LIV GOLF RETURNS TO RICH HARVEST FARMS September 22-24 Get tickets now at LIVGolf.com. The stars of professional golf back in town. Dustin Johnson talks to the media in 2022 at Rich Harvest Farms. Cam Smith returns to defend his title at RHF.
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/Facebook.
Hard to believe Shoji Tabuchi-my Maui Hawaii-Kapalua and Branson golf partner has passed away. Photo at the Plantation Course at Kapalua-Maui.
MAUI…
THE fires are bad enough and a real tragedy. So many more are missing, and more bodies are being found.
I drove through Lahaina some 20 times going back and forth to Kapalua, from the airport. What a just really neat Hawaiian town.
But now more bad news with a Maui connection to it. Because over 20 years ago on the now defunct Village Course, I met Branson Missouri’s top fiddle player, Shoji Tabuchi. That one round of golf led to a friendship that lasted 23+ years. Former Kapalua VP-the late Gary Planos would pair us up, and off Shoji and I would go for 18 holes. The Village Course, Bay Course, and the famed Plantation Course.
Then back stateside I would drive to Branson Mo. and we would golf even more. After lunch and dinner I would go catch his show, always great and entertaining. Last night on Facebook his family announced his passing. Branson will never be the same. Golf lost a true friend when Tabuchi passed away, hopefully there is another coming Japan, that will love golf the way Shoji did. #RIP
PGA TOUR COMMISHIONER Jay Monahan finally announced the cause of his needed health break away from the tour. Anxiety. Well I’m glad to see him back, but for how long. Resentment about Monahan is growing from the rank & file. Perhaps Monahan needs to look no further than himself to see how his health condition started.
ONE PERSON NOT BACK at the PGA Tour, is long time VP of this and that Andy Pazdur, who decided to quit one day not long ago. Pazdur’s name would pop up in a variety of press releases on various topics. What his loss means at this point, remains to be seen.
LIV GOLF CEO GREG NORMAN says he’s getting calls from players that now see the end of the split between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf coming up. But why would anyone make the jump now, is there a need to. But another question is what is Norman’s role these days at LIV, is he staying or is he gone. That situation will get more interesting as the months move forward.
ANGEL CABRERA has been released from prison after some 30 months in prison. But what does it mean for his golf career. Because Cabrera does want to get back in golf shape, and play in professional events again. Can he do it, will tours and golf organizations let him back in their fields. I say let him in if he qualifies, unless it’s the Masters where he has a lifetime exemption for being a past champion.
BRYSON DECHAMBEAU is coming off a final round 68 at the Greenbrier LIV Golf tournament. So is it a matter of DeChambeau being healthy again. But there is word that he has made some equipment changes, and that is the key factor. So could his long bomb drives be a help to the Ryder Cup team. Sure why not pick-him, Zach Johnson.
PINE MEADOW GOLF has both a Senior Scramble coming up on August 23rd, remaining spots almost gone. But there is more, do you need some wood chips and mulch for around the house. Because has extra, that they are giving away for free. But you need to come get it yourself and do the shoveling yourself. But do call-ahead for a pick up time. (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).
BLACKBERRY OAKS in Bristol headed up by KidzRule Guy-Chad Johansen, has the new Oaks Grille up and running, and plenty of upcoming events happening. So go check out Blackberryoaks.com.
IT’S TOURNAMENT WEEK-with of course more than one this week. So first on the tee is the Illinois PGA Section Championship at Thunderhawk Golf Club in Beech Park. The club is hosting the section for the first time. Brian Carroll is back to defend his title, against 6 other past champions, and a field of over 100 players. The field is 11 players larger than year.
OLYMPIA FIELDS hosts the 2023 BMW Championship this week, as it’s Round 2 of the Fed Ex Cup playoffs. This is the last BMW in town until at least 2027, so make sure you get out to Olympia Fields Country Club this week.
OUR RADIO PARTNER LEN ZIEHM has more golf travel pieces up on his site Lenziehmongolf.com. So check out Len’s stories, including more on the new par-3 at Boyne Golf in Michigan.
ZERO FRICTION GOLF in Oak Brook Terrace has announced a new digital catalog to showcase it’s product line, which is a good one. Balls, Tees, Gloves, push carts and more. Zerofriction.com.
The Gog Blog will be back a bit more this week. It’s been a busy summer, so writing time has been limited. RS