NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS Resort, Pennsylvania’s hidden treasure near Pittsburgh. The John Deere Classic is on the tee, come to TPC Deere Run, Johndeereclassic.com. _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG, by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy at Scioto CC in Columbus Ohio.
It could be known as the house that Jack built, as Scioto Country Club in Columbus Ohio is where it all began for Jack Nicklaus. he learned the game there, he got better at the game there, he became great at the game there.
There greatest player in the games history and probably always will be is enjoying a week back on his home turf as the USGA has brought the Sr. Open to Ohio and Scioto.
It’s an outstanding club and great golf course, when the USGA came in to prepare for the championship, there was no major overall to be done. A tree was cut down for good view on one hole, a tee box was added on another. But that was about all that was needed, the course is there and it’s right in front of the players this week. It should be a great championship.
Don’t be long on the first hole, that has a scenic view back to the clubhouse, and deep bunkers around the green.
University of Illinois golf coach mike Small is playing in his first Sr. Open. Small went through qualifying to get in, he shot maybe his best round of the year, when he shot 65 at the Brickyard Course than runs through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to get into the field.
Other players will ties to Illinois include Gary Hallberg and former British Open Champion Todd Hamilton who for the first time in years will miss a John Deere Classic.
During the preview interviews, the Golden Bear himself came to the press room, you can hear his interview above.
The US. Sr. Open at Scioto has 12 past Sr. Open Champions in the field. Dave Eichelberger the oldest player in the field at age 72 is playing in his 23rd Sr. Open Championship, with Hale Irwin playing in his 21st.
The youngest player to be in the field is Billy Mayfair, who just turned 50 last Saturday on August 6th.
Defending champion Jeff Maggert is in the field this week, but favorites are expected to be Bernhardt Langer, Colin Montgomery and Sr. PGA Champion Rocco Mediate. Fox Sports 1 or Fox Sports will have daily coverage of the championship.