1766 LAND-THE HOMESTEAD in Hot Springs Virginia. If you haven’t been there, see the video feature by Tony Leodora, The Traveling Golfer at TravelingGolfervideo.com. (R) The first hole at the “Baths Course” at BlackwolfRun. See DestinationKohler.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 and Instagram.

The Cap Rock Clubhouse at Horseshoe Bay Resort (top), the Horseshoe Bay pool (bottom).

THE ROCK is tougher than ever.

Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay Texas (just outside of Austin) has finished it’s four-year $100-million dollar plus entire property renovation.

Because it’s guests were ready for more.

So why not enjoy a dazzling 50-mile+ view point at the top of the Rock Clubhouse.

Because when your ready to dine, at the home of the resorts famed Apple Rock and Ram Rock golf courses, the Cap Rock Clubhouse is ready to help enjoy your stay in grand style, in between the rock sculptures.

Welcome to golf at Horseshoe Bay-4 championship courses.

“When you hear people talking excitedly about the architecture, making comparisons to Frank Lloyd Wright. Because of the clean geometrical lines of the design, you know you have something special,” says director of golf Anthony Holder. “What the entire clubhouse space does so well, is bringing the outdoors in. While adding the comfort and refinement of the indoors to all the wonderfully designed outdoor spaces. The patios, outdoor dining and luxurious pool cabana (complete with outdoor dining and bar service, heated pools, deck lounging and waterfalls amid native boulders) all take incredible advantage of the setting and the ‘big sky’ views of hill country.”

The Waterfall par 4 hole on Slick Rock.

But along with the dining and atmosphere, comes the addition of a new putting green adjacent to the pro shop.

“The completion of the Cap Rock Clubhouse renews the pride our ownership, membership and dedicated staff have. In the now-completed revitalized Horseshoe Bay Resort,” says Horseshoe Bay Resort’s managing director Bryan Woodward. “We’re excited to see new traditions take shape on the exquisite patios, dining and lounging areas of this remarkable new building. Cap Rock is going to be so many people’s favorite hip, new restaurant, their favorite place to celebrate the Fourth of July, Easter and so many great occasions.”

But in addition to the amazing 18-hole miniature golf course, are four championship golf courses. Slick Rock, Ram Rock and Apple Rock designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.. Plus Summit Rock the resorts newest course, by Jack Nicklaus.

So when your ready to travel, well like now. Why not try Central Texas, and enjoy the Horseshoe Bay Resort. Learn more about over $100 million dollars of improvements at Hsbresort.com or call (877)-611-0112. Now fully open and ready for your next visit.

ED STEVENSON is ready to welcome golfers and non-golfers to the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. Opening soon. Follow DuPageGolf.com for more details. The Preserve is open for play-with Maple Meadows & Green Meadows.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE US OPEN coming up next week from Torrey Pines in California.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

IT’S CALLED THE LONGEST DAY.

Because many great players, both professional and amateur have to play 36 holes to make it into the field of the U.S. Open. This year at Torrey Pines in Southern California.

A few players with some connections to Illinois made it through the day. But many did not.

Here is the recap.

THE GOOD NEWS is that Glen Ellyn’s Andy Pope (now of Orlando) made it again, after qualifying in New York. This is the 4th time Pope has gone through qualifying and made it into the field.

FORMER ILLINI Standout Dylan Meyer had a bogey free second round, and cruised into the U.S. Open. Meyer spoke with Golfers on Golf at the recent Evans Scholars Invitational after not making it through Monday qualifying for the ESI. Meyer said his game was trending back in the right direction and yesterday proved that.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with Dylan Meyer from the ESI.

Dylan Meyer at the ESI in 2019.

Meyer edged out fellow former Illini players Nick Hardy-Northbrook and Michael Feagles who failed to advance in Ohio.

From the Columbus qualifier, Arlington Hts. native Doug Ghim missed out. So did Brian Bullington the medalist at local qualifier at Cog Hill.

BUT OUT WEST in Washington, Arlington Hts. native and PGA Championship qualifier Brad Marek mounted a late charge. But it wasn’t enough to earn a U.S. Open spot.

OTHER ILLINOIS PLAYERS who failed to advance included, Tyler Isenhart of Geneva, Shane Smith of Godfrey and Kyle Slattery of Rockford. (A) Larry Blatt of Chicago, DePaul assistant coach Michael Schachner. But Bryce Emory of Aurora came up just 1 shot short of a playoff.

T-K Kelly of Wheaton, Ryan Linton of Lake Forest, Jordan Less of Elmhurst, Jack Korzon of Downers Grove, Brad Hopfinger and Larry Blatt (A) of Chicago were others who did not qualify.  Northbrook’s Evan Meyers, Dekalb’s Tommy Dunsive, Michael Devan of Rossville also came up short.

John Deere Classic 2019 champion Dylan Frittelli did qualify.

BUT 2019 John Deere Classic Champion Dylan Frittelli did advance. Because Frittelli had a great second 18 holes to rally into a spot, qualifying in Ohio.

SO ON the morning after Frittelli got up at his hotel, and did his media day Zoom call for the JDC.

Frittelli is doing a series of giveaways leading into the John Deere Classic. So monitor his social media pages to win some interesting prizes.

So watch the U.S. Open next week, starting on Thursday from Torrey Pines.

  THE NEW PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS clubhouse in Addison will be opening shortly, stay tuned at DuPagegolf.com for more on opening day. (R) Ed Stevenson Director of DuPage Golf, is getting ready to serve DuPage brewed cold beverages.         ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Facebook/LinkedIn or Instagram. At the bar in the new Preserve at Oak Meadows Clubhouse opening soon.

LEXI…

Oh my gosh, Olympic Club claims yet another in U.S. Open play.

PGA Tour, what a mishandling of the John Rahm situation, seriously. Geez.

BUT today is the longest day, as the final USGA U.S. Open 36-hole qualifiers are going on. Plenty of area players trying to make it into the field at Torrey Pines.

So from the area, Northbrook’s Nick Hardy and Glen Ellyn’s Andy Pope probably have the best chance. But I’m following the action, and will have more when the dust settles, and the sun-sets.

FIRST UP it was really sad to see the collapse in the U.S. Women’s Open at the Olympic Club of Lexi Thompson. I have heard many comments from people calling her out for her style of play on Sunday. People were viewing Thompson as the great American hope last week as the tournament progressed. Because the U.S. Women’s Open has looked more like a nations of the Far East tour stop in recent years.

AT TIMES Thompson seemed more interested in having fun, joking around with her caddie, then attending to the business at hand. As a result, her five shot lead went away and she did not even make it into the playoff.

BUT THIS can’t all be on Thompson. Where are the other American players ? Thompson should not have to carry the flag for the USA all by herself. Because Thompson could not bring home the trophy, the streak is now 12 consecutive majors that American women have not won. The KPMG Women’s PGA is right around the corner, lets get it going ladies.

THANK GOODNESS for Brandel Chamblee of The Golf Channel, who was quick to point out, when no else would, what I had seen from Thompson during her round. Because her putter was open at impact, and she was not hitting the ball dead center on the blade. So she wasn’t giving herself a chance to make many of her putts. Chamblee nailed it head on, and seemed to leave the rest of fellow panel members stunned as he spoke the truth.

IT GOT OLD quickly during the broadcast hearing the broadcast team say Thompson made a good swing, or stroke on the green. But that the ball just didn’t do what it was supposed to do, or the Olympic Club greens are tricky. Maybe when I was on the 18th green with Thompson’s putt she needed to make to get into a playoff. She didn’t hit it, I did, made par and broke 40 on the back-nine. Yes she had more on the line. But even amateurs have shots on great courses, that they might never get to play again that mean something.

I HAVE BEEN ASKED a few times lately, why does NBC, CBS, ESPN and The Golf Channel have to hire announcers from the UK all the time. Sorry I don’t have a great answer. Since Henry Longhurst and Peter Alliss have passed away-there is no longer a great need for announcers from the UK. I’m told there are a couple of golf podcasts that pummel CBS and NBC for some of their broadcast hiring’s, might be worth a listen. NBC you cut out of the U.S. Women’s Open to switch to gymnastics ? Shame on you, I’m looking forward to seeing gymnastics in the Olympics this summer. Show the ladies some respect please.

I do know this much. Trevor Immelman should go. He simply doesn’t have a voice for broadcasting. Two other announcers who need to step up their game are Nick Faldo and Ian Baker-Finch. Both can be really good when they want to be, but lately seem to be only adding too many short-quips, that only re-state the obvious.

The Ryder Cup poster by Milwaukee based artist Cassy Tully.

MY TRIP TO KOHLER last week got me thinking about the Ryder Cup.

Because late September will be here is less than four months.

IF YOU haven’t seen it yet, here is the Ryder Cup poster designed by Milwaukee based artist and great golf artist Cassy Tully. Learn more her artwork at CassyTully.com.

You will want one of these posters, they do look really cool, and Cassy will be in the big merchandise tent signing copies all week.

IF YOUR not going. Because you could not get tickets, or just want to watch on TV, do look online. You can most likely get one there. PGA.com.

AS YOU CAN TELL, I have spent some time recently in the new Preserve at Oak Meadows Clubhouse in Addison. This place is really something, and more than just golfers are going to love it. Opening day is PROBABLY less than 30 days away now. So stay tuned here or at DuPageGolf.com for information on opening day.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week, so keep it here when your not out in the fairway. RS

THE NEW PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS CLUBHOUSE in Addison (L), DuPage Golf Director of Golf Ed Stevenson and his team are getting close to welcoming golfers into the new clubhouse. So stayed tuned for details on the opening day at 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/Instagram. Behind the first tee on the new Baths Golf Course at Blackwolf Run in Kohler Wisconsin.

SO ANOTHER SUNDAY of Golf is here, and this week there are two great options.

But first on the tee is the U.S. Women’s Open from the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Where American Lexi Thompson looks to end a major US drought in women’s championships. (Now at 11). She has 1 shot lead headed into the final round.

FROM OHIO-it’s the Memorial Tournament hosted by the #Goat Jack Nicklaus. The golf course has been renovated by Nicklaus and his design team over the last year. But the bigger story is the forced W’D of leader Jon Rahm. Rahm came off of the 18th green with a six shot lead. But was then was told to pull out of the tournament by the PGA Tour’s medical staff for a positive Covid test. Leaving Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantly as your co-leaders.

NW Suburban architect Mike Benkusky at his newest renovation in Sarasota Florida. Photo by Joy Sarver.

ARCHITECT Mike Benkusky based in Lake in The Hills, Illinois. Has started work on his first Florida based project located in Sarasota.

Benkusky is currently working on The Champions Course that makes up 18 of the 36 holes at the Palm Aire Country Club. November 1st is expected to be the reopening date for the golf course.

But a full story on the project has been written, and is posted at the LenZiehmongolf.com website. Ziehm will have updates as the project continues.

AWARD WINNING Architect Agustin Piza has teamed up with Golf Channel Studio Host Brandel Chamblee to work on future design projects. But for more details-Pizngolf.com.

The Cleveland RTX Full-faced wedges.

CLEVELAND GOLF has announced it’s new RTX Full-Face wedge. The new RTX wedge will hit the American market this Friday June 11th.

RTX-Full-Face adds full-face grooves to the current flagship RTX model.

What RTX does is bring maximum versatility to the most critical shorts, your short game will require.

“The new RTX Full-Face maintains the traditional and striking clean look that golfers have come to expect from a Cleveland Wedge, all while adding shotmaking creativity with grooves across the entire face,” said Ryan Polanco, General Manager at Cleveland Golf. “It’s the perfect compliment to the classic RTZ ZipCore and delivers exceptional versatility around the green.”

This High-Toe profile wedge are MAP $159.99, with RTX Full-Face Tour Rack wedges MAP at $179.99. Tour Satin Lofts are 50-60-and 64 degrees. But the Tour Rack comes in 56-60 and 64 degree lofts. More information at ClevelandGolf.com.

TICKET REGISTRATION is now open through June 21st, to attend the playing of the 2022 Masters Tournament. But you will need to fill out an application. Prices vary for different days. See the Masters website for more information.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville is now taking registration for the annual Stars & Stripes Tournament.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, ha started registration for the annual Stars and Stripes Tournament on July 4th.

Stars and Stripes is in it’s 23rd year, and is a shotgun start at 7 Am. The format is 6-holes. But with three different formats.

So for more details, please call Mistwood at (815)-254-3333. For more information visit Mistwoodgc.com.

GOLF 360 is back starting tonight June 6th.

GOLF 360 is back starting tonight June 6th, on NBC Sports Chicago.

The show is hosted by former Chicago Bears long-snapper Patrick Mannelly.

BUT IF YOU miss tonight’s show, visit their website for a schedule of replays. At www://linksvideo.com/Golf360TV.

Some of the current segments include features from Boyne Golf, and the other Michigan Golf courses. But if your in the market for a new driver, watch the segment on all the new drivers found at the local PGA Tour stores. Golf 360 TV tonight at 6:30 PM on NBC Sports Chicago.

E-Z-GO has announced the addition of the new 4-Seat Liberty Golf Cart line. So iff your in need of a 4-seat cart to drive on the course, or through your golf community. You should see the new Liberty Model. Because it’s a comfortable ride with more storage space. EZGO.com for more information.

Welcome to Cog Hill, 4 courses and now a driving range running under the lights. Coghillgolf.com

AT COG HILL…

JUNE 11th is the Titliest fitting day from 12-4 PM. Fee is $75.00. But you will receive a dozen Titleist golf balls.

JUNE 12th from 10 Am to 2 Pm will be the TaylorMade fitting day on the Cog Hill range.

Cost is $75.00. But you do receive a dozen TaylorMade golf balls.

June 18th starting at 6 Pm is the Stogie’s and Scotch 2-Man scramble. So For information on all these events please visit Coghillgolf.com or call Cog Hill at (866)-254-4455.

Women’s Golf Day founder Elisa Gaudet in the Jack Nicklaus booth at the 2020 PGA Show.

JUNE 1st was Women’s Golf Day.

This year Women’s Golf Day grew it’s numbers to record levels.

Women’s Golf Day founder Elisa Gaudet traveled around the country on June 1st to be a part of festivities.

Social media numbers topped 87 million impressions, over various forms of social media.

Facilities taking part around the world numbered over 1,000. So for more information see Womensgolfday.com.

THE CDGA SENIOR AMATEUR tee’s off tomorrow at the Merit Club in Libertyville. A field of 75 players aged 55 and older, will play 18 holes of stroke play, and then the top 16 players will advance to match play. Because the championship was not held in 2020 because of the pandemic. Tim Sheppard is still the defending champion, and is back in the field along with players like Joel Hirsch (2006 champion) and Dave Ryan (2015 champion). Follow the results at CDGA.org.

BGT BREAKTHROUGH Golf Technology has introduced a new preferred putter model shaft, The Stability Polar 2, built based on Stability Black. Polar 2 will sell for $299.99, and will be available on June 15th. But for more information please visit online Breakthroughgolftech.com.

Gloves by Oak Brook based Zero Friction.

ARE YOU SEARCHING for the perfect Fathers Day Gift. Because if you are we have ideas for you.

Because Dad’s day is only 2 weeks away, and if your dad, who is your favorite golfer is in need of golf gifts.

So here are a few suggestions.

SHOES… how about a new pair of golf shoes from either New Balance or Callaway Golf. So see each companies website to see all the options on these well priced shoes.

GOLF GLOVES the full line of gloves from Zero Friction, now includes the copper inserts. So visit ZeroFriction.com for details, on gloves, golf balls, tees, and range finders.

SENTRY WORLD in STEVENS POINT Wisconsin home of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open, will open it’s new Inn for overnight rooms starting on July 30th. But for reservations and tee times visit Sentryworld.com.

Photo’s of some products and more, can be seen on Rory Spears Facebook page, or on Twitter Rory Spears @GogBlogGuy.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

ED STEVENSON DIRECTOR OF GOLF at DuPage Golf is settling into the brand new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. Whether it’s at the bar or in the pro shop you will enjoy one of Chicagoland’s top new golf facilities. The clubhouse will be opening soon. So stay tuned to DupageGolf.com for all the details, the golf course is already open. DuPage FPD Golf courses Maple Meadows & Green Meadows are open. ______________________________________________________________________

THE BATHS at Blackwolf Run

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

YOUR BATH IS WAITING !

Courtesy of Herb Kohler and all the good people in Kohler, and at Blackwolf Run, part of Destination Kohler and it’s properties.

THE BATHS are a 10-hole par 3 course, that is now open. It was built in a 22 acre stretch between holes 2 and 11 on the Meadow Valleys golf course. But there is more than just par 3 holes. Because there is one very unique 18 hole putting course for golfers to enjoy.

The good news is that everyone can play or putt. All day if you want. Because playing the first new golf venture at Kohler in 20 years, can be put into part of any golf package. But if your not playing any of the other golf courses, you can just play it all day long for $75.00. The even more enjoyable thing, is that you can play in a swimsuit, flipflops or sandals.

Kohler Executive Chairman herb Kohler delivers his opening remarking at the new “Baths Course”.

