HERITAGE OAKS on Dundee Road in Northbrook is open for it’s second full season after the renovation-that saw the construction of a new clubhouse, and renovated golf course and driving range. Head golf professional John Billiter is playing in this weeks IL Open at Flossmoor GC. So for tee times call (847)-291-2351 or HeritageOaksGC.com

Former Colorado Avalanche player and Northbrook IL. native JT Compher brought the Stanley Cup to Heritage Oaks about this time last year. With Rory Spears of Golfers on Golf.

RACK’EM-PACK’EM and STACK-EM…

But while it’s not DieHard 2, it’s two local tournaments per week again this week.

Because right now at Flossmoor Golf Club, it’s the 74th Illinois Open.

Starting tomorrow it’s the historic Western Amateur at North Shore Country Club in Glenview.

So one would think that organizations like the Western Golf Association (WGA) and the Illinois PGA could schedule great tournaments that don’t overlap each other. But you can add the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) to this situation as well. Because the Illinois State Amateur (men’s) conflicted with the Women’s Western National Amateur.

But not to be outdone, was last week when the NV5 Invitational on the Korn Ferry Tour at the Glen Club, went off the same week as the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open. So while next week seems to be quiet on all fronts. The following week the Illinois PGA Section Championship, crosses over with the BMW Championship on the PGA Tour.

So you got that-can you keep it all straight. Boy I hope so, because it’s hard for all of us media types to do so. It’s Tuesday, it must be time to go to Flossmoor.

LAST WEEK Mistwood Golf Club teaching professional Nicole Jeray, couldn’t even try for her third IOW title at her home club, because of a conflict with the LPGA teaching professional event in Virginia. But kudo’s to Jeray. Her second place finish in Virginia, earned her a much bigger paycheck than a win at Mistwood would have.

BREAKING NEWS: Two Former University of Illinois players, Brayan Baumgarten and Dylan Meyer both shot 5 under par 67’s. They hold a two shot lead over the rest of the field. The field is a bit larger this year with 168 players. Because a qualifier at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale was not completed due to weather. So all players tied for the remaining spots in the Illinois Open field from that qualifier, did not playoff. They were all allowed in to the IL-Open field.

IT WAS REALLY GREAT to see our local PGA Tour players all in the hunt this past weekend in Minnesota. But only Nick Hardy (as of now) is a lock to be in the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. This week in Greensboro, both Kevin Streelman and Doug Ghim have some work to do.

I DID PLAY FLOSSMOOR GC last week with owner George Goich, and it is really neat to see how the course and club have rebounded under his leadership. Goich’s direction along with his brother and partner’s contributions have brought Flossmoor back both on and off the golf course.

IT’S BEEN QUITE A GRIND for me the last week weeks at the two clubs I work at. But I’m looking forward to being more active on this site in the days ahead. So stay clicked in. RS

FLOSSMOOR GOLF CLUB is ready to host the 2023 Illinois Open July 31-August 1 & 2

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO Tee’s Off at 10 AM Saturday on WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

THIS WEEK’S GUESTS are Matt Carter Master Club Fitter at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. George Goich Owner-GM and Head Golf Professional at Flossmoor Golf Club in Homewood.

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

This weeks show opens with some PGA Tour and NV5 Korn Ferry Tour talk-about what’s happening at the Glen Club.

Master Club Fitter Matt Carter of the award winning Mistwood Golf Club is live about 10:10, and then at 10:30 it’s Flossmoor GC Owner/GM/Head Golf professional George Goich-to talk this weeks Illinois Open at Flossmoor.

But you will also hear from IPGA Executive Director Carrie Williams and Illinois Open Championship Director Brad Slocum-on course set-up.

CLICK HERE to hear Week 12 of Golfers on Golf Radio-with guests Matt Carter and George Goich.

Thanks for listening to Golfers on Golf radio in it’s 33rd year. The longest running golf show in Chicago history. Ed, Len, Bill and Rory.

SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES-worn by John Deere Classic Champion Sepp Straka. Watch Straka who is on the leaderboard at the British Open this weekend. See Sqairz.com.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK IS HERE-hear more from Golfers on Golf Radio this morning at 10 AM on 750 WNDZ-AM.

