THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN is coming up June 29-July 2 at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. So for tickets visit USGA.org. Padraig Harrington will defend his title, but will have a tough defense against Wisconsin players Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly.

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

SOMEHOW you could just hear the great Vin Scully saying yesterday, Clark Won It.

Because whatever call you imagine Scully making, it sure would have been better than NBC’s Dan Hicks not providing anything that will be memorable.

But over on Twitter-Hicks side kick Paul Azinger got blasted for getting it wrong and wrong and wrong again during one call. So yes even in golf, the awful announcing website has plenty to write about. But at least Hicks didn’t drone on all day about Tiger Woods, who isn’t even playing, that must have been tough on Hicksy.

WHAT A GREAT WIN for Wyndham Clark getting major championship win #1, and professional win #2 on the PGA Tour level. Clark had a chance to lose a three-shot lead in the final four holes. But as his lead shrank to one over Rory McIlroy, he held on by making tough pars in holes 17-18. The win brought all his emotions pouring out. Because Clark still struggle over the loss of his mother to breast cancer about 8 years ago.

CLARK DESERVES plenty of credit for calling out the USGA and NBC for the really late start times. Especially on Saturday, when shadows were pouring across the golf course at 7 Pm, LA time. In summer people are outside on a Saturday night, not sitting inside to watch Prime-time television. Which is why west coast U.S. Open’s are brutal for golf fans, the New York crowd is not looking forward to seeing the leaders trudge in at 10 Pm local time. It’s no fun either for Chicago golf fans seeing coverage wrap up after 9 Pm. Sunday night was almost as bad, even through play wrapped up a little sooner.

DEFENDING CHAMPION Matt Fitzpatrick called out the USGA for a disappointing lack of atmosphere at the U.S. Open. But one story that is breaking, is that host club Los Angeles Country Club tried to buy up all the tickets, in an attempt to make the U.S. Open kind of a private event. That did not happen, but the club and it’s members got their fair share.

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON to hear during the NBC broadcasts about the so-called great producer Tommy Roy. Really ? Roy again focused his camera views away from LIV Golfers even though Dustin Johnson and Cam Smith were, “In the Hunt”. Hopefully Roy can figure out how to broadcast a major by next month.

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR CLARK-will he be the next name tossed out as favorite at all the majors. Time will tell, but I don’t see Clark winning at “The Open Championship” next month. Hint-Pick Rory.

(D) Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) has opened a senate probe of the new agreement between LIV Golf and PGA Tour. Letters have been sent to both Jay Monahan of the PGA Tour and Greg Norman of LIV Golf. Both were asked for explanations on the new agreement. So if Blumenthal would actually wait until the deal is done, he might be able to get the answers, that everyone else, including the players are looking for.

SINE LAST WEEKS COLUMN-the news came out that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has had to step away from the PGA Tour to attend to a health issue. During the recent months I have been critical of Monahan’s handling of the PGA Tour battle with LIV Golf. But I do wish him a speedy recovery from whatever his aliments are. But Monahan has been under plenty of stress in recent months, the time way should do him some good.

GOLF GREAT TOM WATSON-has sent a letter to Monahan that was published by Golf Digest. Watson has plenty of questions he wants answered. Doesn’t everyone. Watson would also like the Saudi’s to acknowledge their role, in the 9-11 attacks. Whatever that role might be suggests Watson. Tom-maybe there wasn’t a role.

MEDINAH 3-BIGGER, BOLDER and ARGUABLY BETTER. I returned to Medinah last week to catch up with OCM architect Michael Cockling, and tour the course. A course which is plenty of dirt piles, and bunkers with liners in them. My story will be coming up this week on what’s happening on #3 and why. After walking some of the closing holes in the routing, I think I really like the OCM vision for improvement. So for those who don’t like change, they might not like the improvements. Time will tell.

TOURNAMENT SEASON CONTINUES with the playing of the 105th Western junior Championship at Midlothian Country Club. Best of luck to all the players in the field that represents 27 U.S. States and 13 countries.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOB & SAM BETTINARDI of Tinley Park based Bettinardi Golf, on their 25th anniversary on being I the golf business. This August their new studio will open in Oak Brook, stay tuned for more details.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

2023 ILLINOIS STATE WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPION SARAH ARNOLD joins us live. STORI SNIDER of Bettinardi Golf has more on the Autobots vs those Decepticons.

