ALL DONE AND IN PROGRESS. The Baer 9 (L) on the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road is fully open from renovation. The Players 9 is growing in from the renovation work still on-going. Still time to go play 18 renovated hole before winter arrives. The simulators have new courses to play this winter check them out. For tee times call (847)-885-9000 or online to Schaumburggolf.com TurkeyShoot Oct. 26th.       _____________________________________________________________________

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

IT’S HALL OF FAME NIGHT tonight in Glen View, and the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame induction dinner.

The 2019 class is six people including the two surviving members, Len Ziehm and Emil Esposito. Along with Carol Mann, William Langford, Harry Radix, Francis Peabody. So it will be a very special evening.

Our congratulations to every one that is involved in the process, and the people inducted.

More details on the ceremony to follow.

The home of the Senior LPGA Championship-see Frenchlick.com

Lee Ann Walker has apparently set the record for amount of penalty strokes by a golfer, in one tournament in golf history-58. Walker will earn her moment of fame, not the way she wanted to, but yet will be in the record books for a long time.

Playing in her first LPGA event at French Lick this past week, in some 7-8 years, she had not kept track of the rule changes. She admits it’s her fault. At two shots per-infraction and some times twice on one hole, the number grew quickly. Walker’s first round score is officially 120, but she is a much better player than that. I hope next year she makes it back to French Lick and makes the cut and a better check.

HOLLIS STACY was added to the Legends Hall of Fame-located in the West Baden Hotel at French Lick. The ceremony was held last weekend after the pro-am was completed. Congratulations to Hollis.

CONGRATULATIONS is deserved for Palmer Moody of the Illinois PGA. Moody has been promoted to Assisant Executive Director/Foundation and Communications. Moody has been with the IPGA since 2017.

FRENCH LICK RESORT Director of Golf Dave Harner confirmed to Golfers on Golf and Len Ziehm on Golf, that the new dates for the Sr. Women’s LPGA Championship will be July 27-August 1st in 2020. The championship will run from Thursday to Saturday, with pro-am’s for two days before tournament play starts. The resort paid the Golf Channel $860,000 for three days of TV this year, and won’t next year. So the championship can move back to summer dates. Look for a live streaming production in the final round. The money saved, will be split between the streaming cost, the purse, and a bigger donation for Riley’s Childrens Foundation the championships charity.

The new French Lick Resort connecting suite rooms by the casino. Opening November 15th. Frenchlick.com

The French Lick Resort is not just getting bigger, it’s getting better and it’s expanding.

The Sports Book is open, you want to bet the Bears game this weekend, or the NFL in general, you can do that at the French Lick Resort. You can’t do that here in Illinois, or at legally here.

I took a tour of the new rooms and the Valley Sports Bar, that looks out on the Valley Links Golf Course. However there is no update on the plan to renovate the Valley Links, and add the second nine holes that will be called the Ridge 9. A full feature is coming soon. Stay clicked in.

The second hole at the Indiana University Pfau Course just renovated by architect Steve Smyers. Opening spring of 2020.

I stopped on the way home from French Lick to see the new Indiana University Pfau golf course.

Once known for the having the worst course in the Big Ten (the coaches didn’t take recruits there for good reason). Indiana now stands tall with Ohio State, Purdue, and Wisconsin for having the best on campus courses in the Big Ten.

Architect Steve Smyers who did Chicago area work at Butterfield CC and the Olympia Fields South Course, did the renovation work in Bloomington. I’ll have more here in a few days. Memo to other Big Ten coaches, Indiana now has a course that will attract some good recruits.

THE SHELL GAME-the White Pines Golf Dome in Bensenville will not go up this winter, it’s old shell and has seen it’s day. Stay tuned. While the Mistwood Golf Dome is planning to order a new shell for installation in 2020. It should be a good one.

FINALLY-Tiger Woods is going to write a book. I wonder how much he will really tell about his life on and off the golf course.

The Gog Blog returns this weekend. RS

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT TWO OUTSTANDING HOTELS-The West Baden Dome Hotel (L) and the French Lick Hotel. Three golf courses, and now a sportsbook open to take you bets. What you can’t do in Illinois. Book your stay and play at Frenchlick.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Linkedin and Facebook. (R) Helen Alfredsson winner of the 2019 Senior LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort on the Pete Dye Course.

BY RORY SPEARS-Reporting from French Lick Indiana.

It was in the cards, or was it in the stocking caps. On a cold and windy day. The 2019 Sr. LPGA Championship was decided in temperatures that started and ended, in the upper 40’s. It was never warmer than 52. Helen Alfredsson wearing her good luck French Lick Sr. LPGA Championship stocking hat, fired a 2 under par 70 to defeat Juli Inkster by 3 shots.

Mistwood Golf Club’s teaching professional, long time LPGA player Nicole Jeray, picked a hot spot for her post round interview.

After Round 2 Inkster was looking for a stocking cap of her own for Round 3, she was offered the same French Lick one that Alfredsson used. She turned it down, at first thinking a Solheim Cup one, and elected to stay with her regular sponsors baseball cap. One birdie and five bogeys later, she wrapped up 54 holes at +1, and a runner-up finish. As her putts would not fall.

2017 champion Trish Johnson was third at +2. Defending champion Laura Davies had a final round score of 80 and fell back to 19th place. University of Minnesota girls golf coach Michele Redman was 5th. First round leader Jill McGill shot 76 and was 7th, finishing at +5 for championship, after being 6 under par after the first round.

For Alfredsson the win gave her a sweep of both senior woman’s majors in 2019, earning the senior women’s slam. Be it only two championships, and Americans are still looking for win #1, in either championship. Davies pulled off the slam in 2018.

Click here to hear the interview with 2019 Sr. LPGA Champion Helen Alfredsson.

The Mistwood Golf Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Ready when you are to take Chicago’s golf season inside. Mistwoodgolfdome.com Home of Sr. LPGA championship player Nicole Jeray.

The day started out at 48 degrees. Michelle McGann was the player first out, as a single at 9:20. Since she made the cut on the number and was the 49th remaining player in the field..

But McGann a SouthFlorida resident, went out and posted 69. A score that moved her up from a T-43rd to 19th place.

But the strange event, was the penalty that Lee Ann Walker was assessed by the championship committee.

Walker took a 58 shot penalty, and missed the cut as you might guess. During Round 2, a caddie for another player advised her to check with a rules official, about having her caddie stand behind her on putts for an alignment check. That is now 2 shot penalty. Since Walker was not informed until Round 2, and because of the “Lexi Thompson Rule”, she was not DQ’d. So after speaking with a rules official, she learned about the penalty.

So after Walker and rules committe reviewed her actions, they decided she broke the rule 29 times and her score was changed to 127 and 90.

Nicole Jeray wraps up the week on the Pete Dye Course. Before returning to Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, where she is a teaching professional and high school golf coach.

Mistwood Golf Club’s teaching professional Nicole Jeray, started out on the first hole with a tough bunker shot, and a three putt from a short distance. She made a triple bogey 7.

But Jeray rebounded quickly and shot an amazing +2 for the remaining 17 holes. All-in-all 77 +5 and a T-36.

For all three days, it seemed like just one bad hole, took away from what could have been a great round. But Jeray would be first to admit, that’s just golf sometimes.

After she finished eating she was off to Decatur to coach two of her high school team members, that made it downstate. All in a full week for a golf pro, teaching pro and a golf coach.

Click here to hear the interview with Mistwood Golf teaching professional Nicole Jeray.

The 2020 Sr. LPGA Championship moves to July 27-31 on the Dye Course at the French Lick Resort. The Golf Channel is not returning, but some live streaming of the championship will take place. Stay tuned.

More on the French Lick Resort in the days ahead.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN, if things are to cold outside. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. THE DOME is where you can find Mistwood Golf Club professional Nicole Jeray, who is playing in this weeks Senior LPGA Championship in French Lick.

  THE HISTORIC FRENCH LICK HOTEL (L)   THE WEST BADEN DOME HOTEL (R)

      THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears at this weeks Sr LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort in French Indiana. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin and or Facebook. Riley’s Childrens Foundation, what really matters this week. #thekids  Our Coverage is sponsored by the French Lick Resort, a presenting sponsor for Golfers on Golf. Mistwood Golf Club of Romeoville and the Mistwood Golf Dome located in Bolingbrook-home of lPGA professional Nicole Jeray. The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road, now with 18 holes open from renovation. The simulators are now open with new courses for the winter. Call for indoor or outdoor tee times at (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com. The Schaumburg Golf Club is now open year round.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT home of the Sr. LPGA Championship moving to July in 2020, more details in the week ahead. The Sr. LPGA Championship is contested at the Pete Dye Golf Course, this championship course is open for public play. #petedyegolf

Scoring at LPGA.com

JULI INKSTER MIGHT BE on a mission this week, she wants to win her first senior women’s major. She might also be ready to win, after a tough loss in the recent Solheim Cup to Team Europe. Inkster served as Captain for Team USA.

Inkster has been lurking in the Top 10 at many of the recent senior women’s majors, she just hasn’t won. Yet.

Juli Inkster walks to the scoring tent, after a closing birdie in Round 2 of the Senior LPGA Championship.

But you can feel that changing, as Inkster was the only player in the 60’s on a nice day at the Pete Dye Course.

Temperatures were the warmest they have been, since the dates switched to October (They switch back to July in 2020). Peaking at 77 with the sun out and shining, the players had a chance to make a move. Many of them did not.

Inkster went from even par after Round 1, to 3 under par after Round 2. She has a two shot lead over three players, including 2017 champion Trish Johnson, Moira Dunn-Bohls and Jean Bartholomew. Three shots back is 2019 U.S. Sr. Women’s Open champion from Pine Needles Helen Alfredsson at even par. Inkster had 6 birdies, but wasn’t happy with her three bogeys.

So as a group of players bunch up at the top of the leaderboard, tomorrow won’t be easy. It’s not only the final round, but temperatures will drop into the 50’s. The first players out might find things in the low 50’s, with the highs by early afternoon about 58.

Mistwoodgc.com call (815)-254-3333 for golf or for dining visit McWethys Tavern in the clubhouse.

As she did post round interviews, Inkster was asking who might have a stocking cap for her to use tomorrow. The story of the day, was Inkster forgetting her putter in a porta-pottie after the sixth hole. She sent her caddie back to retrieve it one hole later.

Round 2 in some ways played out the same for Mistwood professional Nicole Jeray. For the second straight round, she was 1 under par after four holes.

But two mid-front nine bogeys left her at 1 over par at the turn. While she did not double bogey the tenth hole again. Jeray was only 2 over par on the day, and sitting in 20th place at +6, through 12 holes.

Then she had a bogey on 13, followed by a triple bogey 8, on the hilly par 5, 14th hole. Jeray got things back on track with pars on 15 and 16. But a double bogey 6 on 17, and a bogey on 18, left her at 81 for the day. The good news is that at +13, she made the cut (that fell at +14). Jeray is in 36th place, and the Top 50 players and ties have tee times for tomorrow.

First Round leader Jill McGill who opened with a 66, had a second round 79, and is 4 shots back at 1 over par.

Todays yardage was set at 6,131, the LPGA could shorten it for the final round with the playing conditions being tougher on Wednesday.

Click here to listen to interviews with Leader Juli Inkster and Mistwood golf Club teaching professional Nicole Jeray.

A final round recap will be posted tomorrow, so stay clicked in.

  THE FRENCH LICK RESORT and the Pete Dye Golf Course, home of the Senior LPGA Championship. Play where the pro’s play, book your golf trip get away at Frenchlick.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. On the 18th hole at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick, home of the Sr. LPGA Championship.

Round 1 of the Senior LPGA got underway with warm and sunny skies, and it finished the same way. The surprise was that scores started off hot and then cooled off.

So why was the field backing up as the day went on, especially with temperatures in the 70’s, unlike last year when Round 1 went from the low 50’s to the upper 40’s.

When the day finished Jill McGill had charged to a first round 66, and leads by 4 shots after 18 holes.

McGill is one of just five players under par, with the others being Moira Dunn-Bohls, and Rosie Jones at 2 under par. Maria McBride and Audra Burks are at 1 under par.

Defending champion Laura Davies was 3 over par after just six holes, and she had the company of Juli Inkster who had the same score after six holes.

U.S. Senior Women’s Open Champion Helen Alfredsson, was grinding along at even par, with 2017 Sr. LPGA Champion Trish Johnson a shotback at +1. So midway through Round 1, the favorites were not getting much going.

McWethy’s Tavern is part of Mistwood Golf Club, enjoy McWethy’s in the new Mistwood Clubhouse. Mistwood of Romeoville (815)-254-3333 or Mistwoodgc.com

Mistwood golf club professional Nicole Jeray shot a round of +4 (76), that included three birdies.

“I hit the ball good,” said Jeray. “The score I ended up with, was the worst score I could have had. I had good looks for birdies especially on the front nine, they just didn’t go in.”

Jeray started off solid. Blasting her drive down the center of the fairway on the first hole, well past her two playing partners. She then hit her approach shot into the first green, and left herself a 12 foot putt for birdie. Then missed it.

With her birdie on the 3rd hole, Jeray soon ended up -1 through four holes. That left her in a tie for 2nd place. Bogeys on holes 5 and 6, dropped back into 22nd place. When a double bogey on 10, and a bogey on 11 pushed her to +4.

Mistwood professional Nicole Jeray in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53. The dome is now open for indoor golf. And so is Mcwethy’s Sports Bar.

Jeray responsed with what she called “a nice birdie” on 12. Then after a solid up and down for par on 13, she made bogies on 14 and 15.

“I finally made a putt on 17,” said Jeray. “With that late birdie I had a good finish. But with all the work I have done at Mistwood, I feel my best golf of this tournament, is ahead of me the next two days.”

As she took pride in a round that could have got away, but just left her in a T-24th, she had to check on her girls. Jeray coaches high school golf at Nazereth and it appeared that two of her players might be headed downstate. A tournament that she would love to attend with her players.

Click here to hear interviews with leader Jill McGill and 2017 Sr. LPGA champion Trish Johnson.

Alfredsson, Inkster and Johnson all fought back to end at even par (72). Davies dug in and was 1 under par over the last 12 holes to finish at +2 (74).

Round 2 on Tuesday is expected to be played in great weather, before temperatures cool-off on Wednesday into the upper 60’s. Click in for our recap of Round 2. tomorrow night.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT- with 2 historic hotels. The West Baden Dome, and the French Lick Hotel. Book your stay at one of finest properties in America. Frenchlick.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin and Facebook. On the 18th hole at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort. (Photo by Joy Sarver).

(By Rory Spears-reporting from French Lick Indiana).

DEFENDING CHAMPION Laura Davies leads a strong field into the 2020 Sr. LPGA Championship at the historic French Lick Resort, and played on the famed Pete Dye Golf Course.

Davies won the 2018 senior women’s slam that includes the Sr. LPGA Championship and the U.S. Sr. Women’s Open.

This time it’s Helen Alfredsson of Sweden, that has the chance for the slam, or mini-slam with a win this week. Alfredsson won the U.S. Sr. Women’s Open at Pine Needles this past June, by two shots over Trish Johnson and Juli Inkster.

Johnson has won twice at French Lick, including the 2017 Sr. LPGA Championship. Inkster has multiple top 5 finishes in senior women’s majors, and comes into the championship after a tough loss as captain of Team USA at the recent Solheim Cup.

This year playing conditions are expected to better than last year. In 2018 the temperatures for the three rounds, were 52, 55, and 64. This year it’s expected to be 73-73 and 62. With the wind not expected to be as strong. There is TV coverage on The Golf Channel all three days.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB IN ROMEOVILLE is a proud sponsor of Golfers on Golf’s coverage of the 2019 Sr. LPGA Championship, and Mistwood professional Nicole Jeray. Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road (815)-254-3333 Mistwoodgc.com

The Senior LPGA Championship is presented by the French Lick Resort.

The resort and the Cook Group, that own’s the resort is a sponsor of the Riley’s Childrens Foundation. Riley’s Childrens Hospital that operates through the Indiana University Health program, is a leader according to the U.S News and World Report’s ratings of childrens hospitals. Besides winning numerous awards in Indiana for the services it provides.

Through the resort and and sponsors of the tournament such as Old National Bank, over $830,000 dollars has been raised for Riley’s.

This year is expected to do even better than in past seasons, for financial charitible contributions.

The first tee times for Round 1 are at 10:35 Am, and off the first tee are Tammie Green, Kim Williams and Lisa Grimes.

Off the 10th tee at 10:35 is Tracy Hanson, Maggie Will, and Dina Ammaccapane. Davies, Juli Inkster and Johnson tee off at 12:47, with Alfredsson at 12:36, those four players are all off the 1st tee.

Mistwood Golf Professional Nicole Jeray, practices her putting on the 18th green on the Pete Dye Course, during her Sunday practice round.

Mistwood Golf Club professional Nicole Jeray, is playing in the championship again this year.

In 2017 Jeray was in fourth place in the Sr. LPGA Championship, heading to the last hole, where a double bogey dropped her back a few spots on the leaderboard.

Last year she didn’t make the Top 10, but she comes into this year feeling better about her game.

Her time at Mistwood has given her an opportunity to not only work with students, but on her own game in top level practice facilities. So Jeray says her wedge game might be better now, than in all the years she was playing on the LPGA Tour.

Click here to hear the pre-championship interview with Mistwood’s Nicole Jeray.

Coverage of the Sr. LPGA Championship will continue here, through all three rounds of the championship.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB now has 18 holes open from renovation. Including the Players 9 and the Baer 9, still time to get outside and play. Located at 401 N. Roselle Road, for tee times call (847)-885-9000 or visit online Schaumburggolf.com. The simulators are open for play in the clubhouse, new courses added for this winter.

IRONS & WOODS coming late fall to Long Grove IL. On Rt. 53 North of Lake Cook Road (Behind Menards). HDGolf Simulators will make it year round golf. #slots #fun        ______________________________________________________________________

BREAKING NEWS-Golfers on Golf Exclusive, by Rory Spears.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook or Linkedin. By the clock at Stonebridge CC.

THE 2020 ILLINOIS OPEN is now on the move out to the Western Suburbs of Aurora and Naperville. Golfers on Golf has learned.

White Eagle Country Club In Naperville, will be primary club, with Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora/Naperville as the second course for days 1 & 2 of the tournament.

So while dates are still TBD, they will be partners in hosting the 2020 Illinois Open. Offical statements will follow.

The move marks a shift away from the clubs of the North Shore, but to a popular area in the Chicago area for golf. Because both White Eagle and Stonebridge are well received by Illinois PGA Section professionals, who have played tournaments at the clubs.

As a result, the move comes on the heels of the Glen Club taking on the Evans Scholars Invitational. And possibly not wanting to shut down play for two tournaments, only 10 weeks apart. The combination of the Glen Club, and a second course in the North Shore area was a well received format. But these two clubs located only a few miles apart, make a great team for the Illinois Open Championship.

  WHITE EAGLE COUNTRYCLUB (R)-THE PAR 3, 8TH HOLE AT STONEBRIDGE (R)

White Eagle the primary course for the championship, is concluding an architect Todd Quitno renovation. As a result, only 26 of the clubs 27 holes are now open for play. But the final rebuilt green will be open in spring.

The management teams from both clubs, are proud to host the state championship. So Executive Director Carrie Williams and the IPGA section’s board, deserve credit for putting this partnership together with the clubs.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB with 18 holes open from renovation. Golf outside until the snow lands, and then take your game inside to the updated simulators. Located at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, call (847)-885-9000 for tee times and fall events. THE SENIOR LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP starts Monday at the French Lick Resort in Ind. so come see the best senior ladies in the world play in a major championship. Including Mistwood Golf professional Nicole Jeray. Details here or at Frenchlick.com.

IRONS & WOODS coming this fall to Long Grove IL. on Route 53, North of Lake Cook Road (Behind Menards), E-sports gaming, Slots and HDGolf simulators #yearroundgolf _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. At Medinah home of todays Illini Women’s Golf Invitational

A WELL PLAYED goes out to Illinois PGA section member Roy Biancalana  from the St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, for advancing from the Senior PGA Club Professional National Championship, to the 2020 Sr. PGA. That is played in May, at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, in Benton Harbor Michigan.

Biancalana went from 2 under par, after 54 holes, to five under par. Biancalana was just barely in the Sr. PGA field, but moved up 12 spots with his solid play on Sunday. He made the field by 2 shots. David Paeglow of Kishwaukee Country Club, shot even par on Sunday. Paeglow ended up at even par for the tournament, and missed out qualifying for Harbor Shores by 3 shots.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRIS FRENCH of the Aldeen Golf Club for winning the Players Championship at Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club in Orland Park, the final Illinois PGA Section major championship of 2019. French held off Kyle English of Crestwicke Country Club by 1 stroke for the win. Garrett Chaussard was third. Because of heavy rains in the Galena area in the final days leading up to the championship, the championship was moved to Crystal Tree Golf & Country Club in Orland Park. The several inches of rain, would have restricted the use of golf carts for the championship.

COLLEGE GOLF Today is Day 1 of the University of Illinois Women’s Invitational on Course #2 at Medinah, the teams will play 36 holes today, and 18 more tomorrow. Good luck to Coach Renee Slone and the Illini. Last year’s champions Purdue University and runner-up Kent State University are both back in the field. Illinois was 3rd in 2018. Illini Sr. Tristyn Nowlin tied for 1st place in the last tournament for the Illini women’s golf team, in the University of Oklahoma- Boomer Scooner Invitational.

AT ERIN HILLS today is Day 2 of the Marquette University Invite. Northwestern University is the defending champions. Free admission. Erin Hills is running specials on golf in May of 2020. Check them out at Erinhills.com.

18 renovated holes are now open at the Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Road. Tee times at (847)-885-9000 Schaumburggolf.com

GOLF MAGAZINE’S TOP 100 RESORTS, Golf Magazine had golfers vote, on who they thought were the Top 100 golf resorts or destinations across America. Then had a shorter panel take the data, and vote again. Sounds like a really neat thing to do. I’ll have my favorite resorts on a list in the weeks ahead. BIG CEDAR Lodge in Ridgedale MO., made the list at #1, for Best Family Resort. My feature on Big Cedar will run in the CDGA travel issue, coming out in a few weeks.

SPEAKING OF GOLF PUBLICATIONS, online golf media seems to be changing. I have been a fan of the Global Golf Post-GGP online editions and GGP+ which is subscription based content. SWINGUClubhouse, and the Morning Read are also changing how they offer content. So check them all out. I will and will report back when I see more.

THE CDGA SR. FOUR-BALL at Calumet Country Club, was won by Brien Gerber of Naperville/Springbrook GC, and Brad Kay of Arlington Hts./Ivanhoe Club, with a 3&2 victory. They defeated Vance Antoniou of Barrington/Butler National and Mark Esposito from Schaumburg/Blackberry OaksGC.

THE PGA JR. LEAGUE Championship tee’s on Friday at the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona. The Midwest team is from Cog Hill and Kevin Weeks is the Team Captain, good luck to Team Cog Hill.

CABOT LINKS in Canada has announced The Residences at Cabot Cliffs, new places to stay, and the development of a community around the Cabot golf courses, visit [email protected].

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has 18 renovated holes open for play. The final 9 holes of renovation is well underway, and should be open for play in the middle of next summer. When we run out of warm days, the upgraded simulators will be open for play all winter. Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook or Linkedin. At Bayou Run Distillary in Lake Charles LA.

WELCOME TO THE SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME-Where I try and catch you up on all sorts of golf news around the area, and beyond.

Rain-Rain go away, it’s been a soggy Saturday yesterday, so taody could be a cart path only day. Hope not, those days are always a pain.

EIGHT members of the Illinois PGA Section, have been playing in the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Barton Creek in Austin Texas. Where the Top 35 finishers earn a place in the Sr. PGA Championship field at, The Golf Club at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor Michigan next May.

The Par 3, 13th hole at the Jack Nicklaus designed Harbor Shores Golf Club. Home of the 2020 Sr. PGA Championship.

“We are very proud of the Senior PGA Professionals that have qualified for this event,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section. “We have a strong group of professionals that are representing the Illinois PGA Section this year at the National Senior PGA Professional Championship, and we wish them all the best this week.”

With 54 holes in the book, Roy Biancalana is the only professional from Illinois in the Top 35. Biancalana from the St. Andrews Golf & Country Club in West Chicago, is at 2 under par and in a 5-way tie for 34th place. David Paeglow from Kishwaukee Country Club, is at even par, and a for T-49th place.

The other six Illinois PGA professionals, John Varner, Jim Sobb, Danny Mulhearn, Andy Shuman, David Hannon and John Guyton missed the 36-hole cut.

THE ILLINOIS PGA SECTION has announced the hiring of Kevin Quinn as the Manager of Membership and Communications, and Elizabeth Mavrogenes as the Player Development and Foundation Programs Manager.

“We are extremely excited to make these staff announcements that will strengthen our Section, Foundation and the ways in which we serve our membership and fulfill our mission of growing the game,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section and CEO of the Illinois PGA Foundation.

Quinn joins the Illinois PGA after two years in the Iowa PGA Section, and attending the University of Iowa. Mavrogenes has spent the last three years, being the junior golf instructor at River Forest Country Club. She is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, where she spent four years on the women’s golf team.

The Mistwood Golf Club clubhouse from the third hole.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB, WILL HOLD the 20th annual Jumbalaya Open on Saturday November 2nd. Tee time is at 9:30.

One last chance to play in an outing before winter hits. This event is a two-man scramble team, with the format of alternate shot.

The $155.00 fee per player, covers 18 holes and a cart. Team’s compete for over $10,000 in prizes, and receive te gifts. Sign up by calling (815)-254-3333.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has fall rates in effect for all days. There are also fall scrambles yet to played. Pine Meadow has a great sale on some demo Ping Wedges, for $79, normally $200. See Pinemeadowgc.com or call (847)-566-GOLF.

Golfers on Golf’s Rory Spears (L)- with new Cog Hill GM Troy Newport by the 19th green of Course #2 and 18th green of Course #4 Dubsdread, at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club.

FALL GOLF is here at Cog Hill. The aerification schedule is out. But the good news is that the Course #4 aerification is now complete.

Course #2 will be from October 6-9, with Course #3 from October 13-16, and Course #1 being done from October 20-23.

Cog Hill is offering several more events including the Trick-or-Treat Open oct 19th. The Turkey Shoot Nov. 2 & 3. The Black Friday Open Nov. 29th, and the Forsty 3-Club Open on December 15th.

Cool weather gear from multiple companies has arrived. But the big news is the annual holiday sale, has been moved up to Saturday November 30th, with end of the year sales. More information at Coghillgolf.com or by calling (866)-COG-HILL.

Drawing of the new clubhouse now under construction at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, in Addison.

DuPagegolf.com has announced the famed Rambo Scramble is scheduled for next Saturday October 12th. And the dealine to sing up is quickly approaching. The event normally sells out so get signed up quickly.

See the greenskeeper put out some very tricky pin placements, and enjoy the fun.

More good news from DuPage Golf, is that ground has been broken for the building of the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows. See Dupagegolf.com.

THE THREE HOLE SUNSHINE COURSE at the CDGA Golf House is seeing some renovation work, the removal of thatch from the course was done, by equipment donated by JW Turf/John Deere. More details at CDGA.org.

The Grande Dunes Golf Club in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

MyrtleBeachGolftrips.com a premier golf website for booking Myrtle Beach golf trips, has created and launched a new content focused website, that will make golf trips to the Grande Strand even more enjoyable.

The new site will feature a multitude of written and video user-generated content. This will allow golfers to follow all the latest news about developments around Myrtle Beach golf scene.

Golfers can now through the site, book golf at all Myrtle Beach area golf courses, for the best price, based on day, time of of day or location. To find the best deal for their group of players. For more details on golf in Myrtle Beach see, Myrtlebeachgolftrips.com.

MORE FROM MYRTLE BEACH, Golf Magazine has listed two Myrtle Beach resorts in it’s Top 100 golf resorts across America. The Barefoot Resort and True Blue Caledonia, both made the list from the 243 of the nations stay and play facilities. This was the magazine’s first Top 100 resort ranking list. Barefoot has four courses, designed by Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Davis Love III. Caledonia and True Blue are both Mike Strantz creations. Book tee times at both via Myrtlebeachgolftrips.com.

AND MORE, the River Hills Golf Club has finished it’s clubhouse renovation. Come and enjoy River Hills Golf, where reaction to the new clubhouse has been outstanding. See Riverhillsgolf.com to learn more.

BOYNE GOLF in Michigan also joined the Golf Magzine Top 100 list with it’s Inn at Bay Harbor, and Bay Harbor Golf Club, and Boyne Golf in general, for it’s three properties in the Northern Michigan area. See Boynegolf.com for details on fall specials and more.

DRIVERS FAILING THE TEST-at the recent Safeway Open the PGA Tour was testing the players drivers to see if they conform. Apparently at least five players had drivers that did not conform. The drivers that did not conform were made by Titleist, TaylorMade and Cobra.

MICHAEL BREED who has been seen for years on the Golf Channel, and is a former Teacher of the Year, has signed on as an Ambassador for V1 Sports, known for video and golf software apps.

Topgolf Schaumburg is making progress towards it’s opening date for 2019. The netting is now completely installed around the facility. Stay clicked in for details.

Topgolf has opened in Richmond Virginia as of October 4th. Topgolf officials have communicated that the new Topgolf Schaumburg will open in 2019. But there is no official date yet for opening day.

The netting is now up and in place, and the grounds around the facility are taking shape. Stay clicked in for details on opening day for the Schaumburg Topgolf location.

TOPGOLF has partnered with the National Veterans Memorial and Museum to host a hiring event at 10 Topgolf locations on November 8th. In addition to hiring America’s military hero’s, proceeds from all events will be donated to the museum. The first hiring event was held in Columbus Ohio last month. Topgolf is working with area companies to help place veterans in several communities. The hiring events next month are in, Atlanta, Columbus, Denver, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, National Harbor, San Antonio and Virginia Beach.

Topgolf Entertainment Group has entered into an agreement with Jada Pinkett Smith, and Will Smith’s Westbrook Media, to create new orginal entertainment. The first project in this agreement will be an orginal comedy series called THIS JOKA, that Topgolf Studios, Westbrook Media & Will Smith are creating together. See more at Topgolf.com

Zero Friction Compression Gloves drawing strong reviews from golfers.

Oakbrook Terrace based Zero Friction Golf, is still receiving strong reviews from golfers on it’s line of gloves, that include Compression-Fit technology.

Zero Friction has a synthetic and Cabretta leather, that helps you fit into a glove, and removes golfers from trying to guess what size they belong in.

The gloves just mold around your hand, and golfers feel they are getting a needed improvement when they grip a club. Zero Friction gloves has a large inventory of colors, and offers gloves with logo’s of your favorite professional or college sports teams. See zerofriction.com for details or call (630)-317-7700.

The first hole at Belvedere Golf Club in Charlevoix Michigan.

Belvedere Golf Club one of the most historic golf properties in the Midwest, has announced the hiring of Jordan Caplan as the new superintendent.

Caplan joins Belvedre from the famed Philadelphia Cricket Club, where he was the superintendent of the clubs St. Martins Course for seven years.

Belvedere a 1925 Willie Watson design hosted the 2019 U.S. Hickory (shaft) Open this past June. St. Martins hosted the 1910 U.S. Open. In 2025 Belvedere in it’s centennial season, will host the Michigan State Amateur. The course is open to the public. It can be reached via belvederegolfclub.com or by calling (231)-547-2611.

STITCH GOLF HAS launched it’s fall golf wear line for men, you can see all the new additions at Stitchgolf.com. Shirts, pullovers and more.

Innisbrook Resort-home of the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour. Innisbrookgolfresort.com

Now is the time to get a jump on the rush to the sunshine state of Florida.

Just North of Tampa in Palm Harbor is the Innisbrook Resort, part of the chain of Salamander Resorts and properties.

Right now and until the start of December, are overnight rates that start at just $89.00.

How about the Classic Golf Package, with rates starting at $119.00, one round of golf per nights stay, with a $10 credit in the pro shop.

Play where the pro’s play, play the Copperhead Golf Course at Innisbrook, where the new room renovations are ready for your arrival. (866)-394-2838. Celebrating 50 years in 2020.

Kohler Fresh Waters Spa at the American Club in Kohler Wisconsin.

KOHLER COMPANY is opening it’s newest spa right here in Chicago.

Located in Lincoln Park on the corner of Halstad and Fullerton, will be the newest spa and it will open on October 11th.

2358 N. Lincoln Avenue, call (312)-245-9129, for a full list of services and hours of business.

Kohler is also announcing it’s fall challenge on it’s golf courses, coming up the last two weekends of October. October 19-20 it’s the Irish Course and the Meadow Valley Course. On October 26-27 it’s the River Course and 2020 Ryder Cup course Whistling Straits. See Destinationkohler.com. 36 holes of golf a 1-night stay get booked today.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday, with the Gog Blog Speaks Out. RS

IRONS & WOODS is coming this fall to Long Grove IL. on Rt. 53 North of Lake Cook Road (behind the Menards store). Esports gaming, slots and HDGOLF simulators, fun, fun and more fun. Chicago your golf season has been expanded to year round. Enjoy.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At Bayou Rum Distillary Lake Charles LA.

THE WOMEN’S WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WWGA), held it’s annual luncheon at the Glen View Club this past week.

Where they presented it’s annual award for the WWGA’s Woman of Distinction. Beth Daniel was honored as this years winner.

The award is presented to women who have displayed leadership abilities, involvement and commitment to the game on either the amateur or professional level.

Daniel might best be remembered in the Chicago area, for being the Captain of Team USA in the 2009 Solheim Cup  at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

The winning result looked headed towards Team Europe on the final Sunday. But under Daniel, and her team of assistant captains, Team USA rallied on the back nine and won the Solheim Cup.

2019 WWGA Woman of Distinction Beth Daniel, holds the award at the Glen View Club.

Daniel won the WWGA Amateur in 1978, with an exciting 38 hole win over Noreen Uihlein, in the championship match.

The championship that year was held at the famed Fox Chapel Golf Club, in the Pittsburgh area.

The honoree will also have participated in a Women’s Western tournament, and/or made significant contributions to the Association or the game of golf.

Since the award first created in 1994, 20 women have been honored to be selected as a Woman of Distinction award winner.

Beth Daniel (L) with Women’s Western Golf Association President, Cece Durbin.

Daniel started playing golf at age 6, at the Country Club of Charleston, in South Carolina. The club that played host to this past summers U.S. Women’s Open.

Daniel’s career includes winning the 1975 and 1977 USGA Women’s Amateur Championship.

In 1976 she won the NCAA Women’s National Championship, with her teammates Betsy King, Sherri Turner and Cindy Ferro while she attended Furman University. Daniel played on two winning Curtis Cup Teams. She turned professional in 1979, and was named that year’s LPGA “Rookie of the Year” award winner.

Daniel won 13 tournaments in the next five years. In 1980 she was voted LPGA player of the Year, an award she would go on to win two more times. Daniel won seven times on tour in 1990. Overall Daniel won 33 tournaments on tour, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000.

Click here to listen to the interview with Beth Daniel at the WWGA luncheon.

Daniel was inducted into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame in 1995, and she played on 8 Solheim Cup Teams. She was named one of the Top 50 Players in LPGA history, during the 50th anniversary of the LPGA. The Beth Daniel Award is presented every year, to the top female junior golfer in South Carolina.

The WWGA’s 2020 will hold the Woman’s Western Amateur in July at Prestwick Country Club in Frankfurt Illinois. And the 2020 Woman’s Western Junior in June, at the Grove Country Club in Long Grove Illinois. See WWGA.org for more information.

  COMING THIS FALL TO LONG GROVE IL.-IRONS & WOODS. Located on Rt. 53 North of Lake Cook Road. Golf season is year round at Irons and Woods. HDGOLF.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and or Facebook.

When a very successful 2004 PGA Championship ended, CEO Herb Kohler, and Kohler Company made an incredible deal with the PGA of America.

It included adding two more PGA Championships in 2010, and 2015, besides the Ryder Cup in 2020.

So when Ryder Cup Captains, Steve Stricker and Padraig Harrington got together earlier this week, Kohler Company President David Kohler was present for the press conference.

Kohler Company President David Kohler at Whistling Straits.

After the press conference Kohler spoke with several media outlets, including Golfers on Golf.

Kohler made it clear, that the Kohler family is every excited about hosting next years Ryder Cup.

They have worked with the PGA of America, on getting the golf course ready for large galleries, and for some exciting golf.

Because, there are only four groups on the course at most times. And with thousands of fans trying to watch the action, things on just a few holes can get crowded.

Another topic David Kohler spoke to, was that of the PGA Championship returning to Whistling Straits in the future. Because it’s been speculated on, that the PGA Championship might not be able to return to a northern location like Haven Wisconsin, because of it’s new May dates.

But Kohler didn’t exactly rule out a May PGA Championship returning to the Straits Course at some point in the future. Hear the interview below, and hear Kohler’s thoughts on the Ryder Cup, and the possibility of another PGA Championship.

Click here to listen to the interview with Kohler CEO David Kohler.

For more details on golf at the American Club this fall or next year, you can visit destinationkohler.com. Remember fall is a pretty time to visit Kohler Wisconsin, and enjoy the colors on the four golf courses.

Kohler says that work is continuing with the State of Wisconsin, and various state agencies to move forward with the building of a 5th golf course. That course would be located south of Whistling Straits, and several holes would have views of Lake Michigan. So stay tuned for updates.