CHAD JOHANSEN’S GOLF ACADEMY is rolling into another summer at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol IL., the 2023 Callaway Golf professional of the year is filling “The Oaks” with junior golfers, senior golfers and with the ladies. But there is still tee times left for you. So why not come out and enjoy “The Oaks Grille” and BBO-Golf (630)-553-7170.
The Gog Blog by Rory Spears-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X-Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook. At the clock on the Medinah CC range.
ONE U.S. OPEN IN THE BOOKS and now Pinehurst is closing in later this month.
I have had the pleasure of playing Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania a few times, and this William Flynn classic is really good.
The upgrades suggested by the USGA and Mike Davis who was then the CEO/EX. Director in 2015 are really good, and have help up for this past weeks championship.
Granted some of the “big names” did not survive the cut. But there was plenty of great golf by the ladies who did stick around for the weekend.
THE USGA talks about “anchor sites” such as Pinehurst. I would hope that they would consider a club like Lancaster an anchor club for a variety of championships.
The Par-4 third hole at Lancaster CC, the home of last weeks USGA Women’s Open.
BACK IN 2015-it was Lancaster that finally broke the attendance record for a U.S. Women’s Open, that was held by Kohler and Blackwolf Run for several years.
So can they do it again, it will be good to see if they can.
The golf course has some great elevation change, and some tricky but very fair greens. So if you ever have the chance to play Lancaster, which is a private club, don’t pass it up. It’s a really great round of golf, I hope the USGA returns as soon as LCC welcomes them back.
The perfect gift for the Dad who likes to walk. Stride-from Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction- Zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.
MORE FROM THE WORLD OF CLUBS.
So do you want to trade it in. Because if your golf season is not off to the start you want it to be. New clubs should still be in the plan.
Callaway Golf is currently for a limited time, running the 2X bonus trade-in deal. So right now get the new AI Smoke clubs, for prices that you would only find at a close-out of a line of product.
That is off course with your trade-in clubs. How much is trade-in worth?
Well that depends. Because if you have a newer set of clubs, and if they are Callaway Clubs, your value can go up. But even older Callaway clubs kept in good shape can earn you a good trade in value. So to learn more please visit Callawaygolf.com. Callaway Golf has also announced a limited edition of AI Smoke clubs in a all-black finish.
IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED-my new Callaway AI-ONE-TT with an insert. I am now almost ready to start the competition to see who wins the starting QB job-on the greens.
WILD SPRING DUNES-the latest and greatest from Dream Golf, Mike Keiser and his sons Mike and Chris. So it’s located “Deep in the Heart” of Texas and about 2 hours from both Dallas (se) and Houston (north). But more good news is that architects with a great history of working with the Keiser family are back. So add Tom Doak and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to the project.
So as one of the first two media members to see Sand Valley, I am excited to follow this project as it moves forward. Stay here for details.
John Hardy and his dog Sadie, both new at Chad Johansen’s Blackberry Oaks. Photo courtesy of Chad Johansen.
IT’S GREAT NEWS that another step forward is being taken at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club.
Managed by Mr. Kids Rule himself Chad Johansen, Chad has taken another step to upgrade the BBO golf facility.
After the passing of the previous superintendent, Johansen was introduced to John Hardy, who has joined BBO as the No.1 superintendent.
Hardy joins Blackberry Oaks, coming over from the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, after working for over 4 years at clubs on the East Coast. Hardy tells Golfers on Golf he will start his focus on the practice range area at “The Oaks”.
CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Chad Johansen and new superintendent John Hardy.
IT WAS GREAT hearing from both Cantigny Golf GM Terry Hanley yesterday on the Golfers on Golf Radio Show. But if you missed it, catch the replay here at Golfersongolf.com. I think architect Todd Quitno will do a great job, and I am looking forward to him joining us on the radio show. The renovation project will take 4 years, but at all times there will be 18 holes open for play. Youth Links golf course will remain open for play during the renovation. But even better news is that Youth Links will be welcoming adults at some times during the week. So visit Cantignygolf.com for more information.
THE WEATHER HAS CHANGED for the better in Northern Michigan, and at the Boyne Golf properties. A special thanks to sales and marketing guru Ken Griffin for jumping in to give us the low down on everything Boyne. But there is still no official opening date for the architect Ray Hearn designed par-3 course at the resort. Doon Brae is still at a point where it is growing in.
RICHARD BLAND a member of the LIV Golf Tour was last weeks winner of the Senior PGA Championship at the Harbor Shores Golf Club, in Benton Harbor Michigan. Bland’s final round 63-gave him a three shot victory over multiple players on the Jack Nicklaus signature designed golf course. Harbor Shores is open daily for public play, and a fun track. So try it out if you have not played there before, it’s about 3 hours drive time, with the time change to EST from CST in Chicago. Bland won using a LAB Golf putter- a Mezz 1 MAX.
The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS