ALTWELL CBD PRODUCTS reviews coming here soon. Time to visit DuPageGolf.com  _____________________________________________________________________

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

THE NEW SPONSOR OF THE ESI is First Midwest Bank.

THE EVANS SCHOLARS INVITATIONAL (ESI) is back in May, and back in Glenview at the Glen Club.

So mark your calendars for the end of this month, May 27-30. Fans, you are welcome for free. But the WGA and the Korn Ferry Tour will work with local officials, and determine how many fans per day can attend.

2020 ESI champion Curtis Thompson who won at the Chicago Highlands Club could be in the field, as he works toward making the PGA Tour by the fall season.

The championship returns to the Glen Club in 2021.

THE ESI’s mission is to add more caddies in college, with an Evans Scholarship.

But good news the drive to 1,000 caddies in college is over. Because the number is now 1,045 caddies attending college.

So one of the major additions to the Korn Ferry Tour, is the dollars in the purse. This year the Evans Scholars Invitational purse returns to the $600,000 dollars it was in 2019. But in 2022 it moves up to $750,000, and in 2023 it will be $1 million dollars.

BUT GREAT NEWS for the ESI is that First Midwest Bank comes on board as the invitationals presenting sponsor.

Announced yesterday, the WGA is excited to add the First Midwest bank to the championship. First Midwest Bank will support the overall mission plan of the WGA, outside of the championship.

“We are thrilled to partner with the First Midwest Bank to put a spotlight on the incredible golf talent at the Evans Scholars Invitational,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “In addition to supporting professional golf in the Chicagoland area, First Midwest Bank’s generosity will directly impact the lives of youth caddies.”

SO CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW with Evans Scholars Invitational Championship Director Chris Montagano.

LOCAL PLAYERS in the field include, Northbrook’s Nick Hardy. From Deerfield former Illinois Open Champion at the Glen Club Vince India. Brad Hopfinger another past Illinois Open Champion at the Glen Club, will play in the ESI.

Final sponsor exemptions (3) will be announced May 19th or 20th. But 2020 Western Amateur Champion Pierson Coody, who received an exemption to the field will not play. Coody will play instead at the NCAA National Championship that week.

So for more details visit ESIinvitational.com.

DUPAGE GOLF with the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison opening soon. But all three courses are now open for 2021. So visit Dupagegolf.com      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Instagram. On Pinehurst No.6, and yes it’s the first media day of the year.

I START THE WEEK with a media day. So yes they are back. Because last year there were none due to the pandemic.

So give the Western Golf Association (WGA) credit for getting media days back on the calendar. But what’s even better is that it’s a real media day too.

This is not some half-a$$ virtual thing, and that virtual media days, and virtual anything start to fade away. So let’s start today by zooming back into the normal, or something that seems like what we should have been doing all along. Because for me it’s the first of four golf media events for 2021, that are being done the right way, the correct way, in person and on location. So who benefits from this, everyone does. It’s just a great feeling to pick up the microphone, and close up the lap top to do the job.

LATE BREAKING NEWS *** Sadly I must report the passing of IPGA Professional Bill Abrams today. Details as to what happened are still unclear. But there is more sad news, former WGA President Roger Mohr passed away last Friday at the age of 90. For many years Mohr owned one of the nicest homes alongside of his longtime club, Knollwood of Lake Forest.

TODAYS MEDIA DAY is for the Evans Scholars Invitational the ESI. The first news is that the championship which returns the last week of this month, is also back at the Glen Club in Glen View.

ONE TOPIC that should be interesting today, is that the ESI which is part of the Korn Ferry Tour, will be addressing last weeks news that the KF Tour will have to raise purses up to $1 Million Dollars by 2023. Currently the ESI purse has been about half that figure it’s first two years. But many of the tours tournaments have been in the $500 to $600K range, not just the ESI.

ALTWELL CBD PRODUCTS-working their way into golf.

SO ARE YOU TAKING CBD Products?

Because last year I received samples from several different companies, at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show.

So I tested the gummies, the pills, the tincture, and the roll-on’s.

Some products and or brands worked better than others. My reviews were posted about a year ago on this site. But recently a local PR firm asked me to try CBD by another long time firm called Altwell Products. So I will test out the product and see how they work. Full reviews are coming down the road. So stay clicked in to this site to learn more.

TEAM USA hangs on to the Walker Cup played over the weekend at the famed Seminole Golf Club in Florida. There were reports of several players getting very sick with some sort of stomach virus. I won’t get more descriptive. But you can guess what some of the players went through. Hopefully TEAM USA has equal success this September at the Ryder Cup.

RORY WINS AGAIN always good when Rory McIlroy wins on the PGA Tour, it’s great for golf. Win #19 and it’s shows he is getting ready for the Kiawah and the PGA, where he won 9 years ago. How about a repeat.

AND HOW ABOUT THE purposed big money tours to lure big names away from the PGA Tour, just stop already. The commish has put his foot down about what will happen to any player who jumps ship, and it’s possible that person is expelled from the PGA Tour for good.

GREG NORMAN had this kind of idea years ago that didn’t happen. But later on, the PGA Tour created a version of Norman’s plan. They are the WGC Golf events. But while those events have big purses, they don’t always offer the best places to play. So seeing what those events offer on several occasions, if I was a PGA Tour player, I’d be using them as my week to take-a-week off.

GET WELL WISHES to Webb Simpson, my fantasy golfer pick of last week. Who showed for his first round tee time at Wells Fargo-in his home town of Charlotte NC last Thursday and didn’t make it past the range. A stiff neck forced Simpson to W/D.

WITH THAT it’s off to the Glen Club and the return of real media days. I’ll recap right here in the next day or two. So stay clicked in. RS

THE 10-HOLE SHORT COURSE at Forest Dune in Roscommon Michigan is now open for play. Holes are between 65-and 150 yards. Learn more by visiting ForestDunes.com  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on Facebook/ LinkedIn or Instagram. At the Lawsonia Links Rock, Lawsonia’s Woodlands Course reopens from renovation next weekend.

SO FAR it’s a great weekend for the Wilson golf pro staffers.

2019 U.S. Open Champion Gary Woodland is leading, and our very own Kevin Streelman is top 15.

Rory McIlroy is lurking near the lead, and he has won at Quail Hollow in the past. So don’t count him out.

It should be a great final round today. So tune in and check out one of the top stops on the PGA Tour.

But closer to home it is a busy week on the golf news front.

The 4th hole at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB home of the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open. Will be hosting Nike Junior Golf Camps this summer.

So they begin on June 7th, and they run for a half day 9 Am to Noon. But kids can sign up for a full day, that runs from 9 Am to 4 Pm.

So sign up today while there are still places remaining. For information see Mistwoodgc.com or (815)-254-3333.

SO IF YOU ARE A STAR WARS FAN-and you would like a Star Wars themed putter. LAB Golf putters has created ten of them. But only 10. So act quickly if you want one, or they will be gone. See LABGolf.com LAB=Lie, Angle, Balance.

NOW SOLD-The Boulder Ridge Country Club in Lake in the Hills IL. has been sold by Links Capital Advisors and Chris Charnas. For more information on golf courses for sale, see Linkscapitaladvisors.com.

A new range experience at Boyne resorts in Michigan.

BOYNE GOLF in Michigan, has now announced the addition of Trackman Range to the Ross Golf Center at Boyne Highlands Resort.

So there was a soft opening this past Friday May 7th. But the formal opening event will be on Saturday May 29th.

Boyne Highlands becomes the first Northern Michigan resort to offer this new range technology.

So there will be 30 bays with the TrackMan connections. So to learn everything you can do and the daily or season pricing, see BoyneGolf.com Get the data of your swing, or play the amazing games of TrackMan Range.

THE COLLEGE GOLF PALM DESERT CAMP EXPERIENCE. Founded by Joshua Jacobs the founder and CEO of TGA Premier Golf. This camp on June 11-12 in Palm Desert, California, brings together 7 coaches including Michael Beard of Pepperdine the 2020 men’s college coach of the year. Jim Anderson from the University of Arizona, the 2021 Pac-12 Champions. So for more details on these camps, dates and locations, see CollegeGolfX.com

THE BIG TEN has announced it’s All-Conference teams for the 2021 season. Illinois Jr. Adrien Dumont De Chassart and Iowa Sr. Alex Schaake were named Big Ten Co-Golfers of the Year. Indiana’s Clay Merchent was named Freshman of the Year. Iowa Coach Tyler Stith received Coach of the Year honors.

FIRST TEAM ALL Big Ten included De Chassart of Illinois, Schaake Iowa, James Piot of Michigan State, Angus Flanagan Minnesota, Michael Feagles Illinois, Jerry Ji Illinois, Merchent of Indiana. SECOND TEAM included Giovanni Tadiotto Illinois, John Driscoll III and David Nyfjall from Northwestern. 14 players, one from each school received a sportsmanship award.

TROON INTERNATIONAL has announced the appointments of Steven Thielke as General Manager, and Sean Kingsley as Group Director of Agronomy at the Els Club Malaysia.

Pine Meadow Golf Club is hosting PGA Hope Clinics, in conjunction with the Illinois PGA Foundation, for veterans.

THE ILLINOIS PGA FOUNDATION has released it’s schedule for PGA HOPE (helping our Patriots everywhere) golf instruction clinics for military veterans for the 2021 season. Clinics are held every Thursday through June 10th at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein. So there are already 20 veterans enrolled in the program, that meets on the range.

PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA Reach, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. This program is free to veterans and will cover several aspects of the game. Because the end of session allows to veterans to test their skills on the course.

But there will be other clinics in the summer at Veterans Memorial Golf Course in North Chicago June 23 to July 28. But then again at Pine Meadow from September 2 to October 7.

“PGA HOPE is a tremendous program to help veterans through various rehabilitation processes and situations and offers enjoyable and challenging recreational activity,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section and Foundation. “So we’re thrilled to work with RevelationGolf, Pine Meadow Golf Club, Veterans Memorial Golf Course and an outstanding roster of Illinois PGA professionals to make this program possible for veterans to learn the game.” This weeks clinic is Thursday May 13th at Pine Meadow. So visit IPGA.com for more details.

PINE MEADOW has announced a Senior Scramble on Wednesday May 19th. So if your 60 and up, “your in”. Call “The Pine” at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

PERFECT MOTION Adds new App on it’s Game Improvement Platform

PERFECT MOTION has created new IN-APP features for it’s game improvement platform.

So if your looking for more in this type of instruction, Perfect Motion has added three new product features.

PUTTING PPI is a new way of getting some instant feedback, on the stability of your putting stroke.

GROOVE are you in the groove. So now find out how similar your swings are during each practice session. But a new MATCHING feature allows you to save the good swings for review in future training sessions. Learn more at PerfectMotion.io.

BJ Paul joins Bolingbrook Golf Club

BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB has announced the addition of BJ Paul, as it’s Director of Player Development.

“BJ is a fantastic addition to our team and the Bolingbrook community,” said Dave Thompson, PGA Director of golf at Bolingbrook GC. “Because In his short time at Bolingbrook, he has already added several new programs for golfers of all skill levels. But he will teach established programs on top of that.”

Paul brings 18 years of PGA experience to Bolingbrook. ” I absolutely love the process of figuring out how to train each unique individual,” said Paul. “So I look forward to this outstanding opportunity to grow the game of golf at Bolingbrook.”

So for more information on any of the golf programs at Bolingbrook. Call the Bolingbrook Golf Academy at (630)-771-9400 Ext 4500.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

FRENCH LICK RESORT-come down to historic French Lick Indiana. Frenchlick.com MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville. Visit Mistwoodgc.com. Mistwood home of the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open this July.      _____________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO With Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Rory Spears and contributor Len Ziehm. Every Saturday at 4 Pm (for now) on AM 820 WCPT-Chicago

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO AM 820 WCPT is back on the tee for Week #4 of the 2021 golf season.

So this week on the tee is Ed Stevenson, Rory Spears, Bill Berger, and Len Ziehm.

But we will also hear from Illinoi Golf Coach Mike Small, and his players that include Michael Feagles, Adrian de Dumont Chassard, and Jerry Ji.

But there is more. Because other guests include, the new Director of Golf at the Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena Mike Weiler. Plus from Erin Wisconsin, PGA Golf Ambassador Rich Tock. Erin Hills opens for the season Monday.

THE EAGLE RIDGE RESORT IN GALENA (L) THE ERIN HILLS GOLF LINKS IN ERIN WISCONISN (R).

So listen to the show live on WCPT Am 820. Listen at WCPT820.com. You can watch the show on You-Tube or on Facebook at the WCPT Facebook Page. But other options include, The Tune In Radio APP, Search WCPT 820.

BUT IF YOU MISS THE SHOW and need a mulligan. Go to Soundcloud.com/Chicago’sProgressiveTalk and then scroll down to the podcast. Because then you can listen at anytime.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO 4 Pm Saturdays (for now) on WPCT AM 820-Chicago.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is a proud sponsor of Golfers on Golf Radio, heard on Saturdays at 4 pm on WCPT AM 820. So tune in, or watch the show on Facebook. Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger & Rory Spears host. But see FrenchLick.com for #PeteDyeGolf    _____________________________________________________________________

Len Ziehm (L) Rory Spears (M) and long time golf industry executive Doug Schmidt podcast from Innisbrook Resort in March of this year.

ZIEHM & SPEARS they are back for another edition of the Z&S Podcast Series 2021-Volume 15.

Because Len Ziehm has a lot to say.

So yes some things never change. But Rory has plenty to add as well.

This weeks edition has Len and Rory debating the NCAA College Regional assignments. So did the B1G Ten get the shaft from the selection committee having their schools sent so far away to compete.

HOW ABOUT LOYOLA, back in another tournament again. But they face tough competition as a #13 seed. So they better call Sister Jean to help. Cog Hill Dubsdread hosted a U.S. Open qualifier this past week, who won. Cog Hill’s range now open at night with lights.

THE KORN FERRY TOUR will have minimum purses of $1 million dollars starting in 2023, a sizeable jump from it’s current amount for many of the tournaments. What does that mean for the Evans Scholars Invitational, that will need to make a purse increase as well.

ERIN HILLS opens on Monday for another exciting year of golf, and also in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin is looking for a new head golf coach. Who are some of the top resort properties hosting Symetra Tour events in the next few months.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2021-Volume 15.

FOREST DUNES has named it’s new Short Course-Len and Rory have more on the news.

Thanks for listening to another week of Ziehm and Spears-Len & Rory.

  WHITE DEER RUN in Vernon Hills is under new management. WhiteDeerRun.com So go book your tee time at one of Lake County’s top public golf courses. (847)-680-6100.  _____________________________________________________________________

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

THE BOOTLEGGER 10-hole Short course at Forest Dunes.

FOREST DUNES in Roscommon Michigan has now named it’s new 10-hole short course.

SO THE WINNER IS: The Bootlegger.

But while there was some limited play last fall, the course opened for good today May 6th.

This 1,135 yard short course was designed by Riley Johns and Keith Rhebb. Because the location is perfectly located on the grounds of Forest Dunes, it’s easy to access for play.

SO HOW LONG ARE THE HOLES ? Not very. Because the longest hole is 150 yards, with 65 yards being the shortest. But how did the name Bootlegger arrive ?