Because of the passing of long time golf architect Pete Dye, Kohler company Executive Chairman Herb V. Kohler Jr., selected Dye’s longtime right hand man of 38 years, Chris Lutzke to create the first Kohler golf course, not designed by Dye.

Lutzke started with dye in 1985, while working on the original layout of Blackwolf Run. One year later the course was split into two courses, and the River Course and the Meadow Valley Courses were built.

Chris Lutzke-Herb Kohler and Kohler VP of Golf Dirk Willis.

Lutzke says the Kohler has selected the course name before he even started on the project. But the thing that challenged Lutzke. Was to create something that not only Kohler, but that Dye would be proud of.

Vice President of Golf for Kohler dirk Willis, says that,” Kohler gives a lot back to golf, but needed a facility for everyone, and place to grow the game, ‘The Baths’ are just that..

CLICK here to hear the opening comments by Dirk Willis and Herb Kohler, with a follow up on course information by Willis.

THE FIRST HOLE on The Baths (L) and the new Baths 18 hole putting course on the right. Both courses sit by the 125 year old cabin moved to Blackwolf Run from Northern Michigan and rebuilt.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with architect Chris Lutzke on the design of ‘The Baths’ and on his time with Pete Dye.

For more information on “The Baths” see DesitnationKohler.com/golf. Kohler’s Director of Golf Michael O’Reilly joins Golfers on Golf radio at 4:30 on Saturday. Tune In.

THE FIRST HOLE at The Baths Course at Blackwolf Run in Kohler Wisconsin. (L) The team of architect Chris Lutzke-Herb Kohler and Kohler VP of Golf Dirk Willis. See more about the Baths 10-hole par 3 course, or the putting course at DestinationKohler.com      _____________________________________________________________________

RORY SPEARS (L) and ED STEVENSON host today’s edition of Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT AM 820 at 4 pm.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO WEEK 8

YES IT’S time for another edition of Golfers on Golf Radio, with this weeks edition hosted by Ed Stevenson and Rory Spears.

Our tee time is 4 PM (for now) on Saturday’s at WCPT AM 820.

But more good news for golfers is that, you can also hear the show on WCPT820.com. But if you want to watch see us live on the WCPT 820 Facebook page. From your phone hear us live on the Tune-In Radio APP-search WCPT820. But if you miss the show and need a mulligan, check out Soundcloud.com/ChicagosprogressiveTalk and scroll to down to the show’s podcast.

The pro shop at Klein Creek Golf Club

THIS WEEK’S first guest is the new General Manager and Director of Golf at the Klein Creek Golf Club in Winfield.

Klein Creek is much improved both on and off the golf course in recent years.  Because a local resident bought the course in 2019, and has made a great investment in bringing up the level of the entire facility.

Brian will join us about 4:10.

But then at the bottom of the hour. We talk more about ‘The Baths’ 10-hole par 3 course at Blackwolf Run in Kohler Wisconsin.

So join us to hear part of Herb Kohler’s opening remarks. With more from Kohler VP of Golf Dirk Willis on how the new course came together, and how you can play it. Ed and Rory will discuss the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, and this weeks U.S. Women’s Open.

Join us on the tee at 4 PM and Thanks for listening. Ed and Rory.

THE NEW 1ST TEE starter stand & the new Bag Stand at the preserve at Oak Meadows are up and ready for your arrival. But if need more, just wait until you see the new clubhouse opening soon. For the news on the grand opening see DuPageGolf.com _____________________________________________________________________

RORY SPEARS (L) and LEN ZIEHM (R) bring you Ziehm & Spears the podcast series. From the PGA Village studios.

ZIEHM & SPEARS are back.

The Ziehm and Spears Podcast series 2021-Volume 18 is here with all the latest golf news in Chicago and beyond.

This week Len and Rory have the final wrap up on the Evans Scholars Invitational (ESI), and the Fighting Illini and their run to the elite 8 of the Men’s NCAA Golf championships.

What’s new on the U.S. Open fronts, both the men and the women. The LPGA scene, a new commissioner, a match play 3rd place forfeit. Is Phil Mickelson back on the Ryder Cup team?

All this and more at Ziehm & Spears.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 18.

Thanks for listening-Len and Rory. Volume 19 is back next week.

THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS CLUBHOUSE is getting close to opening. So for all the details see DuPageGolf.com The golf course is open for play, so make a tee time ______________________________________________________________________

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

BIOLYTE a safe and healthy energy drink.

A NEW healthy drink, that is more than a blast of sugar.

“Golfers oftentimes forget how easy it is to become dehydrated while playing,” said Dr. Luther Rollins, a Board Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Specialist who practices in Atlanta who created BIOLYTE. “Being on the golf course 4-5 hours can significantly decrease your electrolyte levels, which can lead to fatigue, nausea, and sluggishness, BIOLYTE is a perfect solution for preventing these symptoms of dehydration, and providing golfers with natural energy to remain energized throughout their entire round.”

So what BIOLYTE does is provide an IV in a bottle, and provides what an IV rehydration therapy offers.

Because what one bottle of BIOLYTE offers, is what you get when you drink 7 1/2 bottles of current major sports drinks. Sugar is at only 10 grams, and has only calories.

PRODUCT REVIEW BY RORY SPEARS.

I have tasted all three flavors, Citrus, Tropical and Berry.

FIRST UP all three flavors are good, and made me feel better after being out in the heat playing golf. Because what I did was have some BIOLYTE before playing, and the other half of the bottle after finishing my round and coming home.

IF YOUR LOOKING for a bottle of sugar boost, BIOLYTE is not for you. The first bottle I tried was Citrus. Citrus does have a mixed fruit aroma to it. But of the three flavors, good I though Citrus had a small amount of salty after taste, but was still good.

TROPICAL DOES smell like a few different types of sun-tan lotions I’ve noticed by pools and a few beaches. But don’t let that fool you. Because the taste is good and you will feel the results after a warm day on the course. So if your day is golf, or working out in the gym to look better, or help the physical side of your golf game. Tropical will bring a smell much better than any sweaty gym.

BERRY WAS my favorite flavor. The smell is great, and so is the taste. I did not notice any salty after-taste with the bottle of Berry. But no matter which flavor I tried, all three of them are good tasting and the effects are good ones that you feel after drinking a bottle of BIOLYTE.

BIOLYTE should be consumed cold. But if there a downside, BIOLYTE is found mostly at Kroger and Publix stores. Stores not found in the Chicago area. But you can order BIOLYTE through Amazon. Which is something I will now be doing. I recommend BIOLYTE, especially to golfers who play on hot days, and or live in hot climates. For more information please visit DrinkBiolyte.com.

  FOUNDER OF WOMEN’S GOLF DAY ELISA GAUDET-ladies are you taking part in Women’s Golf Day today. Visit Womensgolfday.com to find a golf course near you.          ______________________________________________________________________

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.

The Men’s NCAA National Championships at Gray Hawk Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona.

IT’S OVER

THE ILLINI MEN are headed home after another great season in NCAA men’s golf.

But they left it all out on the golf course, and fought hard against the higher seeded Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners entered the NCAA national championships as the #1 team in the country.

So how good was the OU & U of I match, the closest of the morning. Oklahoma Coach Ryan Hybl knew it would take everything his team had to beat Illinois. So Hybl brought out his lucky sweater vest that he wore at Rich Harvest Farms in 2017, when the Sooners beat Illinois in the semi-finals, and went on to win the national championship.

THE ILLINI had a chance to win. They lost the 5 match quarterfinal 3-2. Adrien Dumont de Chassart ended up taking command of his match early, and winning 8 & 6. Senior Michael Feagles the Scottsdale native rallied to win his match 4 & 3.

BUT ILLINOIS could not get even a 1/2 point in the other three matches. All 3 players Tommy Kuhl, Jerry Ji and Giovano Tadiotto all were defeated on the 17th hole. Tadiotto a senior had a 3 Up lead after 7 holes, only to see his opponent birdie six of the next 8 holes to come back and take a 3 Up lead that Giovani could never catch up from.

JI had two great comebacks. 3 Dn, Ji pulled within 1 Dn. But then trailed again 3 Dn. But Ji rallied to even the match at the 15th hole. Then Ji’s tee shot on 16, found the bushes and he had to chip out, that cost him the hole, and then a tee shot left short of the par 3 17th, ended up costing him the match.

CLICK HERE to hear the match press conference by Illinois coach Mike Small.

SO THAT LEFT Tommy Kuhl, who had an early lead, and then some late birdies putts to get back into the match. But Kuhl could not convert them.

SEMI FINAL Matches are Pepperdine vs Oklahoma State and Oklahoma vs Arizona State. The national championship will be tomorrow, and televised on The Golf Channel.