT OFFERINGS: now include 56-58-60 and 64 degree options. So whatever pitched shots you like to play, Callaway now offer the loft you want. Now in stores as of today April 12th. See Callawaygolf.com .

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville is now open for the season. Call for tee times or memberships at (815)-254-3333 or see Mistwoodgc.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on TWITTER @GogBlogGuy. Linkedin and Facebook. (R) Another foursome enjoying Erin Hills.

IT’S GOLF SEASON. Even with some bad weather to the north, it’s golf season in Wisconsin.

Yes there is some snow in the Dairyland, but because it’s April it is still golf season.

There is good news, because the snow will melt before the major destinations do open. So what does that mean. Use that time to pick up the phone and book some tee times.

The Pete Dye golf courses of Kohler such as Blackwolf Run, and Whistling Straits are opening this weekend. Weather permitting because they do have snow. But the Kohler golf challenge is still schedule for the next couple of weekends, if this weekend gets snowed out.

  KOHLER’S WHISTLING STRAITS will host the Ryder Cup in September of 2020.

The 2017 U.S. Open trophy case at Erin Hills.

You can join Erin Hills for a special week in June, because the club will celebrate U.S. Open week.

While the players are teeing off at Pebble Beach, you can enjoy 2017 U.S. Open venue Erin Hills. Play Erin hills how the open field played it in 2017, with the pin placements from championship week.

You can enjoy championship week on the course, or be watching in the dining room and or the Irish Pub.

When the course opens in May, there are price specials the first two weeks. Or you take advantage of great during the closing days of October. To enjoy play and stays at Erin Hills, see Erinhills.com and then call (866)-772-4769.

  MAMMOTH DUNES at Sand Valley was designed by David Kidd. Sand Valley will open for the season on April 25th. Call for tee times and over night reservations today.

Sand Valley now has 54 holes open for play, and there is another course by Tom Doak in the works. Stay overnight or book a Dream Day Golf Trip.  A Dream Day golf trip includes rounds of golf, on two of the three courses. There is time for lunch in between rounds. One of thetwo rounds will be on the par 3 course, “The Sandbox”. A perfect idea for groups but rates do vary.

For more information on Sand Valley, call (888)-651-5539, and visit Sandvalley.com

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON as of Today. Mistwood Golf Club is home to the Ray Hearn designed golf club. The Mistwood Performance Center a Top 100 national fitting facility, and McWethy’s Tavern. Mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333 ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on TWITTER @GogBlogGuy. Linkedin or Facebook. At the Mistwood Golf Club performance center.

Titleist has raised the bar on it’s Iron production, by creating a higher grade of Irons. It’s now what Titleist could produce at the highest level for the golfer, regardless of cost.

It’s now part of a growing trend in golf club production, and besides the fact’s of cost, companies are telling it’s R&D teams, just go build it.

Management is now telling it’s design teams, if you can make it we will figure out how to price it. That’s because golfers want products that can give them, the best game they can buy.

“CNPCT is an idea, a promise. It’s our answer to “What if”? “said Kelley Moser Jr., Brand Manager, CNCPT Clubs. “What if our R&D Engineers could bring their dreams to reality. By using materials and process never before used in golf? We promise to provide them with all the resources they need, so CNCPT will always deliver the ‘wow.’ ”

The Titleist CNCPT Irons.

Created to move forward and on the road of build the best we can. Titleist’s new CNCPT CP-01 and CP-02 Irons that showcase the thinnest unsupported, constant-thickness face in golf. Which is made possible through the use of a rare, alloy never before used in club manufacturing. Called the Super Metal L-Face insert. Because It’s measured at a level that delivers and creates, ball speed previously unseen when hit off the face of an iron golf club.

The club comes with an extraordinary amounts of high-density tungsten, therefore this produces almost 50% of the total head weight in lower-lofts. This produces higher launch, besides the greater distance with a generous impact.

CNCPT CP-01 with Supreme speed, launch and forgiveness. Averaging more than 100g per head in lower-lofted irons. With a Super Metal L-face Insert. CNCPT CP-02 with Supreme speed, coming in a classic style blade shape. High-Density Tungsten Weighting. Averaging more than 110g per head in lower-lofted irons. Super Metal L-Face Insert.

LEARN MORE and or schedule a fitting at CNCPT_Titleist@achusnetgolf.com or (833)-99.CNCPT. On the web at Titleist.com/golf-clubs/irons/cncpt.