THE BEER IS HERE-two local courses are selling their own brand of great beer-Aaah!  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook-LinkedIn or Instagram. With Mike Munro at WCPT Am 820 Chicago.

THE BEER IS HERE both Cog Hill and Mistwood Golf Club are now selling their own beer.

I have tried both flavors at both courses and they get a tip of the cap or golf visor, both are great in my books. So grab a can or have some on tap, you can’t lose either way.

McWethy’s 100 is now on the beverage carts at Mistwood. Cog Hill does not have beverage carts, but the check the halfway house while your out on the courses.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP-might have been one of the best tournaments most people didn’t see. Dustin Johnson with a great 45 foot birdie to force a playoff with Jon Rahm, and then Rahm sinking a 66 footer for birdie to win on the first playoff hole. Great stuff, but who saw it.

First up there were no fans allowed in to Olympia Fields, and then most of the local media weren’t allowed in either, and some media that were allowed in, you have to wonder how and why. Your’s truly wasn’t allowed in because some of my work includes radio, and radio people aren’t being allowed in to PGA Tour events at the moment. The attitude is that radio folks can live by doing things virtually, or via the proven failure Zoom video conferencing. Zoom has been a disaster for Major League Baseball I can attest to that. But then the PGA Tour has been discriminating against radio media for years, and that isn’t changing anytime soon. If only the tour would worry about it’s supportive media, half as much as they do about not playing at certain clubs, that don’t have certain types of members. Radio broadcasters do matter #RBM. Local Golf TV shows matter, local golf publications do matter. The local media outlets that support the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) and the WGA the other 51 weeks a year DO MATTER.

THE ILLINOIS GOLFER long time golf writer Tim Cronin called moving the BMW Championship in and out of town-Nonsense, and he suggested on Twitter that it’s time to have a yearly PGA Tour stop in Chicago, agreed. Now if that’s a plan that BMW doesn’t agree with, then the WGA should get another sponsor. Cronin also called for a rotation of top area courses in the Chicago to be the hosts and he has a point.

WHICH COULD BE-Olympia Fields North Course, Medinah 3, Cog Hill 4 (Dubs), Conway Farms, Kemper Lakes, and or, Butterfield.

NEXT YEAR THE BMW is at Caves Valley Golf Club a great facility, but it’s outside of Baltimore. Hopefully 2021 is the last year the Chicago PGA Tour stop moves to another city, unless there is a conflict with a major championship or a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup in town (Medinah 2026?). After all the Western Golf Association (WGA) is based here in Glenview and for good reason.

DID THE USGA TAKE NOTICE…the U.S. Open is booked out for the next 8 years, but the United States Golf Association really owes Olympia Fields another U.S. Open. It’s been 17 years since the last one when Jim Furyk won in 2003. Unlike the 2003 open, this years BMW had some real rough, and it played tough. Dustin Johnson didn’t win but he played great, and he didn’t shoot 30 under par like week 1 of the playoffs in Boston.

BACK IN 2015 when Bryson DeChambeau won the U.S. Amateur at Olympia Fields, courses that were hosting the amateur normally got a U.S. Open within a few years later. Several courses did, but Olympia Fields did not. The U.S. Amateur isn’t an event that clubs make money off of, in fact the tab to host the amateur these days is up just shy of a million dollars. Clubs get less than 100K from the USGA for hosting, and have to find creative ways to make up the difference. The USGA does help in doing that. But for hosting the amateur-and usually losing money, clubs get a U.S. Open which is a profit maker for all parties involved. Why no recent U.S. Open at Olympia Fields, there is still for some reason, some sour grapes about a bill for security that Cook County demanded payment for after the 2003 championship.

Olympia Fields entered into a “partnership” with the PGA of America for several events going forward after the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA championship. Then the PGA Championship got moved to May, and things kinda went down the dumper for OFCC and the PGA with the new timing of certain events, and how they would now fall on the calendar.

What happens next for Olympia Fields is a bit of a mystery, could the BMW return in 2022, the final year of the current deal. Maybe, but I’m not sure OFCC wants a tournament back all that quickly unless they will make a bunch of dollars. Because as you might have heard-money talks.

TOUGH WEEK FOR CHICAGO based Wilson Golf, it’s top three guns on the PGA Tour Kevin Streelman fell down to 32nd place just missing out, Gary Woodland and Brendan Steele just missed out as well. I hope Woodland gets rested up for his title defense at the U.S. Open now just a few weeks away.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO hits 30 years. It was great having show founder Mike Munro back in-studio last Saturday. Munro founded Golfers on Golf Radio 30 years ago, and launched it at WJJG-AM 1530 in Berkley Illinois, just over the border from Elmhurst. With a studio that was a bedroom in an apartment building owned by Joe Gentile, the car salesman and the “Baron of Barrington” a nickname he earned from the late sportscaster Chet Coppeck.

GOG RADIO has grown a lot from those days, and to pull Munro off the golf course on a Saturday, or out of his restaurant The Green Street Grille in beautiful downtown Bensenville is no easy task. But for one weekend in this crazy year, we did it. Hopefully someday we can do it again.

SETTLERS HILL, I’m really impressed with the new plan that golf architect Greg Martin has for Settlers Hill in Batavia. His re-routing and relocation of a couple of par 3’s will really make that golf course one of the best in the area. A new clubhouse, new practice range, and three-hole short course for juniors will really add something.

Settlers Hill has some great elevation change that martin will take full advantage of, along with some currently unused wooded area’s. Settlers Hill will be closed for the renovation work in 2021, and likely until late June of 2022 before it reopens. It’s current clubhouse, the old barn will be used for special events. Hang on Chicago area golfers, another great golf course is emerging in the next two years.

The Gog Blog is back all week. Golfers on Golf Radio has three more shows in September, so stay tuned. RS

THE OLD CLUBHOUSE SITE (L) the NEW CLUBHOUSE SITE (R)- whats to come at Settlers Hill in Batavia. Enjoy the course this year, then it’s closed until June of 2022 for an exciting new renovation by architect Greg Martin. Call for tee times (630)-232-1636.  _____________________________________________________________________

LOOK WHO CAME BACK-Golfers on Golf Radio Founder Mike Munro dropped in for a 30th Anniversary Special broadcast yesterday on WCPT Am 820-The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS (R)-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy

HE WAS BACK…Mike Munro the founder of Golfers on Golf Radio joined the show in studio yesterday at WCPT.

It was tough to drag him off the golf course and out of his Green Street Grille Restaurant in Bensenville, but it was done.

Catch the replay of the show as the topic was 30 years of Golfers on Golf Radio, and the shows start at Joe Gentile’s WJJG Am 1530, the show  then moved to WSBC Am 1240, WNDZ AM 750 and this year WCPT AM 820.

More thoughts on this coming up on The Gog Blog Speaks Out tomorrow here at Golfersongolf.com.

Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Class of 2019, Len Ziehm in PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. Lenziehmongolf.com For all your travel news.

Len Ziehm our Golfers on Golf partner and podcast contributor has been on the road for the last 3 1/2 weeks, visiting several travel golf destinations in a few states.

Most recently after returning to Florida from the French Lick Resort, Ziehm has been detailing his trip.

Now posted at Lenziehmongolf.com is Len’s story on Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon Michigan. In addition is Len’s story on Lochenheath Golf Club in the Grand Traverse area of Michigan.

To learn more about where you need to go visit LenZiehmonGolf.com #DestinationGolf

THE GOLF HERITAGE SOCIETY announces a commemorative edition of THE GOLF, that honors the 90th anniversary of Bobby Jones, who made the one and only Grand Slam in golfs history. The GHS is celebrating it’s 50 year, and “The Golf” is normally a members-only golf journal. This special edition is written by Bobby Jones-world renowned expert Sidney Matthew. The final chapter of the Grand Slam was won at Merion Golf Club, near the city of Philadelphia.

GHS Society memberships are just $25 for the rest of 2020. Details at GolfHeritage.org or contact Pete Georgiady at (567)-303-5584.

Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein-operated by Jemsek Golf.

The Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein will host a Callaway Golf fitting day on Saturday September 5th, between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.

In order to get fitted you must have an appointment. Sorry, but no walk-ups  will be accepted.

You must pre-register by calling Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

Here is your chance to check out not only the Maverick Line, but the new Big Bertha 21’s. More information on Callaway by visiting Callawaygolf.com.

McWethy’s 100 Pale Ale-raise a can or a glass. Mistwoodgc.com

THE HOT DAYS ARE STILL HERE, and now for those 21 and older who enjoy a great Pale Ale, you can enjoy McWethy’s 100 at both McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club…and… out on the Mistwood Golf Course.

This great brew, done in conjunction with the folks at BridgeStone Brewery was only a tavern special.

But now it’s available in cans, and it’s for sale on the course at Mistwood, see you favorite beverage cart attendant. For tee times call (815)-254-3333.

Women’s Golf Day founder Elisa Gaudet

The rescheduled Women’s Golf Day will take place this coming week on September 1st.

Founder Elisa Gaudet has been hard at work getting this years WGD running again this year.

A new option for 2020 is the Women’s Golf Day VIP membership. Women’s Golf Day is coming up this week, so where you can attend, and how to be active is at Womensgolfday.com. While your on the website of social media pages, check out the new option for being a VIP Member.

Golf Logix Yardage and greens books

Golf Logix yardage and green books continue to grow in usage across the country.

Golfers on Golf Radio interviewed Golf Logix CEO Pete Charleston, who spoke about the demand for these books, in book form as golfers did not want to have to drag cell phones out on the fairways and the putting greens.

Golf Logix books are getting more popular with players on all the professional tours, and top amateurs.

The books are selling better all the time, in the pro shops that have them, see more at GolfLogix.com.

Srixon Soft Feel Lady

SRIXON GOLF BALLS has released of the new next generation soft feel golf balls.

The Soft Feel Lady comes on line as Srixon continues to build on it’s success in the golf ball market in 2019.

The new Soft Feel & Soft Feel Lady are now available in North America.

Some of the key technologies include the FastLayer Core, with a soft center, that transitions into the firm outer edge.

The 338 Dimple Pattern, reduces drag at launch, and increased lift, with better distance even in windy conditions. The Soft Thin Cover, that you can feel on the tee and around the green. Available in Passion Pink or Soft White. For more information see Srixon.com.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

OLD CLUBHOUSE-NEW CLUBHOUSE SITE all of this happening at Settlers Hill in Batavia. Course remains open this year-will be closed next year and until June of 2022.  ______________________________________________________________________

2019 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame media inductee Len Ziehm and long time Chicago area golf reporter and industry analyst Rory Spears bring you the Chicago area and beyond most complete weekly golf news report.

CLICK HERE to hear the most recent edition of Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2020 Volume 24.

This weeks edition includes tournament talk about the Illinois PGA Section Championship and the PGA Tour-Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. Upcoming golf course renovation projects that include architect Greg Martin’s work at Settlers Hill in Batavia IL.

French Lick Resort’s healthy and safe approach to resort guests stay in French Lick.

Mike Small on his 13th win in the Illinois PGA Section championship, and what’s up at the University of Illinois, and improvements coming to the schools golf facilities.

For all the news, listen in-Thanks for joining us, Len & Rory.

  SETTLERS HILL IN BATAVIA still open for play in 2020-will be closed for renovation in 2021 and part of 2022, for tee times you can call (630)-232-1636 or visit Settlershill.com ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio from (L-R) Rory Spears-Ed Stevenson and Bill Berger, in the studio at WCPT AM 820

IT’S THE 19TH HOLE for Golfers on Golf Radio today at 10 Am on AM 820 WCPT.

It’s also the day we celebrate 30 years of brings Chicago’s best golf radio coverage to the Chicagoland area, and NW Indiana, SW Michigan, and Southern Wisconsin through the airwaves.

Show Founder Mike Munro returns as today’s guest host, with Ed Stevenson checking in live from the Preserve at Oak Meadows during a taping with Dave Lockhart’s Golf360.

Welcome to Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale Mo.

With the opening of the new Payne’s Valley Golf Course just weeks away, Matt McQueary big Cedar’s Director of Golf Marketing joins us live at 10:10.

Then we drive it down memory lane for Golfers on Golf Radio talk reliving the 30 years of the show with Mike Munro and how he started it all.

Ed Stevenson is filming an upcoming segment for Golf360 at the Preserve at Oak Meadows today, but joins us live after we make the turn at 10:30.

We hear from IPGA professional Chris Gumbach on the upcoming Birdied for Charity event at his River Forest Country Club.

In addition hear from 13 time Illinois PGA Section Champion and University of Illinois Golf Mike Small.

Our contributor from the Daily Herald Len Ziehm will be heard from, he has a lot to say.

