GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-CHICAGO’S FAVORITE FOURSOME.

L-R Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, the late Bill Berger, and Rory Spears, at WNDZ AM 750.

GOLFERS ON GOLF mourns the loss of our partner Bill Berger-who passed away on May 12th of this year. The Show will carry on with Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Rory Spears, and some in studio guest hosts for the remainder of the 2024 season.

      TODAYS SHOW will feature guests Bob Winskowicz the CEO of Sqairz Golf Shoes and Elisa Gaudet CEO and Founder of Women’s Golf Day which is now Women’s Golf Week.

Plus Len and Rory discuss other news in the world of golf.

Len Ziehm at the Top of the World Studio’s and Rory Spears at WNDZ AM 750 host this weeks program. Ed Stevenson has the week off.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio from May 25th.

Thanks for listening, Ed, Len and Rory.

CALLAWAY GOLF PRODUCTS are sold at Mistwood Golf Club located on Renwick Road in Romeoville-call (815)-254-3333 or visit MistwoodGC.com to book tee times.

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

                       Golfers on Golf Radio is L-R Ed Stevenson DuPage Golf/IPGA, Rory Spears NBC Radio, and Len Ziehm of the Daily Herald, LenZiehmOngolf.com and a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

Golfers on Golf Radio 9-10Am Saturday mornings on WNDZ-AM 750-Chicago.

WEEK 3 has Rory Spears in studio with Len Ziehm checking in fro the Top of the World Studios in Ocala Florida.

Ed Stevenson is speaking at the Memorial Service for our fallen co-host Bill Berger.

Billy passed away last week after a long battle with cancer, he was 87 and PGA Life Member. Berger played the PGA Tour for several years. But until recently was still helping with junior golf clinics, working with Ed Stevenson.

All of us will miss Bill, who I enjoyed working with for 16 years.

Tyler Yancey at Pinehurst

TYLER YANCEY the first head golf professional of the NEW Pinehurst #10 golf course, designed by Tom Doak. Yancey will join us live from Aberdeen NC (near Pinehurst).

Yancey is currently working out of a trailer on the #10 course location. But that location will soon be home to another course-perhaps within 1 to 1 1/2 years.

Because the golf course was built on a old sand mine, that’s the name of the golf course.  Sand Mines has plenty more elevation change than most other Pinehurst golf courses, and it’s a walking only golf course.

SO CLICK HERE to hear this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio with Rory Spears and Len Ziehm.

But there will be plenty of PGA Championship talk as well. Thoughts on the arrest of Scottie Scheffler by the Louisville KY. police department. Plus thoughts on the announced divorce of Rory McIlroy.

So thanks for listening, Ed, Len and Rory. Tee time is 9 Am on Saturday mornings on WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

   MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is open for summer golf and home to McWethy’s Tavern. So book your tee time, lesson or fitting by visiting Mistwoodgc.com or calling (815)-254-3333. THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB is great for golf anytime, but is the place all summer long on hot, rainy, windy days, or when darkness sets in. Because four new simulators and a putting green are waiting for you. So come watch the PGA with Arnie at the bar all week. Call the Shack (847)-904-2905.

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

RORY SPEARS at the 2023 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club.

SO AS I HEAD into PGA Championship week at Valhalla, there are some other matters to clear up.

So first on the tee, if you did not see my other post, is that all of us at Golfers on Golf are mourning the loss of our colleague and PGA Life member Bill Berger, who passed away this past weekend from cancer.

I worked with Billy for 16 years on our radio program, and the “Old Pro” as he liked to say, will be missed. Chicago’s favorite foursome, will be down a member at times this season. But we are looking to add some guest hosts as the season moves forward.

OLYMPIA FIELDS COUNTRY CLUB reached out to Golfers on Golf to clarify their position on LIV Golf coming back to Chicago this September. While multiple sources said Olympia Fields had engaged in talks with LIV Golf about hosting their tour this year. OFCC is now saying they did not speak with LIV Golf about their tour event this September.

GOLFERS ON GOLF and other media outlets, were told that the Village of Bolingbrook stepped up to host the the tournament, when talks broke down with Olympia Fields. But the talks with another club turned out not to be Olympia Fields. Which would have been a great location for the tournament. But after hosting the 2023 BMW Championship, the club apparently was not ready to host another large golf event in back-to-back years.

So hopefully before long-OFCC will host another large golf event, whether it’s LIV Golf or another professional golf tour.

VALHALLA CC the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course might not give the players a super tough test of golf. But it will challenge them. I don’t see any players getting to the score of 20 under par.

It wouldn’t surprise me if defending champion Brooks Koepka won the championship again. But it looks like Rory McIlroy who won at Valhalla in 2014, is also peaking at the right time. Mcilory record career win #26 yesterday at Quail Hollow in the Wells Fargo Championship. But then again who can count out Scottie Scheffler the World #1 and Masters champion is due for a great score, just maybe not a winning score.

KEEP GOING ILLINI-Mike Small’s team sits a top the leaderboard, after Day 1 of the Stanford regional in California.

THE GOG BLOG Returns tomorrow. RS

   MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is open for summer play. So come out and play the Ray Hearn designed links style golf course, rated one of Chicago’s best public courses and home to McWethy’s Tavern. Mistwood is home to one of the best professional teaching and fitting staffs in the area. So to learn more on the home of the Phil Kosin IL. Women’s Open see Mistwoodgc.com or (815)-254-3333

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

Rory Spears-Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger at WCPT.

YOU HAVE HEARD IT BEFORE.

But here it is again, cancer sucks.

All of us who make up Golfers on Golf have enjoyed working with PGA Life Member and former PGA Tour player Bill Berger. But as of today, Chicago’s favorite foursome is down to three.

Last night the “old pro” as Billy liked to say, lost his battle with cancer. Berger is believed to be 80. A native of Youngstown Ohio, Berger took up golf in the Buckeye state before moving to Illinois. It didn’t take Bill long to know many of the members of the Illinois PGA Section. 

Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears. L-R at the old WNDZ AM 750.

At the start of the 2023 Golfers on Golf Radio season, last May. Berger admitted he had cancer and had been seeing Doctors and was on medication.

At times last summer, Berger struggled to get through the show.

He didn’t show up one Saturday which was not like him. He told us the following weekend, that he came to the station on Sunday, mixing up his days, and then finally realized what he had done after being parked in front of the station for 30 minutes.

Earlier this year, he apparently decided his medications weren’t helping, or not helping enough. So sadly, he quit taking them. When I heard that at the Chicago Golf Show, I knew the clock was ticking, until last night when it wasn’t.

Berger owned Bill’s Pub in Streamwood for years, until about 10 years ago when he had to close the bar, because Cook County taxed him out of business. But Bill’s pizza on Grand Avenue is still open and in operation.

As of now, the plan is to have several guest hosts fill-in, as many weeks as possible.

Golfers on Golf Radio will remember Berger on this Saturdays show. RS

  THE WARM WEATHER IS HERE so it’s time to go outside and play the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. This year the driving range now has Trackman to help golfer track their shots, yardages and more. So play all 27 holes at Schaumburg Golf Club by calling SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. The SHACK INDOOR Golf Club has you covered all summer long when things aren’t so nice outside. Too hot, rainy, too windy or dark, take it inside at the Shack 1717 Chestnut in Glenview. Where owner Nick Larkin has added 4 new simulators and a putting green. (847)-904-2905.

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

                     GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. Chicago’s longest running golf program now in it’s 34th season, tee’s off on Saturday mornings at 9 Am this year on WNDZ-Am 750 Chicago. Golfersongolf.com the year round part of Golfers on Golf. Join us Saturday morning live or the mulligan here.

WEEK 2 Golfers on Golf Radio-2024.

Medinah teaching professional Travis Johns the 2024 winner of the IPGA Match Play Championship at Bull Valley GC. Photo Courtesy of IPGA and Nick Novelli.

BUT THIS WEEK on Golfers on Golf Radio.

Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, discuss the PGA Tour’s debut in South Carolina’s golf capital Myrtle Beach.

Because in addition to PGA Tour golf, there are many great public courses in the Myrtle Beach area, where the number is over 90 courses.

SO FROM THE PGA-This coming week is PGA Championship week at Valhalla, can Brooks Koepka do it again, and back-to-back. Congrats to Illinois PGA professionals in the field, Andy Svoboda from the Butler National Golf Club, and Jeff Kellen from the North Shore Country Club.

Valhalla is a Jack Nicklaus (the greatest golfer of all-time) signature design golf course. Par is likely to be 72, but with a yardage that is yet TBD.

Congratulations to Medinah Country Club teaching professional Travis Johns. Johns won the Illinois PGA Match Play Championship at Bull Valley 1 Up over Andy Svoboda. Johns is a guest this week on the show.

CLICK HERE to hear Week 2 of Golfers on Golf Radio-with guest IPGA and Medinah CC teaching professional Travis Johns.

So thanks for listening-from Ed, Len, Billy and Rory. But remember next week is Week 3 of the season, tune-in and join us on the tee at 9 Am.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB is located at 1717 Chestnut St. in Glenview is open daily for golf and more. Owner Nick Larkin has created 4 new simulators and a brand new putting green. The Shack is a place where Arnie is always at the bar. So book a simulator bay today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook-Instagram. Driver is a Callaway Golf Paradym 9.5.

BROOKS SEASON.

So as the PGA Championship approaches, the defending champion and three time PGA winner Brooks Koepka is rounding back into form.

Last year Koepka was the first LIV Golf winner of a major championship, when he won the PGA at Oak Hill.

Prior to Oak Hill, Koepka won PGA titles at Bellerive and Bethpage. So while Koepka has two U.S. Open titles to his credit, his play at recent PGA’s is getting peoples attention.

Brooks Koepka (R) with caddie Ricky Elliot after winning this weekend at LIV Singapore. Photo courtesy of LIV Golf.

So could Koepka win his 6th major next week in Kentucky, when the PGA returns to the Jack Nicklaus designed Valhalla Golf Club.

I for one won’t rule him out. Koepka will be heading into the PGA coming off a win at LIV Singapore this past weekend.

Koepka shot a three day 54 hole total of 15 under par to win by two shots over Cam Smith and Marc Leishman.

Those in Singapore say Koepka is finding his game and is locked in. Koepka is not disagreeing with that line of thinking. “My game is starting to come around and I like the way things are trending,” said Koepka.

When Koepka is on he is very hard to beat, even Scottie Scheffler will have trouble taking Koepka down at Valhalla, if Koepka is on his game.

CHICAGO AREA golf fans will have the chance to see Koepka in person when LIV Golf comes to Bolingbrook Golf Club September 13-15. So don’t miss it. More than 94,000 fans came out over three days to see LIV Golf in Australia. So lets break that record here at Bolingbrook. LIV GOLF can now been seen on the Caffeine TV network, visit Caffeine.TV for details.

BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB and LIV GOLF. I’m still getting plenty of questions from golf fans, why Bolingbrook for LIV. Because for starters, Bolingbrook stepped up and agreed to host the event, when reportedly talks broke down with Olympia Fields Country Club.

So credit Bolingbrook GC. and it’s management company Northbrook based KemperSports Management for stepping up and making this happen. But skeptic golf fans are saying that the LIV pro’s will tear Bolingbrook apart. Well yes they could.

BUT-like at most tournaments if the wind blows, and it does at Bolingbrook, the course could play a few different ways. Bolingbrook is not a short course, it is over 7,100 yards, and nobody is ruling out some yards getting added before championship week. So stay tuned. I wouldn’t mind seeing the party hole format being recreated around the island green par-3 5th hole. Because that would be fun.

SPEAKING OF VALHALLA and the upcoming PGA Championship, for the first time in over 20 years, the Illinois PGA section will have two members in the PGA field. So a big congratulations to new Butler National head golf professional Andy Svoboda, and new golf professional at North Shore Country Club Jeff Kellen who survived the PGA National Club Professional Championship in Frisco Texas to qualify.

SUN DAY RED-the new Tiger Woods line of apparel has been released. The general opinion for golfers and consumers is that the SDR line is over priced and ugly. So from what I have seen so far, both of opinions have hit the nail on the head. I’m not wasting two cents on Sun Day Red.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is back for season #34, the longest running golf program in Chicago history. Week 1 is in the books and you can hear a replay on this website.

Hosts Ed Stevenson, Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Len Ziehm is back, and so am I. But Chicago’s favorite foursome is down one member. Our long time co-host Bill Berger is in a cancer fight. So to be honest in recent months Billy’s battle has gone in the wrong direction. As a result, all of us at Golfers on Golf are hoping Billy’s cancer doctors can get some of his medications back on track, and Billy’s condition can get turned around.

LIV GOLF has made five new hires in the front office, including Ross Hallett as EVP of Events. See the full list of front office additions at LIVGolf.com.

TOP INSTRUCTOR DAVID LEDBETTER is now partnering with Sqairz Golf Shoes, my favorite golf shoes and the brand I wear. So learn more at Sqairz.com.

GOOD LUCK TO THE SIX BIG TEN GOLF PROGRAMS that are advancing to post season play in the NCAA Championships.  Three Big Ten players will play as individuals. Teams include Big Ten Champion Northwestern, off to Chapel Hill regional. Runner-up Illinois is off to the Stanford Regional.

THIS YEARS NCAA FINALS are at La Costa in California, with a newly renovated North Golf course by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. The finals should be really fun to watch on the course, coming in off this renovation project.

So in the weeks ahead, Golfers on Golf is looking to get our show’s founder new CDGA Director Mike Munro back on the air with us-when his time permits. But in addition there will be weeks Golfers on Golf will have some guest hosts joining us in the studio. So do stay tuned in.

THE GOLF INDUSTRY heads to Washington D.C. this week (May 8-10), to meet with political leaders on the impact of the golf industry in America. You can learn more at Golfcoalition.org.

MORE FROM TOP GOLF-the newest location for the always fun Top Golf has opened this weekend in Montebello California. Details at Topgolf.com.

I’M NOT SURE PICTURES DO IT JUSTICE-But the latest addition to the Dormie Network set of clubs GrayBull by David Kidd, looks really good.

GOOD THINGS are happening at the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook. The driving range is seeing improvements, and a bunker project is happening on the golf course. A par-3 course designed by Greg Martin, will start construction this summer.

Because now that it’s May, and temperatures are heating up. The urge to play more golf is flowing through your veins, when you look in your golf bag what do you see. Is it old clubs that need to be replaced, it’s not too late to get fitted for new clubs that you can enjoy for the 2024 golf season ahead. So check out website of your regular clubs. Then see who is hosting fitting days, that and buy some new golf balls. It won’t hurt. The Gog Blog is back all week. RS

   THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut in Glenview has made golf season a year-round sport. Four new simulators and a putting green are now open at the Shack. So come join Arnie at the bar for some great food and drinks. Owner Nick Larkin (R) will save a chair for you. Visit TheShackgolfclub.com or call (847)-904-2905

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

LAB Golf DF3-CPO Golf.

SO ARE YOU READY!

LAB GOLF PUTTERS in the Gold.

There are not many to choose from.

In fact there have only been 10 of these made. So act quickly if you want one.

They will go quickly and they will sell out, even at $2,000.00 per putter. DF3 honored on the Gold List By Golf Digest, Best Mallet putter of 2024.

LABGolf.com plus don’t forget that LAB Rat gear is here. So act now at LABGolf.com.

TITLEIST is offering team Titleist members a personal tour of Ball Plant 3 in New Bedford CT., can go in person, watch the video online at Titleist.com.

AFTER THE RECOUNT-Fighting Illini junior Jackson Buchanan has been named Big Ten Men’s Golfer of the Year. Buchanan becomes the 15th Illini golfer to win the honor. “I am so happy for Jackson to be recognized as Big Ten Golfers of the Year,” head coach Mike Small said. “Jackson has had a very successful and consistent season. His record speaks for itself. As his coach it’s great his dedication and play recognized by the conference.”

Buchanan has had two victories, and is the Big Ten’s top rated golfer in the individual NCAA Division 1 ratings. Buchanan will share the award with Purdue’s Herman Sekne, who was announced as the initial winner, before there was an update because of an incorrect ballot submission.

TRU linkswear LUX G golf shoe.

FATHERS DAY will be here before long. So does Dad need a new pair of golf shoes.

Because if he does, why not think about a pair of the comfortable LUX G golf shoes.

Colors range from Black, Blue, White and Gray. Throw in a 2-year waterproof guarantee, and dad is on his way to a round of golf in comfort.

So learn more about the shoes at http:/Trulinkswear.com.

THE SHANGRI-LA Resort in Oklahoma has added military equipment alongside of it’s Battlefield Par-3 course that opened in 2023. So play the game and take the historic tour. Details at Shangrilaok.com.

Club Champion continues to expand, with Five new markets being added this quarter.

CLUB CHAMPION GETS BIGGER.

Because during the second quarter of 2024, Willowbrook IL. based Club Champion the nation’s largest club fitter, will get even bigger.

Five new outlets will open bringing the store count to it’s expected total of 140 by years end.

Opening now are fitting locations in Mequon WI., Hanover MA., Lake St. Louis, MO., and Pembroke Pines FL., with the current Houston Texas location, moving to a bigger location. Which shows the demand for fitting in that market.

“It’s hard to keep up and that’s a good thing,” said Nick Sherburne, company founder and EVP of Operations. “Every week, it seems, we announce a new store or bring new fitters into the fold. It’s a testament to the sports ability to thrive in any environment.”

Since 2010, Club Champion has incorporated components from more that 65 brands. Club Champion delivers Tour-level fitting that produces longer and more accurate shots.

“It’s a gift and a challenge to be part of such rapid expansion,” said Cassandra Busch, Director of Marketing for Club Champion. “It means we’re reaching new golfers all the time but it also means we have to stay on our toes and continue to innovate.”

EARLIER THIS YEAR Club Champion opened stores in Albany NY., Coral Springs FL., Perrysburg OH., Chandler AZ..

So now for a limited time, the new stores will offer fitting specials in conjunction with a club or clubs purchase. So learn more details by calling (888)-340-7820.

EDISON WEDGES has launched a new website at Edisonwedges.com.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein is offering a price reduction on Titleist TSR Clubs, call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) for more information. Veterans Play Day is Wednesday July 18th. The 8am shotgun is limited to the first 100 veterans that sign up. Pine Meadow is now a Scotty Cameron putter demo location. The only one north of I-90. But you must sign up in advance with GM-Head Professional Dennis Johnsen, by calling the number above. The senior scramble is Monday May 20th, spots still available.

CABOT CAPE BRETON in Nova Scotia Canada-They are back and open for the 2024 season with improvements. See CabotCapeBreton.com

The flag on the 18th green of Pinehurst #2.

So it’s not just Play where the Pro’s Play.

IT’S PLAY LIKE THE PRO’S PLAY, so right after the U.S. Open on Pinehurst #2, you can play the course with pin locations from the four rounds of the U.S. Open.

So to have this rare opportunity, one needs to sign up for the three night Donald Ross Package. Learn more by visiting Pinehurst.com.

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY is now Women’s Golf WEEK. So ladies find a location near you, and sign up to play and learn a little about the game of golf. See @womensgolfday because women’s golf-week is coming May 28-June 4th and #BringAFriend

OAKBROOK TERRACE BASED ZERO FRICTION has a variety of golf gifts for Mom, with Mothers Day coming up next Sunday. Golf balls, tees, ball markers, golf gloves and push or pull carts. See Zerofriction.com and look for the Mother’s day specials. ZERO FRICTION took first place in the ING Awards for ads with it’s Stride remote golf buggy.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville has a Mizuno Fitting day coming up this Wednesday May 8th, from 11 am to 3 pm. But you must sign up in advance, visit Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. THE CGXD-III camp at Mistwood is from June 18-19. Several Top college golf coaches will be there. The camp is limited to 48 players. Mistwoodgc.com or visit collegegolfX.com.

LATE COURSE OPENINGS Giants Ridge Resort in Minnesota-both courses now open. See GiantsRidge.com. SENTRY WORLD in Stevens Point Wisconsin, opening on May 31st for the season. Sentryworld.com

MONTANA BASED SUN MOUNTAIN SPORTS-earlier this year named Grant Knudson new company president and chief branding officer. Sunmountain.com.

THE BLACKBERRY OAKS GOLF COURSE in Bristol IL. will host it’s 4-player summer scramble on Saturday May 18th. So to sign up visit Blackberryoaks.com or call the Oaks at (630)-533-7173.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO HOST LEN ZIEHM has posted a travel review story on golf in the Daytona Beach area of Florida. So read the recap at LenZiehmonGolf.com.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow-RS.

  MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB is a proud sponsor of Golfers on Golf Radio. Book your tee times at Mistwood by calling (815)-254-3333 or by visiting Mistwoodgc.com #Mcwethys

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

               GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-PHOTO FROM 2022. L-R Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

Golfers on Golf Radio is back for 2024 on WNDZ Am 750-with a new tee time of 9 Am.

Golfers on Golf Radio is entering it’s 34th season, and is the longest running golf program in Chicago history. It has won four straight years of national awards at the PGA Show from ING.

BUT AS WE enter the season, our concerns rest with our partner Bill Berger, who is fighting cancer. Billy’s battle could be going better, and all of us at GOG hope the cancer Doctors can adjust his medication, and get him moving back in the right direction.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR WEEK 1 of Golfers on Golf Radio for the 2024 golf season.

This weeks show includes interviews with Bolingbrook GC Director of Golf Dave Thompson, and former Village of Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar. Both speaking at the press conference for the announcement of LIV Golf at Bolingbrook GC, Sept. 13-15.

Len-Ed and Rory spent the remainder of the show looking ahead at various topics that will be covered in the year ahead, and having some round-table discussion about the world of golf.

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