THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened 7 of the 9 holes on the Baer Nine and the last two holes will be open later this month. Stay-ready. The consturction phase on the final nine is underway, and should be ready for play by mid-summer of 2020. For tee times call the club at (847)-885-9000 or check the website at Schaumburggolf.com for more information on everything that the club has to offer. Eat at Chandlers Chophouse.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Creation and Content. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook or Linkedin. Putting the big ball at the JDC.

THE 49TH JOHN DEERE CLASSIC is in the books. Dylan Frittelli is the winner and becomes the third texas Longhorn to win the JDC in five years.

Jordan Spieth, Frittelli’s former teammate at Texas has the other two wins.

The John Deere Classic was realy good golf this year. The players had a slightly different golf course to play. TPC Deere Run was in year 6, of a six-year plan to upgrade the quality of the golf course. And it showed. Players who had played in the tournament many times over the years, said it was never in this great condition.

What I saw was firm and fast fairways, that the players enjoyed. A rain free week and a few dry days in front of championship week really helped. Even with so much rainy weather all sprin. The dry and hot weather period came at the right time.

Dylan Frittelli is the 2019 John Deere Classic Champion.

Frittelli went out on Sunday and really grabbed the tournament, by the horns you might say.

It appears he was someone who was ready to win. It would not surprise me, if he played great this week at the Open Championship. Frittelli was the one player who seemed to know the golf course, and had played it in recent years. Rory McIlroy is very motiviated to win in his home country as well. This could be a big week for him.

BACK TO THE DEERE some final thoughts on the 49th. It was great to see the young stars up close and personal. Collin Morikawa, Matt Wolff and Viktor Hovland are all exciting young players to watch. They should have a great futures.

What was troublesome regarding Wolff and Hovland, was the handling they had from a young representitive of their management firm. She was out-of-line on how she played Mother-Hen.

The firm-Wasserman did have a great reputation. They have always done great with Zach Johnson, this weekend they failed. Both kids, are great kids. They are friendly, and Wolff even took time to shake hands with all the media who interviewed him. And thank them. Both players signed plenty of autographs, and didn’t turn down any of the kids. Fans will enjoy watching their aggressive style of play during tournaments.

Golf architect Todd Quitno works on the Baer Nine at the Schaumburg Golf Club, that is now almost fully reopened. Currently Quitno and his team are working on the Tournament Nine, in the final phase of construction at the club.

NEXT YEAR IS the 50th anniversary of the PGA Tour in the Quad Cities.

The tournament has had several different names over the years. But it’s current one the John Deere Classic is probably the most fitting.

Deere and Company have really stepped up, in several area’s. Building TPC Deere Run, adding the British Open plane for the players. What’s around the course tournament week. They run the best charity arm, with their Birdies for Charity program.

For those of us in the media. The cart-barn press room under the clubhouse, beats a tent anyday. The entire history of the tournament will come out next year in book form. Written by longtime Quad Cities golf writer Criag DeVrieze. A project that he has spent over two years working on.

Better news is that they will keep their second week of July dates next year, even though it’s an Olympics summer. Mark it down-July 6-12 in 2020.

THREE IN ONE WEEK. After the debacle that took place last year. I didn’t think it could happen again, but it did. This week there are three tournaments in the same week. Starting tomorrow is the 25th annual Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open, at Mistwood.

THE WOMEN’S WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WWGA) has it’s national amateur golf championship at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) is running the men’s Illinois State Amateur at Cantigny in Wheaton.

What’s amazing is how golf organizations don’t speak with one-another and get things coordinated. Guess how many tournaments there are next week. Yep-Zero. Didn’t someone want the entire spotlight all to their own. The WWGA and the IWO are all costing their fields good players going head-to-head this week. That’s sad. The following week is the Western-Amatuer back at Point O’Woods.

I DON’T CARE who was here first and who scheduled on top of the other event. What I do know is that, myself and several other media types are ready to call-out the guilty parties going forward.

