IRONS & WOODS COMING TO LONG GROVE THIS FALL. It’s golf simulator driven, but Irons & Woods will have slot machines and more fun activities. Golf season all year.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Linkedin and Facebook. With BMW artist Cassy Tully, in the merchandise tent.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP is halfway home. And after 36 holes it’s Hidecki Matsuyama with a 1shot lead over Tony Finau, and Patrick Cantlay.

Matsuyama fired a course record for Medinah’s Course #3, in competition with a 9 under par 63.

Harry “Lighthorse” Cooper shot 63 on the orginal Medinah Course #3 design, during the 1930 Medinah Open.

But the course, and routing was changed over time. The current routing has been in place since 1986. Prior to the 1988 Senior Open and the 1990 U.S. Open. There were changes to the 15th hole prior to the 2012 Ryder Cup. A pond was added, and the green was rebuilt. Yardage grew to it’s current 7,613 yards. The course record prior to Round 2 was 65, recorded several times. Including by Justin Thomas and Jason Kokrak, during Round 1.

Both Thomas and Kokrak fell back in Round 2. Thomas is still lurking near the lead, 2 shots back of Matsuyama. Kokrak suffered a triple bogey 7, on the 15th hole that left him six shots off the lead.

(L) Tony Finau speaks with the media after his round. (R) Patrick Cantlay is feeling good about his game, headed to Round 3.

Finau shot 66, and Cantlay 67 to share second place. Both players are playing good golf, and say they are ready to keep moving forward this weekend. Finau says his style is pedal to the metal “all weekend” long, and that he is ready to win. Finau one shot down on 18, ripped the longest drive of the day on 18. 333 yards, but his wedge from 115 yards spun-backwards. So that left a 20-foot birdie putt that Finau could not convert.

Click here, to hear the second round interview with Tony Finau.

Cantlay says he loves the old-classic style golf courses, and is really enjoying a Medinah course that he says is in great shape.

Click here, to hear the postround interview with Patrick Cantlay.

Tiger Woods who is playing with a strained oblique muscle, doesn’t seem to have enough left in his tank to reach Atlanta next week. Because Woods needs to jump over 8 players in the FedExCup point standings. In order to make the top 30. Woods is ahead of only two players, he needs to beat. Eight players just behind Woods in the standings, are leading him this week after 36 holes. At this time, Woods is likely to fall back in the standings after Medinah.

Brooks Koepka, the #1 player in the point standings, is at 5 under par. Rory McIlroy had a late birdie binge and is 4 shots back at 8 under par.

Because the players will tee off in twosomes on Saturday. Shane Lowery will head out first as a solo at 7:25 Am.  The final tee time is at 1 PM, it includes Matsuyama and Cantlay.

IRONS & WOODS the build out is getting ready to go. And you should be getting ready to go to Long Grove this fall, when Irons & Woods officially opens. Golf Simulators and slot machines are just part of this entertainment venue. Golf season now is year-round.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Linkedin and or Facebook. Ian Poulter (L) speaks with the media at Medinah earlier this week.

HE IS one of the most outspoken players in professional golf. But his answers to questions are so good, he is always in demand for comment or a quote.

Ian Poulter is not only a great golfer he is frequently the killer of Team USA at Ryder Cups.

It was Poulter who helped turned the European tide of fortune, during the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah. With the USA up five points on Saturday, the matches seemed over. That was until Poulter kicked things into a higher gear, and decided he had not yet begun to fight. The rally started, and Europe overcame a four point deficit on Sunday, to take home the Ryder Cup..

While meeting with the media about his return to Medinah, seven years after the Ryder Cup win. Poulter shared memories about the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah, and was outspoken on slow play and other issues in golf.

Click here, to hear the media session with Ian Poulter.

The Gog Blog is back with more from Medinah later today. So stay clicked in.

  IRONS & WOODS-COMING TO LONG GROVE ILLINOIS, This fall. Stay clicked in here to follow the build up, of the golf and sports driven simulator facility. There will be slot machines and other entertainment options. So now enjoy golf season all year long.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, linkedin and Facebook. With BMW Championship artist Cassy Tully, her championship posters, ornaments and paintings, are for sale in the merchandise tent. Beside the first tee.

Round 1 is in the books for the BMW Championship.

2017 PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, and Jason Kokrak who is still looking for his first win on tour. Are your leaders after they carded seven under par 65’s.

Several players are 1 shot back at 6 under par, including 49 year-old Jim Furyk.

Furyk is looking to add another chapter to his great Chicago area golf history, with a win this week at Medinah.

Jim Furyk spent extra time this week on the putting green, wanting to be ready for Round 1.

Because Furyk’s record in Chicago is outstanding, who can count him out. So even at 49, he’s a threat to win.

Furyk won the 2003 U.S. Open his only major championship win, at Olympia Fields. And then two years later, Furyk held off Tiger Woods to win the 2005 Western Open at Cog Hill.

And then Furyk recorded a runner-up at the Western Open, besides shooting 59 at the 2013 BMW Championship at Conway Farms. Furyk ended up third when Zach Johnson rallied to win on Monday morning.

Click here, to hear the post round interview with Jim Furyk.

Because Thomas had to withdraw from the PGA Championship in May, and miss three tournaments this year with a wrist injury. Thomas has needed time to get his game back in form. So is this his week to get back in the winners circle ?

Click here to hear the post Round 1 interview with co-leader Justin Thomas.

Jason Kokrak has been getting closer to his first PGA Tour win all year long, and Kokrak has had 5-top ten finishes this year. Kokrak took second place, after being the runner-up to Paul Casey at the Valspar Championship in March.

Kokrak could have been the outright leader, but he missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th green.

And for the second straight week, both Brandt Snedeker and Patrick Cantlay were in the hunt after posting 66. Defending FedExCup champion, and past BMW Championship winner at Cog Hill Justin Rose, was at 5 under par after a 67.

World No.1, and Fed ExCup points leader Brooks Koepka and last weeks winner Patrick Reed were at 4 under par. Rory McIlroy was at 3 under par. U.S. Open Champion Gary Woodland and Phil Mickelson were at 2 under par.

Tiger Woods is in 50th place, after a 1 under par 71. Woods was at 2 under par early on the back nine, but could not get anything going the last seven holes. He needed a 40 foot par putt on the 18th green, to remain under par for his opening round.

  IRONS & WOODS COMING TO LONG GROVE ILLINOIS this fall. Where the golf season never ends. Golf and sports simulators, slots, beverages. #irons&woods #fun    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. With BMW Championship artist Cassy Tully, her posters, paintings and ornaments are on sale in the merchandise tent. Cassy will sign your poster for you.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP is ready to tee off, and golfs biggest names will be part of the show.

Besides FedExCup points leader Brooks Koepka, the field includes last weeks winner Patrick Reed, Rory McIlroy and past BMW Championship winner Tiger Woods.

For players like McIlroy, Medinah marks the return to one of his greatest career moments, winning the 2012 Ryder Cup. Where he also first met his wife Erica.

And for Woods, Medinah has some mixed history. Because he won the 1999 and 2006 PGA Championships at the club, but had one of his worst Ryder Cup efforts there in 2012.

Tiger Woods met the media on Wednesday at Medinah.

The question regarding Woods this week is, can his health hold up long enough for him to play all 72 holes.

So with Woods pulling out of last weeks playoff event, with a strained oblique muscle. And his points ranking falling down to 38th on the list, he will need to finish in the top 11 spots to make next weeks Tour Championship.

During the pro-am on Wednesday, Woods played nine hole, and then he just practice putted for the other nine holes.

Click here to hear Tiger Woods press conference at the BMW Championship.

World #1 and FedExCup points leader Brooks Koepka, spoke with the media on Wednesday.

