GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO returns on Saturday May 7th on it’s old course, WNDZ AM 750-Chicago. Great news is that GOG Radio returns to it’s old tee time of 10 Am. All of Chicago’s favorite foursome will return, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm & Rory Spears. So tune in for the local, statewide and national golf news. Season #32 is here.

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

Chad Johansen is the GM and head Golf professional at Blackberry Oaks.

CALLAWAY AMBASSADOR CHAD JOHANSEN-the creator of the “Kids Rule” concept, is announcing some upcoming events at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol.

FIRST ON THE TEE is that the Callaway Demo Day, that was previously scheduled and postponed due to bad weather, has been rescheduled to Saturday May 14th from 9 am to 12 noon.

The Foresight GC Quad Launch Monitors will be there to dial in the new equipment that’s right for you.

THE OAKS 4-person Summer scramble is set for Saturday May 21st. But you can register now for the event.

THE ONE AND ONLY BLACKBERRY AMATEUR has set it’s dates for Saturday and Sunday June 25th and 26th. So sign up today at Blackberryoaks.com. Blackberry oaks is now a Callaway Golf facility. (630)-553-7170.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO a two-time ING award winning golf program, returns to the airwaves for it’s 32nd season, on Saturday May 7th at 10Am on Am 750 WNDZ. All four members of Chicago’s favorite foursome return. So join us for season of golf talk.

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 Facebook.

Rending of the future Topgolf in Vineyard, Utah (PRNewsfoto/Topgolf Entertainment Group)

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF has announced the development of a new Topgolf facility in Vineyard Utah.

The facility is part of a rapidly growing area just south of Salt Lake City.

The two-story venue will be part of a restaurant development, where golfers can enjoy the fun of golf and views of the Wasatch Mountain Range.

The new Vineyard location opens in early 2023. There will be 72 signature outdoor hitting bays for guests to choose from. There will also be home to a mini-golf course.

“The growing Vineyard area is such a vibrant community we have been looking forward to serving, and can’t wait to open our doors early next year,” said Topgolf Chief Development Officer Chris Callaway. “Our focus is on creating more ways for people to play golf in a fun and unique way. We are looking forward to welcoming all players in the Utah County area to the Topgolf experience.”

The new Topgolf Vineyard will add nearly 300 full and part time jobs to the area. Topgolf currently operates 76 venues in six countries. So learn more at Topgolf.com.

INSIDE OR OUTSIDE things are cooking at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. The Preserve is one of three courses that comprise DuPage Golf. But now the new clubhouse is ramping up to speed with new dining options. But for golfers the golf course is better than ever, as summer approaches. So learn more 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 with him on LinkedIn-Facebook

Trevor Faust is the new President of Ace Indoor Golf/Gimme simulators.

ACE INDOOR GOLF and GIMME SIMULATORS has named Trevor Faust as the companies new president.

ACE INDOOR GOLF is an industry leader not just in building. But designing and installing of golf simulator hardware and technology.

Faust adds more than 15 years of a progressive entrepreneurial management experience. Faust has held general manager positions, to executive sales roles. Creating business development and responsibilities, focused on revenue growth.

“We’re excited about the direction ACE Indoor Golf and Gimme Simulators are poised to take. Given the direction, experience and industry savvy of our new company president Trevor Faust,” says Co-Founder Joe Neumeyer. “We couldn’t have asked for someone more ideally suited to this role. Trevor knows how to sell, market and fulfill world-class indoor experiences. Because his energy and ingenuity will help drive our success. As ACE becomes more of a household name.

Faust, a Michigan native has been a leader of the indoor golf space since 2004. Faust served as president of Mobile Golf Experiences since 2012. He was vice president of Global Golf Sales for OptiShot. Faust was the Midwest Sales Manager for Trackman from 2012 to 2016.

“Ace Indoor Golf is well positioned within the industry, with tremendous growth potential,” says Faust. ” But while golf industry veterans know us well. Average golfers looking to install an indoor golf solution. Don’t fully comprehend the reach Ave Indoor Golf has within the space. Indoor golf is evolving and becoming more commonplace. Because we want to be a part of the initial design phase through the build-out. We are confident we can deliver world class solutions. That are based on the client’s desired budget or cosmetic needs.”

FAUST ATTENDED Albion College. He played on the school’s golf team all four years.

SO FOR MORE INFORMATION see aceindoorgolf.com

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS MAY 7TH with a new tee time of 10 Am, on Am 750 WNDZ-Chicago. Chicago’s favorite foursome of Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears all return for Year #32 of Chicago’s longest running golf show.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS (Pictured above) is the Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or LinkedIn.

The LIV Golf Series of tournaments begins this summer.

TICKETS ARE NOW on Sale for the series of LIV golf tournaments that will start this summer.

In the Chicago area, LIV Golf will come to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove Illinois, near Aurora.

Rich Harvest Farms has been host to many amateur tournaments. But now it’s the professionals who will get their chance to tackle this Golf Digest Top 100 golf course.

Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich with the NCAA National Championship trophy in 2017.

THE LIV INTERNATIONAL GOLF SERIES will begin it’s inaugural season this summer.

But better news for Chicago golf fans, is that with many of the major tours skipping Chicago this year.

The new LIV golf series, gives area golf fans a chance to see some of the best players in the world, show off their skills.

September 16-18 are the dates for the stop at Rich Harvest Farms. The three day event comes with a new format that includes shotgun starts. So all the players in the 48 man field are on the course at once. But play will run during the middle of the day hours. So there is no need to be at the course at 7 AM, or wait until after 2 Pm to see your favorite players tee off.

Because the tour is in it’s first year. It’s not yet known what players will be competing at Rich Harvest Farms.

SINGLE DAY OR MULTI DAY passes are now on sale at Livgolf.com. So enjoy some fall golf at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Proceeds will be donated to various charities.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO returns May 7th at 10 AM on WNDZ-AM 750. Chicago’s favorite foursome all return. Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm & Rory Spears.

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 Facebook.

University of Illinois Alum Tristyn Nowlin was the 2021 Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open champion.

The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville the long time host facility, has announced that the 2022 Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open will be held Monday July 25th and Tuesday July 26th.

But this year the format has changed from a 54 hole event, to 36 holes.

Registration is now open for the 27th playing of the championship. The Illinois Women’s Open is named after founder, the late Phil Kosin.

This year with the 36 hole format will not have a cut. But players will be repaired after Round 1.

ELIGIBILITY is open to all female professionals, or amateurs with a current USGA Handicap Index of 15.0 or less. Contestants must be 14 years of age by July 25th, 2022.

But any applicant that does not meet these requirements, can submit a written request to appeal to the events tournament committee for a special exemption. Please do email Mistwood Golf Club Director of Golf Andy Mickelson at amickelson@mistwoodgc.com.

Registration closes 11:59 Pm (CDT) on July 18th. Fee’s are $250.00 for amateurs, $300.00 for all levels of professionals.

Contestants are allowed one practice round prior to the event. Monday through Thursday anytime, Friday through Sunday after 2 pm. Any tee time requests outside of the time listed above, are subject to Mistwoods green fee rates at that time.

TEE TIMES will be posted online at least 72 hours prior to the event, and will be emailed to the players once times are posted online.

THE PURSE will be posted on the first tee prior to the first round. Players must declare themselves as a professional or amateur in the registration process in order to be correctly awarded a prize. Professionals will be awarded cash, and amateurs will receive gift certificates to the Mistwood Golf Club pro-shop. USGA Rules of Amateur status apply.

DRESS CODE: Contestants must follow the dress code of the LPGA tour. Sleeveless and collarless shirts are allowed. But denim is not allowed.

CADDIES/CARTS: Contestants are not allowed to carry their own bag during the IWO. But must use a caddy or take a golf cart. Cart fees are $20.00 per day.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS SATURDAY MAY 7TH AT 10 AM on AM 750 WNDZ Chicago. Chicago’s favorite foursome Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears all return for the shows 32nd season. Tune in and hear what’s up in golf.

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 Facebook.

MIKE SMALL’S Illini Golf Team is heating up at the right time.

Because just last week the ILLINI won the Purdue Boilermaker Invitational, and now have gone to back-to-back with a win at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate hosted by Ohio State University at the Columbus Country Club.

This coming weekend is the Men’s Big Ten Conference Championship on the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort.

A STRONG FINISH at conference could give the Illini a great position in the NCAA Regionals, before hopefully heading to the NCAA National Championships in Scottsdale Arizona at the Gray Hawk Golf Club. Adrien Dumont de Chassart is playing some great golf right now, and the senior should have a great week in French Lick. Chassart was selected for the 2022 European Arnold Palmer Cup Team, that will play in Switzerland.

BUT SAD TO SAY, Illinois is not really heating up just yet. Because the week ahead will be cold, rainy and gray. So this is not really helping our golf courses bring in the golfers.

I JOINED my foursome today for a round at the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road in Schaumburg. The golf course was in great shape. But our group hit the first tee at 1 PM, and it was 53 degrees. But by the back nine it was down to 46, and with the wind, the weather APP said it felt like 38 degrees out. All four of us could not disagree. I am looking forward to a day of 70 degree golf.

THERE IS NEWS ABOUT THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMEN’S OPEN at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. This years IWO, will be played on Monday July 25 and Tuesday July 26th. But this year the format is down to 36 holes, no word so far on as to why. But registration is now open for the event. Players can sign up at Mistwoodgc.com.

SOME COURSES are starting to extend their hours, as daylight expands and the weather improves. So don’t be afraid to checkout your favorite course on line and see the changing schedules.

MOM is almost on the tee. Because Mother’s Day is coming, we do need to think about Mom, and the golfing Mom’s. I’ll have some Mothers Day idea’s as the week moves forward. The Gog Blog is back all week.

RS.

  GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is just 13 days out on the other course in the building WNDZ 750 AM. But back with our old tee time of 10 AM. Chicago’s favorite foursome of Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm & Rory Spears all return. Tune-in fore golf talk.

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

BACK ON THE AIR Saturday May 7th 10 Am on Am 750 WNDZ Chicago.

WELCOME TO THE LATE EDITION of the Gog Blog’s Sunday Morning Short Game.

MYRTLE BEACH SC. is happening on the golf course.

Because five area courses have had winter upgrades and are ready to go. But two other courses are getting improvements this summer.

PRESTWICK COUNTRY CLUB replaced a bulkhead that supported greens on holes 9,16 and 18. But a new bunker down the left side of 16 will keep some balls out of the water. The famed Prestwick Clubhouse received new floors and patio furniture.

CALEDONIA GOLF & FISH CLUB a top 100 public course, spent $250,000 to enhance playability and pace of play. Because fairways and landing area’s were widened with a tree removal plan, that improves sightlines.

TRUE BLUE, Caledonia’s sister course, will be restored to architect Mike Strantz original plans. Tree removal has opened up sight lines. But there was an expansion to the practice area.

RIVERS EDGE has done several improvements to the 18th green area along the Shallotte River. But a full bunker project is underway, and six holes have been completed.

THISTLE GOLF CLUB is installing Scottish style PermaEdge stacked sod bunkers, enhancing this 27-hole facility.

But Grande Dunes will close on May 16th, for green restoration and bunker work. The pro shop will be expanded and a new indoor/outdoor bar will be built. But the course reopens on September 15th. RIVER HILLS Golf & Country Club closes on June 20th. The two month project includes adding and expanding TifEagle greens. Capillary Concrete bunkers installed

So learn more by visiting PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach-Home of the World Golf Amateur this August and early September.

THE FIRST SOCIAL SCRAMBLE is on the tee.

This three day event will bring some of the game top social media influencers to the Grand Strand, including Paige Spiranac.

Dates are September 23-25 and cost is $5,000 per foursome.

Golfers receive a gift bag valued at over $300.00 dollars. The 36-hole event tee’s off at the recently reopened Grande Dunes Golf Club. Details at PlayMyrtleBeachGolf.com.

Welcome to Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, now up for a national award. Eagleridge.com.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA has been nominated for Stella awards, in four categories.

But you can vote for Eagle Ridge in these categories and help them win.

Nominations include, Best Resort, and Best Golf Resort, and Best Hotel and Resort, among others.

Eagle Ridge will be opening a new spa this summer, and on May 25th the resort will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the General Golf Course. Details at Eagleridge.com.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS has team up with Travis Mathew apparel to create a new line of LAB Golf polo shirts. The shirts come in three colors. So learn more at Labgolf.com.

WGN TV is reporting that residents in Bensenville are trying to keep the Bensenville Park District from selling off part of the 36-hole golf facility to housing developers. see more at WGNTV.com.

OAK BROOK TERRACE BASED ZERO FRICTION has multiple golf bags now in different styles for golfers who love to use a push-pull cart or carry their own bag. So learn more at Zerofriction.com.

SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES has launched Sqairz Academy a learning platform with golf lessons, from top players and instructors. So you can learn more from Nick Faldo, Rick Smith and Nick Bradley. But these lessons are free, see more at Sqairz.com.

SO ENJOY PHOTO’S of some products and destinations on Facebook Rory Spears page, or on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS.

BY DAY OR BY NIGHT Heritage Oaks on Dundee Road in Northbrook now open for golf or dining at the Acorn Grill in the brand new clubhouse. Visit HeritageOaksGC.com

TTHE 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.

Marissa Wenzler of Dayton Ohio, returns to defend her title. Wenzler won at the Park Ridge Country Club in 2021.

SUNSET RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB in Northfield Illinois, will host the 122nd Women’s Western Golf Association amateur championship July 18-23.

This is the fifth time the club has hosted a WWGA Championship.

Previously the club hosted the 1935 Women’s Western Open. The 1942 Women’s Western Amateur, and the 1953 & 1961 Women’s Western Juniors.

The championship has been held every year without interruption, since it inaugural year of 1901.

The Women’s Western Golf Association returns to Sunset Ridge this July 18-23.

“Sunset Ridge is honored to have been selected to host the 2022 Women’s Western Amateur. Our membership is excited for the opportunity to extend our golf course and facilities to this iconic championship,” Sunset Ridge Tournament Chair Christa Bolt said. “We’re looking forward to watching some of the best young women in the world, compete on our home turf.”

Sunset Ridge was founded in 1923, and the golf course was designed by Bill Diddel. Diddel was one of the founding members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). Diddel learned the trade working for the famed Donald Ross. But later went on to mentor to another Hall of Fame architect, Pete Dye. Diddel’s design of Sunset Ridge included subtle contours with fast greens that created challenging putting surfaces.

Welcome to Sunset Ridge Country Club.

SUNSET RIDGE has hosted three WGA men’s championships. The 1936 Western Junior, the 1972 Western Open. But more recently the 2018 Western Amateur won by Cole Hammer.

“We’re excited to bring another elite championship to Sunset Ridge,” said Vince Pelligrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “Our successful Western Amateur in 2018 showed that this exacting venue, will present a challenging-but fair-test to every competitor.”

So the field for this years championship will be 120 amateurs, with a handicap of 5.4 or less. The first and second days of the championship, consist of 18 holes of stroke play. But then the format switches to match play. For the top 32 players advancing from stroke play.

Wenzler hitting a drive in the championship match.

MARISSA WENZLER from Dayton Ohio, will defend her title. Wenzler won in a two-hole playoff at Park Ridge Country Club.

Wenzler is a junior at the University of Kentucky. She advanced to the Round of 32 at the 2021 USGA Women’s Amateur.

But first, Wenzler survived a 11 for 2 playoff to advance to the match play. But then she defeated the medalist in the first round of 64 players.

Notable past WWGA champions include Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Brittany Lang (2003), Grace Park (1998), Christie Kerr (1995), and Nancy Lopez (1976).

“So much work goes into planning a championship like this. But since day one, Sunset Ridge has done a fantastic job,” said Jackie Wacker, WWGA Tournament Chair. “Because with a field of the world’s best female amateurs. So this will be an event no one will want to miss.”

BUT FOR MORE DETAILS visit www.womenswesternamateur.com.

WNDZ-AM 750 CHICAGO is the new or old home for Golfers on Golf Radio. Chicago’s favorite foursome Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears all return. The old tee time of 10 Am is back on the sheet. So tune in for 16 weeks of great golf talk.

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 Facebook.

SAND VALLEY GOLF in Nekoosa Wisconsin. Destination Golf Keiser Golf style. So book your golf trip today, tee sheets and lodging opportunities are filling up quickly.

Because the season begins next weekend on April 29th. So now is the time to call the reservation team and get your stay booked at Sand Valley.

Reservations are now being taken through October of 2023. Golf only reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance of your requested dates by calling (855)-421-1052.

COMING SOON in 2023 the Lido Course, in 2024 Sedge Valley by Tom Doak will open.

Learn more at Sandvalley.com.

THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS has upgraded it’s dining experience in it’s new clubhouse as the 2022 golf season heads into summer. See more 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 or Facebook.

Senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart of the University of Illinois

University of Illinois Senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart, who won the Boilermaker Invitational. Was named the Big Ten Co-Golfer of the week.

Chassart’s wire-to-wire win, came with a 9 under par score of 204.

Rounds of 69-65-70 were more than 7 shots below the course average of 75.30 for the week. those scores included 13 birdies. But he added 50 of 54 holes played at par or below.

The award was Chassart’s third of his career and second this season.

Illinois will compete at the Ohio State invitational this weekend in Columbus Ohio.

Then Illinois will head to the Big Ten Conference Championship on the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort.