SMART GOLF & Fitness second location is open at 350 East 22nd Street in Lombard.    _____________________________________________________________________

KOHLER, WI – SEPTEMBER 26: during the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits on September 26, 2021 in Kohler, WI. Dustin Johnson winner Team USA. (Photo by Hailey Garrett/PGA of America)

THE INAUGURAL Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin award, presented by AON, at the 43rd Ryder Cup, was awarded to Dustin Johnson of Team USA, and Sergio Garcia of Team Europe.

This new award was presented to the player on each team, that best represented the spirit of the historic 1969 concession, when Jack Nicklaus conceded a 2-foot putt to Tony Jacklin.

So as a result the match between Nicklaus and Jacklin was halved, and for the first time in Ryder Cup history, the matches ended in a draw.

Sergio Garcia with Tony Jacklin (m). At Whistling Straits

This new award represents sportsmanship, and performance between teammates, in the context of better decision making.

Johnson played in all five sessions, and became the fifth player to go 5-0-0 during a Ryder Cup.

Johnson was partnered with Colin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele, both team USA rookies.

“it was a dream to go 5-0-0 in a Ryder Cup,” said Johnson. ” So this has been a great week.”

Garcia was 3-0-1 in his four matches. But while he won his first three matches with partners. Garcia lost his Sunday’s singles match to Bryson DeChambeau. Garcia was paired with Jon Rahm a fellow Spanish countryman.

For more details see RyderCup.com

THE TEAM USA RYDER CUP TEAM-THE RYDER CUP SITS ON THE 18TH HOLE AT WHISTLING STRAITS IN HAVEN WISCOSNIN. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content & Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory-Twitter @GogBlogGuy.   _____________________________________________________________________

The United States Ryder Cup Team donates $2.85 Million to Community Outreach and Youth Golf Development Programs.

Team USA Captain Steve Stricker, Team USA’s 5 Vice Captains and the 12 members of US team, have completed their commitment to the 43rd Ryder Cup Outreach Program. Which see’s a figure of $2.85 million be donated to various charities and youth golf development programs across America.

First starting in 1999, and being a part of the last 11 Ryder Cups. The outreach program has donated over $28.6 to over 200 charitable organizations. Because the entire 12-members of Team USA and Captain Stricker were each given $100,000 dollars to donate to charities of their choice. The Team USA Vice Captains, Fred Couples, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Davis Love III and Phil Mickelson, were given $25,000 for donation. In addition to another $25,000 for youth-golf development programs.

“The PGA of America works with the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. That continues the longstanding tradition of providing significant financial support. To deserving charities, foundations and golf development programs,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “Over the last 22 years the Ryder Cup Outreach Program has touched countless lives. In addition to contributing millions of dollars to worthy causes aligned with each team member. Because these team members have made a difference in communities across America.”

YOUTH and JUNIOR GOLF programs that will receive the financial assistance include, The PGA Junior League. But the league has now grown to having teams in all 41 PGA Sections, and all 50 states.

DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT Championship. This free to participate nationwide junior skills competition, is for boys and girls ages 7-15.  Finalists from regional competitions earn their way to the national finals at the Augusta National Golf Club.

KPMG Future Leaders Program. This program allows top female high school seniors across the country, the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through college scholarships. In addition to a leadership development retreat at Stanford University. This retreat allows for a mentoring relationship with a woman business leader and an instruction to golf.

While many of the players sent their share of money (or part of it) to their own foundations. But other organizations that received donations included, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Make-A-Wish Foundation. The ALS Foundation, and the Animal Network.

But for more information, and to see the list of donations. Visit IPGA.com.

SMART GOLF is now OPEN in LOMBARD-350 East 22nd Street Smartgolffitness.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 Facebook.

Roy Biancalana won the Illinois PGA Senior Match Play, and the 2021 Illinois PGA Senior Player of the Year Award. Photo IPGA

ROY BIANCALANA (Blackberry Oaks) hung on to defeat Doug Bauman  (Biltmore Country Club) in a back and forth championship match, 2 & 1 to win the 2021 Illinois Senior Match Play Championship, contested at Shoreacres.

But by doing so, Biancalana earned a second prize on the day. Because the points earned for the the senior major championship, earned Biancalana the 2021 Errie Ball Senior IPGA Player of the Year Award.

“I didn’t hit my irons well at all this week,” said Biancalana. ” I found something on the 14th hole in the Championship Match, and was able to pull it together at the end. I’m most proud of how I hung in there without having my A-game. I tend to get down on myself when I’m not playing the way I can. But I didn’t do that.”

Biancalana started the championship with bye and a number two seed, by being second in the points race entering the years next to last championship. Next week the final IPGA Senior event will be held at Beverly Country Club. As the Senior Players Championship will wrap up the year.

The path to victory for Biancalana started with a 1 Up win over #31 seed Tim Troy (Zigfield Troy Golf Club). Biancalana won two matches on Tuesday. First in the morning against #15 seed Mark Woodcock (The Village links). In the afternoon Biancalana won his quarterfinal match 7 & 6 over Dave Erickson (St. Andrews Golf & Country Club).

But the semifinals were a little tougher for Biancalana. After taking a 3 Up lead through 11 holes over Kevin Healy (Black sheep Club). But Healy won holes 12 and 13 to trim Biancalana’s lead to 1 Up. But after five straight halved holes, Biancalana won the match 1 Up.

In the championship match against Bauman, Biancalana went 1 Up after the first. But after trading pars for the next eight holes. Biancalana was still 1 Up at the turn. Then Bauman rallied by winning holes 10 and 11 to take the lead. Biancalana had to make a good par save on the 13th hole, to keep Bauman’s lead at 1 Up.

But Bauman missed the green on the par 3, 14th and could not get up and down for par, and the match was tied again. But Biancalana made birdie on the par 5, 15th hole to regain a 1 Up lead. After a poor tee shot by Bauman on 16 that forced Bauman to hit a second tee ball. When Bauman missed the green with his fourth shot, and Biancalana sitting in close for birdie, the hole was conceded.

When both players made par on the 17th hole, Biancalana emerged a 2 & 1 winner. For Biancalana he became the Illinois PGA Senior Player of the Year winner for the third time in four years. More details at IPGA.com.

THE FIRST TEE of GREATER CHICAGO announces PGA Tour member Northbrook’s Nick Hardy as it’s new ambassador. Coming soon Oct. 14 to Callaway Golf- APEX-UW.  _____________________________________________________________________

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.

Britt Pavelonis (L) won the 2021 XXIO Illinois Senior Open at Flossmoor Golf Club

Britt Pavelonis (Carbondale) is the winner of the 2021 Illinois Senior Open, at the Flossmoor Golf Club.

Pavelonis shot a 36 hole total of 6-under par 138, to win his first Illinois Senior Open by 3 shots over amateur Mike Henry of Bloomington.

Pavelonis ended the first round in a four-way tie with three other players at 4 under par. But day two was a different story, trying to stay in contention.

” I just tried to make some putts today,” said Pavelonis. “I didn’t really make anything in the first round, but I two-putted for birdie three times in round one. Then I made four birdies on four par fives. I just couldn’t sneak anything in the hole. Today, I played solid except for the eighth hole, which was just a little hiccup. I came right back with a birdie on the ninth hole. But I just felt like I was hitting the ball well and giving myself a chance to make putts on almost every hole.”

While he did keep score, Pavelonis did not look at the leaderboard until the 12th hole.

Pavelonis started the final round with a birdie on the first hole. But first round co-leader Rich Dukelow the new head golf professional at Ridge Country Club, rallied with a birdie on the second hole, to pull even with Pavelonis. But Dukelow did not stay tied with Pavelonis for long, falling back after a bogey on the third hole, and double bogey on the 4th hole.

The 18th hole at Flossmoor Golf Club.

Dukelow made a short-lived charge inn the middle of the round. Because with birdies on the ninth and tenth holes, Dukelow briefly pulled back even with Pavelonis for the lead.

But Dukelow fell back off the lead for good, by carding birdies on the par 3, 13th hole, and the par 4, 17th hole.

Roy Biancalana (Blackberry Oaks) and John Wright (Aurora IL.) (a) tied for Dukelow for third place. Finishing at (142) two under par for the championship. Biancalana shot a 3 under par 69, in round one to be just one shot off the lead. But his 1-over par 73 in round two never allowed him to challenge for the lead on the final day.

Pavelonis says he will play in both the Arkansas and Texas Open’s, as he prepares for the PGA Tour Champions Q-school. See a full scoreboard at IPGA.com.

JIM “DOC” SUTTIE (L) and GARY PINNS (R) at the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame dinner, last Friday night at The Glen Club in Glenview. Two members of the 2021 IGHOF Class. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn. In the clubhouse lobby of The Harvester Club in Rhodes Iowa.

FALL GOLF IS HERE-enjoy the season.

Because it will quickly fade away, as fast as it has arrived. Where did summer go ? But the amazing thing is that golf courses remain crowded, even during the week it seems.

But every nice sunny day, with warm temperatures, are likely to leave us with crowded golf courses.

By about 6:30 PM every day, the daylight to play another hole, or sink another putt has fallen into that day’s sunset. So don’t wait, get out and play. Because before we know it, it will be time to visit our local golf domes like the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

TPC WISCONSIN-could it be. This is not official yet, but yet another great golf course could be in the works in the Madison area. The location would be Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker’s home club, that would be renovated, with Stricker involved and likely two-time former U.S. Open Champion Andy North. Stay tuned for developments. IF this plan comes together, one would have to think that Stricker’s AM-Family tournament on the PGA Tour Champions, would move there.

GOLF GIFTS for the holidays. Shopping season will be here before you know it. But there are still problems with supply and demand across the country. It’s not just in the golf industry. But if you want to get your favorite golfers some holiday golf gifts, I suggest you order sooner than later. This way they won’t arrive on Valentine’s Day.

I’m still waiting on a club, that might take a while longer to get here. I’m not alone. Recent stories show that people are waiting for new clubs all over the country. Some golf stores can’t keep the shelfs stocked. Because when a new shipment arrives, those products have already been sold. The thought is that the golf industry is not designed for this type of demand, but what industries are.

Perhaps another thought, is that should American companies rely on product coming from the Far East. Is this a signal to build it here. But the argument would be, that prices would reach levels that nobody would pay. I think it’s time to test the market, and see how much of the golf industry can be brought here, or built here.

The Evans Scholars Invitational now partnered with NV5.

THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WGA) and the Korn Ferry Tour, have announced a new five-year partnership with NV5.

The Evans Scholars Invitational, will now be the NV5 Invitational-presented by First Midwest Bank.

All proceeds from the championship will benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, and it’s mission to supports deserving caddies with full tuition and housing scholarships to attend college. For more information on NV5, see www.NV5.com.

IT SOUNDS LIKE area golf courses are staying busy for this time of year. Multiple golf professionals have told me that large numbers of golfers were out playing this past Friday and over the weekend. The only thing expected to start lowering those numbers is that it’s getting dark sooner, meaning less tee times to sell in the afternoons.

GOLF CART ISSUES do the golf carts at your golf club lock-up far too often. The problem I have received the most feedback on during this golf season, are golf cart lock-ups on the golf course.

These issues have come from a variety of courses and multiple golf cart brands. IF your cart is telling you to return to the cart path, when your two feet from the path. OR telling you you are too close to the green, and your 50-60 yards away still out in the fairway. DO report these issues to the pro shop when your done playing. Because nobody likes lock-ups that make you go in reverse for a while, before you can go forward. But if you don’t inform the pro shop, which issue, where, what hole etc., they can not do anything to fix the problem.

LAST WEEK I got to sample some of Dave “Links” Lockhart’s of Golf 360TV, Links Lager beer. It’s good tasting, and served with a good ABV. So try some at Mike Munro’s Green Street Grille in Bensenville, or other area clubs that are selling it, like the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison.

SMART GOLF that has a location in Lincoln Park, has opened a second location at 350 East 22nd Street in Lombard. I’ll have more about my visit to this new location later this week.

I recently visited The Harvester Club in Rhodes Iowa. This former #1 public in the Hawkeye state, is now private after a renovation from original architect Keith Foster. The club re-opened in late 2019, and is even better than in the past. Stay clicked in for details.

The Gog Blog is back all-week. RS

THE NEW PAR 3 6TH HOLE at Settlers Hill in Batavia-(R) the new par 5-16th hole tee box that sits over 150 feet in the air. El-E-vation. Re-Opening Expected in July of 2022.   _____________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF the Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn.

SUNDAY AT THE STRAITS.

(Reporting from the Ryder Cup)

Today could be the day the USA has been waiting on for years.

Because it’s been five years since the win at Hazeltine in Minnesota. But over the last 10+ Ryder Cups, all the U.S. players have heard is how the Euro’s take the event more seriously, they come ready to play. They embrace the team concept better, and so forth.

Maybe today will be the day this talk can stop for a while. The USA just needs to score points today, and plenty of them. Don’t just win-WIN BIG.

Tour Edge 721 Metalwoods. Now available.

FROM THE TOUR EDGE SUMMER RELEASE

This limited edition series of Exotics Pro 721 is now available. Because only one thousand sets were made, they have moved quickly.

The 721 Center of gravity has been moved forward. These clubs were designed for players with faster swing speeds. So they deliver a low spinning and more penetrating shot.

These Tour inspired metal woods show the Ridgeback support system, with a new matte finish. Diamond face 2.0 technology is a part of all three of the metals. Prices range from $449.99 for the Pro 721 driver. $299.99 for the Pro 721 Fairway and $249.99 for the Pro 721 Hybrid. So for more details on shafts, grips and lofts, see TourEdge.com.

TURKEY SHOOT at Foxford Hills in Cary October 23rd or November 6th. $75.00 per player includes-18 holes, cart, turkey dinner, drink ticket prizes. But sign up quickly. Because this event normally sells out. Call (847)-639-0400.

Links Lager now sold at 15 Chicago area golf courses. Photo by Kevin Murray.

LINKS LAGER now the talk of some 15 area’ 19th holes of local clubs.

Dave Lockhart of Golf360TV partnered with Whiskey Hill Brewery in Westmont IL., to create a beer good for the golf course.

But what Lockhart says is the beer’s best feature is that it’s refreshing, and it tastes great. Because most lagers are at a 4-5% ABV, with most IPA’s over 7%. But Links Lager hits the middle of the fairway at 5.8%. A case of 24-16oz. cans is $62.00. Half barrel kegs (15.5) gallons are $150.00. It can be purchased at the Green Street Grille in Bensenville, River Forest CC, Bolingbrook GC, The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Stonebridge CC, Ruth Lake CC, Cress Creek CC, Naperville CC, Eaglewood Resort, and the Orange and Brew bottle shop in Downers Grove. The picture on the can is the 12th hole at Royal Portmarnock in Dublin Ireland.

LOCKHARTS GOLF360 TV can be seen online at http://www.linksvideo.net/golf360tv. The latest episode the Fall edition features a look at Boyne Golf in Michigan, and the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows. Plus Tour Edge Golf new game improving irons.

KAPALUA GOLF & TENNIS in Maui Hawaii, has named Mark Nelson as the new head golf professional at it’s Bay Course.

CHERRY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB in Denver Colorado, has named Andrew Shuck the clubs new head golf PGA professional. Joining Shuck at Cherry Hills will be the clubs new General Manager/COO Lance Sebella. Cherry Hills will celebrate it’s 100th Anniversary in 2022, with the opening of it’s new 96,000 square foot $25 million dollar clubhouse. More details at chcc.com.

ARCHITECT GIL HANSE has been named to oversee a $25 million dollar renovation of the Yale University golf course. The golf course a C.B. Macdonald-Seth Raynor design is expected to be closed in the later part of 2022, all of 2023, and part of 2024 before reopening. The course was closed an neglected in 2020 because of Covid-19 restrictions.

JIM ‘Bones’ MACKAY is back on a golf bag. After 4 years of working in golf television, Mackay takes over on Justin Thomas’ bag. Thomas caddie Jimmy Johnson has moved on to other interests. But Thomas released a statement that he did not %100 fire Johnson. Johnson previously caddied for Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker. Mackay previously worked many years for Phil Mickelson.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS has introduced a DF 2.1 line of Pink Putters for October and Breast Cancer Awareness month. But for each DF 2.1 pink LAB putter sold. LAB Golf will donate $100 to the Oregon Cancer Research Foundation. Details at LABGolf.com.

BITTERSWEET GOLF COURSE in Gurnee, has announced the return of it’s driving range lights. The lights except for Thursday nights will be on until 9 PM. After 4 PM only 9-hole rounds will be sold. More information by calling the club at (847)-855-9031.

MISTWOOD-MCWETHY’S TAVERN good things are happening this month. On October 28th from 6-8 PM in McWethy’s Tavern is a Johnnie Walker’s 5-Course meal. Tickets are $100.00. But this event is expected to sell out quickly. IN THE PRO SHOP the fall apparel is here by Straight Down, check out everything Mistwood on and off the golf course at MistwoodGC.com or call the club at (815)-254-3333.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-MCWETHY’S SPORTS BAR announces new fall hours. Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10 AM until 10 PM. Friday’s 10 Am to 11 PM, and Sunday’s 10 AM until 9 PM. McWethy’s is on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. But for more information call (630)-739-7600.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced that it will begin aerification on Monday the 4th, with the practice greens. Tuesday the 5th with the front-9. Wednesday the 6th with the back-9. So for details on opening and closings call the pro shop at (847)-566-4653 (Golf).

TPC COLORADO 16th hole. designed by Art Schaupeter.

GOLF DIGEST has released it’s list of the Top 100 Public Courses (Courses you can play).

Among those making the list include TPC Colorado designed by St. Louis based architect Art Schaupter. Boyne Golf Bay Harbor Links/Quarry nines in Northern Michigan. Designed by the late Arthur Hills.

Mystic Rock at the Nemacolin Resort in Southwest Pennsylvania, course designed by the late Pete Dye. The recently renovated PFAU Course at the Indiana University, renovated by Steve Smyers with an assist from Fuzzy Zoeller. Congratulations to all four facilities on their recognition on this esteemed list.

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION. CDGA.org

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA).

The results are in and Tim Sheppard and Tom Kearfott have won another CDGA Senior Amateur Fourball championship. It is the duo’s fourth win in the championship.

Sheppard (East Peoria) and Kearfott (El Paso) defeated Matthew Horwitch (Northbrook) and Steven Jacobs (Highland Park) by a score of 3&2.

But with the match tied after three holes, Sheppard and Kearfott won holes 4 and 5, and never tailed again. The championship was hosted by Ravina Green CC, in Riverwoods Illinois.

David Feder holds the CDGA Senior Amateur trophy at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison.

ONE YEAR after coming up just short in the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) Senior Amateur championship.

Lincolnshire’s Dave Feder shot a second round 3-under par 69 to win the title. The championship was hosted by The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. The Preserve is part of the DuPage Golf network.

But after missing too many putts the first day, Feder stole a line from the movie Caddy Shack, saying he went back to his old putter. He called it the “Old Billy Baroo”. Judge Smails could not be prouder. For a full wrap-up on the CDGA Senior Amateur Championship visit CDGA.org.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF has announced construction is set to begin on a new facility in Boise Idaho. But an opening date has not been announced. But it’s likely to open in 2022. More details at Topgolf.com.

THE ILLINOIS WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION has announced the winners of the 52nd Illinois State senior Women’s Amateur, that was contested at the Pekin Country Club in Pekin. Mary Ellen Martin of Winfield with a three day score of (228) is the 2021 Champion. With Jan Bowers of Lincoln coming in at 233 to be the runner-up. But Clarita Reuer from Schaumburg was the low-net winner, Reuer had a three day score of 220.

CLUB CHOICE IRELAND is ready for your visit when your ready to travel. Currently visitors from North America can travel to Ireland, if they can show proof of vaccination. So check out ClubchoIceIreland.com for details on great packages to visit Ireland.

THE MYRTLE BEACH REPORT: Brittain Resorts is named Title Sponsor of the Myrtle Beach Preseason Classic Tournament. The 54-hole, two person team event that attracts about 300 golfers from over 20 states. This championship is only $245.00 dollars per player. Dates are February 7-9, 2022. But for more information please visit Preseasonclassic.com or Myrtle BeachGolf.com.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach-South Carolina

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY GOLF in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. fall is one of the best times of the year to play golf in the Grand Strand. So visit MyrtleBeachGolftrips.com for information on a fall golf trip.

THE DUSTIN JOHNSON WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP will be played at TPC Myrtle Beach from march 4-6. 90 of the best junior players will compete. For more information see WorldJuniorGolfChampionship.com.

THE FIGHTING ILLINI Men’s Golf Team coming off a share of 1st place at the Indiana University-Hoosier Collegiate, didn’t carry that success into the Fighting Illini Golf Classic at Olympia Fields, where the Illini finished 11th in a field of 15 teams. Jerri Ji led the Illini with a score of 211 (+1) for the championship. 6th ranked North Carolina won the tournament.

Welcome to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

COG HILL is starting it’s Top Tracer league league on the driving range the week of October 20th. The league runs into December. But is off the week of Thanksgiving. So for more information see CogHillgolf.com or call (866)-254-4455.

But other special events are coming to Cog Hill. The golf facility that never closes year round. Cog Hill hosts the first outing of 2022, the Eskimo Open.

The First Tee of Greater Chicago.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS YET ? for the Taste of the First Tee.

Thursday November 11th at 5:30. But you do need to show proof vaccination to enter.

On this evening join CBS 2 Ryan Baker for a fun evening of great stories. For more information visit the First Tee of Greater Chicago’s website for all the details. Because time is running out for Early-Bird ticket prices.

The First Tee is also hiring a new Director of Instruction. But this position is located at the new Waveland Facility. You must apply by October 30th. But for more details contact Dinna Trovero at Dtrovero@firsteeChicago.org.

Golftini.com Women’s Golf apparel at it’s finest.

ARE YOUR READY FOR A PINK OUT!

Because yes it’s time to Pink Out your shop in time for October’s Breast cancer Awareness month.

This month Golftini donates a portion of it’s sales to Breast Cancer Research. Don’t forget that Dance Party the fall collection is now available. So visit Golftini.com.

Welcome to Pinehurst North Carolina

PINEHURST-The Home and Cradle of American Golf.

But now is the time to plan ahead for your visit to Pinehurst.

Because if you book now for a November or December visit, you can find some of the best rates of the year.

BUT IF your looking at next year. January or February can be an option as well. Because the Bed & Breakfast package and the Donald Ross packages are great deals in the winter months. So visit Pinehurst.com for details.

Sun Mountain-Navy

SUN MOUNTAIN has added some new outer wear designs as the fall and winter season approach. So for all the the styles-men & women and costs see SunMountain.com or call Sun Mountain at (800)-227-9224.

Because you can learn more about the Colter Outerwear Collection, and 37.5 style insulation.

Sun Mountain not only keeps you warm in the winter months, it keeps you dry when needed.

Because soon the fall and winter season approaches, and your holiday gift list starts to build. It’s time to think Sun Mountain, find the closest outlet to you at SunMountain.com.

CLEVELAND GOLF has announced it’s new Launcher XL-Irons, now available as of September 17th.The XL Irons are game improvement clubs, that have been designed to give players better ball flight and consistent control. Cleveland Golf calls the new irons an “ideal set” for golfers needing forgiveness and accuracy in one set. The new XL Irons offer a new head design with a large MOI and confidence inspiring shape. A 7-piece set is $799.99 and in graphite is $899.99. But for more information please visit Clevelandgolf.com.

But for additional photo’s of some products, see Rory Spears on Facebook or @GogBlogGuy on Twitter. The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns on Monday. RS

PATRICK MULLANEY with G-Tech Apparel at the Ryder Cup. G-Tech has the best hand warmer on the market. For those of your who like to play Fall-Winter and Spring Golf on those chili days, never have cold hands again. See GtechApparel.com. But just in case you missed it yesterday, the latest edition of Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series is posted.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE 2021 ILLINOIS GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION DINNER was held last night at the Glen Club in Glenview. By Rory Spears, Director of Content & Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

2021 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Gary Pinns

The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame held it’s bi-annual induction ceremony, to induct the six members of the 2021 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class.

Six members being inducted at once is one of the largest classes of inductees at any one time. The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame has been operating since 1989.

Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Chairman Tim Cronin announced that “The Hall” now has 97 members. But in two years the number of inductees will finally reach or exceed 100.

Former inductee’s that were in attendance for this years ceremony included, Bob Verdi (2005), Joel Hirsch (1999), Frank Jemsek (2009), Jim Sobb (2015), Gary Groh (2017) and Len Ziehm (2019).

Class of 2021 Inductee Jim “Doc” Suttie

This years Class of 2021 inductee’s included.

BESSIE ANTHONY: The first great women’s players in Illinois history. Anthony started winning major women’s tournaments in the year 1900. When she won the Governor’s Cup at the Onwentsia Club. Anthony also won the first three Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) Amateur Championships. Anthony’s great-great grand daughter Cornelia Powers accepted on her behalf.

GARY PINNS: Is the all-time leader with five wins over three decades of the Illinois Open. But Pinns won the Illinois Open as both an amateur, and a professional. He is a past winner of the IPGA teacher of the Year award in 2014.

PHIL KOSIN: The publisher of Chicagoland Golf and creator of the Illinois Women’s Open. But Kosin was also a radio host, hosting his golf show on four different radio stations. But two of those stations included WMVP-1000 and WSCR 670. Kosin’s widow Kathy Rachick accepted on his behalf.

MASON PHELPS: Won the Western Amateur twice (1908-1910), and played golf in the Olympics. But Phelps was also a semi-finalist in the 1909 U.S. Amateur. Phelps daughter and grandson Rob accepted on his behalf.

HERBERT JAMES TWEEDIE: Learned trade of being a golf course architect at Royal Liverpool. But after arriving in Chicago he designed almost two dozen course in a short span of years. Some of those clubs included Park Ridge, Flossmoor, Midlothian and Skokie. Tweedie’s great grandson James Tweedie accepted on his behalf.

JIM “DOC” SUTTIE has been a three-time winner of the Illinois PGA teacher of the Year winner. Suttie won the PGA National teacher of the Year award in 2000. The Northern Illinois University alum was among the first teachers to start using video to teach his students. Numerous touring professionals have worked with Suttie over the years.

The next Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class will be 2023. So for more details see IPGA.com.

ON 2021 ILLINOIS GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION NIGHT-A look back to 2019, when two 50+ year veterans Illinois golf were inducted. Len Ziehm and Emil Esposito.     _____________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Len Ziehm (R) enter Kelpie’s Corner at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

ZIEHM & SPEARS are back.

With Podcast Series 2021-Volume 30.

Because with so much going on in golf, the time was right for a new edition.

But while we did not have time in Haven Wisconsin to record a podcast there, we do have plenty this week in wrapping up Team USA’s big win over the European Team.

In addition to everything Ryder Cup. This week Len and Rory discuss tonight’s Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Induction dinner at the Glen Club.

But there is more. Like the annual Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) luncheon form yesterday at Lake Shore Country Club in Glencoe. The Players Championship win by Curtis Malm at The Knollwood Club. Skokie Country Club’s Garrett Chaussard being named the 2021 Player of the Year for the Illinois PGA.

Jimmie Johnson stepping off being caddie for Justin Thomas. So which veteran caddies is giving up TV to return to being a full-time caddie. Len and Rory discuss. Which famous college course is getting a 25 million dollar redo from Gil Hanse.

Len and Rory did sample the new Links Lager beer at the Green Street Grille last night. Our thoughts.

CLICK here to hear Ziehm & Spears Podcast series 2021-Volume 30.

Thanks for listening Len and Rory. Next week Len checks back in from Sunny Florida.