Golfers on Golf Radio-Chicago’s Favorite Foursome (L-R) Ed Stevenson-Len Ziehm-Bill Berger and Rory Spears at WNDZ AM 750 Chicago.

THE U.S. OPEN is here.

MAJOR #3

Los Angeles Country Club is the home this year, and the golf course has provided mixed results.

Because their has been record low scores, and other low number records set.

But as the rounds go past, the scores are not continuing to go lower and lower.

So tee-time for Golfers on Golf Radio today at 10 AM-from WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

This week hosts Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger-Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, bring you the best in golf coverage from Chicago and beyond.

2023 Illinois Women’s Amateur Champion Sarah Arnold is live from the Caddyshack at Glen Oak Country Club.

But then a preview of what’s coming up this week.

MICHAEL COCKING of OCM Design sat down with Golfers on Golf in his first onsite at Medinah interview this past week. But coming this week at GOG.COM The Medinah #3 Project-Bigger-Bolder and Arguably Better.

Todays show has an excerpt of the Cocking interview, and why the new routing will be what it is.

BUT TO give us more on the Matt Fitzpatrick putter that won him the 2022 U.S. Open, Stori Snider of Bettinardi Golf joins us at 10:30, plus the latest release that includes the Autobots and Decepticons putters and head covers. But get the details on where the new Bettinardi studio will be, when it opens in August.

CLICK HERE to hear Golfers on Golf Radio Week #6-U.S. Open Week Show.

ALL THIS and some U.S. Open talk on Chicago’s longest running golf program-33 years. Thanks for listening, Ed, Bill, Len and Rory.

So stay tuned to Golfersongolf.com all week long. RS

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. June 29 through July 2. Tickets are available. Padraig Harrington is back to defend his title, in the land of Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. So visit USGA.org for more information.

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 Instagram/FB.

The 2023 CDGA Winning Amateur Team.

THE CDGA AMATEURS GO…

BACK-TO-BACK over the IPGA Professionals.

Finals Score CDGA 11.5-IPGA 6.5.

So earning 1.5 points for amateurs Zach Mulhearn and Will Troy meant a lot. Because both have dad’s who have played in the event as professionals (Danny Mulhearn-Mike Troy). But for Will Troy his great grandfather  IL. Golf Hall of famer Zigfield Troy served as a Radix Cup captain in the early years of the event.

The Illinois PGA professionals still lead the all-time series 37-22-2. But the 5 point margin of victory was the largest for the amateurs in 12 years. The CCDGA has had the better of play in recent years.

CDGA Teams of Chadd Slutzky and John Ramsey & Jake Erickson and Tim Sheppard both earned a full three points. But the top Illinois PGA team of Brian Carroll and Kevin Flack could only get 2.5 points out of three.

This was the first time since 2017-18, that the CDGA Amateur have won in back-to-back years.

THE U.S. OPEN THIS WEEK-THE U.S. SENIOR OPEN IN TWO WEEKS at Sentry World in Wisconsin. So follow the action at USGA.org U.S. Senior Open June 29-July 2.

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

The Illinois Women’s Amateur trophy-presented by the Illinois Women’s Golf Association (IWGA).

WRITING FROM THE GROVE COUNTRY CLUB-in Long Grove Illinois.

The 90th Illinois Women’s State Amateur is down to two players.

Both have won this championship in the past, both want to win it one more time.

Sarah Arnold of Geneva the #2 seed was a past winner of the championship in 2019. Then after a year off because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Grace Curran of New Lenox took home the title in 2021.

But in 2022 it was Megan Furtney who was the champion. This year Furtney is up at the University of Minnesota attending summer school. But two months from now Curran will join Furtney her roommate at Minnesota.

Grace Curran will play at the University of Minnesota starting this fall.

So right now both Arnold and Curran are looking to hoist the trophy for a second time. The road both players had to reach the finals wasn’t an easy drive. Arnold heading into her fifth year at Western Kentucky University had a 3 Up lead in her quarter final match with Catie Nekola.

But three late bogeys left her lead at 1 Up heading to the 18th hole. Arnold then dug down and made birdie to win the match 2 Up. Arnold never trailed in her afternoon match with Katherine Lemke a fellow native of Geneva, closing it out on 16 for a 3 & 2 win.

Curran has been rolling through the championship and had wins in the quarterfinals 3 & 2 over Reese Clark of yes-Geneva. Then 4 & 2 over Barrington’s Mara Janess the 2021 Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) Junior Champion.

Curran got 3 Up after six holes, and never let the lead get less than 2 Up. Every time Janess made a charge, Curran held her off.

Sarah Arnold points to where she wants to be, after Thursdays championship match at The Grove Country Club.

Curran, Arnold and Janess will all play at the Women’s Western Amateur at White Eagle in Naperville next month.

Curran and Arnold will both play at Mistwood Golf Club in the Illinois Women’s Open in July. Janess hasn’t decided yet, but could them at the Phil Kosin IWO.

The key for the championship match will be which play can get out to an early lead. Because both players have been doing that in their four previous matches, in the championship match one of them might have to come from behind to earn a second time with the trophy.

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Tickets are available. Padraig Harrington will defend his 2022 title against Wisconsin’s home town players Steve Stricker & Jerry Kelly and a field of 153 other players. So visit USGA.org.

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

The 2022 CDGA winning Radix Cup team. The CDGA amateurs will try and defend their title on Thursday.

THE 61st Radix Cup at Oak Park Country Club.

So this Thursday the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) and it’s team of amateurs, will try to defend it’s title against the team of Illinois PGA professionals.

So each team has 12 players and their will be 6 matches. But they are scored three ways. The first 9, the back nine and the total scores.

MATCH 1 12:45: Carson Solien (Oak Park CC)  & Kyle Donovan (Oak Park CC) IPGA vs CDGA Justin Smith (Oak Park CC) & Zach Mulhearn (Glen Oak CC).

This match could be the first time 3 or more players represented the same club.

All matches will start 10 minutes apart.

MATCH 2 12:55: Eric Hoff (Bryn Mawr CC) & Jeff Kellen (Butler National GC) IPGA vs CDGA Grant Goltz ( Black Sheep GC) & Graham O’Connor Brooks (Glen Flora CC).

MATCH 3 1:05: Chris French (Aldeen GC) & Tim Streng (Wildcat Golf Academy) IPGA vs CDGA Zach Jecklin (Butterfield CC) & Charlie Waddell (Shoreacres).

MATCH 4 1:15: Frank Hohenadel (Mistwood GC) & Andy Mickelson (Mistwood GC) IPGA vs CDGA John Ramsey (Glenview Park GC) & Chadd Slutzky (Royal Fox CC).

MATCH 5 1:25: Brian Carroll (The Hawk CC) & Kevin Flack (Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club) IPGA vs CDGA Will Troy (Cog Hill G & CC) & Parker Wisdom (Bloomington CC).

MATCH 6 1:35 Roy Biancalana (The Hawk CC) & Chris Nieto (Exmoor CC) IPGA vs CDGA Jake Erickson (Panther Creek CC) & Tim Sheppard (Pekin CC).

Good luck to all the players from the Illinois PGA and the Chicago District Golf Association.

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN is June 29-July 2 at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wis. Tickets are still available at USGA.org. Padraig Harrington is the defending champion.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. With the US Open trophy at Erin Hills.

U.S. Open week is here.

Welcome to Los Angeles Country Club and it’s North Course for the U.S. Open.

But the real question is, how many questions during the next two days will be about the U.S. Open. Because I am sure there will be plenty about the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger.

But while there is plenty of time to discuss that in the days and months ahead, this week is more about the golf. So can Matt Fitzpatrick successfully defend his title, or will there be a new champion.

Because there is always some guessing about what the winning score will be, I will throw this out. It’s very likely to be lower than in recent years. Because the USGA could not get the rough where it wanted the rough to be. Spring weather did not allow for a growth as deep as the USGA wanted the rough, or a rough as thick as it wanted. So maybe the chop it out relief shot, won’t be needed this year.

THERE IS SOME question on how the Par-3 11th hole will play. Because it’s a par-3 than can play almost 300 yards. Seriously, even the world top professionals and amateurs want no part of that set up.

CONGRATS TO JIM MILLER the new head golf professional at Kemper Lakes Golf Club. Former Country Club of Decatur Director of Golf Steve Orrick moves over to Bloomington Country Club, to fill Millers office.

THE ILLINOIS WOMEN’S AMATEUR and the IWGA. The women’s state amateur has started at The Grove Country Club in Long Grove. Day 1 is stroke play. The medalist was Barrington’s Mara Janess, the 2021 WWGA Junior Champion at Aurora Country Club, with 70 (-2). Janess said she made several long putts to seal her round.

Medlalist Mara Janess with dad Scott Janess (L) and runner-up Sarah Arnold (R) who shot a 71 (-1).

But it was putting that cost past Illinois Women’s Open Champion Sarah Arnold the medal. Arnold said it was two missed putts of 4 and 5 feet in the final holes that cost her two key shots. But overall both Janess and Arnold will head out into Tuesday’s round of 32 as seeds 1 & 2 in the match play. Both players feel good about their game and seem confident heading into Day 2.

This years championship is the IWGA 90th, and the organization is closing it’s doors after this year. But word is that the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) will take over operation of the event in 2024, let’s hope so.

IT SHOULD BE an exciting week on the golf course, the 61st Radix Cup tee’s off at oak Park Country Club on Thursday. As the CDGA amateurs are the defending champions. But I can wait for U.S. Open week to unfold.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

  JIM NUGENT PUBLISHER OF THE GLOBAL GOLF POST (L) appeared on Golfers on Golf Radio and previewed tomorrows edition on Monday June 12th. U.S. Open preview and more on the merge of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The ILLINOIS WOMEN’S OPEN on July 24-25 at Mistwood Golf in Romeoville is taking registrations. Mistwoodgc.com.

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.

Heritage Oaks head golf professional John Billiter speaks with a golfer at the Titleist Scotty Cameron putting event on Saturday.

OUTDOOR PUTTING TESTING

So when you think about getting a new putter, do you automatically head into a SAM Putt lab for technical data.

But if you do, this weekend there is another option for you to test out. Because you can go outside on the Heritage Oaks putting green, and test several Scotty Cameron models, in real putting conditions, on a real green.

The large putting surface at Heritage Oaks can accommodate plenty of golfers at once. No charge, no appointment needed, visit Heritage Oaks in Northbrook on Dundee Road today between 10 and 2 Pm. Call (847)-291-2351 for more information.

TITLEIST at THE PINE. Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein is hosting a 2024 Titleist Iron fitting day, Wednesday July 19th from 11a to 6p. Details at Pinemeadowgc.com or call (847)-566-4653 (GOLF). So make your appointment now. BUT NOW also at “The Pine” Taylor Stoudt the new club fitter, Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4p. But now through the end of July his normal $100 fitting fee in free. (847)-566-GOLF (4653).

FIGHTING ILLINI GOLFERS Crystal Wang (L) and Tommy Kuhl (R) were part of the winning Team USA by a score of 32-28 over the International Team at the 2023 Arnold Palmer Cup at the Laurel Valley Golf Club in Pennsylvania. Wang scored 2 1/2 points for Tea USA, as Kuhl won 3 of four matches to add three points. Arnoldpalmercup.com.

ILLINOIS MEN’S GOLF COACH MIKE SMALL was named the Golfweek Magazine Coach of the Year, for the second time in three seasons. Small took home the award in the 2020-21 season. But Small was then named the College Coaches Association-America (CGAA) Midwest region Coach of the Year.

Small then announced his new assistant coach Ruben Sondjaja (pron:Sawnd-je-ye-uh) who joins Illinois after coming over from the Big 12 Iowa State Clyclones’ program. Sondjaja played his collegiate career at Iowa State, and had coached at ISU for four years.  Illini Sophomore Jackson Buchanan joined Seniors Adrien Dumont de Chassart and Tommy Kuhl on the Ping All-American Team. Buchanan was named Honorable Mention-with Kuhl and Dumont de Chassart being named to the First Team.

LEN ZIEHM of LenZiehmonGolf.com has just posted a travel review story of golf in the Pocono’s area of Pennsylvania. So hear more of Len’s travels on his website, social media pages and in the Daily Herald at Dailyherald.com.

TED PECORA ( Winnetka Bob-O-Link GC) defeated Terry Werner (Dyer Indiana-Briar Ridge CC) by a score of 5 and 3 in the 21st CDGA Senior Amateur. Pecora, leading 4 up, took what he called a “bad bogey” on the 11th hole. But after settling down and giving himself a “talking to” Pecora finally broke through to win the title, after multiple close calls.  So for more information see CDGA.org.

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY JUNE 6th in it’s new format showed record growth. Starting with the ringing of the NYSE Bell by WGD Founder and CEO Elisa Gaudet, alongside staff members of Acushnet Golf. Women’s Golf Day set record numbers on various platforms on social media.

PXG HAS leased it’s summer of 2023 Capsule Apparel Collection. So more details at PXG.com.

SUPERSTROKE GRIPS has welcomed both George and Wesley Bryan as new brand ambassadors. Learn more at SuperstrokeUSA.com.

UPPER DECK GOLF COMES TO WRIGLEY FIELD-the four day golf experience at Wrigley Field runs from July 6-9. So the experience allows for fans to have a round of golf from inside the Friendly Confines. Food and beverage-along with merchandise will be available for purchase. Fans can join the VIP waitlist starting June 13th, tee times open on June 14th at 11 Am CDT. Chicago Cubs season ticket holders will have a presale opportunity. www.upperdeckgolfing.com/wrigleyfield.

GOLFFOREVER has announced a Fathers Day Special of $20.00 off the purchase of a swing trainer through June 19th. But there is an additional discount when a 12-month subscription to a GolfForever APP is purchased. So learn more at GolfForever.com.

NEMACOLIN RESORT in Pennsylvania (just south of Pittsburg) is offering a 2-Day golf school on July 13-14. Top instructors including Mike LaBella the Nemacolin Director of Golf Instruction and Andrew Rice a Golf Digest Top 50 instructor will help with all aspects of your game. See GolfAcademy@Nemacolin.com.

WILLOW HILL Golf Course in Northbrook, is now offering food from Dengeo’s from 5 to 9 Pm nightly. So see what else is up at Willow Hill by visiting WillowHillgolfcourse.com.

THE 2024 SOLHEIM CUP at the Robert Trent Jones Club in Gainesville Virginia now has tickets on sale. The Solheim Cup will be played from September 10-15. But see more information at SolheimCup.com or LPGA.com.

CLUB CHAMPION is now offering a 20% bonus card, on the purchase of a gift card, through June 18. So in time for Fathers Day. See Clubchampiongolf.com #Fittervention

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-returns tomorrow. RS

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin, is coming up June 29-July 2-get your tickets at USGA.org. The golf course will reopen July 4th.

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

Len Ziehm (L) along with Heritage Oaks Golf Club head professional John Billiter and Rory Spears.

TODAY AND TOMORROW

Heritage Oaks head golf professional John Billiter will host a Scotty Cameron putter fitting clinic from 10 Am to 2 Pm on the putting green at Heritage Oaks.

But there appointment necessary. Come test out all the new Scotties.

Heritage Oaks 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook.

Golfers on Golf Radio L-R is Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger, and Rory Spears at WNDZ AM 750.

Golfers on Golf Radio WEEK #5

This week Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears will bring you another exciting week of golf talk.

So what a week it has been.

But while war seems to be over, there will be fallout for months to come.

So there is plenty going on in the golf world beside the deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

Because this week is the Canadian Open and this coming week is the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

Golfers on Golf Radio back for season # 33. WNDZ Am 750, 10 AM on Saturday morning.

So todays tee time this morning is 10 AM on 750 Am WNDZ-Chicago.

This mornings guests are Wisconsin.golf Gary D’Amato, the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame writer.

D’Amato is now currently serving at the national president for the Golf Writers Association America (GWAA).

Gary will talk the ending of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf war. This weeks U.S. Open at LACC.

The U.S. Senior Open at Sentry World in Stevens Point, that is coming up June 29-July 2. But some Sand Valley and more. So hear about the golf destination state Wisconsin has become.

But making a return is Global Golf Post publisher Jim Nugent-Len Ziehm is back from travels and more.

      Jim Nugent (L) publisher of the Global Golf Post, (R) Gary D’Amato Wisconsin.golf.

So join us at 10 AM for some exciting golf talk on WNDZ-Am 750. BUT in case you missed it, here is a rebroadcast of the show.

CLICK HERE to hear a rebroadcast of Golfers on Golf Radio-Week 5.

Thanks for listening, Ed, Len, Bill and Rory.

Golfers on Golf’s Sunday Morning short Game returns tomorrow. RS

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Coming June 29-July 2. So for tickets see USGA.org Defending Champion Padraig Harrington is defending his title. Wisconsin players Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly will be in the field.

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

THE LONGEST DAY IS HERE.

ONE that becomes memorable for the players who survive a 36-hole play day to earn a spot in the U.S. Open field.

