THE NEW PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS CLUBHOUSE by night. The clubhouse could open in late June. So stay tuned into DuPageGolf.com for details on opening day. _____________________________________________________________________

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

Northbrook’s Nick Hardy chips for birdied on the par 3-17th hole at the Glen Club. Hardy finished the round in 1st place with a 7 under par (64).

THE THIRD ANNUAL EVANS SCHOLARS INVITATIONAL is underway at the Glen Club, in Glenview.

But it’s the second time the event has been played at The Glen Club.

Opening round play, saw Northbrook’s Nick Hardy, the University of Illinois Alum jump out to the lead.

Because with Hardy’s 7 under par (64), and weather conditions changing and not for the better as the day went on, the field had a hard time keeping up with a local player who knows The Glen Club very well.

Hardy’s army that numbered almost 60 people by the back-nine, was cheering both Hardy and his playing partner Brian Campbell (University of Illinois alum) on through their round. But one member of the galley, was on a different side of the ropes this year. Because after not advancing from the Monday qualifier into the field, U of IL alum Dylan Meyer was just enjoying a day at the golf course.

But the finish of his round was not easy for Hardy, who almost splashed his tee shot on the par 3-17th. Hardy left his birdie putt on 18 shorter than he would have liked, and left himself a tough par putt he was thrilled to make.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with ESI leader Nick Hardy of Northbrook.

Deerfield’s Vince India who won the Illinois Open at the Glen Club, was T-4 at 4 under par after Round 1.

VINCE INDIA of Deerfield wasn’t shy about admitting the conditions were not easy at parts of the round.

But India’s 4 under par 67, left him tied for 4th place after opening round play.

HIGHWOOD’S Patrick Flavin carded a 2 under par 69, that left him T-14. But right behind Flavin was former Glen Ellyn resident Andy pope with a  -1 (70).

BRAD HOPFINGER from Lake Forest opened the tournament with an even par round of 71.

A majority of the top Korn Ferry Tour players are in the 156 player field this week. Including Northwestern alum’s David Lipsky and Dylan Wu. The Glen Club is spread out over 195 acres, and will play to a yardage over 7,200 yards.

Highwood’s Patrick Flavin was T-14 after Round 1 of the ESI.

SO THERE is more good news regarding the ESI.

Fans can get in for free, visit the tournament website, and see how to register for free admission.

There was a free promotional giveaway on Thursday. So why not come out and see what other items might be handed out.

Weather conditions for Round 2, have made things tough on the players. But seven players that got off to rough starts on Thursday, have WD’d from the tournament.

CLICK HERE to hear interviews with in order Andy Pope (Glen Ellyn) Vince India (Deerfield) and Patrick Flavin (Highwood).

NICK HARDY is tied for lead late in Round 2. Stay clicked in for more coverage of the ESI over the weekend.