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

MATT CARTER of Mistwood Golf showing a club fitting station in the Mistwood Golf Dome. But even with the golf operation now moved to Mistwood Golf Club for the summer, it’s not too late to get fitted for new clubs from Matt or Eric Russell. So for more information visit Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. ERIN HILLS is home to the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, but is a golf course you can play. Visit Erinhills.com Erin WI.

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 NV5 Championship presented by Old National Bank.

2022 NV5 Champion Harry Hall.

THE NV5 INVITATIONAL presented by Old National Bank will return to The Glen Club but with new dates for 2023, July 25-30.

So fans can purchase tickets now at nv5inivational.com/tickets.

But you can now purchase tickets for “The Hanger” the spectator viewing area that sits behind the 18th green.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Chicagoland golf fans back to The Glen Club for what has become a can’t miss stop on the Korn Ferry Tour,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “This championship is a proving ground for the future stars of the PGA Tour, and we’re excited to see a loaded field compete this July.”

Scottie Scheffler was the first winner of the championship in 2019. Scheffler has since gone on to win the Masters and The Players Championship. Defending champion from 2022 Harry Hall, who defeated Northbrook’s Nick Hardy in a playoff. Is currently playing on the PGA Tour.

Proceeds from the NV5 Championship will benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. So this year the ESF has placed over 1,100 caddies various colleges in 22 universities.

Individual tickets can be purchased at nv5invitational.com.

THE FINAL ROUND of the U.S. Senior Open today on NBC. So can Wisconsin players Steve Stricker or Jerry Kelly catch leader Bernhard Langer-see the details at USGA.org

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.

Gooch a third time winner on the LIV Tour.

Talor Gooch shot a final round four under par 67, to win for the third time this year-on the LIV Golf Tour.

But for the week on the team competition, it was Team Torque coming up with a five shot win.

Gooch said he knew the winning putt on the 18th green was going in before he made the stroke.

So by sinking the putt, it gave Gooch a one shot victory over the fast charging Bryson DeChambeau. Gooch is the first player to win three times on the LIV Tour. Team Torque GC lead by Joaquin Niemann picked up win number three for 2023. Gooch’s three wins, none of which have come in his home country of the United States. LIV Golf moves on to it’s next event in London coming up this week July 7-9 at the Centurion Club in London. Where the first LIV Tournament was held. So for more information see LIVGolf.com.

Len Ziehm of Len Ziehm on Golf-and the traveling Ziehm Machine.

Golfers on Golf Radio’s Len Ziehm is on the road on again.

This time Ziehm is headed north towards Illinois.

His first stop this past week, has been the historic French Lick Resort in Indiana.

But in the nearby town of Jasper Indiana, is the home of Sultans Run Golf Club, that also serves as a home to the First Tee of indiana.

This past week Sultans Run has played home to the Senior LPGA Championship. But sadly, the championship has been affected by poor weather all week. The Saturday finish has been pushed into today. Conway Farms Jamie Fischer sits T-11 with Mistwood’s Nicole Jeray 22 spots back of Fischer. So follow LenZiehmongolf.com for a full wrap up.

GOLF360’s Katie Kearney hosts the new edition of the show-seen tonight on NBC Sports Chicago at 6:30 PM

GOLF360 IS BACK.

SO IS KATIE KEARNEY.

This new edition of Golf360 was filmed at the Prairie Landing Golf Club in West Chicago.

But additional segments include, Metamora Fields and Weaver Ridge in Peoria.

Boyne Golf Instruction-and the golf courses of Gaylord Michigan. So learn more about golf club fitting with Patrick Mannelly.

But let Golf 360 take you to the Golf courses of Lawsonia in Green Lake Wisconsin. So watch Golf360 tonight at 6:30 on NBC Sports Chicago.

Suzie Tran winner of the 96th Women’s Western Junior at Greenbriar Hills Country Club (Near St. Louis Mo.).

SUZIE TRAN wins the 96th Women’s Western Junior Championship.

Tran 17, of Poulsbo Washington, who has committed to play college golf at the University of Michigan, defeated Lisa Herman 15, of Jenks Oklahoma 1Up.

But the win did not come easy for Tran, who was 2 Dn after 13 holes, when Herman rolled in a 20 foot birdie putt on the 13th hole.

So an 8 foot birdie putt on the 15th hole cut the deficit to 1 Dn. But then Tran rolled-in a 10 foot birdie putt on the par 3-16th hole to square the match.

Because both players made par on the 17th hole, the match headed to 18 with the Icely Cup on the line. So on the 18th hole Tran hit her approach to 12 feet, but Herman had a birdie putt as well. But when Herman’s birdie didn’t fall, Tran rolled her putt dead-center for the win.

“Watching it go in was such a special feeling,” Tran said. “The match was such a grind and Lisa was playing so well. So to win the in the end was such a rush.”

Lisa Copeland of Naperville qualified for the Match Play part of the championship, but lost in the Round of 16. Martha Kurahawa a national Drive-Chip and Putt Champion from Northbrook, did not qualify for match play by two shots. See more at WWGA.org.

STEWART PUSH and PULL CARTS-Trollies-with a remote option.

STEWART GOLF has opened a new customer care center in Houston Texas.

A world leader in electronic push carts, will service, repair and answer customer inquiries.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer dedicated customer care servicing to our U.S. customers,” said CEO Mark Stewart, who officially opened the new center alongside Stewart Golf Co-Founder David Funnell and Chairman Ross Stewart. The team name of “customer service”, has been changed to ” customer care” to reflect on seriously the company wishes to service it’s customer base.

While both of Stewarts customer care teams spending a week in both Cotswold UK and Houston Texas, to get service sharing the same vision and commitment. But further news from Stewart Golf is the opening of a new distribution center in Nevada. Because this will reduce delivery wait time for more than 90% of the companies U.S. based customers. Learn more about Stewart Golf at stewartgolfusa.com.

The new Sun Mountain golf club travel bag-with sporty new colors.

NEW FROM SUN MOUNTAIN

So is it time to travel, or will it be this fall of winter.

Because if it is, now could be the time to look into the new golf club travel bags by Sun Mountain.

So the new styles lead by ClubGlider, a golf travel bag with entendable legs, and wheels that will support 100% of the bags weight.

But now there is also “The Cube” a minimalist travel bag that can fold up for easy storage. But while colors include black, navy and red, there are other unique options. So pries start at $339.99 for the ClubGlider and $269.99 for the Kube. So for more information call (800)-227-9224 or visit Sunmountain.com.

GOLFFOREVER has announced that legendary golf instructor Rick Smith is the companies newest product ambassador. Smith joins ambassadors Scottie Scheffler, and Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson as other GF ambassadors. Learn more about the stretching device that is keeping golfers playing longer in life and playing better at Golfforever.com.

DALLAS BASED TOP GOLF has announced that it’s newest location in St. Petersburg Florida has opened for business as of June 30th. This is the eight Top Golf venue to open in the State of Florida. The address is 220 Carillion North, with easy access off of interstate 270. Details at Topgolf.com.

EDISON WEDGES is running a 4th of July sale through July 5th. So you can receive your first wedge with $20 dollars off sale price. Edisonwedges.com.

LIV GOLF hospitality at Rich Harvest Farms.

SO ARE YOU READY for the return of LIV Golf at Rich Harvest Farms this September 20-22.

Because now you can order your hospitality for tournament week.

There are several options around the golf course to choose from.

Last year Cam Smith won the tournament, and this year plans to be even bigger and better than last year.

So to review your options visit Livgolf.com/events/chicago.

Oak Park Country Clubs Cameron Beeler with the IPGA assistants championship trophy. Photo by Nick Novelli.

CAMERON BEELER of Oak Park Country Club, has won the Illinois Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

Beeler cared rounds of 68 (-3) and 71 (-1) for a two-day total of 138 (-4) to win the championship.

Beeler won his first Illinois PGA section championship at Briarwood Country Club. He will be joined by Kevin Nelson (Chicago Golf Club) and Matt Rion (briarwood Country Club) at the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at the PGA Golf Club from November 16-19.

“I played very well in the morning, and was just able to hold it together in the afternoon,” said Beeler. “The golf course was beautiful and it dried out a little in the afternoon. Because of the wind, it made for a championship experience.

Beeler had to hold off a back-nine rally by Paul Schlimm Jr. that saw both players tied with six holes to play. But then on 15 Schlimm Jr. actually took the lead after a bogey by Beeler. But then Schlimm Jr. drive on 16 found the fescue than ended up leading to a double-bogey. So from there Beeler held on to the lead to earn the win. But for more information please visit IPGA.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week long. RS