But this past week was the Memorial Tournament at Jack’s place in Dublin Ohio-Muirfield Village.

In some rankings Muirfield Village gets the highest ratings of the Jack Nicklaus golf course design group.

But having played the course, and finding it the least enjoyable round of a 24 courses in 19 day trip, MV doesn’t excite me when the PGA Tour shows up every year.

DON’T GTET ME WRONG Nicklaus will always be the best player to play the game. So don’t even start me with this crappy #GOAT stuff. Goats are losers and those who didn’t win, not champions of sport. So while Nicklaus was a star on the course, what about his presence in building them

NICKLAUS has done some great work in building courses. I have played my share of Nicklaus designs, both public and private. But I have 10 Nicklaus Signature designs I would play any day, over another round at Muirfield Village. The course has been renovated since I played last played it, but from what I saw this past weekend not much has changed. So perhaps another renovation is needed.

The holes I didn’t like, received negative comments from the players this weekend. I saw the leaders almost falling backwards from the sides of slopes and trying to hit greens that didn’t hold. The day I played, I could only wear those brutal plastic spikes that had the ice cream cone swirls on them. Combine that with a course that was still wet and spongy from a rain 3 days earlier, and it quickly becomes a forgettable round.

MY FAVORITE NICKLAUS COURSES include the public Club at Porto Cima in Lake in the Ozarks. The Ocean Course at Hammock Dunes in Florida (public). Valhalla site of the 2024 PGA Championship (private), Pinehurst No.9 (private), Wynstone (private) The Bull at Pinehurst Farms (public), Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee (public) in Georgia. I’m still hoping to play the Bears Club in Florida someday. Nicklaus for the most part does really good golf design-just maybe not at Muirfield Village.

ILLINI COACH MIKE SMALL qualified to play in the U.S. Senior Open at Sentry World. Small’s 1 under par 71, earned him one of two spots at the Flossmoor Golf Club. Congrats Coach.

PPV-the dreaded word that sports fans hate. Pay-Per-View, could the LIV Golf be bringing that to golf fans that follow it’s tour. We will see. Because ratings are up on the current platforms that LIV is using, why head for a PPV set-back.

PURSES AT MAJORS CHAMPIONSHIPS-seem to be not keeping up with other purses on tour. Which has lead to questions about players not playing in those tournaments. Rory McIlroy said he will continue play in-them, but that other players might not. Time will tell what the PGA, Masters, USGA and R&A do moving forward. Today in golf it seems that tournaments must pay-up, or suffer with a less than stellar field.

GREAT STORY BY ALEX MICELI in SI.Com about how LIV Golf is still building it’s 20 year business plan, is still moving forward. So in just days LIV will celebrate being in business for 1 year. One LIV executive said clearly, we are not going anywhere, and things are moving forward, but slowly. But apparently that was expected by LIV. So what’s the plan going forward, Miceli’s story has part of the plan on display.

JOIE CHITWOOD-has been named the Executive Director of the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah-the PGA Tour announced. Chitwood build the Chicagoland Motor Speedway before heading back to Indy. So, why an automotive background person running a golf event at Medinah. When someone figures that out let me know.

36-holes and your in. Good luck today to those who are trying to make it to LACC. RS

THE ACRON GRILL at the Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook, is now serving the First Tee-Transfusion just in time for the summer season. So visit HeritageoaksGC.com.

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

Len Ziehm at the USGA office in Pinehurst.

Another week of news is here.

Golfers on Golf’s Len Ziehm, is on the road again, working his way through Pennsylvania and Virginia.

This past week Ziehm a member of Chicago’s favorite foursome Golfers on Golf Radio, was representing GOG at the ING Summit at Valley Forge near Philadelphia.

Ziehm reports that there was no siting of George Washington, but there was some great news and good golf that came out of the event. But following ING was a trip to the Poconos. So look for the full wrap-up at LenZiehmonGolf.com.

MAGIC HAPPENS HERE-The John Deere Classic.

IOWA STARS UNITE FOR JDC PRO-AM.

Caitlin Clark the star of NCAA Women’s basketball, and the University of Iowa basketball team, will play in the 2023 John Deere Classic Pro-am.

Championship week for the John Deere Classic is July 6-9.

Clark is avid golfer, when she isn’t draining 3-pointers, is paired with 2023 Ryder Cup Captain Iowa native Zach Johnson. So the Pro-Am is played on Wednesday.

DUPAGE GOLF-announces registration has opened for the DuPage Amateur, on July 22-23. So round one is played at Maple Meadows. But the second 18 holes at The Preserve at Oak Meadows. But see more at DuPagegolf.com.

Darius Rucker Summer’s Swingstakes with PXG Golf.

PXG and Grammy  award-winning artist Darius Rucker, have teamed up for a summer giveaway.

The Swingstakes allow golfers to sign up for free, at a PXG Store-or online.

Both Chicago stores in Northbrook or in Oak Brook Terrace are locations where you can sign up.

Golfers can win both PXG clubs and swag, and or concert tickets to four concerts. Chicago winners are announced July 10th, the golf outing and concert are July 14th.

” I play a lot of golf when I’m on the road,” said Rucker. “So I’m thrilled to bring PXG along for the ride and share my love of the game with other avid golfers. Life doesn’t get much better than a summer filled with golf and live music.” So for more information visit PXG.com/Darius. PXG is honoring Women’s Golf Month-see the discounts for women at PXG.com.

PXG CB Irons are now available, cost is $169.99 per iron. See PXG.com.

The Bumble Bee putter by Bettinardi Golf.

BETTINARDI has entered the battle.

Decepticons and Autobots. So Bettinardi Golf and the world of transformers has crossed paths.

WHO WILL WIN?

So is your game ready for a for BumbleBee putter.

What about some Bettinardi-Transformer Swag gear.

The launch is this week on Wednesday June 7th 10 am, the Decepticon Line. But Thursday June 8th is the launch of the Autobots series at 10 am CST. So learn more at Bettinardi.com.

THE WGAESF has announced a two-year partnership with Northbrook based SWAG Golf . SWAG will support the Western Golf Association (WGA) and the BMW Championship coming this August to Olympia Fields. SWAG golf is known for colorful golf products.

The 18th green at the Aurora Country Club.

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA) will hold the 21st annual Senior Amateur Golf Championship this coming week June 5-8 at the Aurora Country Club. A field of 77 players will tee off tomorrow, including defending champion Dave Ryan.

Golfers on Golf radio show founder Mike Munro is in the field. Details at CDGA.org.

GOLF APPAREL COMPANY Peter Millar is the official outfitter for the 123rd U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club. Petermillar.com/USGA.

MISTWOOD GOLF ANNOUNCES that registration has opened for the Stars and Stripes outing on Tuesday 4th of July, with a 7 Am shotgun start. So to sign up visit Mistwoodgc.com.

GOLFFOREVER a fitness and stretching tool, has become a partner of the Canadian PGA. So for more information see GolfForever.com.

GOLFTEC GENEVA ILLINOIS is now open for business. Located at 1492 S. Randall road in Geneva-Suite H. More information at GolfTec.com.

John Iacono owner of Zero Friction with the new Stride Cart, can run remotely. Zerofriction.com

FATHERS DAY is COMING.

So have you considered getting dad a Fathers Day golf gift.

Because you can pick from a line of great golf products from Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction Golf.

First on the tee is the new Stride remote walking cart. So no need to push or pull. Zero Friction has a full line of golf balls, golf gloves, golf tees and more. So visit Zerofriction.com.

CALLAWAY GOLF has new limited edition of it’s new Paradym Driver coming out tomorrow June 5th. See Callawaygolf.com and learn more about night mode.

MARCUS BYRD won for the third time in four starts on the APGA Tour. Bryd shot a score of 9 under par over 36 holes, to win the championship at TPC Deere Run.

ILLINOIS COACH MIKE SMALL is a finalist for the Dave Williams NCAA Division 1, Coach of the Year Award. Illini Seniors Adrien Dumont de Chassart and Tommy Kuhl were named Ping All-American First Team. Details at FightingIllini.com.

PADRAIG HARRINGTON a three-time major champion winner and 2021 Ryder Cup Captain for Team Europe, has joined Superspeedgolf. So you can like Harrington by learning more of his methods at SuperSpeedGolf. See more at Superspeedgolf.com.

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and neighbor and fellow Mike Strantz golf design are offering a fall golf package, that must be used from October 1-31. So check out the details of these two great Pawley’s Island (Myrtle Beach area) golf courses. To book your play and stay at these Top 100 rated resort courses, Caledoniagolfandfishclub.com or TrueBluegolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-Returns tomorrow. RS