TOUR EDGE Golf winning on the PGA Tour Champions, and winning in your golf bag. So check out the new product line now available from Tour Edge Golf. Made in Illinois.    _____________________________________________________________________

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 Facebook.

White Eagle Director of Golf Curtis Malm wins the 2021 IPGA Players Championship at Knollwood Club.

WHEN HE GETS rolling in a Illinois PGA Section major, Curtis Malm keeps it going.

Because a few years back Malm, the Director of Golf at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, won the IPGA Match Play Championship three straight years (2012-2014).

But now Malm has won the Players Championship two straight years, with his one shot victory at Knollwood Club in Lake Forest.

Malm shot one of only four under par scores on the second day of the championship. His 4-under par 68, was enough to defeat Brian Carroll (The Hawk Country Club) by one shot. Malm finished his round first, and was eating lunch when he discovered he was suddenly tied for the lead with Carroll. Because if the score had remained tied, there would have been a 3-hole playoff.

Malm quickly finished eating and got ready for a playoff that never happened. Because Carroll hit his approach on 18 into a front left greenside bunker. Carroll played his bunker shot to 15 feet from a right side-middle back pin placement. The par putt looked good most of the way, but slid past the edge of the cup. Carroll made the comeback putt for bogey and finished second, but Malm got the win for his sixth Illinois PGA major.

Malm while still an amateur won the Illinois Open. So now all Malm needs for the Grand Slam of Illinois golf, is the IPGA Section Championship. Malm has previously had three runner-up finishes in the section championship.

Davis Jensen (Five-Iron Golf) and Roy Biancalana (Blackberry Oaks Golf Club) the first round leaders, fell back after getting off to rough starts. Jensen with a lost ball on the first hole-that lead to double-bogey. Biancalana with bogeys on four of his first six holes.

Mistwood’s Andy Mickelson tied for third with Skokie Country Club’s Garrett Chaussard. Both players finished at 1 under par with a score of 71.

Skokie Country Club’s Garrett Chaussard is the 2021 IPGA Player of the Year.

But for Chaussard, his steady final round play earned him the IPGA 2021 Player of the Year award.

Chaussard previously won the award in 2019.

Chaussard didn’t win any of the major IPGA titles this year, but he had solid finishes in all of them.

He was runner-up at the Match Play Championship at Bull Valley Golf Club. He was in the top 5 at the Illinois Open until the final nine holes, where he fell back just out of the Top-10.

In the Illinois PGA section Championship at Ivanhoe, Chaussard earned a T-2 finish. Chris French of the Aldeen Golf Club could have won the Player of the Year award, but a back nine score of 42 (+6) pushed him behind Chaussard in the point standings.

CLICK HERE to hear the press conferences with Players Championship winner Curtis Malm. That includes 2021 IPGA Player of the Year Garrett Chaussard, and IPGA Executive Director Carrie Williams.

Both Curtis Malm and IPGA Executive Director Carrie Williams confirmed a return to White Eagle Golf Club in 2022 for the Illinois Open. The other three major championship sites will likely be announced in early 2022, said Williams.

THE ILLINOIS PGA is also conducting a Q-School event this week at Bull Valley Golf Club for the Korn Ferry Tour, after being approach by the tour to fill an opening, after some previous sites dropped out.

THE WINNING RYDER CUP TEAM-TEAM USA- EUROPE AFTER LOSING THE CUP.  ______________________________________________________________________

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 Facebook. With PGA of America President Jim Richerson at the Ryder Cup.

IT WAS JUST TIME…

BUT NOT JUST to win the Ryder Cup, but to do it in convincing manner.

As Sunday moved forward at Whistling Straits, it became apparent that Team USA didn’t want to “just win” they wanted to win big.

Because it was time to put up, 19 or 20 points on the board. Because it was time to keep Europe in a point total of single digits.

For almost 20 years, it’s not only been Team Europe winning most of the time. But Team USA getting pounded and leaving the question of what next, and how do we stop the European momentum. How does the USA not have to come from 4 points behind on Sunday to win. How does it keep from losing 4 point leads on Sunday, like it did at Medinah. Should the PGA of America have to form a task force to figure out how to get the Ryder Cup right ?

The feeling in the small Wisconsin community of Haven, was that it was time, right here right now to put the feeling of-oh wait next in Europe’s court. Make Europe finally deal with the issues that the USA has been dealing with for the last few decades.

With the 19-9 win handed out by Wisconsin native and Team USA Captain Steve Stricker’s 12 players, there is a sense that it was mission accomplished. Word was that even the injured Tiger Woods sitting in Florida was telling the Stricker-12 as much.

After his match was over, Patrick Cantlay made it clear he wanted a big Team USA score put up. Because the word was that someone, maybe Jordan Spieth was making sure the team knew what the records were in point totals. Bryson DeChambeau told me that while he respects Sergio Garcia, he really enjoyed beating him. Then making a statement by driving the first green, and sinking his eagle putt for a quick 1 Up lead.

When the dust settled, it was Team Europe having to look in the mirror. They must now face the challenge, of where do we go from here.

But what was apparent, was that the veterans on Team Europe all know what the next steps are going to have to be. Because when the main interview session was over, credit Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter for hanging out and doing media scrums on the clubhouse patio. They were also very candid with the their answers, and tipped their cap or golf visor in the direction of the Americans.

Rory McIlroy said the Americans now have players buying into what the Ryder Cup is all about, something that hasn’t always been there in recent years. Ian Poulter said that Team USA made it’s youth movement this year, and that Europe would now have to do the same before Italy. Lee Westwood said that he would be turning 49 soon, and left an image that spelled out, I’ve probably just played in my last one of these. But it’s not likely the American’s have seen the last of Poulter or Westwood. They will be captains and or vice-captains for years to come.

But finally it’s time for the European’s to be in the boat the American’s have been stuck in several times. The shoe is now on the other foot as both sides look forward to Italy in 2023.

THE CARDS fell the right way for PGA of America President Jim Richerson. Richerson worked at Kohler for over 10 years as it’s Director of Golf. So to come back to Wisconsin as the President of the PGA, Ryder Cup week was quite a homecoming. Richerson would have been vice president of the PGA, had the Ryder Cup been played in 2020.

After 4 years with Troon Golf in Arizona, Richerson take’s over as General Manager at Riviera Country Club in California. Richerson will help take the club through it’s PGA Tour event the Genesis Invitational. Then prepare the club for it’s likely hosting of the golf competition in the 2028 Olympic games.

CLICK HERE to hear our interview with PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

The week of golf continues with the Illinois PGA Players Championship at The Knollwood Club in Lake Forest. I’m back with a wrap-up of the Illinois PGA Sections final major. RS

THE 43RD RYDER CUP at Whistling Straits is in the books. TEAM U-S-A wins 19-9.         ____________________________________________________________________

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 Facebook.

REPORTING FROM Haven Wisconsin.

19-9. Remember that score. Because you can bet the European’s will, when the Ryder Cup gets over to Italy in 2023.

Rory McIlroy already can’t wait to get there, and be a part of that team. But for now, enjoy USA fans, the three year wait has now been worth it. So give the USA some credit, and Captain Steve Stricker even more. Because Team USA went and took back the Ryder Cup, and there was practically no argument about it. 19-9, and it could have been even more lopsided than it was.

Steve Stricker made it sound like his strategy was simple. Stay out of the way and his highly rated team go out and play, and win. Much of the usual schedule during Ryder Cup week was discarded, and the players just had to get ready whatever that was and go play.

Rory McIlroy started things out on Sunday trying to set the tone for a possible Team Europe comeback, defeating Xander Schauffele 3 & 2. But it wasn’t enough. Because right behind McIlroy’s win, came wins for the USA by Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler over World #1 Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau over the winningest player in Ryder Cup history in Sergio Garcia. With the Spanish armada sunk, and the USA only half point away from taking back the cup early-the rout was on.

Dustin Johnson who became one of the few players in Ryder Cup history to play in all five matches, and go 5-0-0 had a chance to score the winning point. But it was Collin Morikawa who with a half in his match against Viktor Hovland, scored the cup clinching point. With Johnson and then Brooks Koepka winning right behind Morikawa.

Team Europe settles in for the post matches interview session.

In the later matches some of the Team Europe veterans made their case.

When Ian Poulter won his match over Tony Finau, he crouched down with his head in hands. There was immediate speculation that Poulter was treating the win like it was his last Ryder Cup match.

Lee Westwood won his match over Harris English, when English dunked his ball in the creek around the 18th green. But afterwards Westwood acted like his Ryder Cup playing career had ended. Westwood admitted that he will be 49 years of age soon, the and time is not on his side. Westwood had his son with him for what could be his final journey as a player, in a Ryder Cup match.

CLICK HERE to hear Team Europe’s post round final press conference.

Team USA at it’s post round Sunday press conference.

Team USA is a much younger team that it has been in years. Stricker had six captains picks, many more than most Team USA captains have had for years.

While there was some debate about all six of the players that were picked. in one way or another, those captains picks came through for Team USA. But Stricker says they were selected because they are good players, who were good guys and could get along.

CLICK HERE to hear Team USA’s post round Sunday press conference.

Daniel Berger was sent out last on Sunday, when the captains pick ended his match with a win. The 43rd Ryder Cup was in the books, and Team USA seemed to be back on track, after almost two decades of struggles.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

  IT’S RYDER CUP Weekend at Whistling Straits-Enjoy the fun. The USA is now leading.  ______________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Ed Stevenson bring you the season finale of Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT Am 820.

WE WRAP IT for 2021 at the Ryder Cup.

Rory Spears is back in studio, with Ed Stevenson, with Len Ziehm live at Whistling Straits.

Bill Berger has putted out for the year, and has the weekend off.

The show will talk Ryder Cup, the 2021 golf season, what’s on tap for 2022.

So join us for the season finale at 4 Pm on WCPT 820 Am. Or WCPT820.com listen live, or watch live on WCPT820.com Facebook page. But if you only have your phone, use the Tune-In Radio APP, search WCPT 820. IF you miss us all-together, because your watching the Ryder Cup or at the Ryder Cup. You get a mulligan at Soundcloud.com/Chicagosprogressivetalk. Then scroll down to the podcast.

YOU WILL also hear from Ryder Cup Captains Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker. White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville Director of Golf Curtis Malm.

We hope you enjoyed our season this year, and thanks for listening. Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears.

WCPT AM 820-on the air or the tee at 4 Pm today.

THE STANDS are ready for the fans. Let’s play some golf in Haven Wisconsin. #U-S-A   _____________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn.

(Reporting from Haven Wisconsin-at the Ryder Cup).

DAY 1 of the 43rd Ryder Cup Matches has started off well for Team USA.

TEAM USA X and TEAM EUROPE X is the score with 8 matches in the books.

The atmosphere was buzzing early. It was somewhere around 4 Am the stands behind the first tee box were full.

Because of travel restrictions, most of the fans where dressed in Red-White and Blue colors. The crowd support was very pro Team USA. Alternate shot was the morning format.

MATCH 1 Saw the Europeans jump out to a 1-0 lead when Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm defeated Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth 3&1. Spieth hit a cliffside shot on 17 that will be shown for years, but it wasn’t enough. Thomas had several looks inside of 10 feet and could not make a putt. Rahm made several clutch putts to seal the win.

MATCH 2 Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa defeated Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland 3&2. Both Johnson and Morikawa took turns stepping up, but the Americans were in control most of the way, and Casey and Hovland did not seem to mix well as a team.

MATCH 3 Brooks Koepka and his college teammate Daniel Berger beat Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick 2&1. Fitzpatrick played much better than he did at Hazeltine in 2016. But Koepka showed no ill effects of his injury from a weeks ago and led the USA team to a hard fought win. Westwood missed a few key putts on the back nine.

MATCH 4 Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele trounced Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter 5&3. This match was over almost before it started, with Cantlay and Schauffele winning the first 5 holes. McIlroy and poulter had a brief push-back on the back nine cutting the deficit to 3 Dn, but could not comeback when the lead went back to 4 Up for the Cantlay and Schauffele.

CLICK HERE to hear end of Day 1 interviews with Scottie Sheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and captains Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker.

THE AFTERNOON FOUR BALLS SESSION

Even with a successful 3-1 start in the morning. Team USA captain Steve Stricker broke up some of his better morning pairings, that left both fans and media surprised. But things broke Team USA’s way as the afternoon continued on.

MATCH 5 Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele defeated Bernd Wiesberger and Paul Casey 2&1. Johnson was solid again, and with a new partner after playing with Morikawa in the am. Casey was the one 40+ year old veteran who played both sessions on Friday, and it showed in the afternoon. Johnson and Schauffele were never really threatened in this match.

MATCH 6 Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau settled for a half point with Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton, when Hatton converted a birdie on the 18th hole to give the Euro’s a 1/2, when the U.S. side was ready to take the first matches in the afternoon. DeChambeau almost drove the sixth green, and made eagle on a par 5. But it was Scheffler who made most of the contributions. Hatton missed several key putts and almost busted his putter over his knee.

MATCH 7 Tony Finau and Harris English took down Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowery 4&3. Finau was solid making several key putts, while English held his own and closed out the match with a par on 15. McIlroy had an awful day never seeing neither of his two matches hit the 16th tee. This match finished before Match 6, and gave the USA a 5-1 lead at that point.

MATCH 8 saw European’s Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland hang on to get the European’s a 1/2. But after losing a 3 Up lead on the front side, the Euro’s were in the survival mode. Justin Thomas made eagle on 16 to tie up the match.

Making the Day 1 score 6-2 USA. The morning pairings are about the same as Friday, with a few changes. More details in the morning.

LEN ZIEHM checks out the new Tour Edge 522 series clubs. They are now in his bag, should they be in yours. Learn more TourEdge.com. The 522 series available in 1 week. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn. At the Ryder Cup in Haven Wisconsin.

(REPORTING FROM HAVEN WIS.)

The 43rd Ryder Cup Matches are here at the Whistling Straits golf links, part of Destination Kohler.

But it’s been a long wait, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the better news, is that it’s being played with fans. If it had been held last year. The fans would not have been allowed on the course. Which is no way to hold a Ryder Cup.

Let’s play some golf at Whistling Straits

The captains are Padraig Harrington for Team Europe, who played on several Ryder Cup teams over the years.

But it’s Wisconsin Home-Town native Steve Stricker for Team USA. Stricker grew up in Edgerton Wisconsin, which is near Madison. But because he got a better scholarship offer from Illinois, he went and played in Champaign. He is still close to the Illinois Golf Program, and coach, his teammate from his college days Mike Small.

The Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

While the USA holds an over lead in the Ryder Cup, it’s Europe that has come on strong in the last two decades. Winning 9 of the last 12 Ryder Cups.

This year Team USA is the favorite, especially playing on home soil. But the USA has been a favorite in several of the recent defeats.

But perhaps the most crushing defeat, was the come from behind win by the Europeans in 2012 at Medinah. The USA had a 4 point lead heading into Sunday’s singles, and not many thought Europe could rally from that deficit. But they did, leaving the USA fans stunned. It took four years when the USA finally won at Hazeltine in Minnesota in 2016. Things did not go well in France 3 years ago, and Europe crushed the USA. As a result the American’s have had a long wait to get revenge.

Harrington made sure veteran Ryder Cuppers Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood were part of this years team. Stricker made somewhat of a youth movement, adding players like Daniel Berger, Scottie Scheffler, Harris English with three of his six captains picks.

CLICK HERE to hear Ryder Cup preview comments from team Europe’s Tyrell Hatton and Jon Rahm. From Team USA Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau.

The matches have started-enjoy fun golf at it’s best.

THINGS TAKING SHAPE at Settlers Hill in Batavia, the renovation is coming along under the watchful eye of architect Greg Martin. Martin joins the show today at 4:10. MORE NEWS from Batavia-Tour Edge Golf has launched new product. TourEdge.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Ed Stevenson (R) along with Bill Berger and Len Ziehm bring you Golfers on Golf Radio Saturdays at 4 Pm on WCPT Am 820-Chicago.

WEEK 23 is here.

Golfers on Golf Radio is back for Week #23 of the season. But only this show and the season finally next week are still remaining.

But this week Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears bring you this weeks edition of GOG Radio.

Architect Greg Martin joins us first at 4:10, with managing partner of Oliphant and Haltom Golf-Craig Haltom joins us at 4:30. Haltom is the finder of Sand Valley, and some part of some other recent projects in the Wisconsin area.

JOIN US on the tee at 4 PM, for Golfers on Golf Radio WCPT 820 or listen on line at WCPT820.com or on your phone with the Tune-In Radio APP, just search WCPT820.com. But if you need a mulligan because your on the golf course. Check out Soundcloud.com and go to Chicagosprogressivetalk and scroll down to the podcast.

But you can watch the show on the WCPT 820 Facebook page, and see us live or on replay on Facebook.

Thanks for listening Ed, Billy, Len and Rory. Golfers on Golf Radio 4 PM WCPT Am 820 in Chicago.

GOLFERS ON GOLF VERY OWN LEN ZIEHM has put the new C522 Tour Edge line in his bag, are you next ? (R) Some of the new releases this week from Tour Edge Golf. So visit TourEdge.com You can purchase this new 522 line starting on October 1st.         ____________________________________________________________________

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 Facebook.

Architect Greg Martin driving, with Rory Spears in front and Len Ziehm in back-take the tour of Settlers Hill. Photo by Joy Sarver.

WELCOME BACK TO SETTLERS HILL.

BUT YES the renovation by architect Greg Martin is still on-going. Because even though work started last fall, as Martin would say, “this project has a lot of moving parts.”

Martin is correct about that. Because when Settlers Hill reopens, likely in July of 2022, this golf facility will have plenty of new looks, and views. Much higher views.

Because while much of Kane County is somewhat flat terrain, the landfill that is Settlers Hill has plenty of elevation change. In fact over 150 feet of elevation change. Which is something golfers will notice once the course opens for play next year.

Welcome to Settlers Hill in Batavia.

Elevation isn’t the only thing that change when the course reopens. First on the tee is a new tee, that will be part of the new driving range. Since there was no range previously, this will be a great new addition.

But even more than the range, will be a new clubhouse. Because the course will open before the clubhouse is finished, expect things to reopen with check-in being in a temporary trailer.

The new driving range at Settlers Hill.

The current clubhouse, or barn, will remain. But it will be come more of a banquet area, or a place for junior golf, when the bad weather comes calling.

The new clubhouse won’t be large, but it will be strategically located between the range and the new first tee box.

What else is new. A few things. Martin has created a four hole short course, that will be a great practice area, and the home of junior golf on the property. This is located next to the current main entrance.

The sixth hole is a new par 3.

During the renovation Martin has created two new holes, both par 3’s.

The holes have been renumbered during the renovation, with the former second hole, now the first hole and so forth around the course. Because the former 1st hole, is now the 18th.

The new sixth hole is the first new par 3. Martin took the short downhill par 3, and moved it right off the old tee, and into the woods that have a creek running through it. This new scenic hole is one that golfers should enjoy. The 15th hole, is now a new par 3, that sits up high on the hill. The former par 3 16th hole, down the hill is gone. In it’s place is the new 16th, and it’s the old par 5 17th hole. But complete with some amazing new tee boxes up on top of Settlers Hill.

The par 5, 16th hole has new elevated tee’s from the highest elevation point in Kane County. 150 feet up from the entrance to the property.

As Martin continues to bring all the parts together over the next 10 months, and golfers see what the new Settlers Hill has become.

Expect demand to be high from golfers wanting to get out and play this old but new destination golf property.

Martin says that tree and brush removal has opened up views that golfers have not previously had at Settlers Hill.

But another thing that golfers will like, is the new playability they will have. Because some of the fairways that were as wide as bowling alley’s, have been widened by as much as 10 yards, on each side of the fairway.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Greg Martin, with Len Ziehm and Rory Spears.

For more photo’s of Settlers Hill in progress, see Rory Spears Facebook or on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Greg Martin appears live on Golfers on Golf Radio this Saturday at 4:10-WCPT 820 Am.

When Settlers Hill reopens in 2022, and golfers can settle-in on Kane County’s biggest hill, they are going to enjoy this newly refurbished public golf course. Complete with some real elevation.

WELCOME TO BLACKBERRY OAKS in Bristol, home of the Chad Johansen golf academy. A facility where #kidsrule. Blackberry Oaks-fun golf-fun times (630)-553-7170. _____________________________________________________________________

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

(L) With the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits-(R) Team USA Captain Steve Stricker shows some of his intense side at a Ryder Cup press conference in 2019 at Whistling Straits.

LAST WEEK Team USA Captain Steve Stricker made his six captains picks to fill out the roster of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. As you might guess, there is going to be some debate if Stricker made all the right moves.

Because of the pandemic and delay, Stricker had to make more picks than any other U.S. Captain in the history of the Ryder Cup. But Stricker’s first six team members were decided by points, they included Colin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas.

But now it was time for Stricker to decide the other six players. His choices included the following players. 1. Tony Finau, 2. Jordan Spieth, 3. Xander Schauffele, 4. Harris English, 5. Daniel Berger and 6. Scottie Scheffler.

When it comes to Finau, there is no disagreement. Finau is playing well, and he hits it long enough to take advantage of area’s where the bombers can swing away without fear. Instead of ending up in high grass, like U.S. players did in 2018 in France.

Pick 2-Jordan Spieth. The Texas kid is playing his best golf in a few years. Spieth was an obvious pick, and a good one for Team USA.

Pick 3-Xander Schauffele. Another solid choice by Stricker, Schauffele is around the top of the leader board quite frequently when he plays. A guy who doesn’t go away, and the Euro’s should have a tough time beating him, and whoever he is paired with.

Pick 4-Harris English has had a good season. He let a win get away at Congaree, but his W’s at other events including the Tournament of Champions at Kapalua says a lot for this rising star. English is another one Stricker’s youth movement picks. But one that should work out.

Pick 5- Scottie Scheffler, could be in trouble if he draws the wrong match-ups. While Scheffler was lights out at the WGC Match Play, there is some feeling he didn’t show enough after that week to warrant being a pick. Here’s hoping his match play skills rise-up again next week on the Straits.

Pick 6-Daniel Berger, this one raises some eyebrows. Berger is one of the players, who to make this team, should have played his way on. Even with the old format, he would not have made the team on points. This selection is the one that needed to be questioned.

WHO GOT LEFT OFF. Patrick Reed is at the top of the list. But his health issues in September really hurt. But after watching him up close at Hazeltine, I would have given him another shot. Webb Simpson at the time Stricker had to make his picks, would be #2 on my list of, maybe he should have been selected.

The third omission is Billy Horschel who won the match play, but needed to back that up with something else. But then he did, when he won the European BMW Championship. But the problem is, it came too late. Because the picks were in. If Koepka can’t go because of his wrist injury, Horschel should be the late addition.

Golfers on Golf will be at Whistling Straits to report on all the Ryder Cup action. RS

AT THE OAKS-BLACKBERRY OAKS “Where Kids Rule” in a place that golf pro Chad Johansen has created where the next wave of junior golfers spends the day having a great time. Blackberry Oaks in Bristol (near Aurora) play the Oaks call (630)-553-7170.  _____________________________________________________________________

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.

(L-R) Chad Johansen-Rory Spears-Len Ziehm at Blackberry Oaks.

ZIEHM & SPEARS are back again for this weeks edition of Chicago’s most complete golf news round-up.

Veteran journalists Len Ziehm and Rory Spears are back for the 29th edition of the 2021 Ziehm & Spears Podcast series.

But this weeks edition was recorded in Kennedy Point restaurant at the Blackberry Oaks Golf Course. With special guest podcaster Blackberry Oaks GM-Head Professional Chad Johansen. With Johansen coming off a big day at Oak Park Country Club in the IPGA Birdies for Charity event, Johansen talks about how much that day means to him, and how Blackberry oaks, has become a place to develop junior golfers.

But in addition to “The Oaks” one of the Chicago area’s most fun golf courses, Ziehm and Spears recap a busy week. One that saw a day at the Schaumburg Golf Course. Then a trip around Settlers Hill with architect Greg Martin who is leading the renovation of this course that will reopen in 2022. But then a visit to Tour Edge Golf. Because it’s there, where Len and Rory find out that something big is happening in the week ahead.

CLICK HERE to hear this weeks edition of Ziehm & Spears-with Johansen from “The Oaks” of Blackberry. Where “Kids Rule.”

Thanks for listening, Len, Rory and Chad.