THE FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB IN AKRON OHIO- Play where the champions of golf have won at for years. Some limited public play options are now available. Visit ClubCorp.com/clubs/Firestone-CountryClub. Host for this years 2020 Senior Players Championship won by Jerry Kelly. 54 holes of golf, on the South-North & West Courses. ______________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook or LinkedIn. With the World Series of Golf Trophy at Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio.
REPORTING FROM AKRON-OHIO.
IT’S BEEN A BUSY LATE SUMMER AND FALL for the Illinois PGA Section.
Four major championships were wrapped into 2 months, with time in between being spent raising some money for great charity causes.
This past week at the Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest, the 2nd annual charity golf pro-am hosted by the Illinois PGA and former Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg.
The pro-am raised funds for the Illinois PGA Foundation, First Tee of Greater Chicago, Maryville Golf Academy and Lambs Farm in Lake County.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Ryne Sandberg, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and one of the all-time great Chicago sports icons, to raise funds and awareness for the Illinois PGA Foundation, ” said Carrie Williams, CEO of the Illinois PGA Foundation. “The Foundation supports junior golf programs, grow the game initiatives, as well as internship and scholarship programs that allow young people the opportunity to work in the golf business, and attend college.”
ONWENTSIA CLUB (L) was the home of this past weeks Illinois PGA-Ryne Sandberg pro-am. (R) Conway Farms serves as host to this weeks Players Championship for the IPGA’ sections top 35 players on the 2020 player of the year points list.
The pro-am included a pre-round luncheon, player gift package, on-course contest prizes and exclusive auction items. Teams were comprised of one PGA-professional and three amateur players. the outing was won by the team of Glen View Club Professional Jim Billiter.
“Last years inaugural event was a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to building on that success,” said Sandberg. “We’ve got a good group of PGA professionals and local golfers who support the Illinois PGA Foundation programs as well as Lambs Farm, an organization I’ve supported for so many years, so we’re ready to tee it up and make a difference in our communities.”
BIRDIES FOR CHARITY-The Illinois PGA Section has released the final numbers from the Sept 8th, Birdies for Charity event at River Forest Country Club. While dodging rain showers that hampered play, IPGA professionals raised more than $350,000 dollars, bringing the ten year total to over $2 million dollars.
Over a 1,000 birdies were holed by the IPGA professionals. Funds are most directed to youth based charities such as Ronald McDonald House, Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF).
David Paeglow with the Senior Illinois Open Trophy at Royal Fox Country Club.
David Paeglow (Kishwaukee Country Club) won the 2020 Illinois PGA Senior Open Championship at Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles this past week.
Paeglow finished with a 36-hole score of 4 under par 138, to hold off University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small by one shot. Michael Troy from Zigfield Troy Golf Club was the other member of the final group.
Earlier this year Paeglow did not fare as well against either player in other IPGA Senior tournaments. But the third time was the charm.
“It was very satisfying to win,” said Paeglow. “I’ve been runner up numerous times in a lot of tournaments and it was great to finally finish out a tournament. My goal is to win these tournaments and not just do well. So today was satisfying and nice to have something to take home to the kids.” Paeglow eagled the 18th hole for the win. Four players tied for third place.
THE IPGA FINAL MAJOR of the year of 2020 IPGA Players Championship is this Monday and Tuesday at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest. The top 35 players on the Bernardi Player of the Year, points list are invited to this invitation only event. Host professional at Conway Farms Jeff Mowry, is also in the field.
Golfers on Golf will have a recap on Wednesday.