Because Koepka wasn’t on the PGA Tour seven years ago, he didn’t play in the Ryder Cup.

So Medinah presents a challenge for Koepka, as being a golf course he has not played in the past.

But it’s layout and rolling hills, strong doglegs and the yardage the course will play. Should fit right into the style of game, he brings out on the PGA Tour.

Click here to hear Brooks Koepka’s Wednesday press conference at the BMW Championship.

Besides Woods and Koepka, 2012 European Ryder Cup team member Ian Poulter spoke on Wednesday. His press conference that included his Medinah Ryder Cup memories. Will be posted later today. Stay clicked in.

IRONS & WOODS COMING SOON TO LONG GROVE IL. Irons and Woods will be a Golf Simulator driven entertainment facility. But there will be slots and more to enjoy.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE MEDINAH CLUBHOUSE at Medinah Country Club, home of this weeks BMW Championship.

BROOKS KOEPKA & RORY MCILROY lead a powerful field of 69 players, into the BMW Championship at Medinah Country Club.

The field of 70, is now 69 players with Kevin Na having to withdraw. Na and wife are due to have their second child this week.

And the field could drop to 68, because it’s unknown if Tiger Woods will make it to the first tee on Thursday. Woods pulled out of last weeks FedExCup event the Northern Trust, after 18 holes because of a strained oblique muscle. And a video taken of Woods arriving at Medinah on Tuesday, appeared to show him walking in discomfort. Because Woods fell to the 38th place in the point standings, he needs a strong finish to advance to the tour championship.

On Sunday the Top 30 players in the Fed Ex Cup point standings, will advance to Atlanta for the Tour Championship. Koepka is the points leader heading into this week, with Northern Trust winner Patrick Reed now in second place.

Rory McIlroy meets the media at Medinah.

Back in the BMW field for this week is defending champion Keegan Bradley, who won at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia last year. And good news for fans is that the winners of all four majors in 2019, are playing this week. Woods (Masters), Koepka (PGA Championship), Gary Woodland (U.S. Open), and Shane Lowery ( The Open Championship).

“Every year the FedExCup Playoffs produce a world-class field for the BMW Championship, and this year is no exception,” said Vince Pellegrino, Western Golf Association Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “But we are thrilled that the BMW Championship, will not only showcase a group of incredible young talent. But a group of well-established veteran major champions.”

Click here, to hear Rory McIlroy’s pre-championship press conference at Medinah on Tuesday.

Proceeds from the championship help fund the Evans Scholarships for caddies. Since 2007, the BMW Championship has raised more than 30 million dollars for college scholarships. For caddies of modest means.

Besides points leaders Koepka and Reed, defending FedExCup champion Justin Rose, and past BMW Championship winner Dustin Johnson will compete.

So to purchase tickets and learn about parking conditions. And or to see a full list of the players competing. Please visit bmwchampionship.com.

COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE ILLINOIS, IRONS AND WOODS. Your golf season is extended to year-round in the Chicago area. Golf-Slots and More. On Rt.53     _____________________________________________________________________

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP POSTER by CASSY TULLY, on sale all week in the merchandise tent. Get yours autographed by Cassy.

THE FED EX CUP PLAYOFFS are here all week at Medinah Country Club.

After a two year wait, the BMW returns to town. The final BMW Championship.

What you need to know, if your coming out to the championship.

Parking-if you are doing a rideshare via Uber, Lyft, or taxi. You can drop off across the street from the golf course at Lake Park High School.

There is a limited amount of parking at Stratford Square Mall, you can purchase your parking pass with shuttle transportation to the golf course for $20.00.There is no onsite purchases. You can walk or bike to the lot at Lake Park High School-East Campus on Medinah Road.

BMW owners can get free parking, at the BMW owners lot. But they must have their pass, prior to arriving on site.

TICKETS There are upscale options through the championship. The Trophy Club, the Green Coat Club and the 1899 Club. Juniors 16 and under receive complimentary grounds admission when accompanied by an adult. Details at bmwchampionship.com.

TUESDAY is the Junior Clinic at 4 Pm, and kids 16 and under are free. PGA Tour veteran Mark Wilson a Chicago area resident will host. Because kids 16 and under are free, they must be with a paid adult. And the adult must have a grounds ticket for Tuesday. So let your junior golfer, learn from the professionals.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP Merchandise Tent is loaded with clothes, caps, glasswear and other gifts. And it’s located right across the path from the first tee box.

THE BMW Fan Challenge Powered by Topgolf CRUSH. So after watching the top 70 professionals on the driving range. Patrons can therefore walk down the range bleachers, and head to the Fan Challenge.

So do try the Five-Ball Challenge, hitting balls at targets, while using Toptracer technology.

And if you beat tour players scores, you are eligible for daily prizes.  So besides the fun of competing against the professionals. The top score of the week, wins a trip to the BMW M School performance center in Thermal, California.

BEWTEEN THE 18th green, and the 1st tee is the Biergarten. Therefore, you can find the authentic Bavarian German Beer, and of course pretzels. And so while you are there, don’t forget to visit the BMW Putting Challenge. Because it benefits the Evans Scholars, the prmiary charity of the week.

KIDS can enjoy the autograph zone. Because the pro’s have been asked to stop by before, and after play this week. And so many of them will.

Details at BMWChampionship.com.

COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE ILLINOIS-IRONS & WOODS. Where your golf season never ends. Golf and Sports Simulators, Slots, enjoy a beverage. Follow the build-up here at Golfers on Golf, and on social media sites like Facebook & Twitter.        _____________________________________________________________________

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

MEDINAH WEEK IS HERE.

It’s the week that golf fans have been waiting for. Fed Ex Cup, Playoffs and all of that.

Because it’s the long awaited return to Medinah, this should be a great week.

Besides the fact it won’t be about who wins on Sunday, it will be about enjoying golf in one of America’s top country clubs.

For the players, they will want to punch their ticket to the Tour Championship in Atlanta. For the fans it’s about going back to the Chicago area’s best place to watch golf. Period. Ever since the 2012 Ryder Cup ended, Chicago’s golf fans have wanted to know, so when is Medinah going to have another big tournament.

And that question has been answered. This week, it’s right here, right now. So do you have your tickets yet. The best 70 players on the PGA Tour are coming, are you. Don’t get left-out, be there.

Medinah was a great host for the 2012 Ryder Cup, and all those championships that came before. Golf history gets made at Medinah. Be part of it.

This Medinah Country Club is not the Medinah you saw 7 years ago. It’s different, it’s modern, but with all the charm and history it had before. The golf courses, 1, 2 and 3 are improved and better. The clubhouse is improved, other features have been added. Look around past Course #3, see what’s new. See why Medinah remains one Chicago’s flagship golf properties.

The BMW Championship drive’s off into the sunset on Sunday night. And BMW will drive off the PGA Tour as well. So who steps in to fill BMW’s shoes, that’s the big question. Because Chicago’s PGA Tour stop is heading to Olympia Fields in 2020, and hopefully staying in town come 2021 and beyond.

Michael Scimo Medinah President appeared on Golfers on Golf Radio (Am 750 WNDZ on Saturday), saying the members are excited about this week. And that the club enjoys hosting big championships. Medinah will welcome back another big championship, even if it takes another seven years.

NO CIRCUS NEEDED Tiger Woods pulled out of the Northern Trust Championhip this past week in New York, with yet another injury. And so his status is unknown for this week. Whatever decision he makes about playing this week is fine. But don’t take all week to do it. Because nobody is in the mood for days of, he might play or he might not.

Because in spite of what some misguided people think, not everybody is coming to see Woods. The new stars are here, and it’s time for them to get publicity they have earned.

THE BAER IS BACK. The Baer Nine is now completely open at the Schaumburg Golf Club. Because of the great recent weather, work is progressing nicely on the Tournament Nine. The last phase of the renovation, that should be ready to open by July of 2020. And there is now a fully renovated 18 holes open for play. I can’t wait to get out there and play, you should too. Tee-times at (847)-885-9000.

IRONS & WOODS a must visit once it opens. And the hope is that it will be open in late September, or early October. Owner Jamie Maravich’s vision for what Irons & Woods will be, is a good one. So you should follow the build-out as Irons and Woods gets closer to opening day. For those who enjoy year round golf, Irons and Woods will be for you.

IF YOU MISSED IT. Erin Hills has pushed back it’s closing date from October 15th, to October 20th.  So book tee times and over night stays now, because they will fill up quickly.

Enjoy Medinah week, the playoffs are here. I will see you there. RS

THE BAER IS THERE-now open for play, all nine holes of the Baer Nine. Schaumburg Golf Club has finished and reopened 18 of it’s 27 holes from renovation. The clubs  Tournament Nine, is closed until next summer. For tee times please call the club at (847)-885-9000. For more information online, Schaumburggolf.com. 401 N. Roselle Rd.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and Linkedin or Facebook. In the fitting bay at Club Champion in Schaumburg.

IT’S BMW CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK AT MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB.

IF YOUR in the market for new clubs, now is the time to get money for your old clubs. Club Champion is now offering “Cash for Clubs”.

But you must buy new clubs from Club Champion to get the cash bach. The average amount customers have been receiving, is around $300.00 dollars.

Club Champion now has four Chicago area locations. Schaumburg, Deerfield, downtown Chicago, and Willowbrook. For more details see Clubchampiongolf.com. #getfit #getnewclubs #enjoythegame

TOPGOLF has announced that they are opening two new Florida locations. Lake Mary and St Petersburg. Both locations will open for business in 2020. Topgof’s newest location in Thornton Colorado, (Denver area) has opened, as of this past Friday.

WE ARE GOLF and national golf day, has been scheduled for May 6th of 2020. It’s a day where members of the golf industry meet with politicians in Washington D.C., to help promote the benefits of golf.

TPC MYRTLE BEACH has been named the South Carolina golf course owners association course of the year. TPC Myrtle Beach is home of the Dustin Johnson Golf Academy. See TPCMyrtlebeach.com for details.

MORE FROM MYRTLE BEACH Myrtlewood Golf Club’s Palmetto Course that closed for renovation as of June 1st, is getting ready to reopen on September 1st. Architect Dan Schlegel is pleased with the progress. Bermudagrass greens are being installed, so the course adds 28,000 square feet of green space.

Schlegel says there will be,” more pin positions.”  With bunkers getting redfined and reshaped, removed or added. More details at MyrtlewoodGolf.com.

RADDA GOLF has announced they will begin selling limited items of the mens “disruptor line”, of golf apparel on NBC Universal’s new Ecommerce marketplace. Starting in the 3rd quarter of 2019.

GOLF360 airs on NBC Sports Chicago

The brand-new episode of Golf360 is now airing on NBC Sports Chicago, and NBC Sports Plus.

Hosted by former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly, and “Links”  Dave Lockhart.

Current features include. Royal Fox Country Club, Illinois PGA instruction, the new shoes at the PGA Tour Superstore. A preview of the BMW Championship. Golf in Northern Michigan, including the new Dana Fry designed South Course at Arcadia Bluffs. A stop at the range with Loyola Mens basketball coach Porter Moser. Past episodes http://www.linksvideo.net/golf360tv

ERIN HILLS HAS ANNOUNCED an extension to the golf season at Erin Hills. Closing day for the 2019 golf season, will now be October 20th. Call for tee times and overnight stays (866)-772-4769. More information at Erinhills.com.

CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON-XXIO announces partnership with Asics shoes on distributing two new types of footwear. Cleveland Golf is announcing the release of it’s new CBX 2 wedges on August 30th. More information at Clevelandgolf.com.

LOOKING FOR A NEW FALL GOLF DESTINATION LOCATION how about the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The best time of the year is here to make a visit. Five solid golf courses await you. Outstanding food and beverage await you. There are new golf cottages. All-inclusive packages for three night and three rounds of golf start at $349.00 per person. #Nagshead #thecarolinaclub #Kilmaric #Thecurrituckclub (800)-916-6244 or online at PlayOBXGolf.com

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

IRONS & WOODS-COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE on Rt. 53, North of Lake Cook Road. Golfing all year round is now your option. Golf simulators with style. #slots. _____________________________________________________________________

Golfersongolf.com The Gog Blog-with Director of Content and Creation Rory Spears. At the new Cassy Tully art studio in Milwaukee’s historical 3rd Ward, with artist Cassy Tully. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook.

One of golf’s premier artist’s, Milwaukee Wisconsin based Cassy Tully. Will have her artwork on display this week, at Medinah Country Club during the BMW Championship.

The orginal artwork created for the championship, features Medinah’s iconic clubhouse. Besides this weeks PGA Tour Fed Ex Cup event. Medinah’s rich golf history includes. The 2012 Ryder Cup, two PGA Championships, three U.S. Opens and Western Open’s.

So this week as fans attend the playoffs at Medinah, they can purchase an 18×24 poster of the clubhouse paining, created by Cassy for $25 dollars each.

Besides the posters, Cassy’s hand-painted ornaments can be signed and dated. And the $50 dollar ornaments are created with a texture of sand from Medinah’s bunkers.

(L) Cassy Tully’s BMW Championship at Medinah poster. (R) The Medinah Clubhouse.

Cassy’s canvas print of the clubhouse, will be auctioned off on Monday. And a portion of the benefits, will go to the Evans Scholars Foundation.

“My paintings, posters and ornaments, celebrate the BMW Championship through capturing the history of Medinah Country Club,”explained Cassy. “I’m honored to work with the Western Golf Association. And help support the Evans Scholars Foundation.”

And Cassy will appear in the merchandise tent. Starting Tuesday, and through Sunday to sign posters, personalize ornaments, and meet with fans.

Because Medinah’s clubhouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of golf. Having it captured on canvas, posters and ornaments is a special collectible opportunity for golf fans.

Besides the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, and the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Cassy’s created signature art for the 2015 Palmer Cup, at Rich Harvest Farms. And the 2018 BMW Championsip at Aronimink.

Because Cassy’s work blends traditional techniques, and modern acrylic painting methods. It makes her art so popular with golf patrons.

Her custom paintings are on display at the Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, the Valhalla Golf Club in Lousiville. And now the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. See more of Cassy’s work at www.cassytully.com.

Because of Cassy’s poularity with fans, her Medinah collection is expected to sell out. So don’t wait to make your purchases.

Click here and hear about the new IRONS & WOODS, coming this fall to Long Grove, on Rt.53 North of Lake Cook Road. Behind Menards. Golf & Sport Simulators-Slots and more. Because there’s no longer a reason, not to play golf year round.#Ironsandwoods  _____________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio (L-R) Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears Am 750 WNDZ

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is back for Week # 20.

And now we come down the stretch for the season. Because it’s Arlington Million Day, we have to talk about the the stretch.

And it is the stretch run for the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, this week in New York. And then it’s Medinah in the week ahead.

We are on the tee at 10 Am this morning on Am 750 WNDZ.

Our guests include Ryan Brown, the new Director of Golf at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena. Our states flagship resort in Illinois, now under new ownership.

Michael Scimo the Board President of Medinah Country Club, and home of this weeks BMW Championship, joins us to welcome everyone to this weeks championship.

Besides, you can hear from our new sponsor Irons and Woods, and David Cooke winner of this past weeks Illinois Open. Join us from 10-11 on Am 750 WNDZ.