So legend has it that the Forest Dunes property has a history. But while owned by General Motors founder William Durant originally, the land got sold to a group of mafiosos (The Purple Gang) in the 1930’s. But known as the Detroit Partnership (think the Martin Scorsese’s film-The Irishman), the land became involved as a placed used in the smuggling of alcohol from Windsor, Ontario to Detroit.

The 10-hole Bootlegger Course at Forest Dunes.

JOHNS and RHEBB were able to build the Bootlegger in 81 days. But the Bootlegger was created with fun and amazing shot values.

“We essentially had carte blanche, which was awesome, and only way we could get the project completed in time,” says Rhebb. “One of the few requests was to make the course ‘playful’- a theme that prevailed though out the design process. So we had fun with it.”

IF YOU HAVE NEVER had a hole-in-one, playing the Bootlegger might be your best chance to get one. Because Bootlegger’s greens funnel balls towards pin locations. So should you make an ace-maybe it will be because your pumped from the music from 16 speakers around the course.

YOU CAN use a putter on a few holes, and try to make 1 or 2 teeing off with the flat stick. So take a whack at an ace with your putter. Because you can’t do that on the award winning Tom Weiskopf designed Forest Dunes course, or the Tom Doak built reversible layout the The loop.

So learn more about ‘The Bootlegger’ course by visiting ForestDunes.com

IT’S TIME TO GOLF at the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana. The courses are back & open for 2021 you should be too-Donald Ross-Pete Dye see FrenchLick.com.   ____________________________________________________________________

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

The Fighting Illini are off to Oklahoma as a #2 seed.

THE MEN’S NCAA Golf Regional assignments are out.

BUT THE B1G TEN will have to hit the road to compete, from May 17-19.

Because Big Ten Champions Illinois are off to Stillwater Oklahoma, and the Karsten Creek Golf Club. So this makes 13 straight years, the Orange and Blue have made the regionals.

But the #2 seeded Illini won’t be alone in Oklahoma, they will be joined by #11 Northwestern, and #5 seeded Notre Dame.

But for even more travel, the #35 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes get to go to Washington State. Where they will compete at Tumble Creek Golf and Country Club, in Cle Elum Washington. Wake Forest is the top seed. But while the trip is far, Iowa Coach Tyler Stith says his team will be ready to go. “Last year at this time we were not playing golf. So I told our players where ever we end up we will be grateful, and we will have a great attitude.”

INDIANA UNIVERSITY is back in the regionals for the first time since 2013. But it’s the tenth appearance for the Hoosiers under Coach Mike Mayer. “First and foremost, it’s been a great team effort, all 11 players on our roster have contributed,” said Mayer. “Because it’s been a while since we have been in the post season, we are thrilled to be going to Florida and play.”

INDIANA will join Ohio State of the Big Ten in Tallahassee Florida regional, played at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club.

FLORIDA STATE is the top seed in Tallahassee. With Indiana at #8, and the Buckeyes of Ohio State are at #11. 2021 is the 50th NCAA postseason appearance for the Buckeyes. Ohio State advanced to the nationals after their last regional appearance in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. At the national finals the Buckeyes finished in 13th place.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY has two players Joe Weiler and Cole Bradley, advance to regionals as individual players. Both Weiler and Bradley will compete at the Sagamore Golf Club in Noblesville Indiana. But not advancing as a team, ended Purdue’s six year run of team play in the regionals.

But for more on B1G Ten golf stay clicked in here. Because Illinois golf coach Mike Small and Fighting Illini players spoke to the media earlier today.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN head golf coach Michael Burcin, has resigned after 11 years with the Badgers, the university has announced.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is open for golf, your visit to the spa or the casino (must be 21 years old to enter). Book your next golf trip to French Lick. See FrenchLick.com. _____________________________________________________________________

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

    University of Illinois Men’s Golf team member, Adrien Dumont de Chassart has been selected to the International Team for the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms, June 11-13.

Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

But entire rosters for both men’s and women’s teams will be announced shortly.

THIS IS Dumont de Chassart’s first appearance in the Arnold Palmer Cup.

Dumont de Chassart is a native of Villers La Ville, Belgium, and becomes the sixth member of the Fighting Illini Golf Team to play in the Arnold Palmer Cup.

Past members include Nick Hardy (2017), Charlie Danielson (2016), Thomas Detry (2014-2015), Thomas Peters (2012), and Scott Langley (2010).

Dumont de Chassart, is ranked 30th nationally by Golfstat, and recorded a second place finish at last weekends Big Ten Championship won by Illinois.

But he is second on the team for stroke average (71.04) for this year, while tying for the team lead of top finisher for Illinois at three events this year. But Dumont de Chassard has top-10 finishes in six of eight events, and three top-5’s.

BECAUSE ILLINOIS has not yet finished it’s season. Dumont de Chassart will be part of the Fighting Illini’s play at the NCAA Regionals, from May 17-19. Illinois hopes to extend it’s streak to 13 straight years of going to the NCAA Nationals.

Golfersongolf.com will have more on the full rosters for the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup shortly.

OPENING IN Summer the Preserve at Oak Meadows Clubhouse. See Dupagegolf.com _____________________________________________________________________

THE 2021 B1G TEN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS the Fighting Illini of Illinois.

SO THEY DID IT AGAIN, Illinois has won yet another Big Ten Conference Championship.

But this time with no room for error.

Because it was the smallest margin of victory in school history. 1-Shot over Iowa. The two shot lead U of I started the day with, was gone in just 3 holes.

The first three holes the Illini were +3, and Iowa was -3, and took the lead. In fact Iowa had a 10 shot lead by the turn, said Illinois Coach Mike Small. “We got punched in the nose early, and didn’t respond until after 8 or 9 holes. It took some great golf on the back nine to rally and win.”

Small was really proud of his team that like all NCAA programs, has endured a lot during these pandemic times. “It’s great to see the smiles on the kids faces,” said Small.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Illinois Men’s head golf coach Mike Small. Who covers a variety of topics about golf.

SO NOW ILLINOIS waits for the phone call to see where they begin championship play. Small is hoping to keep the Illinois streak going, of consecutive appearances at the NCAA National Championships. Texas has the lead with 13 years, Illinois is second with 12 years. Destination Scottsdale Arizona-Grayhawk Golf Club.

BRIAN BULLINGTON of Frankfort Illinois, shoot s a 7 under par 65, at Cog Hill, on Dubsdread to advance out of local USGA qualifying for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in June. He shoots the low score of the day, and five players in total advanced to the final qualifying.

LAST Tuesday when I played the course, there was still some recovering to do from the aeration and sanding work that has been done. But maybe the warm weather weekend helped tune things up. Because the colder weather and snow Cog Hill was hit with, the previous week, slowed down the process.

THIS SOUNDS LIKE FUN! Tuesday June 1st DuPage Golf and the Preserve at Meadows have teamed up with the Green Street Grille, for a fun day of golf and food. Because for only $100 per player, enjoy a four-player (play your own ball), 1-best ball score per hole. Field limited to 108 players, shotgun start at 1 Pm. But after golf it’s a short drive over to the Green Street Grille for dinner. See DuPageGolf.com for more details.

THE EAGLE RIDGE RESORT and SPA, has hired in Mike Weiler as it’s new Director of Golf this past week. Weiler has started already, and replaces Ryan Brown who left for Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

  INNISBROOK is home to this weeks Valspar Championship-on the Copperhead Course one of four courses at the resort. So play where the pro’s play Innisbrookgolfresort.com. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on Facebook/LinkedIn or Instagram. On the Copperhead Bridge-hole #12.

THE VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP IS BACK.

So dial it in today on CBS, and catch all the action. Two-time defending champion Paul Casey seems to be out of the race for a 3-Peat. But he did make the cut for the weekend.

Copperhead is a course you can play, since it’s resort course. Innisbrook has 4 golf courses, the others are the Island Course, and the North and South Courses. Play them all. Because they are worth a round of golf or two on.

Pine Meadow in Mundelein is welcoming back Mothers Day golf in 2021.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein is welcoming back in 2021, Mothers Day Golf.

Mom’s can play FREE  after 11:30 Am with a paid $19.00 golf cart fee, on Mothers Day May 9th.

But there is more good news from Pine Meadow. Because the online automated tee time system has been activated as of Noon on May 1st.

For more details see PineMeadowgc.com or call the pro shop (847)-566-GOLF (4653).

WHITE DEER RUN Golf Course in Vernon Hills has been sold through Links Capital Advisors, and Chris Charnas. Linkscapitaladvisors.com.

THE GOLF HERITAGE SOCIETY has announced that Glenn Haueisen has been named to the societies Board of Directors in Region 4. This area includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Society president Bern Bernacki said,” his involvement with in many aspects of golf through the years will provide the GHS with important insight.” Details at GolfHeritage.org.

Eagle Ridge has opened it’s restaurants and expanded the hours. The Highlands is now open.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT in Galena is gearing up for the summer months.

So first on the tee is the great news that the Highlands Restaurant is now open.  But with new hours as of this weekend.

Because summer is right around the corner. All of the resorts dining places are expanding their hours.

But on the tee, or at least the range. Is the Callaway Fitting Day on May 15th, that runs from 10-2. So why not head to Eagle Ridge and help welcome new Director of Golf Mike Weiler. So for more information visit EagleRidge.com.

Lawsonia Links the 14th hole. A classic course you can play.

LAWSONIA LINKS in Green Lake Wisconsin, has been named the #23rd ranked course in the country, You Can Play by Golf Magazine.

But there is more news from Lawsonia. Because it’s not just the Links Course making news. The Woodlands Course will finally reopen on May 14th, and the Links Course will host the Wisconsin Women’s Open on June 15th and 16th.

Learn more at Lawsonia.com.

The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, home of McWethy’s Tavern.

MOTHER’S DAY at MISTWOOD and McWethy’s Tavern.

Because Sunday May 9th is Mothers Day, and you can reserve your table today.

The main dining hall-The Great Hall and McWethy’s will be open until 9 Pm.

But for those looking for more on the golf side. Check out Mistwood’s Short-Game clinics. Mistwood pro’s Andy Mickelson and Chris Ioriatti work with students on a 4 to 1 ratio. Clinics meet weekly all May. See MistwoodGC.com or call (815)-254-3333.

GIANTS RIDGE RESORT, a highly rated resort in Northern Minnesota, has announced it’s golf courses have opened for the season. Learn more at GiantsRidge.com.

POINT O’WOODS clubhouse in Benton Harbor Michigan, is getting some renovation work done. Official reopening in early June.

THE LONG TIME home of the Western Amateur, Point O’ Woods Golf Club in Benton Harbor Michigan, is getting an indoor renovation in it’s clubhouse.

The official reopening is expected in early June.

But the word is the club’s list of members is almost full, and could need to start a waiting list before long.

So one has to believe that before long, the Western Amateur will be returning, with all the improvements made by the club.

New Callaway golf shoes for the ladies.

SO LADIES would you like some new shoes for Mother’s Day.

C’mon ladies, new shoes-such a good plan, right!

Callaway Golf has created the new athletic designed-Malibu shoe. Comes complete with a spikeless outsole, and multi-directional traction lugs to keep you stable during your swing. Comes in both navy or grey colors with a suggested retail of $79.95.

BUT IT DOESN”T STOP THERE. Because New Balance has added Women’s Fresh Foam Breathe, available in white-grey and navy with a suggested retail of $69.95.

OMNI LaCOSTA Resort and Spa, in Carlsbad California has added Ryan Faust of Faustygolf.com to it’s golf training staff. Because if your body is in need for more flexibility and you want to gain swing speed. Stop and see Faust on your next trip to Southern California. See more at OmniLacosta.com.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-RETURNS TOMORROW. RS