THE LAWN AT DEERPATH GOLF IN LAKE FOREST IS OPEN. 30,000 Square foot putting green and chipping green. The Lawn is a great place to putt, for all aged golfers.

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.

Maurice Allen comes to Harborside International, this Monday July 18th.

The Illinois PGA proudly presents World Long Drive Championship Maurice Allen, the 2018 World Long Drive Champion.

Allen will appear this coming Monday July 18th at the Harborside International Golf Center in Chicago.

Allen is also a 9-time finalist in the World Long Drive Championships.

Start time for the clinic by Allen is at 1 pm and runs until 3 pm.

This clinic is a junior golf clinic and there is no charge to attend. But for more information visit IPGA.com or call Harborside International Golf Center. Harborside is located at 11001 Doty Ave East, in Chicago.

HERITAGE OAKS 3535 DUNDEE ROAD IN NORTHBROOK is back with a new name, a new clubhouse, a new big-size putting green, a driving range with now with Trackman, and of course, a new look golf course. So make a tee-time at Heritageoaksgc.com or call the club at (847)-291-2351. Heritage Oaks is part of the Northbrook Park District.

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.

Jamie Fischer with Conway Farms caddie Jose Ornelas at Heritage Oaks Golf Club.

JAMIE FISCHER IS GOING HOME!

Even with a bogey on the par 4, 18th hole, Conway Farms Golf Club teaching professional Jamie Fischer stayed out of a playoff.

Fischer’s drive on 18, found a fairway bunker, so she started asking her caddie Jose Ornelas where do we stand.

Ornelas offered solid advice telling Fischer, lets just make concentrate on making a par. But even with a bogey, Fischer was 2 shots clear of a playoff. Because Fischer was in the last group to tee off, she was the last player from the Heritage Oaks Golf Club’s qualifier to make it into the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Open.

But while making it into the U.S. Senior Women’s Open is pretty special in-itself. For Fischer, it’s a trip back home to the neighborhood where she grew up in Dayton Ohio. So one thing Fischer won’t need to look for tournament week, is a hotel room.

With her mom still having the house in the neighborhood Fischer grew-up in, Fischer will stay with mom that week in her childhood home. So the commute over to host site NCR Country Club will be a short one.

But another thing going for Fischer, is that she played in the 1986 U.S. Women’s Open on NCR’s championship South Course (won by Jane Geddes). So she has seen NCR’s set-up for a USGA championship. But the defending champion from the 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open will be Annika Sorenstam, who is tough to beat on any golf course.

Heritage Oaks in Northbrook played host to the USGA Men’s Senior Amateur qualifier in the morning. Followed by the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in the afternoon.

Fischer will have company from Illinois when she heads to Dayton in late August for open week. (August 22-28).

While Tracy Hanson with a score of 4 under par won the qualifier, runner up was Audra Burks from Springfield.

Earlier this year, Mistwood Golf Club teaching professional Nicole Jeray received word from the USGA, that she would be exempt directly into the field at NCR.

Both NCR Courses-North and South were originally designed by Dick Wilson, known for his work in the Chicago area with his design of Cog Hill #4 (Dubsdread).

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Jamie Fischer who qualified for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.

So for more information on the U.S. Senior Women’s Open please visit USGA.org.

ACORN GRILL part of the new look Heritage Oaks on Dundee Road in Northbrook. So come out and enjoy the new golf course and clubhouse, then see what else is new at Heritage Oaks. Book your tee time at (847)-291-2351 and visit Hertiageoaksgc.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.

The colorful Callaway staff golf bags for the 150th edition of the Open Championship.

THE NEW MAJOR BAGS ARE HERE!

Callaway Golf has announced a student from St. Andrews, has designed the golf bags that will be used by 34 Callaway staff players who are playing in the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews.

The championship begins on Thursday and concludes on Sunday.

Students from two schools submitted entries for judging.

Staff players that took part in the judging included Danny Willett a past Dunhill Cup winner at St. Andrews, and former Masters Champion. Another staff player was Min Woo Lee.

17 year-old Iona Turner had her design chosen by Callaway. “It will be surreal seeing my bag alongside some of the world’s best golfers,” said Turner.

Neil Coulson the Chief Executive of St. Andrews Links, was quick to congratulate Iona for her spectacular winning design.

HERITAGE OAKS at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook has more than a new name. It’s a new clubhouse, renovated golf course, new “Trackman” range, new large putting green, new simulators, and Acorn Grill. Visit HeritageOaksGC.com or (847)-291-2351.

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. With the jug.

WHAT NO SHARK!

Two-time Open Champion Greg Norman was not invited to the 150th Open Championship to take part in the past champions ceremony.

Because of his involvement with the LIV Series of Golf, it was deemed that Norman would be a distraction.

AS A RESULT the R & A is taking some serious heat, for being petty. Well deserved heat I might add. If your going to do things like this, maybe your status should be reduced from “Major” to “Minor”. Regardless, I’m looking forward to watching the 150th from St. Andrews.

Because you can’t beat getting up at like 4 AM to watch a major golf championship. But if the weather is poor, anything can happen and likely will. Plenty of laughs and head shaking to follow.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS native Doug Ghim was “In the hunt” at the Scottish Open, T-2 after 36 holes. But a third round 74 ended his chances of victory. Ghim ended up T-16 and cashed a check for $104,900.

THE MEDIA get to preview the USGA-Mid Amateur at Erin Hills and the Western Amateur at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park this week. So more information on those events will be coming along shortly here at Golfers on Golf.

HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB in Northbrook will host a double-USGA qualifier on Wednesday. In the morning the men will play the Classic 18 course trying to make the field in the USGA Men’s Senior Amateur. But the afternoon session is the qualifier for the Women looking to qualify for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in August at NCR Country Club in Dayton Ohio.

Former Chicago Blackhawks player, broadcaster and GM Dale Tallon who regained his amateur status about 10 years ago, will attempt to qualify for the Senior Amateur. But in the afternoon, Conway Farms teaching professional Jamie Fischer will try to make the field at NCR. Fischer grew up in the neighborhood of NCR and her mother still lives in the family home nearby. Mistwood Golf Club’s teaching professional Nicole Jeray is already exempt into the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.

TOURNAMENT TIME IS ARRIVING IN ILLINOIS-The Illinois State Amateur, the Women’s Western Golf Association Amateur, the Illinois Women’s Open and the Western Amateur Championship will take place before the end of the month. But a reminder the DuPage Amateur on July 23-24 still has places remaining in the field. But deadline to enter is coming up this Friday July 16th. DuPagegolf.com for more information.

I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED that the new spa at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena would open on July 13th. Because of supply chain issues, opening day will now be in Mid-September (14th). So stay tuned for more details.

FOR THOSE OF YOU wondering, I’m working on the details of the opening of Settlers Hill in Geneva, still expected to be at the end of the month. But time will tell. July 27th is a maybe for opening day, if not probably shortly there after.

OUR VERY OWN LEN ZIEHM is traveling around Wisconsin the next couple of weeks. So if your headed north into the Dairyland for golf, stay tuned for where to visit from Len. Both in the Daily Herald, and at LenZiehmongolf.com.

THERE IS SOME equipment that has recently come out, and or will be out soon. Details coming shortly. The Gog Blog returns all week. RS

HERITAGE OAKS at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook, is completely reopened from renovation and ready for your visit. So come enjoy a renovated golf course, a new clubhouse with the Acorn Grill, a new driving range with Trackman, a new putting green and simulators inside for year round golf & club fittings. So call and make your tee time at (847)-291-2351 or see Heritageoaksgc.com. #NoLongerYourfathersSportsmansGCC

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.

Len Ziehm is on the move through the Midwest.

Golfers on Golf Radio’s Len Ziehm is on the move around the Midwest.

This past week Ziehm was in the Quad Cities for the John Deere Classic, and then headed north to Galena and Eagle Ridge.

Lenziehmongolf.com has posted a story about what’s happening at Eagle Ridge, including an unfortunate delay in the new opening of the new spa.

What was once a July opening has been pushed back to Mid-September.

Now Ziehm is moving around the Dairyland State of Wisconsin. Len will soon be posting about Sentry World, Sand Valley and golf in the Wisconsin Dells. So stay tuned.

THE GOLF SCENE with Steve Kashul on NBC Sports Chicago, has July programming starting tonight at 6 PM.

THIS WEDNESDAY at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club from 5-6:30 PM is the Cleveland Golf Wedge Clinic for better short game scoring. $179.00 per person. Space is very limited so sign up now, you will be fitted for a new wedge. Coghillgolf.com or call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455.

LYLE & SCOTT will now be providing clothing for Rick Shields, a leading online golf content creator. Lyleandscott.com.

THE DUPAGE AMATEUR scheduled for July 23-24 is filling quickly. But sign-up’s will end on July 16th. So visit DuPagegolf.com today.

THE NEW LIMITED EDITION SQAIRZ GOLF SHOE-British Open edition is now available. So visit sqairzgolf.com to see the new design.

HORSESHOEBAY RESORT near Austin Texas, has 72 holes of golf, and now a waterfront beach and aqua-park open just in time for the warm summer months. For details visit hsbresort.com.

SENTRY WORLD in Stevens Point Wisconsin has become a complete destination getaway. The Inn and restaurants are now open, and the golf course is getting ready for the 2023 U.S. Senior Open. So for more information see Sentryworld.com.

Club Champion expands it’s New York Game-get fit in Manhattan.

Willowbrook based Club Champion is opening a new New York City flagship studio.

Expanding Club Champions previous offerings in the State of New York.

The new 4,400 square foot studio, will have four hitting bays, and five Master Fitters.

This new studio is only a block from Grand Central Terminal, and located in the “News Building” known for being a real-life counterpart of Metropolis’s Daily Planet from the 1978 Superman film.

So the new studio will replace the two previous locations in New York City. But even better is that for a limited time, the new Manhattan location will offer 50% off of fitting fee’s with the purchase of $500.00 of equipment or more. But with putter fittings being the only exception, they are 50% percent off with the purchase of a new putter.

So check out the new New York location from 10 Am to 6 Pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9 Am to 5 Pm on Friday-Saturday or Sunday. But for more information see Clubchampiongolf.com or by calling (888)-340-7820.

But to see photo’s of some products mentioned here, visit Rory Spears on Facebook or @GogBlogGuy on Twitter. The Gog Blog Speaks Out-returns tomorrow. RS

THE LAWN AT DEERPATH GOLF COURSE IS NOW OPEN. The 30,000 square foot putting and chipping green is one of a kind in the Chicago area. See Deerpathgolf.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.

Chicago’s Favorite Foursome-Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. Golfers on Golf Radio Saturday mornings at 10 AM-WNDZ Am 750 Chicago.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO WEEK 10 is here.

So this week it’s a tour of golf in Wisconsin, with guests from both Sentry World in Stevens Point, and the Club at Lac LaBelle in Oconomowoc.

But our very own Len Ziehm of the Daily Herald and Lenziehmongolf.com will be in Wisconsin, on his way to Sentry World, home of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.

So Len will check in live from the roadways of Wisconsin.

Mike James the General Manager of the Sentry World, joins us live from Stevens Point Wisconsin. James will discuss all that’s new and coming to-Sentry World. But it’s also home of the famed “Flower Hole”.

Welcome to the Club at Lac La Belle.

Tyler Morse the CEO of the Prestwick Group, joins us to talk about the Club at Lac La Belle located in Oconomowoc Wisconsin.

The Club at Lac La Belle has a great history dating back to 1896. The club that was going to expanded it’s practice area’s, but after meeting with Craig Haltom of Haltom Golf Design who found the land that is now Sand Valley. Lac La Belle expands to it’s current form on the course. But Morse and the Prestwick Group have put some great touches on the inside of the clubhouse. Because a historical tour included for anyone who loves the game, is found in the grill.

CLICK HERE to hear this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio.

Golfers on Golf Radio on WNDZ AM 750-Chicago 10 Am Saturday mornings.

So thanks for listening, Ed, Billy, Len and Rory.

THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS in Addison now has the new clubhouse up and fully running. So check out Chef Mike’s new menu Wednesday through Sunday. But then head out on the golf course and enjoy the Preserve. Go visit 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 and Facebook.

The Golf Scene back for year #29-with Steve Kashul.

THE GOLF SCENE on NBC Sports Chicago is back with host Steve Kashul.

The Schedule for July is as follows.

Sunday July 10 at 6 PM.                                    Wednesday July 13 at 1:30 PM                          Saturday July 16 at 12:30 PM                            Tuesday July 19 at 6:30 PM NBC-SC+              Wednesday July 20 at 1:30 PM                          Thursday July 21 at 6:30 PM                              Saturday July 23 at 5 PM

This months topics include a big U.S. Open for Bettinardi Golf. Ridgemoor CC with a tribute to Ben Hogan. Brendan Doyle’s Golf Performance studio. Srixon’s new ASICS Golf Shoes. A tour of Game of Irons. DuPage Golf announces a renovation of Maple Meadows.

The Golf Scene on NBC Sports Chicago-with Steve Kashul.

THE NEW CLUBHOUSES ARE OPEN- (L) The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison part of DuPage Golf, learn more at DuPageGolf.com. (R) Heritage Oaks Golf Club part of the Northbrook Park District, see HeritageOaksgc.com. #GolfFacilitiesGettingBetter

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.

Architect Andy Green talks about putting Wilmington Country Club back together after a tornado hit the center of the golf course in August of 2020.

THE CALL WENT OUT!

Andy. come and help, we have a problem.

Delaware is not known for tornado’s. A state with wide-open plains for twisters to blow through.

But when the PGA Tour shows up, and thinks your course can host a Fed Ex Cup Playoff event. Then 30 days later your course looks like a war-zone, the situation becomes-who you gonna call, Andy Green.

An up-rooted tree on the Wilmington Country Club South Course.

The number of fallen trees varies depending on who you talk to. But the number of tree’s lost was near 300.

But regardless of the number, the clean-up of the damage, is almost the easy part.

Because trying to figure out how to make sure that a golf course retains it’s strategic values, can be challenging.

The tornado had barely left Wilmington when the club realized it had a mess on it’s hands. Within hours Wilmington Country Club called Green who rushed to the scene.

But as bad as things appeared, the removal of some trees by Mother Nature helped the preparation phase for the BMW Championship and the PGA Tour/Fed Ex Cup Playoffs.

Tree’s lay fallen at Wilmington Country Club after an August of 2020 tornado.

Because prior to the tornado, the club was looking at removing some trees. Well not 300+ but a few here and there, to add yardage and some new tee boxes.

Which after the tornado clean-up was complete, is exactly what Wilmington Country Club did.

The lost trees allowed for one green to be moved and rebuilt. When Green finished with course changes and repairs, the Wilmington South Course was challenging as ever before.

CLICK HEAR to hear architect Andy Green discuss putting Wilmington Country Club back together after a tornado, and what’s new in golf course architecture.

The BMW Championship will played from August 16-21, tickets are available, visit BMWChampionship.com for information and pricing.

HERITAGE OAKS-NO LONGER YOUR FATHER’S SPORTSMAN’S. Located at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook, Heritage Oaks is more than a new name. Because it’s a brand new clubhouse, with the new Acorn Grill, indoor simulators, Trackman Range, putting green, and yes the golf course, with new tee’s fairways and greens. So come play Heritage Oaks, book a tee time by calling (847)-291-2351-HeritageOaksgc.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.

The Lawn at Deerpath is open.

THE LAWN IS OPEN!

IF THERE IS A BIGGER putting green in the Chicago area, the golf community would like to know where it is.

But The Lawn is now open at the Deerpath Golf Club in Lake Forest.

The Lawn was made possible by, Friends of the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation. Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation and KemperSports Management, and designed by architect Todd Quitno.

The Lawn is over 30,000 square feet, and allows for both putting and chipping.

THE NEW MASSIVE-LAWN was opened this week, and the project came together under the head golf professional at Deerpath, Vince Juarez.

There is a variety of both putting and chipping courses, with synthetic chipping stations next to The Lawn.

“The Lawn will be enjoyed by kids, families and people of all ages,” said head golf professional Vince Juarez.

Opening festivities included music from the band Z-28, and dining from the Bub City food truck.

So when your ready to work on your putting. Maybe have the putting contest of a lifetime against the course or with your golfing partners. Why not visit “The Lawn” at Deerpath Golf Club in Lake Forest. Available for private events.

So learn more at Deerpathgolf.com or call the course at (847)-810-3888.

THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows in Addison now has it’s new clubhouse rolling in time for the heart of golf season. Chef Mike’s new menu has golfers enjoying the food and beverage as much as the award winning golf course. So why not enjoy a day of golf at the Preserve and then one of the DuPage brews now on tap at the bar. For more details, DuPageGolf.com. Don’t forget Maple & Green Meadows DuPage-AM July 23-24

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.

GOLFERS ON GOLF was at the Wilmington Country Club in Delaware for the media event to start the drive towards the 2022 BMW Championship. This is the first of a series of stories regarding this years tournament.

Governor John Carney of Delaware opened media for the 2022 BMW Championship.

THE LAST MONDAY in JUNE saw media day come to the Wilmington Country Club in Delaware.

Where golf, or at least major golf tournaments on the PGA Tour are taken seriously by the host state.

That message was sent loud and clear. When the days proceedings started by having Delaware Governor John Carney step to the podium. Carney then introduced Western Golf Association Senior VP of Tournaments Vince Pellegrino.

But after the days press conference indoors wrapped-up, Governor Carney held court on Wilmington Country Clubs patio with the attending media. The focus of discussion was on golf, and what the tournament meant for the state of Delaware.

Because tournaments like this are good for the economy in the area. Governor Carney was only kind enough to speak with the press, he stayed to golf and for some post-round snacks and a beverage.

Governor John Carney speaks with State of Delaware official at Wilmington Country Club home of the 2022 BMW Championship.

Carney said that during the pandemic his golf game improved with the help of larger cups, and Covid-Pars.

But added his wife bought him a golf membership for a year, at a club by his house. That he called his post day stress-relief, not a bad plan.

Carney being present that day showed the kind of commitment that Delaware has for the BMW Championship. When asked about the quick reopening of golf in the State of Delaware, Carney explained that the economy and jobs were at stake. But the fact that golf is an outdoor activity, and if a club had a safe plan to open, we let them get back to business. A plan that Illinois could have learned from.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with Delaware Governor John Carney at the BMW Championship media day.

THE 2022 BMW Championship will be held from August 16-21 at the Wilmington Country Club in Delaware. Details at BMWChampionship.com.