The NEW Mistwood Clubhouse Opens next month Mistwoodgc.com, the next big event after this weeks Western Amateur at Rich Harvest Farms, to be played at Rich Harvest Farms, is the LPGA UL International Crown July of 2016. The Mt. Prospect Golf Club has reopened from renovation, play it now. Call the pro shop at (847)-259-4200.             ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With the Sweet 16 Western Amateur Trophy at Rich Harvest Farms.

Defending Champion Beau Hossler leads a powerful field of 156 players into the 113th Western Amateur Champion that starts today at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Hossler from California and a member of the University of Texas golf team, will have to outlast some of the best amateur players in the world if he expects to repeat as champion. Which is something that has not been done since 1992 and 1993 when Justin Leonard accomplished the feat.

Hossler might have a head start on the field, as he played a key role earlier this summer in helping the United States Team recapture the Palmer Cup from Team Europe. Hossler clinched the winning point that returned the cup to the USA during his singles match on Sunday. Afterwards Hossler said the rounds at Rich Harvest Farms during the Palmer Cup will help him this coming week.

Beau Hossler with Western Amateur trophy at Beverly Country Club in 2014.

“The caliber of talent in this field is truly remarkable and we are honored to host the future of professional golf,” said Jerry Rich President of Rich Harvest Farms. “Events like the Western Amateur is what it’s all about, growing the game.”

In addition to Hossler, seven of the other top 16 match play finalists have returned. Including Hossler’s teammate from the University of Texas Longhorn squad and Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim. Another semi-finalist from the local area is Northbrook’s Nick Hardy who plays for the Fighting Illini.

Scottie Scheffler another Texas Longhorn who made the Quarterfinals in 2014 is in the field as well as, Illinois golfer Charlie Danielson.

“As it has since it’s founding in 1899, the Western Amateur continues to attract the finest amateur players in the world to compete in one of the game’s most challenging formats,” said Vince Pellegrino, senior vice president of tournaments for the Western Golf Association. “Four rounds of stroke play, followed by four rounds of match play, produces a champion befitting the rich history of our championship.”

Rich Harvest Farms serves as the home course for the Northern Illinois University Huskies Men’s and Women’s golf teams. From the Huskies Men’s golf team Joo-Young Lee a Junior, and incoming freshman Salvador Rocha will be a part of the field.

College players with a two years of eligibility remaining will enjoy a preview look at Rich Harvest Farms, since it will host the 2017 NCAA Men’s and Women’s National Golf Championships.

This is your chance to come walk the fairways with the great amateur players of today, who will be some of the great professionals of tomorrow.

Admission and parking are FREE, courtesy of the WGA and Rich harvest Farms Owner Jerry Rich. Stroke play Round 1 is today, Round 2 on Wednesday, at which time the field will be cut. There are two more rounds of stroke play on Thursday, and at which time the field will be lowered to 16 players for the match play part of the championship.

Sweet 16 and Quarterfinals matches will be on Friday, with the Semi-finals on Saturday morning, and the championship match teeing off in the noon-hour on Saturday afternoon. For more details follow our coverage here all week, and or visit thewesternamateur.com. Come out to the Western Amateur this week and be a part of this great championship. The parking is located at 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove.