THE GENERAL CLUBHOUSE IS CHANGING AT EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA. But do you know the General turns 25 on the 25th this month. Learn more-EagleRidge.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.

WGA-CEO John Kaczkowski speaks at the BMW 2024 press conference. Photo courtesy of WGA.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP now has it’s road map in place for the next three years.

Yesterday the Western Golf Association (WGA) and BMW, along with the PGA Tour and Castle Pines Golf Club, announced the 2024 BMW Championship will be played in the State of Colorado.

The championship will be held in the month of August. This coming August the 2022 BMW Championship will be held at Wilmington Country Club in Delaware. But in 2023, the championship returns to Olympia Fields in Chicago’s south suburbs. Now in 2024 it’s a trip to Colorado and Castle Pines Golf Club.

“We are so thrilled to bring the best players in the world back to Castle Pines and the Denver area for the BMW Championship,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “This golf course was made to host high-level championships, and we anticipate an unparalleled experience for the players, the Castle Pines Community and our fans.”

Castle Pines previously hosted the International Tournament on the PGA Tour from 1986 through 2006. But for the BMW Championship it’s the second visit to Colorado, and first since 2014, when Billy Horschel took home the trophy.

2024 BMW Championship to Castle Pines.

“Castle Pines Golf Club and it’s members welcome the opportunity to test the top 70 players on the PGA Tour, and put the focus of the golf world back on this iconic venue,” said George Solich, Castle Pines Golf Club Chairman and President. “It was always Jack Vickers vision to build a championship golf course and hold a tournament of national prominence. The International was the manifestation of that vision for over two decades. Hosting the 2024 BMW Championship reaffirms Jack’s vision and our commitment to championship golf at the highest level.”

Castle Pines a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course first opened for play in 1981. It was routed through rock formations and Ponderosa pine trees. Yardage is now over 8,000 yards and the course plays to a par of 72. Other features include narrow fairways, along with elevated greens complete with multi-tiered levels. Because of the vision of Jack Nicklaus and his design team.

“It’s very exciting to see Castle Pines back in tournament golf,” Nicklaus said. ‘We have made some excellent changes to the golf course over the last five years. So this will make the course more playable. But it’s still quite challenging, and one the players will enjoy.”

One can bet the players who have previously played Castle Pines, will enjoy tasting the clubs famous milks shakes once again.

David Duval a 13-time winner on the PGA Tour and major champion, along with 32 year member NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway are both members at Castel Pines. Both issued statements supporting the return of professional golf to their club. CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz said several players have told him, it was their favorite stop on the PGA Tour when the club hosted the International.

The BMW Championship has raised over $40 million dollars for the Evans Scholars Foundation since 2007. 58 Evans Scholars currently attend the University of Colorado in Boulder.

“Castle Pines Golf Club has long been a tremendous supporter of youth caddies and the Evans Scholars Foundation,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase this beautiful club and our shared efforts to reach more deserving young caddies.

But for more information please visit bmwchampionship.com.

THE GENERAL AT EAGLE RIDGE TURNS 25 ON THE 25TH- will you join the celebration at the new look Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. EagleRidge.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.

Two-time Western Open Champion Mark McCumber appeared the WGA-ESI-NV5 media day.

IT’S ALWAYS NICE TO HAVE THE CHAMP IN TOWN.

Two-time Western Open Champion Mark McCumber joined media day at the Glen Club this past week, where he spoke with Golfers on Golf.

McCumber was kind enough to do something he didn’t do on tour, which was was to spray-it to all fairways to cover a variety of topics in the golf world.

McCumber talked about his two Western Open wins in 1983 & 1989. In 1983 he edged out Tom Watson by 1 shot for the title. But in 1989 it was even more dramatic, when he defeated Peter Jacobsen in a 1-hole playoff, on Monday morning, on the 10th green at Butler National Golf Club. The playoff looked ready to go to the 11th hole. But when Jacobsen’s 4 footer for par, did a full horseshoe around the rim. Before not falling in the hole.

MCCUMBER ADDS some great insight about the Players Championship that he won at TPC Sawgrass. But more about the current state of golf and his golf course design business.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with two-time Western Open Champion Mark McCumber. Runs 12+ minutes.

But there is also great story from McCumber about a plan that former commissioner Deane Beaman had for professional golf, that never came to the forefront. So imagine two tour stops the same week so more players could play.

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY TO THE GENERAL at Eagle Ridge coming on May 25th. But the North Course turns 45, and the South Course is 38. Learn more at EagleRidge.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 Facebook. On the 18th green of The General at Eagle Ridge.

EAGLE RIDGE is getting back on track.

I spent part of last week in Galena, on the ridge I like to say.

But what was really good to see, was the resort is getting back on track.

The Eagle had landed for a while. But has brushed off it’s feathers and starting to fly once more.

Why is that !

Enter new owner Mark Klausner, who actually has a home in the Galena Territory not far from the renovated General Clubhouse. Klausner got tired of seeing conditions and quality slip. So he bought the resort from a New York based ownership, and with that things started to change.

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS was to take inventory of what the resort had or didn’t have. One of things Eagle Ridge didn’t have was golf course maintenance equipment that was running or working very well.

When the superintendent told Klausner of problems with the equipment, the decision became simple. Because it was time for new equipment. A phone to call to Moline based John Deere, saw a three-year deal come together and the beginning of new Deere tractors and more arriving in Galena. Millions of dollars of new equipment is arriving, and golf course upkeep is getting back on track.

THAT NEW SPA will be over 15,000 square feet. It sits on the site that used to belong to the resorts General store. Which is now part of the General Clubhouse that houses the new Highlands Restaurant. The General Clubhouse has a new pro shop, bar, restaurant and outdoor dining deck.

KLAUSNER decided there would be no more complaints about the building being too hot in the summer, and to cold in other months. Because those problems have been resolved with the addition of six new air conditioners, and two new boilers.

The Clubhouses at the golf courses have had new and needed woodpecker proof siding. There are seven massive solar panels around the property, and the natural gas is believe it or not, is cheaper than the propane that was being used. So the end result is that energy costs are down for the resort.

Golfers on Golf has series of stories coming up about the new look Eagle Ridge, the best golf resort in Illinois. So stay clicked-in.

GOLF MEDIA DAYS are on tap this week. The WGA Korn Ferry Tour event, the Evans Scholars Invitational (ESI) arrives at the Glen Club in Glenview. The Senior PGA comes to Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, and Harborside International in Chicago teams with KemperSports on a new project with the City of Chicago.

ILLINOIS GOLF-gets ready for the regional at the Yale Golf Course in New Haven CT. Illinois needs a top 5 finish to make it to nationals. I caught up with Coach Mike Small and he had some thoughts about the post season in Division 1 college golf.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Illini Men’s Coach Mike Small.

THE HOT WEATHER IS HERE so get out and enjoy warmer and drier golf courses in the Chicago area.

Finally, property upgrades are on their way to Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove, including to the clubs White Course. Drew Rogers will be the architect.

SOMETHING IS GETTING READY TO POP with the WGA and the BMW Championship, stay tuned. RS

THE GENERAL AT EAGLE RIDGE TURNS 25 ON MAY 25TH. Will you come celebrate in Galena with the General. New owner Mark Klausner (L) and Director of Golf Mike Weiler (R) welcome everyone to to Eagle Ridge. So learn more at EagleRidge.com.

Bill Berger, Ed Stevenson and Rory Spears wrap up Week 1 of Golfers on Golf Radio at WNDZ AM 750 Chicago.

GOG RADIO IS BACK!

At it’s new home, which is it’s old home at WNDZ-AM 750 Chicago. Tee time for the next 15 weeks is 10 AM, on every Saturday.

Our guest was Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, Director of Golf Mike Weiler.

The fourth member of Chicago’s favorite foursome, Len Ziehm joined the show as a remote host, on the grounds of the Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota Florida. So tune in next Saturday at 10 Am for week #2 of Golfers on Golf Radio.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF has announced they will expand to Little Rock Arkansas. This would be the second Topgolf venue in the State of Arkansas. But Topgolf did not announce dates for construction to begin, or for the facility to open. Topgolf.com.

TONY LEODORA and the Traveling Golfer program recently sat down for an in depth interview with golf architect Tom Fazio. But for a full list places to view the interview visit Travelinggolfervideo.com.

ISLAND RESORT and CASINO in Escanaba Michigan in the UP, just above the Wisconsin State Border, has opened it’s golf courses for the season. So both Sweetgrass and Sage Run are open. But so is the new addition to the hotel. 138 new rooms and suites are ready to welcome golfers. But the Epson Tour comes to the resort from June 24-26. So learn more at Islandresortandcasino.com.

THE NICKLAUS COMPANIES have announced that Phil Cotton has been named the new CEO. Cotton succeeds Tom Reese who will transition to the role of Vice-Chairman after 10 years in the CEO position.

NORTHBROOK IILINOIS BASED KEMPERSPORTS recently held it’s annual awards banquet. Cantigny Golf in Wheaton Illinois was named facility of the year. Daryl Parenteau of Rancho Solano Golf Course in Fairfield California, won the Emil Esposito Award for Professional of the Year. For a full list of awards see Kempersports.com.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced a series of golf club fitting days coming up. ButBut Titleist Golf starts tomorrow Monday May 9th, and has several more dates. But both Callaway Golf and Taylormade Golf have days in early June. So visit Pinemeadowgc.com or call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) for more information or to sign up.

BOYNE GOLF in Harbor Springs Michigan has announced staff transitions for 2022. Bernie Friedrich SVP moves to Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development. Josh Richter takes over as SVP of Golf Operations, and Casey Powers is Director of Golf. Friedrich has been with Boyne for 46 years, and while he is taking a different role, he adds that he is not “out the door yet”. But learn more details at Boynegolf.com.

THE CLUB AT LACLABELLE in Oconomowoc Wisconsin has announced it’s now open for the year and taking reservations for tee times. But there are reduces rates for spring golf. So to see all the details visit Clubatlaclabelle.com or call (262)-467-7833.

SENTRY WORLD in Stevens Point Wisconsin will open it’s golf course on June 1st. The new Inn at Sentry World will be open. But book your tee time today. Sentryworld.com.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS on tomorrow. RS

THE GENERAL AT EAGLE RIDGE TURNS 25 ON MAY 25TH. But there’s more now. Because the 9’s have flipped and the tee signs are new. So are some of the tee boxes. Our series of stories on Eagle Ridge begins next week. See EagleRidge.com for more.

RORY SPEARS in the new WNDZ AM 750 studio (L)-Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears in the old WNDZ Studio in 2019 (R).

Chicago’s favorite foursome of Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears all return.

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa’s Director of Golf Mike Weiler is the season’s first guest at 10:30 the old tee time is back at 10 Am.

Listen in to WNDZ as Golfers on Golf Radio is back for it’s 32nd season. This Saturday is the first of 16 weeks in 2022.

THE GENERAL AT EAGLE RIDGE TURNS 25 on the 25th this month. The course also has a new look, as the nines have flipped and those hole signs have changed. You can learn more at EagleRidge.com. Golfers on Golf has more on the changes next week.

The Big Ten Champions-The Fighting Illini of Illinois.

The University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team has been selected by the NCAA to compete at the New Haven Regional.

The regional is hosted by Yale University, and will be played from May 16-18.

Illinois has now qualified for NCAA regional play for 14 straight years. But will be the #4 seed in a field of 14 teams.

The Yale Golf Course is a par 70 course, that plays to a yardage of 6,409 yards. Illinois will be the No.4 seed.

The Illini will be joined by 13 other teams. But only the low five teams and individual not on an advancing team, will move on to the NCAA National Championships May 27th through June 1st at Grayhawk Golf Club-Raptor Course in Scottsdale Arizona.

Illinois is looking to advance to the nationals for the 14th straight year. But only the University of Texas has a longer streak at 14 years, trying to make it 15 this year.

But you can learn more at FightingIllini.com.

THE GENERAL AT EAGLE RIDGE TURNS 25 on May 25th-learn more by visiting online EagleRidge.com. WNDZ-AM 750 is the new and old home for Golfers on Golf Radio that returns this Saturday with a tee time of 10 Am. Chicago’s Favorite Foursome is back, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears all return for season 32.

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.

The Illinois Men’s Golf Team at the French Lick Resort. Big Ten Conference Champions for the 7th straight year.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Men’s Golf Team, has won three straight tournaments.

Starting at the Purdue Boilermaker, then at the Robert Keppler Invitational at Ohio State, finally the Big Ten Conference Championship on the famed Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort.

This week they won more than three times when the Big Ten post season awards were announced.

Head coach Mike Small won his 12th Coach of the Year Award and his 11th in 13 years.

Senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart who will use his Covid year to return next season, was named player of the year for the second straight season. Chassart is the first Illini to earn the Les Bolstad Award back-to-back since Steve Stricker in 1988 and 1989.

Chassart was named All-Big Ten First Team, along with teammate Tommy Kuhl also a senior who will return next season. Piercen Hunt was named Second Team All-Big Ten.

Kuhl also earned a Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Illinois now awaits word from the NCAA to see which regional they will attend. So learn more and follow the Illini at FightingIllini.com.

WHAT’S COOKING AT THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS. First up is the new menu in the clubhouse available Thursday to Sunday. But there are three courses at DuPage Golf that are up and running. The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows and the nine hole course Green Meadows. Get the news on DuPage Golf 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

WELCOME TO THE GENERAL at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. (L to R) Eagle Ridge owner Mark Klausner-pro shop staff employee-Director of Golf Mike Weiler.

DID YOU KNOW on May 25th the General Golf Course will celebrate it’s 25th birthday, having opened in 1997.

The North Course will turn 45, on July 1st, having opened in 1977. But the South Course will be only 38 the first week of August.

After arriving in Galena yesterday and taking a 2-hour tour around the property. I learned there is plenty going on Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa. Including a massive new 15,000 square foot spa, that opens in mid-July.

There is plenty of new golf course maintenance equipment, solar powered panels, even a former golf professional at Eagle Ridge who came out of retirement to get back in the Eagle Ridge golf operation.

Director of Golf Mike Weiler will join Golfers on Golf Radio 750 Am WNDZ this Saturday morning at 10:30. So listen in to learn more.

Golfersongolf.com will have many more Eagle Ridge stories next week. So stay clicked-in right here. RS

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS THIS SATURDAY MAY 7TH at 10 AM on it’s new or old home WNDZ Am 750-Chicago. All members of Chicago’s favorite foursome that includes Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger Len Ziehm and Rory Spears will return. So tune in and enjoy all the golf talk from GOG RADIO as the show tee’s off it’s 32nd season.

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.

PGA HOPE works with USA veterans, by offering golf clinics.

THE ILLINOIS PGA FOUNDATION works with our military veterans, by offering complimentary golf clinics.

This year there will also be two play days for the veterans that take part in the clinics.

“PGA HOPE is a tremendous program to help veterans through various rehabilitation processes and situations and offers an enjoyable and challenging recreational activity by getting them introduced to and involved in the game of golf,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section and Foundation. ” So we’re thrilled to work with RevelationGolf and participating facilities plus an outstanding roster of Illinois PGA Professionals to make this program possible for veterans to learn the game.”

CLINIC #1 Veterans Memorial Golf Course Wednesdays April 6th-May 11th from 4pm to 5:30. For transitional veterans.

CLINIC #2 Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois. Monday’s April 18th-May 23rd from 9 to 10 Am.

Veterans Memorial Golf Course CLINIC #3 Wednesday’s, May 4th-June 8th 5:30 to 7 Pm.

CLINIC #4 Pine Meadow Golf Club, Thursday’s May 12th-June 16th 5 Pm to 6:30 Pm.

CLINIC #5 Harborside International Golf Center Wednesday’s May 18th to June 22nd, 4:30 to 6 Pm.

CANTIGNY GOLF CLINIC #6 Tuesday’s June 21 through August 2nd. 4:30 to 6 Pm, with no class on July 12th. But this clinic for female veterans only.

CLINIC #7 Veterans Memorial Golf Course, Wednesday’s June 22 through July 27th, for veterans who have participated in at least one other clinic. 11:00 Am to 12:30 Pm.

CLINIC #8 Veterans Memorial Golf Course, Wednesday’s from September 4th to October 12th from 5 Pm to 6:30 Pm.

But Veteran play days are July 6th at Pine Meadow. Then again on Wednesday October 5th at Veterans Memorial Golf Course.

But for more details see IPGA.com.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO a two time ING national award winning golf radio show, returns for it’s 32nd season at it’s former home course AM 750 WNDZ-Chicago. All of Chicago’s favorite foursome, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears will return. But even better Golfers on Golf has it’s former tee time of 10 Am back again.

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. Back on the air in 5 days.

AS A LONG TIME GOLF MEDIA guy, it really pains me to see all the worthless golf content online by major publications.

Because this might be, it could be, it’s not Phil or Tiger’s schedule.

But hey everyone, Tiger signed-up for this tournament. So did Phil, so what’s Tiger’s next move, what’s Phil’s.

So did you know that Tiger played a practice round here, or there, and he told some unknown person, he might do this or might not.

Will Phil go to the Saudi backed LIV tour. So does Phil need Saudi money, after rumors persist that Phil lost $40 million dollars in 4 years from gambling. Whether “Lefty” lost a big amount in the sports books or not, is not a big deal. Nor is Tiger hitting balls somewhere, and looking great says someone on Twitter who claims to seen him firsthand.

FOLKS WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE of major season. So many great stories to be told, and when somebody wins the PGA or U.S. Open and the fans go, “Who”. It’s because writers who should be telling us about these players, are too busy telling us that somebody is mad at Phil, or Tiger might have or might not have signed up for a tournament next month. Spare us the scheduling details, and range reports. So lets get back to talking golf, and the up and coming players who might win a major in the next 80 days.

SO NOT TO BE LEFT BEHIND, make sure you take note that Rory Spears will be golfing this week at Eagle Ridge in Galena. But then next week Rory will be spotted on the range at the Glen Club in Glenview. Rory has signed up to play at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor Michigan, next week ahead of the Senior PGA Championship. I know you care-right ?

ON THE RIDGE: after two years I’m going back to Eagle Ridge. Word is that plenty has been going on, not just at the General Golf Course or the clubhouse. So I’ll find out all the details this week, on what’s happening under the new owner Mark Klausner.

ILL-INI how about the Fighting Illini men’s golf team. Winning by 1 shot. But it was enough to overtake and hold off the Spartans of Michigan State. The University of Maryland was two shots back of Illinois. So it’s seven straight titles for Illinois and 13 wins in 14 years.

WITH THAT-time to head a little bit west of Rockford. RS