What else I see, is too many days in high-heat that players will be playing 36 holes a day. What’s the rush…lets keep it to 18 in the future.

SOME NEWS. I will have more this week. But both Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena and Weaver Ridge Golf Club in Peoria have been sold to new owners. Look for golf and more improvements at both places in the weeks and months ahead.

IT’s HOT OUT. But drink the fluids and go play. It’s time. RS

CLICK HERE to hear interviews with John Deere Classic Champion Dylan Frittelli and Runner-up Russell Henley. Thanks to our sponsor this week the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. (847)-885-9000 Schaumburggolf.com.

2019 John Deere Classic Champion Dylan Frittelli holds the championship trophy.

THE BATTLE IN THE HEAT is over and Dylan Frittelli, from Johannesburg South Africa is your 2019 John Deere Classic Champion.

Frittelli (-21) won by two shots over Russell Henley (-19).

Who would have thought that Henley, who tee’d off 2 1/2 hours before the leaders, would have a chance to win.

Not Henley, who thought several players would make enough birdies to blow past him in the end. In the end, only Frittelli did.

Henley shot a 10 under par 61, the low round of the week. But it was one for the record books, because it was the low final round in the tournaments 49 year history.

Because Henley came into the week, riding on a run of four-straight missed cuts. He didn’t have much in expections, therefore the ending must have caught him by surprise. What appeared to hurt Henley after his early finish, was that he missed a golden opportunity to birdie the par 5, 17th hole. Because his 8 foot birdie attempt, was pushed a bit, said Henley. In the end, had he made it, he would have lost by 1 shot instead of two.

But at 20 under par, it could have affected how Frittelli played the final holes. Sitting on a 1-shot lead instead of a two shot lead, on the PGA Tour is a big difference.

The final pairing of the day, had the third round leaders who never got going on Sunday.

Cameron Tringalen was not making birdies, while Andrew Landry made a few birdies early. But his climb to get back on top, ran out of steam. A key bogey on 15 wiped out any chance for the comeback. But then all Landery could do was make pars on holes 16-17-18.

If your windering who Dylan Frittelli is, you missed him being the star of a golf video. The video was Frittelli sinking a 30 foot putt back in 2012, to win the NCAA National Championship for the University of Texas. Where he was then immediately mobbed on the green by his teammates. One of those teammates, was 2013 and 2015 John Deere Classic Champion Jordan Spieth.

Frittelli with the win, not only earned just over $1,000,000 million dollars, he grabbed the final spot in the this weeks British Open. Frittelli said he has played Royal Portrush in tournaments a couple of times. So he won’t need as many practice rounds. When last seen at Deere Run on Sunday night. Frittelli and his team were headed to the airport to board the John Deere charter plane, to that goes right to that Open Championship.

Safes travels. And congratulations on being the 23rd player to win for the first time, on the PGA Tour and having that win come in the Quad Cities.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has reopended the first seven holes of the Baer Nine, with the last two holes 17-18 schedule to reopen later this month. Consturction has started already on the Tournament Nine. For details on the golf course and more, please visit Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000.    _____________________________________________________________________

John Deere Classic is underway. See Johndeereclassic.com

The John Deere Classic has 36 holes in the books, and the defending champion Michael Kim has missed his 19th straight cut. He will get the weekend off, after rounds of 73-72.

The cut spent the afternoon moving around, between 3 under par and 4 under par. Three under is what former champion and current John Deere Classic board member Zach Johnson needed to stay for the weekend. And that’s what he got,because his 67 helped him make the weekend on the number.

Former world #1 Luke Donald, and the former Northwestern Wildcat is at 6 under par. He is here at TPC Deere Run for the weekend. Donald was five under par at one point on the back nine for his second round, that had him at 8 under par and in 4th place. But two late bogeys, including a costly 3 putt on the par 5-17th hole droped him back.

Rusell Henley lost two shots late in his round, but at 10 under par sits in a good place headed to the weekend.