Golfers on Golf Radio is Chicago’s favorite foursome-Ed Stevenson-Illinois PGA and Director of Golf for DuPage Golf, including the preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. Bill Berger PGA Life Member and former PGA Tour player. Len Ziehm Daily Herald Golf Writer and 2019 Inductee to the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. Rory Spears longtime Chicago area golf media reporter and golf industry observer and consultant.

The GOG BLOG is live. 750 WNDZ AM Chicago, 10 AM Saturday mornings.

Welcome to Week #11 of Golfers on Golf Radio-British Open Weekend. So are you getting up early to watch. But does the leaderboard get you excited with some new names on top.

TIM CRONIN checks in live from White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, where he is following the championship match in the WWGA 123rd Woman’s National Amateur Championship.  About 10:10, Cronin will have an update on the 10 finalists for this years Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

KEN GRIFFIN Director of Sales and Marketing of Boyne-Resorts, joins us about 10:30 to discuss all the resorts improvements, recent and just starting to tee off. Because there is breaking news to heard. So tune-in to hear what’s happening. As Architect Ray Hearn has started work on the resorts new Par-3 course.

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

Thanks for listening-Ed, Billy, Len and Rory. 10 Am tee-time 750 Am WNDZ.

2023 JOHN DEERE CLASSIC CHAMPION SEPP STRAKA-wears Sqairz-Sqairz.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

CDGA.org It’s the 92nd State Amateur Championship from Bloomington Country Club.

The 92nd State Amateur is back this week from Bloomington Illinois.

It’s the 9th time Bloomington Country Club has hosted the championship.

The championship is played over 3 days, from July 18-20.

There is a cut after 36 holes, then the remaining field of the Low-35 and ties, will play the final 36 holes on Thursday.

Defending champion Mac McClear  of Hinsdale/University of Iowa returns to defend his title.

The golf course plays to a length of 6,599 yards and a par of 70. So follow the action at CDGA.org.

SO YOU WANT TO PLAY LIKE A PRO. Foxford Hills on Saturday July 29th will host the pro-like scramble. Because the golf course will play at 7,200 yards, and the pins will be tucked like Sunday on professional tours. So to register call (847)-639-0400 $90 per player.

THE NEW G5 GPS WATCH by Shot Scope has been released with various color styles watch bands . Scotscope.com for more information. $149.00 available at Dicks Sporting Goods and other locations.

Welcome to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club.

AIMPOINT GREEN READING SCHOOLS.

Will have three sessions at Cog Hill on July 23 (2-4 Pm), July 30 (11am-1pm) and on August 4th 4-6 Pm.

Mark Sweeney has introduced some green reading methods, that help you determine direction and break in any putt.

The director for these schools is Cog Hill’s very own Kevin Weeks, the 2023 PGA National Instructor of the year. So to register email Coghillpro@aol.com $225.00.

Club Champion adding the AI and offering a fitting discount through tomorrow.

Willowbrook based Club Champion club fitters is offering through tomorrow July 17 a $200 discount on ordered clubs after a fitting.

But now there is more. Because you can use the “Fitter Co-Pilot.”

So what the Fitter does is help the Club Champion fitter to the solution of what you need even quicker.

Co-Pilot gives the CC fitter yet another way to to record your numbers. Because golfers can swing only so many times during a fitting. So learn more at Clubchampion.com.

LIV Golf is back at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, September 22-24.

LIV GOLF IS BACK at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

This September 22-24. Cam Smith will try to defend his title.

But now LIV has announced special ticket prices for special groups.

12 and Under are Complimentary, along with Military and Veterans. But there is a 25% off for college and university students, and teachers. 25% off for First Responders and medical professionals.

BUT NOW there is more-with the announcement of TIESTO to perform LIVE after golf on Saturday afternoon. So learn more at LIVGolf.com/events.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

CONGRATULATIONS TO SEPP STRAKA-winner of the 2023 John Deere Classic (L), Bob Winskowicz President of Sqairz golf shoes shoes off the new line. See Sqairz.com

Rory Spears and Len Ziehm bring you this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio at 10 AM on WNDZ AM 750 Chicago.

WEEK TEN IS HERE.

Golfers on Golf Radio is moving into the Back Nine for the season.

This week at 10 AM on WNDZ AM 750 Chicago, is tee time for the show.

Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, bring you all the golf news. Because tournament time kicks in for the Chicago area.

The 123rd Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) national amateur will be held this week at the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville. Play starts on Tuesday. But the final match will be contested next Saturday.

WWGA president Susan Buchanan joins us at 10:10 to talk this weeks championship.

Wyndham Clark with his SuperStroke putting grip at the U.S. Open.

So what is the hottest putting grip on tour right now.

It’s SuperStroke.

Because not only did U.S. Open Champion Wyndham Clark use one at the U.S. Open. But so did 8 of the top 10 finishers in the championship.

But the success did not stop there, add Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley the winners of the next two tournaments to the list of SuperStroke users.

Ian Zubkoff Vice President of SuperStroke Grips joins us at 10:30 to talk about the grips you need on your putter, new or old.

CLICK HERE to hear a rebroadcast of todays Golfers on Golf radio program.

Golfers on Golf Radio tee’s off at 10 AM on WNDZ AM 750 Chicago. Thanks for listening Ed, Bill, Len and Rory.

  SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES (L) CEO Bob Winskowicz-(R) 2023 John Deere Classic Winner Sepp Straka a Sqairz shoes ambassador on the PGA Tour. So see more at Sqairz.com.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and creation for Golfers on Golf. In the press center at the John Deere Classic.

WHAT A JOHN DEERE CLASSIC FINISH.

Sepp Straka had it, then he didn’t. But then he had the tournament won, then maybe he didn’t. But in the end he did win.

Because everyone who should have caught Straka and had a chance to pass him, simply couldn’t.

Straka was on pace all round for a 59, maybe even a 58 to beat the record by Paul Goydos. But maybe even a 60-to tie Steve Stricker’s record. But Straka elected to go for the back left pin on 18. So what ended up happening, Straka’s ball went splash, between the edge of the green, and the John Deere Gator Tractor floating in the pond.

So 23 under par became 21 under par. Now there was three players that likely would catch Straka, then two, then nobody could. So give Straka the Georgia Bulldog alum, and Sqairz Shoes ambassador the trophy and winners check.

IT’S THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC-Magic Happens Here. So now start the post round concert.

IT’S HEARING TIME in front of the U.S. Senate. So who will appear, who won’t, and could one side or the other look bad. Because first on the tee is the PGA Tour, who minus Commissioner Jay Monahan will testify. LIV Golf and it’s top people are overseas and can’t make it back in time. So they will talk another day.

But what happens here is anybody’s guess. So do we learn more about the merger. Will Monahan be out, will Greg Norman be out. Because if both men are gone, who takes over.

So could the PGA Tour get exposed for past ways they have run the tour. Could the PIF of the Saudi’s take a hit. Will either side ended up with a blackeye. This could be interesting viewing.

TOURNAMENTS will start popping up on the schedule next week, when the Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) comes to the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville. but then down in Bloomington is the Illinois State Amateur. Both titles are up for grabs.

THE PGA LEARNING and BUYING SUMMIT is now sold out for next week in Frisco Texas (July 31-Aug. 2), plenty of apparel choices to pick from. Because it wasn’t long ago, people wondered if trade shows would return, could PGA shows rebound after Covid. So it appears they have.

WHILE I’M NOT one to applaud those connect to the Green Bay Packers. credit Packers CEO Mark Murphy, for buying up his local 9-hole golf course. To keep it a golf course. With a chance of condo’s being built on the land, Murphy wanted to keep it a golf course. So he stepped-up and opened up his wallet. Nice job Mark.

GOLF CITY’S Travel Show will premier on July 17th. Six of the courses will be from the Myrtle Beach area. Tune in to the You Tube channel to find out with ones. So you can learn more at Playgolfmyrtlebeach.com.

The Gog Blog Returns this week. RS

  COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Offers a Cleveland Wedge Scoring Clinic this Wednesday July 12th at 5 Pm, you must sign up and space is limited. So for more information visit CogHillGolf.com or (866)-264-4455. THE MEDINAH 3 project is well underway and this week you can see our story with 2006 U.S. Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy, who is the “O” in OCM the Australian design firm renovating Medinah’s 3 course.

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

Doug Ghim hit’s his opening tee shot in Round 2 of the John Deere Classic on Friday. Ghim made the cut and is in position for a solid finish in this weeks JDC.

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC is headed today to the 4th and final round.

But more “Magic” could be on the horizon, with yet another first time winner on the PGA Tour, something that has happened numerous times before at the JDC.

Chicago area local players Doug Ghim of Arlington Heights, Kevin Streelman of Wheaton and Nick Hardy of Northbrook have all made the cut and are playing well. Defending Champion J.T. Poston is in the hunt-sitting T-6 heading into todays final round. Catch the action on CBS this afternoon.

CAM SMITH with a LIV trophy at Rich Harvest Farms in 2022, is in position for another today in London.

LIV GOLF-LONDON

Cam Smith winner of the 2022 LIV Golf event at Rich Harvest Farms, is set to win another this time in London.

Because Smith heads into todays final round with a 3-shot lead. But the win could be a double-with his team Ripper GC also in the lead in the team competition. But the lead on the team side is only one shot.

Smith and teammate Marc Leishman have carried the load for the Ripper GC team, in holding the lead heading into the third and final round of LIV-Golf London.

LIV GOLF ANNOUNCES DEAL WITH REACHTV-ReachTV that is streamed through out airports across America, and numerous hotel chains, with now start showing LIV Golf. REACHTV is also available In-Flight for airline passengers. Details at LIVGolf.com

LIV GOLF MAJESTICKS GC that is comprised of Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Laurie Canter and Sam Horsfield have announced their community impact strategic program Little Sticks. Little Sticks held a clinic before the start of play this week in London.

The program started in communities where the players live like Luton and New Castle in the UK. Orlando Florida area in the USA. Impact strategy is a focus of Education, Engagement and Empowerment. LIVGOLF.com for more information.

MAJESTICS GC has announced that Seamless Digital is now a partner of their team. Seamless Digital looks at new ways to advertise products and services, additionally promote through the sport of golf.

THE LIV GOLF Point Standings Race for Player of the Year, and Team of the Year is heating up. Taylor Gooch with 3 wins is leading on the player side, with Brooks Koepka not far behind. But on the team side-Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces team is leading. So follow the standing at LivGolf.com.

POTENTIAL UNLEASHED-A new LIV GOLF program, that is the umbrella for other LIV Golf program. Such as How we LIV and LIV to Green, more information at LIVGolf.com.

ILLINI GET 5 WGCA All-American Scholars. The University of Illinois has announced that 5 members of it’s women’s golf team are All-American Scholars. Crystal Wang (grad student), Siyan Chen (Senior), Sophomores Lexanne Halama and Alise Knudson, plus freshman Mattie Frick earned the awarded for the 2022-2023 season. But for more details visit FightingIllini.com.

The Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA).

TWO GOLF FANATICS will play some of the best golf in the State of Wisconsin.

PODCASTER NO LAYING-UP D.J. Piehowski and Bally Sports Wisconsin’s Stephen Watson, are trying to set a record.

The two will race through the state-playing as fast as possible, to play 10 Wisconsin Golf Courses, all ranked in the nations Top 100 courses, in just 40 hours.

This amazing feat starts today and concludes tomorrow on July 10th. The 10 courses are all within a 150-mile radius of each other. So the schedule looks like this. Today 1. Irish Course, Haven/Kohler, 2. Whistling Straits 3. River Course at BWR, 4. Meadow Valley, 5. The Bull at Pinehurst Farms. MONDAY JULY 10 1. Sand Valley, 2. Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley, 3. Sentry World, 4. Lawsonia-Links Course 5. Erin Hills. The trip is raising awareness of Golf in Wisconsin, and for the MACC Fund, benefitting childhood cancer and blood disorders.

Inventor Dan Frost shows off The Sure Strike- Training Aid.

THE SURE STRIKE by Dan Frost.

“Our goal is to offer the best training aids to golfers all over the world,” said John Diulus, president of Golftrainingaids.com.

“We are thrilled to introduce the latest invention from Dan Frost, The Sure Strike.” Because this new training aid can be used on the range, or at home and in the office.

So what can you expect from Sure-Strike.

A device that helps set the proper width and position at the top of your backswing. So the sure-strike will help golfers move from a short-swing to a full swing easier during the their rounds of golf.

“We see the tour videos of what the proper position looks like, while Sure-Strike allows golfers to feel the proper impact position, ” says Frost. Sure Strike is available through Golftrainingaids.com for $139.99.

ZENERGY the latest winner on the PGA Tour from Super Stroke.

WINNING AGAIN & AGAIN and AGAIN.

So if there is a product on the PGA Tour that’s winning like crazy. Well here it is.

Because nothing is hotter than the Super Stroke putting grips. So who won at the U.S. Open. You bet. But then at Hartford, Detroit, and maybe this week at the John Deere Classic.

But even more interesting is the top 10 at the U.S. Open. Because it was not just the winner, it was 8 of the Top 10 finishers. Three of the top seven finishers in Detroit.

Rickie Fowler won in Detroit using the Zenergy 3.0 17″ putter grip.

But unfortunately this successful grip is sold out. So the good news is that they will be available before the end of the month. So learn more about the best putting grip in golf at SuperStrokeUSA.com.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS has announced their famed LAB DF 2.1 Custom putters now come in four new colors. Pink-Cappuccino-Orange and Pink. So for more information see LABGolf.com.

EDISON GOLF WEDGES will now sell the 2.0 wedge heads to Do-it-Yourself (DIY) club builders. (800)-933-4395 or Edisonwedges.com.

Bettinardi Putters

BETTINARDI PUTTERS of Tinley Park.

Launched a new line this past week. So have you seen the G.I. Joe line.

Because it’s putters, headcovers, metal accessories and and leather objects.

So are you a putter collector. Because if so, the G.I. Joe product line is for you.

So come check out what has just come out of the Hive-in B-Land, and add the putter to your bag, that the rest of the foursome will be talking about. Bettinardigolf.com.

2023 PGA Championship champion Brooks Koepka.

SRIXON-CLEVELAND

Congratulate Brooks Koepka on his 2023 PGA Championship victory at Oak Hill.

Koepka has 11 Srixon/Cleveland Golf Clubs in his bag, and is now playing the Z-Star Diamond golf ball.

But here is what was in Koepka’s bag for the PGA.

Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II 10.5 Driver. Srixon ZX7 Mk II Irons (4i-9i). Cleveland Golf RTZ ZipCore 46 degree. Cleveland Golf RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack 52-56-60 LB. But you can learn more at Koepka’s equipment at us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

The Gog Blog returns all week. RS

SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES worn by 2023 John Deere Classic champion Sepp Straka, who closed with final round 62, to win by two shots. So for more information see Sqairz.com.

golfers on Golf Radio is L-R Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. Saturday mornings on WNDZ Am 750 with a 10 Am tee time.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-Season #33-Chicago’s longest running golf show, in any form of media.

Golfers on Golf has a 10 AM tee time on 750 AM WNDZ-Chicago.

Chicago’s favorite foursome is, IPGA professional Ed Stevenson, Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Len Ziehm, former PGA Tour player Bill Berger, and 5-time ING award winner Rory Spears.

SO THIS WEEK GOG takes a look at the John Deere Classic, now in it’s 53rd year.

The Gog Blog goes live on WNDZ AM 750 at 10 AM.

THIS WEEKS guests include Zero Friction President John Iacono.

Iacono will discuss the latest in remote control push carts, and golf gloves with extra protection for the hand and wrist.

Zero friction products found at clubs and retail golf outlets around the Chicago area.

The back nine includes long time Quad Cities golf writer Craig DeVrieze, the author of “Magic Happens Here” the 50 year book on the John Deere Classic.

But this week DeVrieze is also writing for PGATour.com. But there is more from the Quad-Cites, Our 4th Len Ziehm checks in from TPC Deere Run as he has headed north from the Palm Aire studios in Sarasota.

So you will hear interviews from Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman and “Northbrook-Nick” Hardy. Both players have made the 36 hole cut at the JDC.

CLICK HERE if you need a mulligan, to check out Week 9 of Golfers on Golf Radio. Because here is your wrap up after 36 holes from the John Deere Classic and more.

So from all of us at Golfers on Golf, Ed, Bill, Len and Rory-thanks for listening.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow, with the Sunday Morning Short Game-News Column.

ZERO FRICTION PRESIDENT JOHN IACONO joins Golfers on Golf Radio live tomorrow at 10:10 AM, on WNDZ AM 750-hear about the companies new products.

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.

With Sepp Straka in the interview area after his second round at the JDC.

THE 53rd John Deere Classic is in the house at TPC Deere Run.

So defending champion J.T. Poston is back trying to make two in a row. But Poston faces a tougher field than last year in trying to repeat.

Because with less spots available inn the PGA Tour playoffs up for grabs, the push is on to make the post season and maybe the Ryder Cup team.

But for the Chicago golf fans there is great news. Because our local favorites Doug Ghim or Arlington Heights, Kevin Streelman of Wheaton and Nick Hardy of Northbrook. Have all made the cut and will be at Deere Run for the weekend.

This years JDC is the first under new championship director Andrew Lehman, and so far the week looks to be going well. Iowa’s Caitlin Clark highlighted the pro-am on Wednesday and had a large gallery.

There are concerts this weekend, both after play concludes on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets could be sold-out for both days. John Deere Classic board member and 2023 Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson is in the field, and is looking like he will make the cut.

But also in the field is 2006 U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy. These days Ogilvy is more known for his work as part of the OCM golf design firm based in his native Australia. OCM is doing the work on the Medinah #3 golf course.

The leaderboard after Day 2, has some names fans do know, and some that are probably new to them. Cam Young who took second place at the British Open last year sits on top of the board at 13 under par.

CLICK HERE to hear Northbrook’s Nick Hardy talk about his second round at the JDC and more.

CLICK HERE to hear Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman, talk about his second Round 63, and his future-maybe with Wilson Golf.

So the conditions did change for the afternoon flight, as the clouds rolled-in and the temperatures dropped. But while there was some rain that fell, there was not enough to stop play. But the greens will be holding shots this weekend, and scores are likely to go low.

The John Deere Classic-Magic Happens Here. So it likely will once more.

Author of Magic Happens Here-the 50 year story of the john Deere Classic, joins Golfers on Golf Radio live tomorrow at 10:30. WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

NORTHBROOK NICK-HARDY on 18 at TPC Deere Run (L). (R) Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman watches his putt on the 9th hole at TPC Deere Run in 2022. The John Deere Classic tee’s off this week, catch all the action at the 52nd JDC Johndeereclassic.com.

Len Ziehm (L) Craig Devrieze (M) and Rory Spears (R) discuss the first 50 years of the John Deere Classic. The podcast won a national award from ING. At TPC Deere Run-Photo by Joy Sarver.

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE

So the John Deere Classic is back, and now loaded with a new 3-year deal for the years of 2024-25-26 on the PGA Tour.

Because for a moment there was some concern about the championships future beyond this week.

But the good news is, that in the end the tournament is here to stay. Plus that means many more dollars will be raided for charity, always a good deal and “The Birdies for Charity” section of the classic will work it’s magic once more. I will be on-site this week getting interviews, especially from our local players Kevin Streelman, Doug Ghim and Nick Hardy.

You will be able to hear them on Golfers on Golf Radio Saturday morning in the 10 Am hour on WNDZ-Am 750. Chicago’s longest running golf program (33 years).

HAPPY 4th of JULY everyone-go play golf, even though it will be about 90 degrees.

AT JOHN DEERE THIS WEEK- will be 4 upcoming college and non-college players. So in the field are Michael Thorbjornsen, Gordon Sargent, William Mouw. Recent University of Illinois graduate Tommy Kuhl. So come out and see the stars of tomorrow.

GREAT PLAYING LAST WEEK at the U.S. Senior Open by Bernhard Langer, career win to pass Hale Irwin for all-time senior victories. Langer is one of the all-around good guys in golf and deserves it. Langer is playing with several clubs in his bag from Batavia based Tour Edge Golf. Tour Edge makes some of the best metal woods found anywhere in golf.

TOUGH WEEK for the senior Women Golfers in Jasper Indiana. As our Len Ziehm reports, the weather was brutal and the Sultans Run golf course took plenty of rain but held up. Great finish by Conway Farm’s Jamie Fischer with a T-7. Mistwood’s Nicole Jeray ended up T-39.

TOURNAMENT SEASON IS HERE-so there will be plenty of golf to go out and watch. So hopefully you will do just that in the weeks ahead. Because next year there will not be as many options, with some vents going out of town.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS