THE OAKS GRILLE at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol is now open-BlackberryOaks.com. The cottages at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville Florida-coming in late 2023.

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

Davis Riley and Nick Hardy-winners on the PGA Tour at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.

NORTHBROOK NICK HARDY!

Along with partner David Riley has done it, they are winners on the PGA Tour.

What a finish in coming from behind to earn their first PGA Tour win.

They are both exempt now on the PGA Tour through 2025, and both pocketed over $1.2 million dollars. So for Hardy the cost of his upcoming wedding is now covered, if it wasn’t already.

I HAVE KNOWN for a long time that Hardy would win on tour, the question was when, not if. The answer was yesterday. But when can hardy do it solo, that remains to be seen. But he now can play when and where he wants for a few more years. Well done Nick and congrats, you have worked so hard, and this is well earned.

Quite a weekend for Hardy and his alma mater the Fighting Illini. The Illini Women’s Team won their first Big Ten Conference title, and is into the sectionals. While the men’s team won it’s own invitational at the Atkins Course at the University of Illinois. So the streak of 8 in a row at the conference championships is on the line for the #3 Illini men.

University of Illinois graduate student Crystal Wang-shot 62 in 40 degree temperatures to speed away from the field and win the title. But for the men it was fifth year senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart-only 1 of 2 under par golfers for the weekend. So for Chassart it was first win in the last year, after four second place finishes. The Ben Hogan award finalist is peaking at the right time.

THEN ON THE EQUIPMENT SIDE-Uneekor a South Korean simulator brand, has announced they have acquired California based putter company Evnroll, based in Carlsbad. Both sides seem excited about the new arrangement, let’s hope it works out.

THE ILLINOIS PGA has ten professionals playing in the upcoming National Club Professional Championship-good luck to them all. But more on the Illinois field coming up this week.

THE KEISERS are at it again. So this time it’s Colorado and the building of Rodeo Dunes. Will Rodeo Dunes be the next Bandon Dunes, or Sand Valley. Because only time will tell. But only 35 minutes from the Denver airport is a winner. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw will build the first course, sounds like a winner already.

PICTURES FROM THE NEW 10th Course at Pinehurst show things taking shape. So what I do know is that much has been completed, since I was there 8 weeks back.

THE WEATHER HERE needs to change. For the better, last weekend 82, this past weekend in the 40’s. Now this weekend only in the 60’s. So let’s hope it does squeeze into 70 degree weather by Saturday.

THERE IS MORE EQUIPMENT updates coming out soon, plus news on a local course and one down South. So stay tuned. Congrats Nick Hardy, your win is great to see. RS

LIV GOLF RETURNS TO RICH HARVEST FARMS-SEPT. 22-24 Sign up to volunteer now-see LIVgolf.com or RichHarvestFarms.com for more details. THE THERA TEE glove sold through Zero Friction Golf, see you local golf retail store or ZeroFriction.com.

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

THE BLACKBERRY OAKS GRILLE is now open. See the new menu.

HAPPY SUNDAY!

Even thought the weather is cold out today-better conditions are coming soon.

Northbrook-Nick Hardy is in contention at the Zurich Open on the PGA Tour, tunes in this afternoon to see all the final round action.

BLACKBERRY OAKS in Bristol, home of Callaway Golf Ambassador Chad Johansen has opened it’s new Oaks Grille Restaurant at the course. So come out and play some golf and enjoy the new menu at The Grille. Blackberryoaks.com.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Men’s and Women’s Golf teams are busy this weekend. The Women’s team is competing at the Big Ten Championships at Fox Chapel Country Club in the Pittsburgh area. Headed into the final round the Illini are in second place, one shot behind leaders Ohio State.

The Men’s team is hosting it’s Illini Spring Collegiate at the Atkins-Course at the University of Illinois. So after 36 holes #3 Illinois leads Loyola Marymount by 3 shots and sits alone in first place. But fifth year senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart is the individual leader. 18 more holes to play today.

Taylor Gooch holds the trophy in the down under-Adelaide. Photo Courtesy of LIV Golf.

LIV GOLF

This week the location was in Australia, at Adelaide and the Grange GC.

Taylor Gooch opened with back-to-back 62’s, to give him a 10 shot lead headed into the final round.

But after a slow start that included a couple of bogeys, the lead shrank to two shots. Because of birdies on the 11th and 13th holes. Gooch had some space from those chasing him, parring in from the 14th hole for a 1-over par 73 was enough to win. Gooch’s former team the 4ACES lead by Dustin Johnson won the team championship. More at LIVGolf.com.

A rendering of what Topgolf’s future Memphis venue will look like. 2024 Topgolf will be part of the Special Olympics.

TOPGOLF

Will join the Special Olympics starting in 2024.

Special Olympics athletes will be able to compete in Topgolf, as an individual or as part of a team.

So beginning next month, Topgolf will offer free practice sessions to Special Olympic athletes or Unified athletes as they prepare for the games. So see more at Topgolf.com.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB will host a Cleveland Golf Wedge Scoring Clinic on May 24th. Cost is $185.00 per participant. Time of from 5 Pm to 6:30 Pm. So for more details and to register visit Coghillgolf.com or call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455. But the Mothers Day Brunch is coming up on May14th-Reserve your place today.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Mistwood Golf head professional Frank Hohenadel for being named the 2022 IPGA merchandiser of the year. Public Facility by the Illinois PGA.

THE FIRST JACK NICKLAUS HERITAGE COURSE has broken ground in the Bahama’s. The Nicklaus Course built at Jack’s Bay will be 18 holes. But along with the Nicklaus course, with be a Par-3 course designed by TGR Design (Tiger Woods firm). See Nicklaus.com for more information.

THE DORMIE NETWORK has announced Gray Bull a new course for the network now under construction. But the planned opening date isn’t until May of 2024. The designer will be David McLay-Kidd. Details at Dormienetwork.com

Island Resort and Casino in Harris Michigan-home to Sweetgrass and Sage Run golf courses.

THE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

In the UP of Michigan is 36 holes of great golf in the name of Sweetgrass and Sage Run.

Because architect Paul Albanese has designed two courses that players of all skill levels can enjoy. But not mention the beautiful scenery that goes along with it.

Because the resort has added more rooms in the last couple of years there is plenty of places to stay, with the addition of a new tower hotel.

But for those that need more action once off the golf course, you can try out the resorts casino always a fun experience. So learn more about booking your Resort and Casino Experience at Islandresortgolf.com.

Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd MN-Opens April 28th.

CRAGUN’S is opening this week.

Brainerd MN. in the land of 10,000 lakes has seen the handiwork of major champion Tom Lehman, and golfers will be better off for it.

Because starting now 36 all-new championship holes of golf are ready for play.

So the Lehman-18 a multi-million dollar renovation-runs through a 1000-acre wooded sanctuary that winds around Stephen’s Lake and other natural wetlands, offers a scenic Minnesota backdrop.

But the Dutch-27 that combines three nine-hole courses (Red-White and Blue) will open this week. But there is a flip-flop coming, as the Blue Nine reopens from a full renovation on June 30th. However on July 1st the Red Nine is back in the hands of the Lehman Group for renovation, with a 2024 planned reopening. Among the improvements on “the Dutch 27″ are new cart paths and white sand bunkers.

The Dutch course will host on Labor Day weekend the PGA Tour Canada’s CRMC Championship, presented by Gertens. The White and Blue 9’s play a combined 7,001 yards and to a Par of 70.

But there is more-the Chris Foley golf school opens this month along with the resorts par-3 golf course.

Director of Golf Jack Wawro says,” we are thrilled to have 36 holes open for play. Tom Lehman’s visions for our golf courses are exactly what we hoped for, when we started the renovation. The caliber of our courses and golf facilities will be unparalleled in this region.”

Golf fees include golf, golf cart with GPS and driving range privileges. Walking is permitted on the par-3 course. Resort guests get special green fees. So for more information see Craguns.com.

ZEROFIT Hoodies-Worlds Warmest Baselayer.

ZEROFIT HOODIES

So if your looking for a hoodie-that does not hamper your swing during a round of golf, consider ZEROFIT.

The Zerofit Heatrub Move Unisex Hoodie is a no-sweat baselayer with a hood, for cooler temperatures but not freezing cold weather.

Because this style hoodie has the build style it does, golf is not the only activity option for Zerofit. Because more options include sailing, hiking, bicycling and skiing.

Colors for the Zerofit hoodie are both Black and Titanium. See ZerofitUSA for more details and information.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

LIV GOLF RETURNS TO RICH HARVEST FARMS Sept. 22-24, you can sign up now to volunteer at the tournament-see our Sunday column from yesterday for details. Striker invites you to warm weather golf on the Copperhead Course. See Innisbrookgolf.com.

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

IT FEELS LIKE A DOME DAY-Rory Spears in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

SNOWTIME…

So just when you thought it was golf season, Mother Nature throws us a curveball, or was it a snowball.

Because who would have thought after 82 degree weather on Saturday, 33 degrees and snowy is what we would wake up to today.

Burr-that’s cold. Maybe 60 tomorrow and we should take it, and get back on the golf course.

A GREAT PGA TOUR FINISH yesterday at Harbor Town at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. Matt Fitzpatrick outlasts Jordan Spieth in a 3-hole playoff for the title, at the home of the lighthouse.

Fitzpatrick who uses Bettinardi Putters made in Tinley Park, defeated Spieth who said he was exhausted after the Masters. But the Masters was 8 tournaments for Spieth in 10 weeks. So the Heritage was 9 of 11 weeks on the circuit for the Texan.

A good line by Tim Cronin our friend at the Illinois Golfer said, “it’s not often that Northwestern beats Texas but it happened today with the win by Fitzpatrick.

ONLINE REPORTS say that CBS Golf’s roving reporter LPGA HOF’er Dottie Pepper made comments that both Spieth and Fitzpatrick were upset with BMW Champion Patrick Cantlay for slow play. An issue with Cantlay’s pace of play at the Masters was an issue as well. The final group at the Heritage on Sunday which was Spieth-Fitzpatrick and Cantlay took 5 hours and 5 minutes to play 18 holes. Yikes, that is turtle speed on that golf course.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS which is gearing up for it’s own invitational coming soon on it’s revamped golf course. Announces that Adrien Dumont de Chassart is a semi-finalist for the famed Ben Hogan Award-stay tuned.

SO BACK IN FEBRUARY I reported on an addition to the National Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee, that has become official with a press release this past week. I will have more details in the week ahead.

GREAT NEWS FOR THE U.S. SENIOR OPEN in Stevens Point Wisconsin at Sentry World, home of the famed Flower Hole-now the par-3 16th hole. Wisconsin hometown guys-Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly have now officially entered the championship. Stricker won the championship in 2019, while Kelly has two runner-up finishes.

THERE IS STILL DEBATE going-on about the lack of coverage at the Masters of LIV Golfers. CBS announcer Jim Nantz said what’s being called a “lame excuse” for his networks lack of coverage on Sunday for runner-up of Phil Mickelson. Nantz said CBS was caught off guard by “Lefty’s” charge. Mickelson was paired with Spieth who got plenty of coverage. Nice try Jim, But try again.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

DO YOU NEED NEW GOLF SHOES FOR 2023-Sqairz might just be for you. So learn more at Sqairz.com. Time for new clubs-Callaway Paradym’s might be the right clubs for your game. They are certainly working well for 2023 Masters Champion Jon Rahm.

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

Peter Millar apparel.

PETER MILLAR

Has been named the official outfitter for the 123rd U.S. Open this June.

The U.S. Open will be held at the Los Angeles Country Club.

Matt Fitzpatrick is the defending champion, winning in 2022 at The Country Club, Brookline MA.

Peter Millar apparel will be sold at the U.S. Open inn the merchandise tent.

But it will be sold online, watch for details on how to get your U.S. Open merchandise even before championship week tee’s off. Do visit Petermillar.com.

Callaway Fitting Day’s are coming to Cog Hill.

CALLAWAY CLUB FITTINGS

Paradym Club fitting days are coming to Cog Hill over the next few weeks.

This week on Wednesday April 19th and on Wednesday May 3rd.

But you must make an appointment, fitting fee is $60.00. But more good news you do get a dozen golf balls.

Times are from 11 Am to 4 pm. So visit Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-264-4455 to make your appointment.

THE #5 RANKED FIGHTING ILLINOIS have had a great spring on the golf course. So they have cleaned up on some recent awards.

Because the Illini recently won it’s fifth tournament of the year at The Tiger (University of Missouri) invitational, held at the Club at Old Hawthorne. Sophomore Jackson Buchanan shot a school record of 22 under par to win the championship.

Buchanan was then named the B1G Ten-men’s golfer of the week. So he follows in the foot steps of teammate Adrien Dumont de Chassart who won the week before, after a runner-up finish in Augusta Georgia. The tournament was the Fred Haskins Award Invitational.

THE ILLINI also announced that men’s assistant coach Justin Bardgett is leaving the program at the end of the season.Because Bardgett will assume the role of Director of College Player Relations with the PGA Tour Academy. Coach Mike Small says that he and the University are excited for Bardgett as he beings his new career path.

CLUB 54 at Rich Harvest Farms home of the 2023 LIV Golf Chicago Invitational.

LIV GOLF at Rich Harvest Farms.

2023 LIV GOLF in Chicago is coming back to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove from September 22-24.

Last year 2022 British Open Champion Cam Smith won the title.

But now volunteer registration has opened for this years tournament.

So to learn more about what’s all involved, please visit ChicagoVols@par5group.com. #LIVitUp.

KEMPERSPORTS and the ILLINOIS PGA will host five PGA Hope Complimentary Clinics for military veterans, starting at Harborside International on May 24th. So for a full list of KSM facilities hosting these events please visit PGAHope.com.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.

GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA

Has now opened both of it’s golf courses for the 2023 golf season.

So both the Brute and the Highlands courses are open as of April 14th.

Grand Geneva has teamed up with Project HOPE in providing golf clinics for veterans.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to offer programs like this at our golf courses,” said Ryan Brown, director of golf. “Grand Geneva is a great destination for golfers of all skill sets and we pride ourselves in our specialized clinics and lessons.”

The Brute course is over 7,000 yards and has 68 bunkers for those looking to challenge their game. The Highlands Course much like Harbor Town this weeks PGA Tour Stop is a collaboration between Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. So for more information please visit grandgeneva.com/golf.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow.

SQAIRZ GOLF NEW LINE-BOLD is now out and available for purchase says CEO Bob Winskowicz Sqairz.com.  Pinehurst No.8 has reopened and so has the interior of the clubhouse, as all the renovations inside are complete. So learn more at Pinehurst.com.

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

Welcome to the Mission Inn Resort-under new management.

THE MISSION INN

Mission Inn a historic Florida property is now under new management, after a recent purchase by the MMI company.

The resort has two golf courses, the famed El Campeon course, and the Los Colinas course.

After a previous announcement of a new general manager, the resort has announced a new Director of Golf, Bryan Mulry. So for more information see MissionInnResort.com.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS WOMEN”S GOLFER Crystal Wang-made the cut and finished in 14th place, at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Tournament.

THE NEW University of Illinois Men’s Golf Invitational on April 22-23, will offer both free parking and free admission. More details at FightingIllini.com.

GOLFFOREVER a training aid used by defending Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler and now Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson, is offering $20 off the normal price during master week. See GolfForever.com for information.

GTech-hand warmer apparel has expanded.

GTECH APPAREL

G-Tech Apparel has expanded it’s product line, to more items than it’s famous handwarmers.

The handwarmers used by NFL Quarterbacks, Major Baseball players, and members of the US Military, FBI and Secret Service, have expanded into the ranks of professional golf.

But now new products include the heated vest and the heated hoodie. So during the month of April you can save up to 40% on some items. But you can learn more at GtechApparel.com.

The Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook, off Willow Road.

THE WILLOW HILL DOME.

The Chicago area’s largest indoor golf dome, is now open on weekends.

With todays morning temperature at 8 Am being just 29 degrees.

Why not take your practice session inside, where it’s a bit warmer. Because the dome is open all day on Saturday until 9 PM. Sunday it’s open until 3:30 Pm. Willowhilldome.com

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has Callaway and TaylorMade fitting days coming up. TaylorMade on April 15th and May 7th. Callaway days start on May 6 and 17, they run from Noon until 5 Pm. Callaway offers dates in June (2) and July (2), August has one date and so does September. But you must make an appointment, so call the course at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

ADD PING TO THE FITTING LIST-April 22nd 10-2-make an appointment to sign up, by calling the pro shop at the number above (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

THE INDOOR GOLF SHOP is offering up both specials and prizes Masters week. So check out Indoorgolf.com.

Sun Mountains-new golf bags the Mid-Stripe collection.

MISSOULA MONTANA based Sun Mountain has announced the release of a new line of golf bags.

The Mid-Stripe Collection consists of the 14-Way Mid Stripe Stand Bag, the Mid Stripe-Ace Stand Bag, Mid-Stripe 4-Way Cart Bag, and Mid-Stripe 14-Way Cart Bag.

Mid-Stripe is a classic styled bag, that comes with modern conveniences like a bag top, with a built in handle, and graphite shaft protection. Velour lined valuable pockets.

Prices for the line of bags start at $339.99 to $389.99. So to find the nearest dealer near you, visit Sunmountain.com or call (800)-227-9224.

OPEN CHAMPION and Senior Open Champion-Five time European Ryder Cup team member Darren Clarke has become a Travel Ambassador for Premier Golf, and meet with Premiers clients and visitors to Northern Ireland. So see more at Premiergolf.com.

The new line of Edison 2.0 Wedges, available for pre-order, arriving in Mid-April.

The Edison Golf Company has announced the launch of it’s new line of Edison 2.0 wedges.

Pre-order now, have in your golf bag by Mid-April.

The new line of wedges Edison 2.0 is designed with forgiveness, distance control, versatile turf interaction, without sacrificing shot making precision.

The finish helps reduce glare, and pearl chrome helps channel away moisture when playing in wet conditions. Edison now comes with a five-step forging process, and uses forging to make-not cast.

So if you enjoy building your own wedges, you can now do so at “Build Yours Now” on the Edison website. But with a 30-Day Risk Free Trial, if the Edison wedge is not the best wedge you have ever played, they will buy it back. Edisonwedges.com.

POLO Ralph Lauren on display at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show, has come out with it’s pre-spring 2023, Spring 2023, and Fall of 2023. But now available is the latest work with Trendy Golf.

Billy Horschel and 2023 Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson will represent Polo Ralph Lauren in the field this coming week at the Masters. But these are not the only players on various professional golf tours that are RLX ambassadors.

Look for Ralph Lauren (RLX) products online and at private clubs, Ralph Lauren Stores and resorts. See RalphLauren.com.

BIRDIES FOR CHARITY of the John Deere Classic is now underway for 2023. But a reminder that the amount raised is no longer tied to the amount birdies the players make during the championship. So donors can make their pledges, in the amount they want to the charities of their choice. See BirdiesforCharity.com

Brooks Koepka wins his second LIV golf title in Orlando.

BROOKS KOEPKA has won it again.

Koepka became the first member of the LIV Golf tour, to win a second individual title.

So is Koepka ready for this weeks Masters ?

Koepka says he is healthy for the first time in a long time, and is one of 18 LIV Golfers competing in the 2023 Masters. Torque GC won the team championship for the Orlando tournament. More at LIVGolf.com.

ASICS new Gel-Kayano Spikeless golf shoe.

A  NEW SPIKELESS GOLF SHOE.

Asics has announced it’s new golf shoe, the Gel-Kayano shoe, which is spike less.

The ASICS FlyteFoam Technology is lightweight shock absorption with more support. The flexible mesh shoe provides a comfortable fit, with a thin waterproof lining. Price starts at $169.99 for the Gel-Course ACE, Gel-Course Glide at $99.99, the Gel-Preshot at $119.99. Now available.

SRIXON releases a “Refreshed” Z-Star series for 2023.

The NEW Z-Star Series Divide Golf Ball.

Z-Star Divide is now available in pro shops and retail outlets.

This new golf ball gives the golfer more spin, and stopping power around the green.

The Speed dimple pattern of 388 aerodynamic dimples, improves the launch even when conditions are not the best. The new DG Core, is soft in the center and gets firmer around the edge. Pricing starts at $47.99 per dozen. Details at us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

Cleveland Golf’s Frontline Elite Putters.

CLEVELAND GOLF’S NEW PUTTER LINE is now here.

The Elite Putter Line comes in eight different models. Forward weighting and face technology, help golfers hit straighter putts regardless of stroke patterns.

So with the help of computer simulations, it was revealed that the Frontline Elite putter helped accuracy levels rise by over 38%. Pricing starts at $299.99 with the ALL-In shaft. $249.99 with the standard shaft. So for more information visit us.dunlopsports.com/clevelandgolf.

PXG Golf has partnered GOLF+ for a digital challenge, see the details at PXG.com.

The Gog Blog returns all week long-Masters Week-RS.

LIV GOLF-Round 2 today in Orlando-catch the action on the CW Network and LIV Golf social media platforms. Brooks Koepka’s 65 (-6) gives him the lead after 36 holes. Koepka’s Team, Smash GC leads the team championship by 1 shot. THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows in Addison and the award winning Greenway Tap restaurant are open. See days and hours at DuPagegolf.com. Maple Meadows & Green Meadows are open.

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

THE 15TH ANNUAL “NATIONAL GOLF DAY” is back on the nations capital. Because the last two years, the event was held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This years dates are May 9 and 10.. There will be over 200 meetings with members of congress and their staffs. The meeting focus on the economic, social, environmental and health benefits of the game.

The two day event starts with a beautification project on the National Mall, with the help of over 225 volunteers. But a private breakfast for members of congress will be held by the PGA Tour on May 10th.

GOLF AS A BUSINESS is now a $84.1 billion dollar economic activity across America, and almost two million Americans have jobs in the industry. But the compensation to those workers has grown to over $58.7 billion dollars annually.

But the amount of people playing golf in America has grown to over 41.1 million people. Because over 500,000 new golfers took up the game in 2022. Females and non-white golfers now total over 25% of the people that play golf. But the total of new junior golfers (aged 6-17) grew to over one million in 2022. Awareness like this, continues to put important golf industry information in front of America’s political leaders.

So for more information on National Golf Day and the American Golf Industry Coalition, please visit www.golfcoalition.org and see The World Golf Foundation.