Golfers on Golf Radio Am 820 WCPT, Wcpt820.com, watch us on Facebook live, or listen on the TuneIn Radio APP-search wcpt820. If your miss the show, see WCPT facebook page to watch on video or listen at Soundcloud.com search Chicago’s progressivetalk.

Golfers on Golf Radio is 30 enjoy the show.

THE PERFORMANCE CENTER AT MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville, Club Fitters Chris Ioriatti (R) and Eric Russell can put you in the best equipment for your game with a full club fitting. learn more at MistwoodGC.com or call (815)-254-3333.        ______________________________________________________________________

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

Architect-designer Greg Martin walks a green at Park Ridge Country Club.

HE’S KEEPING BUSY.

Which is always a good thing for golf architects these days. In the case of Batavia based Greg Martin, he has been pretty busy now for years, and he hopes that will be the case going forward.

With good architects they don’t always find work, it finds them. In Martin’s case he is not afraid to go exploring around the Chicago area, to see courses that have issues, and offer ways to help.

Golf course problems get worse if they are not fixed and the temporary quick fixes are usually a waste of money. The common excuse of that we have no budget for that, is no way to maintain a facility. Especially if you expect to keep your members in your club, or the public golfer coming back. In the Chicago area there are plenty of public and private clubs to pick from, and the golfers know that. Club management does not want to hear, how the club down the street is better, because they have a new this or that. On the course or off it, there is plenty to be done these days at most area golf courses.

Martin marking the edges of a bunker getting rebuilt, at the Park Ridge Country Club.

Martin’s recent run of projects have rebuilt several area golf courses, and turned them into places that golfers can’t wait to play, and them comeback and play them over and over again.

Just a few years back, Martin served as the national president of the ASGCA (American Society Golf Course Architects), earning that office takes years of service, and even more, a great deal of respect from your peers in the business.

Martin’s work in his home town of Aurora at Phillips Park, won him a Design Excellence award from the ASGCA. His new design of the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, earned him several more. What Martin takes real pride in at the Preserve, is the renovation there was more than just rebuilding the golf course. It was about creating a preserve around the golf course, and being able to control storm-water when the floods arrive. The project has kept not only the golf course dry and playable, but the surrounding neighborhoods and peoples basements dry as well.

  THE 16TH HOLE’S-(L) At the Preserve at Oak Meadows, (R) at Wilmette Golf Club.

Martin’s work includes another bail out project, that eliminated the serious flooding problems at Wilmette Golf Club that has a branch of the Chicago River running past a few of it’s holes. Recent Martin projects also include Wedgewood in Joliet, all 27 holes at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, Fox Run Golf Club in Elk Grove.

In addition to current restoration work at the Park Ridge Country Club in advance of the 2021 Women’s Western Golf Association’s (WWGA) national amateur championship in July, crews will start working at Settlers Hill in Batavia in just a few weeks. This years work will not effect play on any of the 18 holes, and the golf course will remain open through the end of the season. Settlers Hill will be closed for all of 2021, and there is hope that the course can reopen at some point in June of 2022.

THE PAR 3, 13TH HOLE (L) and the location for the new clubhouse behind the current first green, and right of the second tee box.

Martin’s plan for Settlers Hill makes the current second hole the first hole, and the current first hole will be the 18th hole and so forth around the golf course. On the course two of the par 3 holes will be relocated, holes 7 and 16. The testy par 5, 11th hole will become the 10th hole, and will have some changes. It will become more playable, but don’t expect it to become a real easy hole either.

One change golfers should look forward to, is the current par 3, 7th hole. The cart path into the hole will be more direct to the tee box instead of golfers having to drive through a line of ball flight, then backwards up the hill. The 7th hole will go straight right from the current tee box, into the wooded area, and play over a creek that runs through the trees. Bring your clubs and your camera.

The current clubhouse will be come a new banquet and special events facility.

The current par 5, 17th hole, will become the new 16th hole.

Martin will be moving the current tee boxes left up to the top of the hill, for an elevated tee shot, with great views of the area from the new tee box.

It’s been no secret for a while, that some trees and brush areas around golf course need to be trimmed out or taken out completely, and Martin says that will happen.

CLICK HERE to hear an interview with Greg Martin on his work at the Park Ridge Country Club and the upcoming project at Settlers Hill in Batavia.

The new range at Settlers Hill will be up the hill from the new clubhouse and there will be a three-hole junior course added. So if you wish to play Settlers Hill a time or two before next years shutdown, get out and do it soon. But do be ready, it will dazzle golfers when it reopens for play in 2022. When the golf course reopens in 2022, there is a possibility that the new clubhouse might not yet be completed. Stay tuned for details on that part of the project.

For more information on Greg Martin and his current and future projects that include work on the Naperville Park District courses, see Martindesigngolf.com.

THE VALLEY TOWER at the French Lick Resort-see what’s up at LenziehmonGolf.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG- RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook/LinkedIn or Instagram. Reporting from Medinah Country Club-Medinah IL.

Mike Small holds the IPGA Section Championship trophy for the 13th time, behind the 18th green at the Medinah Country Club.-Championship photo by Nick Novelli.

MAKE IT 13-it’s the Bakers Dozen for University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small, who just keeps winning the Illinois PGA Section Championship.

Small’s final round 3 under par 68 did the trick, as the University of Illinois golf coach had to fend off several charges made at his lead that he held for 17 holes of the final round.

The key for Small was getting off two another quick start for the second straight day, with birdies on the first two holes. he made his only bogey of the round a few holes later on the front nine, he had a bogey free back nine. From the purse of $75,000, Small took home the winners check of $9,000.00.

Mike Small knocks in the winning putt on the 18th green at Medinah to win the 2020 IPGA Section Championship.

Two Mistwood Golf professionals Andy Mickelson and Frank Hohenadel, who started the round one shot back of Small, took turns trying to over-take him. Neither one could. Although after 8 holes Mickelson caught Small, but that didn’t last, Mickelson’s bogey on the par 5, 9th hole put him behind Small for good.

By the middle of the back nine, Mickelson had fallen 6 shots back of Small, even birdies on 17 and 18, after two 18-20 foot long putts by Mickelson, turned out to be too-little too late.

Mistwood’s Director of Golf Andy Mickelson pumps his fist after a closing birdie on 18.

As Mickelson dropped shots on the back-nine, Hohenadel made his charge. Down three shots at the turn, after an even-par front nine. Hohenadel made two early birdies on the back nine, to close within a shot but could never catch Small. Hohenadel left himself some good looks for birdies over the the last six holes, but the putts would just not drop. Hohenadel’s charge ran out of steam on the par 5 17th hole. The only par 5 on the back nine should have been a place for Hohenadel to take advantage of his length, but after his third shot went over the green, and his comeback chip slid back down to the front of green, he ended up making a bogey 6.

Frank Hohenadel misses a birdie putt on the 12th green that would have tied him with winner Mike Small.

Nine Illinois PGA Section professionals will join Small in Florida in the 54th PGA Professional Championship from April 25-25, 2021 at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. The top 20 professionals at the PPC, will advance to the 103rd PGA Championship. Which will be held from May 20-23, on the Pete Dye designed Ocean Course at the Kiawah Island Resort, in Kiawah South Carolina.

Medinah professional and defending champion Travis Johns shot a final round 69 that left him in fourth place at 6 under par, and said he was “pleased with his final round” and was looking forward to returning to the PPC.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR INTERVIEWS with winner Mike Small and runners up from Mistwood Golf, Frank Hohenadel and Andy Mickelson.

The professionals headed to the PPC in 2021 include, Small, Hohenadel, Mickelson, Johns, Roy Biancalana (Blackberry Oaks Golf Club), Chris Green (Glen View Club), Curtis Malm (White Eagle Golf Club), Jim Billiter (Glen View Club), Brian Carroll (The Hawk Country Club) and George Goich (Flossmoor Country Club).

Illinois PGA Section professionals will now get ready for the third major of the year, The Match Play Championship at Elgin Country Club from September 15-18th.

  THE VALLEY BAR AND HOTEL at the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana. For more on the new rooms, sports bar and sportsbook, please visit LenZiehmonGolf.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook-LinkedIn and Instagram.

University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small in route to a Medinah Course #1 record 63 in Round 2 of the Illinois PGA Section Championship. Photo by Nick Novelli.

MIKE SMALL has won the Illinois PGA Section Championship 12 times, he’s on his way to 13 wins, if he can hold it together for 18 more holes on Medinah’s #1 course on Wednesday.

Small shot 63 on Tuesday after burning up in Monday’s afternoons 97 degree heat, and higher winds. Small posted a 2 under par score for Round 1, and waited for an early tee time for Round 2. He wasted no time in taking full advantage of the early start.

Small came charging out of the blocks in Round 2, with an Eagle-Birdie-Birdie start. Small added another birdie on the 8th hole, before pumping in three more on the back nine. He didn’t make a bogey. Now it was his turn to sit back and watch the first round leaders, battle the higher winds and temperatures since they had afternoon tee times.

After Monday’s opening round, Small said he was making things tougher on himself by over-thinking the process, saying “I’m over-coaching myself.” On Tuesday Small made things easier on himself, and make his round of golf look easy too. He will be paired on Wednesday in the last group with Mistwood professional Frank Hohenadel, who ended Small’s 8 year winning streak in the event on the Medinah #1 course in 2011.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Championship leader Mike Small.

Hohenadel had a chance to be a first round leader when he came to his last hole the par 5, 9th on Monday, but he turned a solid chance for a birdie 4 in to a bogey 6, and settled into a solo 4th place position.

CLICK HERE to hear interviews with Mistwood’s Andy Mickelson and Frank Hohenadel.

But while the first round leaders took turns battling course 1 on Tuesday, making birdies and then giving shots back, Hohenadel keep pushing forward after starting the day 6 shots behind Small. By the 14th hole Hohenadel is one shot back and that is where he ended his round.

In 2011 Hohenadel didn’t play in the final group with Small, but he will get that chance this year. The third member of the last group will be Mistwood’s Andy Mickelson, who like Hohendael is one shot behind Small. Mickelson had a great run to the 2011 CGDA Amateur finals on Medinah #1. But the championship match that Mickelson lost in 37 holes was played on Course #3.

Frank Hohenadel putts during the second round of the Illinois PGA section championship. Photo by Nick Novelli

The Medinah professionals fell back in Round 2. Travis Johns with a 72 (+1) left at 4 under par, 6 shots behind Small. Brandon Moore shot 77 and is 11 shots back.

Glen View Clubs Jim Billiter who won the 2015 Section Champion on at the time the newly renovated Medinah #1 course sits in 4th place at 5 under par, after a second round 68.

Stonewall Orchard’s Brian Dalton set what is believed to be an IPGA Section Championship record, becoming the first player to make a hole-in-one on a par 4 hole, when he hit his driver 311 yards into the cup, on the par 4, third hole.

62 players made the cut and will play in the final round. The final group with the leaders will tee off at 11:10. With the trophy presentation being done immediately following play. If there is a need for a playoff, it will be three-holes, using holes 10-17 and 18.

Final round coverage right here tomorrow.

THE ILLINOIS PGA SECTION is hosting the 99th Illinois PGA Section Championship at the Medinah Country Club today through Wednesday’s final round. Details IPGA.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

BY: Rory Spears, reporting from Medinah Country Club, Medinah IL. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Medinah Professional Travis Johns pounds a drive in the 2019 Illinois PGA Section Championship. Johns sits among the leaders after Round 1 in 2020. Photo by Nick Novelli.

BACK AT THE TOP is Medinah Country Club teaching professional Travis Johns.

Johns opened his title defense of his 2019 Illinois PGA Section Championship with a 5 under par 66 on the Medinah #1 course, playing at 6,539 yards for the championship.

But when the dust settled, Johns was not alone in the first place. He had company from fellow Medinah professional Brandon Moore, one of  the two new Medinah head golf professional’s, under Director of Golf Marty DeAngelo. Moore works at Medinah and knows the #1 course, but was not expected to be a co-leader after Round 1.

Moore holed about everything he touched on the back nine of course where he started his round. A hole-out from a green-side bunker on ten, an eagle on the par 4, 14th hole from 142 yards. A chip in on the par 3, 18th hole after missing the green with his tee shot.

Mistwood Golf Club Director of Golf Andy Mickelson joined the two Medinah pro’s at 5 under par, and Mickelson’s head professional at Mistwood Frank Hohenadel was 1 shot back at 4 under par. Hohenadel was the first IPGA Section professional to win a section championship on Medinah #1 in 2014, after the completion of the architect Tom Doak renovation that took place in 2012-2013. With that win, Hohenadel ended University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small’s victory streak of 8 straight years in the section championship.Hohenadel came to his 18th hole (the ninth green) with a chance to get to 6 under par, but made bogey to end up with a 67. Adam Schumacher the 2017 IPGA Section Champion at Medinah, is now the head golf professional in Michigan at the famed Western Amateur course, the Point O’Woods in Benton Harbor.

CLICK HERE to hear interviews with in order-Brandon Moore of Medinah, Andy Mickelson of Mistwood, and Travis Johns of Medinah.

Two-time defending IPGA Match Play Champion Garrett Chaussard of the Skokie Country Club is two shots back at 3 under par. After what he called a “good opening round.”

The afternoon session played tougher, as temperatures hit the mid-90’s and winds picked up from almost nothing in the morning to near 20 mph in the afternoon. There were three good rounds played in the afternoon session.

Small made it to three under par through his first five holes, and then fell back to 2 under par where he finished. Joining Small at 2 under par, was White Eagle Golf Club Director of Golf Curtis Malm. Malm was at even par through 16 holes, and made birdie on his final two holes to reach 2 under par. Glen View Club’s Jim Billiter reached three under par through 17 holes, but made a bogey on 18 to finish at 2 under par.

Round 2 begins at 7:30 on Tuesday morning. The top 60 players and ties out of the field of 126 players, will advance to Wednesday’s final round of 18 holes.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS make your putts like never before- see LAB Golf Putters at the PGA Tour Store-LABGolf.com. The Schaumburg Golf Club has all 27 holes open from renovation for the first time in 4 years. Tee times Schaumburggolf.com (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 Facebook, LinkedIn. At WCPT AM 820 Chicago-home of Golfers on Golf Radio in it’s 30th season.

TOURNAMENT WEEK here in town, and that’s because there are three of them this week.

The BMW Championship is at Olympia Fields, all though with no fan and limited media attendance, it might not get much attention. Tough break for the Western Golf Association (WGA), and the Evans Scholars Foundation, that now puts over 1,000 caddies in college.

The Illinois PGA is really ramping up for a stretch run that starts today at Medinah with the playing of the Illinois PGA Section Championship. Medinah professional Travis Johns is the defending champion. I have an interview from last week with Johns, that is posted a few stories down in our section preview story.

THE ILLINOIS PGA FOUNDATIOn has started it’s online auction that runs through Monday August 31st at 11:59 PM. Visit IPGA.com to go online and bid. The Illinois PGA Foundation was launched in 1991 and will celebrate it’s 30th year in 2021.

There are plenty of great golf things to bid on. Best of all might the chance to bid on golf or foursomes at some of the area’s great clubs and courses. Go browse online and see the offerings, there is a pretty good list of packages to choose from.

ONE OF THE THINGS THE IPGA does so well is to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House and a few other local charities through the IPGA’s Birdies for Charity Event at River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, this year on September 8th. Golf360’s and former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly serves as celebrity ambassador for the event.

YOU can support this great fundraiser by visiting IPGA.com and get a list of the professionals who are playing. You can support them, by pledging an amount for every Birdie they make, and they are playing from 7 Am until it’s too dark to play anymore that day. So your pro will make some birdies. If you just wish to pledge based on the total amount of birdies made that day you can due that, or pledge an amount to the event overall, like on the golf course, the option and choice is yours. Pick a club, and pick your pledge. For a full list of charities, visit IPGA.com.

THE IPGA has it’s Match Play Championship next month at Elgin Country Club, before it’s Player Championship rounds out the majors in early October at Conway Farms (CF).

THE CDGA is active with it’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Edgewood Valley CC in LaGrange. The field of 80 players plays 36 holes today, and the top 35 and ties get 18 more tomorrow to determine the champion. It’s good to have the CDGA back up and running with it’s championships again.

I REALLY HOPE the 2 offenders who broke into the Mistwood Golf Dome and were caught on video stealing multiple things from inside the dome, are nailed by the Bolingbrook PD. Some time behind bars would do both the man and woman some good, you would hope so anyway. Word is that the two offenders have been identified and that police are closing in on them.

With that I’m off to Medinah……… RS

THE BRICKYARD CROSSING GOLF COURSE Reopens tomorrow right next to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tee times are now available at Brickyardcrossing.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. At WCPT AM 820-home of Golfers on Golf Radio in it’s 30th season.

TOURNAMENT WEEK is here. The PGA Tour comes to town in relative secrecy at the Olympia Fields Country Club.

The Illinois PGA Section Championship tee’s off at Medinah Country Club.

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) hosts it’s 2020 Mid-Amateur Championship at Edgewood Valley Country Club in LaGrange.

Golfers on Golf will start the week at Medinah, and see where it goes from there.

FIRESTONE Country Club in Akron Ohio is offering up some open to the public play and stay packages.

Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio is normally a private club, but for a limited time this historic golf venue, is one you can play.

The clubs championship South Course recently hosted the Senior Players Championship, and has be home to many other championships including the World Series of Golf, since the 1950’s.

Golf’s elite players have been the champions here for decades. The list is headlined by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods, prior to this weekend when Jerry Kelly took home the trophy.

“Nearly every legend in modern golf has been crowned a champion here at Firestone Golf,” says club general manager Jay Walkinshaw. “We’re excited to now offer non-members the opportunity to play our 54 challenging, scenic holes and enjoy our clubs welcoming hospitality.”

Firestone is only 45 minutes from the Cleveland Hopkins Airport and 15 minutes from the Akron-Canton Airport. Nearby attractions include the NFL Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Stay on property in the villa-style suites or dormitory type rooms above the clubhouse. For more information visit ClubCorp.com/clubs/Firestone/Stay-and-Play or Firestonecountryclub.com or call (330)-245-3280.

SCHEDULE YOUR FITTING at the Mistwood Golf Club’s Performance Center, as the new TaylorMade P7 or P700 line of Irons have arrived. Visit Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333.

Mistwood has announced a brand new fully built bathrooms on the backside of the golf course. Gone are the Porta-Potti’s that have been in place for years.

NOW IS THE TIME TO HEAD TO the Golf Courses of Lawsonia Wisconsin. Top 100 golf courses you can play for under $100.00. The famed Links Course and the Woods course are both open to the public. See Lawsonia.com for stay and play packages.

Golfers on Golf Gog Blog Director of Content Rory Spears, poses with the Ryder Cup at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida.

RYDER CUP 2020 or 2021, has announced that aG an indoor golf entertainment platform has been announced as having a multi-year partnership with the Ryder Cup.

“This partnership takes Modern Golf to a new level and we are proud to be the Official Golf Simulator of the Ryder Cup.”

Golf fans everywhere can compete and test their skills in online competitions, that mixes Esports and traditional golf from any simulator. For more details visit the AG website at www.Aboutgolf.com/agtour.

For when golf gets cold-Sun Mountain.

When golfing on those cold days.

The new Sun-Mountain Outerwear might just be for you this upcoming cold golf season.

Sun-Mountain has introduced the Colter Jacket and Vest, with insulated side panels, that come with a 4-way stretch to improve your range of motion.

This new product is expected to be available for purchase on-line and in-store by September, with retail prices running $149.99 for the Colter Jacket or $119.99 for the Colter Vest.

For more information on the nearest retailers for you, visit Sunmountain.com or call (800)-227-9224. The 37.5 insulation is a synthetic fiber that absorbs body heat, and helps transmit moisture out. Sun-Mountain marking 30 years in the golf industry.

New from Mizuno Golf the JPX 921 Iron Series

NEW FROM MIZUNO the JPX 921 Iron Series.

Mizuno’s new iron style uses Chromoly in a full body forged iron for the first time.

Mizuno JPX irons including the JPX919Tour Irons are in the bag of the winner of the 2017 7 2018 U..S. Open’s and also in the bag of the 2018 & 2019 PGA Championships.

All of the JPX921 irons will be available in the Mizuno Custom Program, that offers one of the widest selections of no upcharge shafts and grips in the industry. MSRP JPX921 forged $1,399.95, JPX921 Tour $1,299.95 JPX 921 SEL 41,324.95. For more information please see MizunoGolfNA.com.

THE CDGA 2020 Mid-Amateur at Edgewood Valley Country Club brings the states top amateur together for an age 25 and over championship. Players must have a 7.4 handicap to play in the event. Five time champion Todd Mitchell returns, but Mitchell is looking for his first win in the championship since 2016. Defending champion Chadd Slutzky who won at Stonebridge is back to defend.

The format is 36 holes played on Monday, with 18 more on Tuesday for the top 35 players and ties after the first 36 holes. More details can be found at CDGA.org.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS