THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has the simulators open, with new courses for the upcoming indoor golf season ahead. #Bethpageblack #coloradogolfclub or why not play next years Ryder Cup venue Whistling Straits in Haven/Kohler Wisconsin. Currently today the outdoor course/range are closed. Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000, located at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. THE NEW CLUBHOUSE work is continuing at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, and while the Preserve is ready to shut down. Weather permitting-Maple Meadows will remain open. See DuPagegolf.com.        ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook or Linkedin. Putting with a John Deere tractor at the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run.

THE SMALL MARKET Tournament that just keeps on giving.

It’s so amazing how the John Deere Classic, in maybe the PGA Tour’s smallest market just keeps raising record amounts of money and for hundreds of charities.

Or shall we say, charities. Besides the fact that, 542 local Quad City and regional charities came away with a donation from the championship.

Because the game of golf supports so many charities, it’s more than just a game or a sport. The PGA Tour and all of it’s tournaments help out so many people. But the John Deere Classic continues to amaze, as it helps the big picture on a big scale.

$13.82 Million Dollars. Many of the so-called bigger tournaments on the PGA Tour, wish they had a charity donation number that large.

John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson speaks on Media Day 2019.

“The John Deere Classic is so thrilled to announce, that the tournament has helped raise $13.82 million for 542 deserving charities in 2019,” said tournament director Clair Peterson.

“Everyone involved with this charitible mission is proud and very appreciative of the individual donors. In additon to the companies, and local foundations who made the 2019 charitible total the largest in tournament history.”

So with the 2019 totals added. The John Deere Classic has raised a total of $120.87 million for charity, since the tournaments inception in 1971. $118.32 million-98% of the total amount, has been raised since John Deere became the title sponsor in 1998.

The TPC Deere Run Golf Course.

The John Deere Classic now ranks third on the PGA Tour, in charitible giving.

The tournaments charity-arm, Birdies for Charity. Which monitors the birdie total for JDC week, has announced the winning total this year as 2,091 Birdies.

After todays press conference, John Deere gave away a two-year lease on a Lexus NX. To one of the five finalists who picked the correct amount of birdies.

“Birdies for Charity is extemely grateful that Lexus of Quad Cities, has made a strong commitment to the John Deere Classic. Plus the hundreds of charities we serve in the Quad City area, and neighboring communities,” said Birdies for Charity director Kristy Ketcham-Jackson.

THE UPGRADED INDOOR SIMULATORS AT THE SCHAUMBURG now include Bethpage Black (L) home of the 2019 PGA Championship and the 2024 Ryder Cup. Colorado Golf Club past home of the Solheim Cup (R), the outside renovated 18 holes are still open. But if your ready to go inside, Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000.      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and or Linkedin and Facebook. On hole Silver 5 at Rich Harvest Farms.

SO DID YOU KNOW COLLEGE GOLF is returning to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

This time it’s the B1G Ten Men’s Championships, May 1-3 of 2020.

Rich Harvest Farms is not far away from anything in the Chicago area especially Aurora, Naperville and Chicago’s Western Suburbs.

All 14 Big Ten schools will be represented in the championship, so Big Ten students and alums, get out and support your school. Do you enjoy golf and want to experience a Top 100 rated golf course and private facility. You can spend a day or more at Rich Harvest Farms. Just three years ago, the NCAA National Championships were played there, NCAA Regionals and MAC Conference Championships have also been hosted by Rich Harvest Farms.

Rich Harvest Farms Owner Jerry Rich has put out the welcome sign for the Big Ten Conference, it’s players, coaches, students, and alumni.

The Western Golf Association has brought it’s Western Junior and Western Amateur Championships to Rich Harvest Farms.

This championship venue has hosted golf on the biggest stage, when in 2009 the Solheim Cup brought 30,000 fans to the property per day, for three straight days.

“We are thrilled to bring the Big Ten Men’s Golf Championship to Rich Harvest Farms in 2020,” said Big Ten Associate Commissioner for Sports Administration Wendy Fallen. “We are confident in the club’s ability to create a high caliber championship enviroment, as demonstrated by their experience hosting the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships, and look forward to creating a similiar experience for our students and coaches.”

Hole, 6 Gold is a long par 4, with a demanding second shot over water.

“Rich Harvest Farms team is extremely excited to play host to the 2020 Big Ten Men’s Golf Championship,” said Owner and President of Rich Harvest Farms Jerry Rich. “During our hosting of the of the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships, seven Big Ten Universities were represented at this prestigious event. We witnessed the great support the Big Ten Universities’ fans showed to their favorite teams. And I hope we can create that type of atmosphere for the 2020 Big Ten Men’s Golf Championship. We are thrilled for the opportunity to showcase this amazing golf. Which is played by Big Ten Universities to the Chicagoland area.”

Hole, Gold 9 could play as 9 or 18 for the championship.

Illinois claimed it’s 17th Big Ten title in 2019, it’s tenth championship in the last 11 years. 10 Big Ten institutions have won at least one championship since it started in 1920.

Rich Harvest Farms that currently sits at #94, in Golf Digest Magazine’s America’s Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses. It’s one of the nations most challenging venues. It will test the best players, that the Big Ten conference golf teams have to offer.

The winning university, will have had at least four players, play the best golf they have played this year. As a result, top finishing schools will be tested, and prepared for the regional championships. As they attempt to advance forward, to the NCAA National Championships in Arizona.

So for more details see Bigten.org or visit Richharvestfarms.com.

Some of the best collegiate players in the game, will return to Rich Harvest Farms in June of 2021. Because they will take part in the 25th Anniversary of the (Arnold) Palmer Cup. Now with both men’s and women’s teams participating. See Arnoldpalmercup.com for more details.

OUTSIDE OR INSIDE-The Schaumburg Golf Club has you covered for golf year round. 18 holes of the renovation are now open for play outside. The indoor simulators have been upgraded for the indoor season ahead. Play 2019 PGA Championship golf course Bethpage Black. For more information see Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears. Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin or Facebook.

Jane Geddes at the Senior LPGA Championship at the Pete Dye Course part of the French Lick Resort.

JANE GEDDES is the now the CEO of the LPGA’s Sr. Women’s Tour-the Legends Tour, she has replaced Jane Blaylock who has stepped back from the position. During an interview with Golfers on Golf and Len Ziehm on Golf, conducted at the Pete Dye Golf Course part of the French Lick Resort, during the LPGA Sr. Women’s Champioship. Geddes spoke about the Sr. Women’s LPGA Championship, and what might be next for the Legends Tour in 2020.

Click here to hear the interview with LPGA Legends Tour CEO Jane Geddes.

Senior Women’s Golf is growing across the country, more so however in smaller markets. Which doesn’t leave Chicago totally out of the picture, but the legends Tour could be here with the right sponsor, the right location and the right dates.

THE PLAYERS NINE IS OPEN (L) THE TOURNAMENT NINE (R) IS GROWING IN. The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, is still open for outdoor play but the upgraded simulators in the clubhouse are ready for those colder days. When your ready to go inside, you can play Bethpage Black. Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin and Facebook. On the 18th green at White Eagle Golf Club. Photo by Chip Wagner.

TODAY WAS 50 DEGREES, it wont be that warm the rest of the week. That’s why I got out and played Pine Meadow in Mundelein today.

It was still a little wet from the nearly three inches of rain that fell on Saturday. But a fall day at Pine Meadow is a great time to play the golf course. The colors on the tree’s make the round a bit more enjoyable.

While I was there I saw the new siding going up on the clubhouse. It does look good. And the final event of the year at Pine Meadow is this coming Saturday, November 2nd. There is a shotgun start at 9 Am. Call (847)-566-4653 (golf) to sign up.

Have you taken advantage of the fall season, many of the local courses kicked in the fall rates about 3 weeks ago. There are some good deals to be had, so look around and check in with your local club.  So while this week might not be good, I’m still hoping that the first few weeks of November, might have some 50+ or 55 and up degree days.

WHITE EAGLE GOLF CLUB in Naperville, will be a great host for the 2020 Illinois Open. I toured all 27 holes last Friday, and found that Todd Quitno’s renovation of the club is really good. Membership numbers are growing. I’ll have more on White Eagle in a seperate story.

RICH HARVEST FARMS is getting ready to host the Big Ten Championship in May of 2020, and the course looks great. All 14 Big Ten Schools will be represented, how about you coming out to support your school. More on the Big Ten Championships coming soon. The Palmer Cup also returns to Rich Harvest Farms in 2021 with the men, and the women this time.

TIGER WINS THE ZOZO…the what. Where, in Japan. So now the PGA Tour is playing tour stops in Japan, what’s the point. Are you trying to become the LPGA Tour. 82 wins for Tiger, some say Woods has tied Sam Snead for the most wins on the PGA Tour. But the real question is, when is Snead going to get back the 6 wins that former commish Deane Beman took away from Snead because he didn’t like the native Virginian. So for the record, Snead won 88 tournaments if your keeping track.

CBS HAS PULLED THE PLUG, on longtime commentators Peter Kostis and Gary McCord. Their contracts were up and they were not renewed. So what is CBS looking for, younger former touring pro’s, just going with a woman that the male audience will stare at. Time will tell.

IT APPEARS that the new Schaumburg Top Golf will open in November, no date has been set yet. But the hiring process has started if your looking for a job.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week long. RS

        PLAYERS 9-DONE                   BAER 9-DONE         TOURNAMENT 9-UNDERWAY

THE FINAL PHASE- of the Schaumburg Golf Club renovation is in progress. With the Tournament 9 expected to be ready for play next July. So until the snow lands, go play the renovated 18 holes. And when it does fall, take your game inside to the upgraded simulators all winter long. Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 for tee times.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy at Erin Hills.

THE COURSE has closed for 2019, but the season is not over at Erin Hills.

On Saturday October 26th, the year end sale will run from 10 Am to 2 Pm.  Erin Hills merchandise will be discounted 25-60%.  A $12 lunch buffet will be offered from 11 to 2, reservations not required.

Wine and Spirits from the Erin Hills cellar are availble for purchase. If you can’t make the sale, you can shop Erin Hills on line. At Erinhills.com

ALL DONE-BAER (L) and GETTING THERE-TOURNAMENT (R) THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB located at 401 North Roselle Road, is turning into one of the best public courses in the Chicago area. Still time to get outside and play. Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. When winter arrives, play the upgraded simulators #newcourses.    ______________________________________________________________________

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

ARE YOU TIRED of the results you’re getting from your golf clubs. Tired of the handicap going up, and never going down.

Tired of losing all the bets, tired of buying the beer, the wings, the burgers and the pizza when the round is over.

Having those higher handicap guys blast it past you down the fairway, even when you hit a good drive.

Yeah, that’s no fun. How old are your clubs anyway. So are they older than your car that you bought new 6 years ago. Well if so, then it’s time for the old clubs to go, and for you to get some new ones in the bag.

IT STARTS HERE, in Willowbrook IL. the corporate home of Club Champion. Where one building doesn’t get it done. It takes two.

Club Champion club fitters, who have more locations across the country than other golf club fitting company, make their home right along Rt. 83 in the town of Willowbrook.

But it’s not all done in one store, the full operation takes two buildings. They are across the street from one another. The corporate office, the lab and club building stations, shipping, the call center, and the front office are on the southside of the street. The fitting store on the northside, so some employees walk back and forth across the street several times a day. One of them is company founder, and master fitter and builder Nick Sherburne.

Club Champion Founder Nick Sherburne shows off the custom designed box, that your new fitted clubs will arrive in.

Club Champion in Willowbrook is much more than the fitting store, that you see in some locations. The overall size of the operation is much bigger.

It’s also the training facility for all of the companies fitters and club builders.

New builders spend one month learning the Club Champion way, under “professor” Brad Syslo at Club Champion University, before they are are sent out on their own.

In between the shipping area, the training area, and the corporate offices, there is a club building area, where a team of builders are making sure your clubs are just how you hit them during the fitting session in the store.

Click here, to hear the interview with Club Champion founder and master club fitter Nick Sherburne.

Club Champion club builders take every step to make sure your clubs, are just how you want them.

One area of club building that can really elevate a golfers game, is the shaft you put in your clubs.

While some companies will admit that club heads and grooves are up against the wall because of USGA standards. Shafts are still the area where there is room for growth.

Getting the right shaft in your club, can make a world of diffence. So how do you know if you have the right shaft, and how can you tell if the shaft comes complete in the best condition it can be.

The PUREd Shaft work area, with the testing machines.

PUREd shafts are a technology that PGA Tour professionals, have trusted for 15 years in making over $1.5 billion dollars.

“Knowing what I know from years in the industry, I’m baffled that more golfers aren’t aware of SST PURE,” said Sherburne. “There is a reason that Club Champion recommends all shafts be PUREd, and we even include it free with our custom built woods (normally $30). Golfers who are looking for more consistency, should start by having PUREd shafts in their clubs.”

Test’s run by Club Champion in a controlled enviroment. Tested the same clubs, with the same heads, shaft, grip, loft, lie, weight, swing weight and length. The only difference was the shaft. A vareity of golfers hit a series of shots with a six-iron. The tests proved that PUREd shafts added distance and accuracy, that the non-PUREd shafts did not deliver. PUREd shafts also allowed for players to swing them 1 MPH faster, that added 2.8 MPH of ball speed.

So if your looking for better clubs, from top to bottom and everything in between. Now is the time to visit Club Champion, with several Chicago area locations and a Scottsdale Arizona store and more locations opening soon. Because your clubs need to fit your game and your swing, don’t be afraid to ask about PUREd shafts, and what they can do for you. So visit Clubchampiongolf.com or call (888)-340-7820.

       PLAYERS 9-DONE                   BAER 9-DONE             TOURNAMENT 9-ALMOST  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is working through it’s last phase of the renovation, and by next July, all 27 holes should be ready for play. The first 18 holes have received rave reviews, and the Tournament 9 is looking good. Before winter hits, come out and play the 18 renovated holes at the Schaumburg Golf Club. 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000 Simulators have been updated.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. Doing the Payne pose at Pinehurst.

THESE DAYS destination properties are always facing the challenge of getting better, and adding something that’s new.

So what’s new at the French Lick Resort. More rooms, and suites that are attached to the casino. The Valley Sports Bar, and a new sports book for gaming.

Yes, once more, what you can’t do in Illinois you can do in Indiana. Like bet our sports teams. The sports book has opened already, you could have bet the Bears last weekend, -3 points. And you would have won big if you did so. And probably bet the Blackhawks to lose as well on Sunday night. So on your next golf trip to the French Lick Resort, casino and sports book gaming are just two more options for fun.

A suite at the French Lick Resort, is near completion.

While French Lick Resort has plenty of historical rooms, but there are many new ones on the way. The new rooms and the Valley Sports Bar open on November 15th.

The new suites also connect with other rooms, so that groups have space to connect with each other. There are rooms for group events, and the new Valley Sports Bar, will be a fun place for guests to meet.

So if it’s a buddies trip, corporate group, special event group like a wedding, and you want connecting rooms, places to eat together, play cards, hold meetings, want quick access to the casino or more. The new French Lick Resort Suites are the perfect place.

    WORK is wrapping up on the new Valley Sports Bar in the French Lick suites area.

Click here to listen to the interview with the French Lick Resort’s Chief Information Officer Chuck Franz, on the new upgrades.

Connect the doors and the rooms, with the new suites at the French Lick Resort.

The suites offer 71 new guest rooms as part of the 17 million dollar renovation.

There is plenty of room, over 50,000 sqaure feet of it in the Valley Sports Bar, to catch all the action.

The new Valley Tower area, as it’s being called, will also provide over 100 new jobs to the area.

French Lick Resort says, “Here we grow again.”

More details on the November 15th, Valley Tower Grand Opening at French Lick.com.

THE BAER NINE IS OPEN and so are 18 renovated holes at the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. If you have not played the new 18, you should before the temperatures force your game indoors for the winter. The renovation work on the Tournament Nine is moving forward, and should be open by the middle of next summer. Schaumburg is emerging as one of the best public golf courses in the Chicago area. So make sure you go check it out. Once the outdoor season closes, the simulators in the clubhouse are very good. And new courses have just been added. At Schaumburg you can always enjoy Chandlers Chophouse for great food and beverage. This weekend is the Turkey Shoot, go tee it. Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro shop (847)-885-9000.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. Doing the Payne pose at Pinehurst No.2

THIS FRIDAY it will have been 20 years, since we lost Payne Stewart.

So who can ever forget Payne, I think anybody that has ever met him has a great story to tell.

I interviewed Payne a few times, and he had some great thoughts. On could the USGA hold a U.S. Open at Cog Hill on Course #4, Stewart,” I’ll bet the USGA could come in here and do all sorts of wonderful things to this place.”

On the biggest win of his career, Stewart told me it was the Quad Cities Classic-or the Hardee’s Classic at the time (now the John Deere Classic). Why ? Because it’s the only tournament his father saw him win before he passed away from cancer. His thoughts on the Ryder Cup were so direct, that every USA Ryder Cup Team should hear him talk about what it meant to him to be part of that team. Maybe Steve Stricker can find the video or audio for the team room next year.

I take pride in having played the three courses Stewart won majors on. Kemper Lakes the PGA in 1989, Hazeltine the U.S. Open in 1991, Pinehurst No.2 in 1999. Where he closed it out on 18 with a great putt. I have tried making that putt several times, and have not made it yet. You can try as well, visit Pinehurst.com and make your tee time on the 2024 U.S. Open course, and host of this years U.S. Amateur Championship. This Friday, take a moment to remember Payne Stewart, golf could use more pro’s like him.

Mistwood Golf Club and Gof Dome owner Jim McWethy, talks about his club. If you haven’t played Mistwood yet, you are missing out. Mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333 in Romeoville.

Outdoor golf season seems to be fading on us, as temperatures are starting to dip, into the 50’s and 40’s.

Tomorrow it could make 60 degrees, I suggest you take advantage of it. I think I will. If you are posting scores for your handicap, the days left to get rounds in are winding down to zero, as the CDGA will cut off local rounds for handicap at the end of the month.

ARE YOU HAPPY with the scores of your rounds of golf this year, and if you feel like your clubs have let you down. And you should be getting more out of your game with better equipment, maybe it’s time to visit a club-fitter. Because you need to see what improvements can be made. Our story about Willowbrook based fitter Club-Champion will be along this week.

I’M Looking forward to try out two new putters I have acquired in the last three weeks, including my first Callaway Odyssey putter, a Marksman Seven-S.

The new suites at the French Lick Casino, opening November 15th. Frenchlick.com

ON THE TEE SHEET for later this week, is a look at the new suites that are now under construction at the French Lick Resort.

The suites along with the new Valley Sports Bar, and French Lick Casino, should be attractive for guests.

French Lick resort now has sports book betting, so if your ready to bet what you can’t bet here in Illinois, go try the French Lick Resort. Frenchlick.com.

Mistwood Golf Club teaching professional Nicole Jeray warms up, after a cold third round in the Senior LPGA Championship.

IT WAS great covering the Senior LPGA Women’s Championship at the French Lick Resort last week.

Everyday I checked in with Mistwood Golf Club teaching professional Nicole Jeray during the tournament, where she finished the championship in a tie for 36th place. Jeray is real delight to talk golf with, and fun to watch play when competing in a tournament. She has won the Illinois Women’s Open twice, and has multiple runner-up finishes.

It’s amazing how close Jeray is to breaking through on a top finish, in a Legends Tour event, or a women’s senior major tournament. Even though she still has a couple of years left before she is old enough to play in the U.S. Sr. Women’s Open (where you must be 50 years old to enter). Jeray held on to her LPGA Tour card until just recently, when she decided to take a job at Mistwood Golf Club and Golf Dome as a teaching professional.

Jeray is coaching the high school girls team at Nazereth High School, where two players qualified to go downstate to the state championship. So while Jeray is working with junior golfers and women at Mistwood. Men looking to take a lesson, would be smart to consider Jeray. Because Women touring professionals often have games that compare with the men’s game. To book lessons with Jeray or other members of the Mistwood Golf Club professional staff, see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333.

MANAGEMENT at KEMPERSPORTS confirms to Golfers on Golf that the White Pines Golf Dome will not be put up this winter. But all options are on the table for next year, in the winter of 2020-2021. The shell was showing it’s age, and so it was not in good enough condition for another season.

RAVISLOE GOLF CLUB has made some changes. Among them was parting company with head golf professional Andrew Godfrey and general manager Jeff Siegmund.

Stay clicked in, because the Gog Blog returns this week. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF in ROMEOVILLE-MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in BOLINGBROOK, with a McWethy’s for food an drink in both places. The golf dome is open if your ready to go inside. Mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333 or the golf dome Mistwoodgolfdome.com _____________________________________________________________________

The new Indiana University Pfau Course in Bloomington, also has a new clubhouse. Named for George Thomas.

INDIANA ALUMNI-STUDENTS and golf team members, smile, you have a golf club to finally be proud of. The Pfau Course at Indiana University, named in honor of major donors, Ned and Sue Pfau.

The new course is the old course, but looks nothing like the old version. It’s a golf course right in front of you, with some room to play golf, and work the ball since obstructive trees have been removed.

The schools golf coaching staff is now safe to bring recruits out, and let them see one of the best campus golf courses in the Big Ten Conference. Those recruits are now noticing Indiana, and there are a couple of highly ranked recruits that have now already committed to IU after seeing the golf course. Other Big Ten Coaches should take notice.

The par 4, dogleg left second hole.

The renovation of the university golf course was long overdue. In fact some folks say recruits heard over 50 years ago that a new course was on the way.

The story went on for years, but is a tale no longer. Credit Indiana for getting architect Steve Smyers to come in, and finally get things right.

Smyers first project, was the highly rated Wolf Run Golf Club in the north burbs of Indianapolis. A course that always attracted architect Pete Dye’s attention, when Dye was building his Crooked Stick Golf Club down the street. Legend has it that Dye was once seen standing on ladder outside the fence of Wolf Run, just to look in on Smyers work.

The par 3 15th hole, on the IU-Pfau Course.

One of the most heard sayings in golf, when speaking of the young players of today and college golfers of today is, these kids just hit it so far.

Well they do, so Smyers made sure the bombers will be tested if needed. While there is plenty room to hit a long ball on the Pfau Course, the course comes with six sets of tee boxes. Yardage ranges from just over 4500 yards, to the back tee’s at 7,908 yards.

The renovation saw the removal off a forest full of trees that encroached on the fairways, and never let golfers simply play golf. Smyers deserves credit for his mixed pattern of bunkers on the golf course. Those golfers who have played Wolf Run, will notice a few of the bunker nests on Pfau, have a resemblance to Wolf Run. But even more creative, is a rustic bunker look that golfers find on courses like Erin Hills, or Sand Valley.

Click here to listen to the interview with Pfau Course General Manager Greg Bishop.

Golfers can’t be short with their approach shots on the par 4, 18th hole.

But Smyers took the bunkering style one step further. He has three holes on the course that don’t have any bunkers at all.

A relief for golfers who don’t like having to hit over them, or out of them.

The clubhouse and the golf course are not the only area’s of improvement. What’s so important to not only college golf teams, but golf facilites everywhere is the upgrade to the practice area’s.

Click here to hear an interview with golf course architect Steve Smyers, on the renovation of the Indiana University Pfau Golf Course.

It’s expected that tee times will be in demand, especially around football weekends at the school. The football stadium is located very close to the golf course. It’s located at 1492 North State Road 45/46 in Bloomington (812)-855-7543.

The renovation of the golf course started with the back nine holes first, so they have grown in better at this point in time, than the front nine. Club General Manager Greg Bishop says the golf course will open in the spring of 2020.

Indiana’s golf team’s have events in April, and after they conclude, the golf course will open for public play. There will be more information on a grand opening date, rates and more, available in January. There will be more details at IUhoosiers.com.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg has 18 renovated holes open for play outside. And now with upgraded simulators for the inside days ahead. DON’T FORGET the Turkey Shoot Golf Outing on October 26th, for more details visit Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. IRONS AND WOODS coming this fall to Long Grove on Rt.53 North of Lake Cook Road (Behind Menards), HDGOLF simulators, slots and more. The buildout has started, stay clicked in for updates. #FUN  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin or Facebook. With the new Hall of Famer Len Ziehm at the Donald Ross Course in French Lick.

THE 2019 ILLINOIS GOLF HALL OF FAME CLASS IS NOW IN.

Congratulations to living legends Emil Esposito and Len Ziehm, 50+ years of teaching and writing golf. Oh yeah, both of them played some golf as well.

Esposito with a little more success on the golf course than Ziehm. After all Esposito with 11 hole-in-ones and Ziehm with just one.

Joining those two were LPGA legend Carol Mann, Harry Radix, architect William Langford and Francis Peabody.

MC Tim Cronin presents Emil Esposito with his Hall of Fame plaque.

A solid group of 6 worthy candidates that’s for sure.

The evening started with opening remarks from Illinois PGA Executive Director Carrie Williams.

Which was followed by an opening speech from, HOF committee chairman Tim Cronin, who serves as the Master of Ceremonies.

First on the tee was Esposito, who was showing his heart on his sleeve, read an emotional tribute to his family, his wife Theresa, and gave credit to the many professionals that worked at his side over the years at various clubs.

The teeing order after that was William Langford, Carol Mann, Francis Peabody, and Harry Radix, with the audience hearing from those speaking on their behalf, before Ziehm took to the stage.

Len Ziehm at the podium

Ziehm like Esposito, still working in the industry after 50 years, and both with no plans of quitting anytime soon, spoke of his years in the business.

What started in Palatine Illinois, then went to the University of Missouri, before a stop at the Hammond Times of Indiana, and then 41 years at the Chicago Sun-Times. Now 10 years at the Daily Herald, with side ventures into the CDGA magazine, Chicagoland Golf, and Lenziehmongolf.com, has left Ziehm a busy golf trail. His travel golf stories now come from 47 states. Ziehm estimates he has played close to 600 different golf courses over the years.

Congratulations to all six of the new members. Nominations to be on the ballot for the Class of 2021 will begin shortly. Stay clicked in for details.