“I didn’t hit it as well today,” said Henley. “I had a couple mistakes there on 18. But I feel confident in my game. I haven’t made a cut in a while so it’s been a grind. I am trying to hang in there, but it has been a grind. This weekend I will keep my head down and keep grinding. Everybody out here is good. I’ll stay agressive to my targets and hopefully have a great weekend.”

Johnny Vegas is in first place at 13 under par after a 62 in Round 2, that included nine birdies.

“The holes seemed big today. I’ve been working hard on my putting pretty much all year.,” said Vegas. “That’s one of the area’s I have to get stronger at, if I wish to accomplish mre here on the PGA Tour. I feel like I havebeen playing well all year, but not giving myself a chance to win. I can’t remember the last time I shot 62, but a 63 not long ago. But a 62, I’ll take it.”

Lucas Glover sits in third place after being at 11 under par after 36 holes. Glover had the shot of the day, when he-holed a double-eagle two on the Par 5, 10th hole. The second shot he hit into the cup, was 255 yards with a 3-iron.

It wasn’t a great day for Team University of Illinois, on whats known as U of I day at the John Deere Classic. Both Illini alums missed the cut and badly. Scott Langley finished at 9 over par, and Dylan Meyer missed at 6 over par. Meyer is headed to a Monday qualifier in Kentucky for the Barbasol Championship. But leaves the JDC looking to find his game, and his place in golf.

It took -3 to make the cut and stay for the weekend. Golfers on Golf Radio AM 750 WNDZ Chicago, will have a live guest from the JDC at 10:10 tomorrow morning. Stay tuned in.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road, has reopened most of the BAER NINE, with the final holes 17-18 coming online soon. Phase 3, the final phase is now under construction on the Tournament Nine, and should be ready to reopen in July of 2020. For tee times call the club at (847)-885-9000 or see Schaumburggolf.com  ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At TPC Deere Run and the John Deere Classic.

IT’s tournament week for the John Deere Classic.

Zach Johnson a past champion and John Deere Classic Board member, spoke to the media this week about the classic.

Later Matthew Wolff the winner of last weeks championship, visited the media center.

First on the tee is Johnson.

“This place helps me get into a groove, I am very familiar here and excited to be here. This tournament does a lot for me and the community, I’m estatic to be back.”

“The competitor in me feels like I can still go out and win and that’s my full intention this week. I love the golf course and I love thr progression of my game right now. Just because people shoot 15-20 under here, doesn’t mean it’s a bad golf course. We just are good players and will get after it”

“When I was 20, or 21 I was trying to crack the top five players at Drake University. Now there are players out here winning at that age. There was just a 15 year old at Wimbleton, are you kidding me. That’s great. The kids today might not undertsand what it means to throw your clubs in thr unk on the Hooters Tour and spend nights in Motel 6 or a Super 8.”

“There has been a lot of frustration in the 2019 season, because I have put the work in and I’m not seeing the results. That’s just the way the process has been. I didn’tknow until somebody posted on social media my world ranking is now out of the top 100 and I’m at 103. But at 43 I am a realist and understand that age can be a factor. But 100% I’d like to play for Steve (Stricker) at the Ryder Cup next year.”

MATTHEW WOLFF

On last weeks win. ” I don’t know if it has really settled in yet. It’s been pretty unreal the last few days, and there has not been a lot of sleep. But getting my card has taken a lot of weight off my shoulders.”

ON TPC DEERE RUN

“My caddies told me that this course would be a little like what we played last week, with the way it sets up. But after playing the pro-am on Monday, I realized the course suited my eye pretty well and I like the look of it. The course is in great shape and the past champions here are pretty decorated guys. It’s an event that people know about and rave about. I’d like to get my second win here this week.

ON BEING PICKED TO WIN THIS WEEK

“That was really special, and didn’t know that until I saw it on Twitter. Obviously Vegas isn’t always right, but it’s really cool to see that.”

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

     THROWBACK THURSDAY-Sponsored by the Schaumburg Golf Club. 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. THE BAER NINE has 7 holes open, 17 and 18 coming online soon. Tee times and more at Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000.     _____________________________________________________________________

  THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC is back and on the tee this week at TPC DEER RUN in Silvis Illinois, near the Quad Cities of Western Illinois. An easydrive from the Chicago area. Especially the Western Suburbs. Ticket are available for all days. On the grounds.

The 49th Quad Cities John Deere Classic

Defending Champion Michael Kim is back to try an defend his 2018 John Deere Classic title.

Kim’s game has taken a turn in recent months, after his 27 under par win last July. He has missed 18 consecutive cuts on tour and looks to break out of his slump.

Michael kim with himself in the bobblehead form at media day in May.

The field has a younger look this year, with of the new,young heavy hitters in the field. Including Matthew Wolff who won last weeks 3M Classic in Minnesota.

John Deere Classic board member Zach Johnson, and past champion heads up the veteran list in the field

3-time champion Steve Stricker is off on the PGA Champions Tour this week, and ended his run at the championship for now. He could return next year for the 50th anniversary of the championship.

Two-time winner Jordan Spieth decided at the last minute to skip this years championship, inspite of needing a win. Chicago area native Kevin Streelman was expected to play, but when he found out on Monday he mad it into next weeks Open Championship field. He WD’d and headed over-seas early.

Former No.1 and Northwestern University grad Luke Donald is in the field, and looking to regain his form on tour. Donald is playing on a mediacal exmeption this year, after suffering through a back injury last season. From the University of Illinois side, Scott Langley is in the field, and he is joined by Dylan Meyer who made it in, after shooting 65 at Pinnacle CC, during the JDC’s Monday 4-spot qualifier.

Former champions include Brian Harmon and Ryan Moore, Jonathan Byrd and John Senden. Former Fed Ex Cup Champion Bill Hass returns for the first time in 15 years.

Some of the other young talent includes 2018 US-Am Champion Vicktor Hovland and All-American in multple years Collin Morikawa from Cal-Berkley.

The John Deere Classic is always a great week of golf. Come out to the tournament, you will be glad you did. Johndeereclassic.com.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened it’s BAER NINE or at leats the first seven holes, with the last two holes (17-18) set to open within days. The Construction has started on the Tournament Nine, with the entire renovation project expected to be finished by July of 2020. Tee times and more (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At TPC Deere Run for this weeks John Deere Classic.

TITLEIST THE #1 BALL IN GOLF ha launched some mid-season new products, and acquired a KJUS a premium sportswear provider.

ON THE CLUB SIDE. The New Ultralight Driver TS1 is now availble for purchase in your pro shops and retail stores.

The new driver was developed as part of the new Titleist Speed Project, and the new 275 kight gram-weight was created.

The weighting on this new club, was cut back to allow for maximized launch and distance at moderate swing-speeds. The TS1 continues to allow for usage of the Titleist SureFit Hosel, but with a high MOI.

“There are so many golfers that can benefit from the performance of our TS1,” says Josh Talge, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “”For seniors, juniors, women-really anyone who is the moderate swing speed player-TS1 is an absolute powerhouse. Because you can swing as smooth and easy as you want, and ball just takes off. The distance feels effortless.”

“With our four new models-TS1, TS2, TS3, and TS4-we know that any golfer who walks into a fitting. Can find a Titleist Driver that will max out their speed and performance,” said Talge.

The TS1 driver with it’s 275 gram weight, makes it 45 grams lighter than TS2, 8 gram lighter head, that will equal faster clubhead speed.

The Ultra-lightweight stock shafts include the Fujikura Air Speeder and MCA Fubuki Max Velocity at 40 or 45 grams. Lofts are at 9.5, 10.5, (RH-LH) and 12.5. MAP $499.00

NEW TITLEIST IRONS the T100, 620 MB and 620 CB made their debut on tour last month, at the U.S. Open. The TS2 and TS3 hybrids and U-500 and U-510 utility Irons came online at the Memorial Tournament in May. Titleist irons have been the most played Irons, on the PGA Tour the last five seasons.

  THE NEW TITLEIST TS1 LIGHTWEIGHT DRIVER-THE T100 AND 620 IRON SERIES

Coming back on August 16th

THE ACHUSNET Holding Corporation the parent company of Titleist, has now aquired KJUS, a creator of premium Sportswear performance products.

The announcement was made yesterday.

THE KJUS outerwear line is a worldwide leader in ski-wear. And has branched into golf over the last decade.

“We have been impressed by KJUS’s success in golf apparel andare extremely excited to bring KJUS into the Acushnet family,” said David Maher, President and CEO, Acushnet Holdings Company. More details at Achusnetholdingscorp.com. More information on Titleist golf products at Titleistgolf.com.

THE USGA RETURNS to DUPAGE GOLF with a qualifier for the U.S. Womens Amateur tomorrow at the Preserve in Addison. See Dupagegolf.com for all the big events coming to the Preserve-Maple Meadows-and Green Meadows. (R) THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 N. Roselle Road has reopened 7 holes of the BAER NINE, with the other 2 holes (17-18) reopening later this month. For details on tee times and more see Schaumburggolf.com or call the club (847)-885-9000. Construction has begun on the Tournament 9 for Phase 3 of the renovation, it will be done next summer.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Linkedin or Facebook. In the USGA Flash area.

THE USGA IS BACK tomorrow, even if it’s for one day. But a qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Amateur is a pretty big deal.

That qualifier will be held at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, in Addison. Another good feather in the cap of the Greg Martin renovated golf course.

The USGA has not posted the field for tomorrow yet, so I can’t ahre the locals who will be teeing it up. But I’m sure there will be some players from the area trying to make it into the field.

The U.S. Women’s AM will be played in Mississippi at Old Waverly, the site of the 1999 U.S. Women’s Open. A congratulations to Lemont’s Lauren Beaudreau, who already did qualify, and was the medalist at the Westhaven Country Club in Tennessee last week, after shooting a 67.

JOHN DEERE CLASSIC..it’s great to get the PGA Tour back in Illinois this week, when the John Deere Classic tees it up at TPC Deere Run in Silvis. Defending Champion Michael Kim will return, along with some locals that include Wilson’s Kevin Streelman and NU’s Luke Donald.

GREAT NEWS TODAY..Illinois alum Dylan Meyer shot a 7 under par 65 at Pinnacle Country Club, to advance from the JDC Monday qualifier into the field for Thursday. An even par round of 72, was not good enough for Mistwood Golf Club’s Andy Mickelson to advance. Too bad Illini alum Steve Stricker has taken a pass this year to play in the Senior Players Championship, maybe next year for the 50th. Jordan Spieth was another maybe right up to the last minute, but opted out. Hopefully next year Jordan will go for his own version of the tractor-triple.

Schaumburg Golf Club GM Jon Parsons, points out the construction is still on going. But 18 holes are open for play, and the last two holes of the Baer 9 will open later this month. teetimes at (847)-885-9000

Schuamburg GM Jon Parsons, joined Golfers on Golf Radio last Saturday, and talked about the reopening of the Baer Nine, or at least 7 of 9 holes.

The remaining two holes on the Baer Nine holes 17-18, should be open at some point in July. Stay clicked in for details.

Construction has begun on the final nine holes, so be ready for July of 2020, because the opening of the final 9 holes will be exciting.

Schaumbrug will be one of the best public courses in the Chicagoland area, when the entire project is done.

FROM PEORIA..comes word that, The Weaver Ridge Golf Club of Peoria, has retained ISU alum DA Weibring to do renovation work on the golf course. New ownership took over the golf course last month.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW…RS

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB-401 N. ROSELLE ROAD has opened part of Phase 2, on the golf course renovation. THE BAER NINE has 7 of it’s 9 holes open, with holes 17-18 to open later this month. So come out and enjoy the first 16 renovated holes, or some good food and beverages in Chandlers Chop House. The newly extended practice range and putting green, and improved shortgame area are what any golfer needs for a fully enjoyable golf experience. See Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 to learn all the club offers. Construction has now started on the Tournament Nine.  ______________________________________________________________________

  THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. At TPC Deere Run in Silvis Illinois. The John Deere Classic weeks begins on Monday, and runs through Sunday July 14th.

THE BEN HOGAN Golf Company after having a multi-million dollar sales increase in 2018, has launched a new line of forged irons. The new irons are an upgraded version of the PTx line that was released in 2016. The new PTx Pro Irons were developed, for serious golfers who demand top level performance. They are built with a multi-step process that combines multiple materials into the club head. Mid Irons 4-7 are hollow and made of a forged 1025 carbon steel frame and forged MS300 steel face for a comfortable feel. Short Irons (8-PW) have lightweight Titanium inserts allowing for weight disbursement throughout the clubhead.

The Hogan Company feels that, “these are type of irons that Ben Hogan would design today, with current technology,” says Scott White, President and CEO of Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. The 7-piece PTx PRO iron set sells for $770.00 for more information please visit BenHogangolf.com or see Ben Hogan Social media sites. The Ben Hogan website has been recently upgraded for better views of equipment.

GOLFZON SIMULATORS have been awarded the Best Simulator/Premium for the third straight year by the Editors of Golf Digest. GOLFZON uses a swing plate instead of a standard mat, so golfers can hit from fairway, rough or sand positions. The backdrop includes courses form over 160 top golf venues around the world. For more details on the highest rated simulator on the market see Golfzongolf.com.

THE PITCHFIX divot repair tool, was also named the Best Divot Tool for the third straight year by the Editors of Golf Digest. Pitchfix Fusion 2.5 can be found online at Pitchfixusa.com.

To be, Illinois Golf Hall of Famer, Len Ziehm.

Len Ziehm a member of the newly elected Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2019, is on the road again finding new golf travel destinations.

This time Ziehm has hit the road in the great northeast, and his stops included golf in Poland. Poland Maine that is.

Ziehms recent travels included Rochester NY, and Valley Forge Pennsylvania. Through Rhode Islandon the back end of his trip, before back to Florida. He returns to Illinois this week and settles in at the John Deere Classic.

OUR BIG 3 partner has his stories posted at Lenziehmongolf.com., the Daily Herald on Wednesdays, and every issue of Chicagoland Golf, and the Chicago District Golf Magazine.

KEVIN FRISCH PR one of the leading Golf PR firms in America, based in Gaylord Michigan, has announced that Carl Mickelson has joined the firm as Sr. Vice President. Mickelson’s main focus is client and media relations, along with business development.

“Carl and I realizedseveral years ago, we share a similar vision for helping clients with a similiar approach to PR and business,” said owner Kevin Frisch. “I’m excited about the impact Carl will have helping our current clients. More details at Kevinfrischpr.com.

FROM THE DESK of Carl Mickelson. Island Resort and Casino in Bark River Michigan, has announced it will host a major NCAA Division Golf tournament, this September 1-2 on the recently opened Paul Albanese designed Sage Run Golf Course. 10 schools will compete in the Island Resort Intercollegiate, that will be 54 holes and hosted by South Dakota State University. More details at islandresortandcasino.com.

MORE FROM CARL-V1 Sports a golf industry leader in video swing analysis softwear for golf teaching professionals, announces an online V1 shop cutting edge camera technology. If you want camera systems that match with the V1 Pro that can be purchased right from V1sports.com.  Budget friendly items that include HD Camera Pack and a Premium Camera Pack are complete with V1 USB3.0 camera’s with an advanced lens, and 10-meter cable and a tripod or wall mount. For more information on V1 camera and teaching video products see V1sports.com or social media accounts.

THE BBC has reached a deal with the ladies European Tour to broadcast this years Solheim Cup, from September 9-15 at the GelnEagles resort in Scotland. Visit SolheimCup2019.com for full details of the programming for Solehim Cup week.

COG HILL has a variety of July specials, including family golf, range specials,bringing your junior golfer to the golf course. Some great alcohol taste testers at the month. For more information on what new at Cog Hill all month long, see Coghillgolf.com. Or call the club at (866)-Coghill.

Golf 360 with Patrick Manelly and Dave Lockhart.

The Golf360 golf program returns tonight Sunday July 7th, on NBC Sports Chicago.

This months features include. A look at the famed French Lick Resort, in Indiana. How Batavia Based Tour Edge golf clubs is making it’s mark on the PGA Champions Tour.

A look at Instruction from the IPGA. The trio of courses operated by the Dupage County Forest Preserve District, including the Preserve at Oak Meadows, that will host a USGA Women’s Amateur qualifier this Tuesday the 9th. For more information see Linksvideo.net/golf360tv.

THE WHITE EAGLE COUNTRY CLUB in Naperville, has started a bunker program, that includes improvements to the tees and greens. The club has hired the Bob Lohmann and Todd Quitno golf architecture firm to oversee the project. No serious maintenance has been done to the course, since 1987 when Arnold Palmer came to open the final nine holes.

Bunker positioning is still placed where the golf ball would fly in the late 1980’s. Greens side bunkers will not be cut to the edge of the greens. To prepare for the current work, the club did some tree removal in 2018. The clubs new shortgame area does include two USGA greens, one for chipping and putting. The other for pitching from fariways. The project is rotating through nine holes at a time, and should be completed by the fall. More information on the clubs website.

THE SALAMANDER HOTEL AND RESORT CHAIN that includes places like Innisbrook and Hammock Dunes, is now annoucing it’s newest propert in Half Moon Bay Jamaica. Details at Salamanderhotels.com.

Bay Harbor golf links in Petoskey

Bay Harbor and the Heather Course at Boyne Highlands, werr both named in the Top 100 Public Golf Courses in America, by Golf Digest.

Both courses are among the 10 courses owned and operated by Boyne Resorts.

Both courses and properties have won numerous awards from various national golf publications.

Bay Harbor was designed by Arhtur Hills in 1999 and the Heather Course at Boyne Highlands was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.. The Inn at Bay Harbor has received awards as a Best Resort and Best Spa. For details on a golf stay at Boyne Properties visit Boynegolf.com.

MIURA GOLF has announced a new High Bounce Tour Wedge (HB). The newly styled club head aligns the golfer allowing for better accuracy. It uses soft carbon steel, the Tour Wedge HB has a wider sole that tapers from toe to heel, which gives the middle of the sole a more effective bounce.

PGA Tour Miura ambassardor Abraham Ancer has put it into his bag, and has used the club on the PGA Tour. Lofts are available every 2-degrees from 50-62. For more details on this new wedge see Miuragolf.com.

Jack Nicklaus is raising money for charity

The greatest golfer of all time Jack Nicklaus, has donated his longtime  Gold Rolex watch for charity.

The Rolex style that was launched in 1956, was first given to Nicklaus in 1967. It was the only watch he wore for years, and is the watch seen in many of the pictures, when he held trophies from his 18 major championship wins.

The auction run by Phillips at 450 Park Avenue, will put the Nicklaus watch up for auction on December 10th.

THE CDGA AMATEUR was decided on the 37th hole at the Glen View Club. Jordan Less of Elmhurst and the Oak Brook GC, defeated David Perkins from the Quail Meadows GC of East Peoria.

Both players matched each other for mostof the holes, and neither player ever held a lead of more than 2 up. Less who won with a par, called it “my first win since junior golf.”

Perkins the defending champion called it “an exciting match, and a fun day.” Both players are headed for the Illinois State Amateur Championship at Cantigny Golf from July 16-18th. Details at CDGA.org.

ARCHITECT RAY HEARN of Holland Michigan (Flossmoor CC-Mistwood GC) has launched a Blog. Hearn’s Blog can be found at RHGD.com. hearn decided it was time to share some of his professional golf design insight, which includes Turgrass Science, Soil Science, landscape architecture,and golf course design. Hearn’s career has run 33 years, Renovation Ray as he is known is also an Evans Scholar.

The new Club Champion store in Schaumburg.

CLUB CHAMPION reports that 2018 very a very succesful year for the company. Just five years ago the company has only five locations. Now with 62 locations, Club Championstores do anywhere from 500 to 1,500 fitting per store. Not only is store revenue up, but CC sales in general.

Golfers are wising up to the fact they need a fitting before buying clubs, and during an era where online purchases have grown, thebrick and mortar stores of Club Champion continue to be in demand. Clubc has multiple stores in the Chicago area, with the newest opening being the Schaumburg Store located on Golf Road. For more details on Club Champion fittings, visit Clubchampiongolf.com.

AROUND THE WORLD GOLF…….

Cabotlinks.com

From the people who bring you Cabot links and Cabot Cliffs in Canada.

Welcome to their newest property, for when it’s a little cold up north.

Cabot Saint Lucia, with Cabot’s third golf course. Cabot St. Lucia will have a 375 acre property, in Cabot’s second resort in their rapidly expanding portfolio.

Cool sea breezes, white beach sand (probably in the bunkers too), and stellar ocean views await.

Ground breaking is underway. Cabot Saint Lucia-coming soon.

AT THE WENTWORTH CLUB IN LONDON-The Gary Player Invitational will take place on July 22nd. Many of the legends of Golf will join Gary in rasing money for the Player Foundation, and it’s goal to raise $100 million by the year 2025. The field is 72 players and top business leaders.

SIR NICK FALDO has opened Laguna Golf Lang Co’s award winning PAr 71 golf course in Vietnam, Asia’s new hot tourist destination. World Class hotels and more. See Vietnam Laguna Golf, by Sir Nick Faldo.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns on Monday. RS

   THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened 7 of the 9 BAER NINE Holes, with two holes open from the Tournament Nine, while the other seven holes have started the renovation process. The entire renovation is expected to be complete by July of 2020. For tee times and more, visit schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000.      ______________________________________________________________________

  THE 27TH HOLE AT THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB (L), Golfers on Golf Radio (R) with Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger-and Rory Spears.

  Todays guests include, Schaumburg Golf Club General Manager and Director of Golf Jon Parsons (L) and John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson (R).

Golfers on Golf Radio is on the tee this morning at 10 AM, on The BIG Am 750 WNDZ.  And we hope you will join us for a great hour of golf talk-from 10-11 Am this morning. Because this is golf season. Get out and play.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened the first seven holes of the Baer Nine as Phase Two of the golf course renovation nears completion. Holes 17 and 18 to open later this month. Construction has begun on the Championship Nine, that will reopen next July in 2020. For tee times call the club at (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com _____________________________________________________________________

                    Hannah Kim 2018                                   Alexandra Farnsworth 2017

                Stephanie Miller 2016                   Madasyn Pettersen 2015-with Jim McWethy

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. and on Linkedin and Facebook.

LADIES..who is up next to win the Phil Kosin, Illinois Women’s Open trophy at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

DATES: July 15-16-17. The format Pro-Am on Monday the 15th, with 36 holes on Tuesday, make the cut and play 18 more on Wednesday for the championship.

The Joe Kosin IWO Scholarship is awarded at the champions dinner. And all proceeds are donated to, the Chicago Friends of Golf Foundation.

Call Mistwood at (815)-254-3333 or visit Mistwoodgc.com for more information. On playing in the championship or the pro-am on Monday the 15th.