THE LIGHTHOUSE ON SEA PINES-AT HARBOR TOWN-The Heritage Classic coming this week from Hilton Head in South Carolina, On to bigger & better, see Seapines.com  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. On the 18th green at Harbor Town on Hilton Head.

OUCH-GOLF TOOK A DOUBLE HIT yesterday. Can it survive, time will tell.

From a local standpoint, 6 inches of the white stuff on April 14th should not happen. Some reports have a few days later in the week in the 70’s. Now that is what we need it, and need it quickly.

Some spring scrambles, and other golf events had to take a rain check. Or maybe a snow check. Here is hoping there is a quick melt-off.

Now the real question, do people even want to play golf. The events of yesterday in Augusta, leaves one wondering, is this Hello-World Part 2. Jeez we hope not. But this is the result you get, when the Back Nine on Sunday, turns into the front nine on Sunday, and the leaders tee off bright and early on a Sunday morning.

The string of 13 great Masters ended yesterday with Tiger Woods winning. With Patrick Reed slipping the jacket on Tiger in the Butler Cabin. Somewhere the members of the Augusta National Golf Club are cringing with those two together in the same room for the green jacket ceremony.

I thought this was a Masters week where the late-great Dan Jenkins was to be honored, but this was no way to do it. Now, Jenkins is rolling over in his grave. He like many, is not a fan of the new green jacket holder.

This was a could-have, should have, would have, day for both Francisco Molinari, and or Tony Finau. Even Brooks Koepka for that matter. How in the world did all three of them go-splash on the par 3, 12th hole. The Las Vegas sportsbook’s must have been full of gamblers in tears. Did I just hear someone shout “fix”.

Speaking of Koepka, he should be the main story line come June, as he bids for his third straight U.S. Open. Question now is will he be. You know that other guy won here 19 years ago. The second story line is that Phil Mickelson who won at Pebble Beach earlier this year, is going for the career Grand Slam, but will it be. Dustin Johnson who should be World #1 again this week, has a great track record at Pebble Beach that includes some “W’s”. Will he get a mention.

But before we get to Pebble Beach, there is a PGA Championship to play next month on Bethpage Black. The story should be about Jordan Spieth going for a career grand slam, but will it be. Or did the last U.S Open Champion at Bethpage, Lucas Glover work through the marital woes with his wife. That, grabbed the headlines a few months back.

I’m sorry to say, it will be all about that guy who won there in 2002. In fact everything that the women’s game received from launch of the Augusta Amateur, is likely lost now.

PGA TOUR events will now be filled with players that people in the gallery will say, I never heard of him before. Of course, because nobody will be writing the good stories, and what we need to learn about the up and comers.

Yeah it will be back to the days of, is he playing? Oh, I don’t need to watch because I know who is going to win already.

Press conferences will be filled with paparazzi media, asking the Masters Champion what his favorite TV show is or does he like Sushi.

On the heels of the dumbest ESPN story ever written about golf, how Tiger chews his gum like Payne Stewart did (that should have cost somebody their media credential) . Get ready for more bad Nike commercials too. Then again, the talking head-cover is due for a return.

Golf has been down that road before, on how it’s all about one player. It almost killed the sport, are we ready to travel down that low-road again.

Last but not least. Don’t even start with the #GOAT talk. If you really think that, go seek professional help. You need it. There will only ever be one GOAT. And that #GOAT is not a Tiger, it’s a Bear, and a Golden one at that. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is now open for the season. Check out Mistwood, it’s state of the art Performance Center and McWethy’s Tavern. Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS is now open for the season, find out the details for the Preserve by visiting DuPagegolf.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Linkedin and Facebook. In the 18th fairway (where-else) on Mid Pines by Donald Ross.

THE MASTERS and the “Back Nine on Sunday” gets underway this afternoon. Don’t miss it.

This week Golfers on Golf Radio, Am 750 The Big WNDZ, had a great masters show. Live guests included Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer, and the new head golf professional at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Jamie Nieto.

A replay of the show will be posted here on this website. If you missed the live version.

BLACKBERRY OAKS Golf Club in Bristol, home to one of the best 4-person spring scrambles. Cancelled today’s outing because of bad weather. Therefore Blackberry Oaks has rescheduled for April 28th. More information at Blackberryoaks.com.

AMERICAN BILLIONAIRE Ric Kayne, is spending $50 million dollars. Kayne will build two new public golf courses. Great news, but you need to visit New Zealand to play them. Kayne has hired Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw to design the first course. Architect Tom Doak will build the second.

PING GOLF is holding a fitting day at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein. Come try the Ping G410 driver, from 10 Am and 2 Pm, Saturday May 5th. Call (847)-566-GOLF, for more information.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY golfer and California native Brook Riley, tied for first place at the Silverado Shootout, in Napa Valley California. Riley was therefore named the Big Ten’s, Women’s Golfer of the Week.

GOLF APPAREL designer Peter Millar, has opened his first boutique in downtown Chicago. It’s the chains 16th store overall, it’s the first Millar store in the Midwest. The Millar store opened on Friday, and it’s located at 877 North Rush Street.

RECORDING star Justin Timberlake, has confirmed he will participate in the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf. The Legends Tournament is held at the Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale Missouri, April 24-28, and it’s part of the PGA Champions Tour. Other celebrities confirmed include Mark Wahlberg, Kid Rock and Roger Clemens.

Senior golf stars that are playing in the celebrity shootout include legends, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday. RS.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT-book you next getaway to one of the top golf destination properties. Visit Frenchlick.com. Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is now open for the 2019 golf season. Enjoy the course, practice in the performance center, and then head into the main clubhouse and try out McWethy’s Tavern. Call (815)-254-3333. #Mistwood ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio on the BIG AM 750 WNDZ-Chicago. Your hosts L-R Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, and Rory Spears.

Golfers on Golf Radio returns for Week #3 on the Big Am 750 WNDZ.

10 Am is the tee time and the main topic of the day, is the Masters.

Tim Cronin the publisher of the Illinois Golfer, and local golf historian joins us to talk masters history and the week it is.

Cronin has been to Augusta National on several occasions and can to speak to the improvements at the club.

The second half of the show Jamie Nieto, the new head golf professional at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison will join the group. Golf today, because maybe not tomorrow.

AM 750 the BIG WNDZ from 10-11 AM, join us. It’s Masters week.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville is now open for the season. Book tee times by calling (815)-254-3333 or Mistwoodgc.org #EatatMcWethysTavern. Welcome to the front gate of the Augusta National Golf Club-Enjoy Masters Week.          ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG with Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. Roger Cleveland Callaway wedge designer, with the new Callaway Mack Daddy and PM Wedges.

BACK AND BETTER.

The Callaway Golf wedge line by Roger Cleveland just got better. That’s because after the success of the Sure-Out wedge, the second version is available as of today.

Sure Out is the wedge made for golfers who struggle around the green, and in the rough. Do you have issues getting out of the sand, Sure Out is for you.

When you need a club that helps from all the tough lies, Sure Out is what you need, because your game deserves better.

The Callaway Sure Out 2 Wedge.

Sure Out 2 is the wedge that helps you gain playability from all lies. The Sure Out 2’s enhanced sole design, that has redefined the bounce angle, and extra heel relief brings more to your short game.

Full-Faced Grooves: There are now 17 full-faced grooves, that come with a redesigned groove patter for more spin.

You can now play more aggressive, and create shots with spin stopping power. This feature brings better distance control, so you can stop yourself near the pin and leave shorter putts for pars and birdies.

NEW LOFT OFFERINGS: now include 56-58-60 and 64 degree options. So whatever pitched shots you like to play, Callaway now offer the loft you want. Now in stores as of today April 12th. See Callawaygolf.com .

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville is now open for the season. Call for tee times or memberships at (815)-254-3333 or see Mistwoodgc.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on TWITTER @GogBlogGuy. Linkedin and Facebook. (R) Another foursome enjoying Erin Hills.

IT’S GOLF SEASON. Even with some bad weather to the north, it’s golf season in Wisconsin.

Yes there is some snow in the Dairyland, but because it’s April it is still golf season.

There is good news, because the snow will melt before the major destinations do open. So what does that mean. Use that time to pick up the phone and book some tee times.

The Pete Dye golf courses of Kohler such as Blackwolf Run, and Whistling Straits are opening this weekend. Weather permitting because they do have snow. But the Kohler golf challenge is still schedule for the next couple of weekends, if this weekend gets snowed out.

  KOHLER’S WHISTLING STRAITS will host the Ryder Cup in September of 2020.

The 2017 U.S. Open trophy case at Erin Hills.

You can join Erin Hills for a special week in June, because the club will celebrate U.S. Open week.

While the players are teeing off at Pebble Beach, you can enjoy 2017 U.S. Open venue Erin Hills. Play Erin hills how the open field played it in 2017, with the pin placements from championship week.

You can enjoy championship week on the course, or be watching in the dining room and or the Irish Pub.

When the course opens in May, there are price specials the first two weeks. Or you take advantage of great during the closing days of October. To enjoy play and stays at Erin Hills, see Erinhills.com and then call (866)-772-4769.

  MAMMOTH DUNES at Sand Valley was designed by David Kidd. Sand Valley will open for the season on April 25th. Call for tee times and over night reservations today.

Sand Valley now has 54 holes open for play, and there is another course by Tom Doak in the works. Stay overnight or book a Dream Day Golf Trip.  A Dream Day golf trip includes rounds of golf, on two of the three courses. There is time for lunch in between rounds. One of thetwo rounds will be on the par 3 course, “The Sandbox”. A perfect idea for groups but rates do vary.

For more information on Sand Valley, call (888)-651-5539, and visit Sandvalley.com

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON as of Today. Mistwood Golf Club is home to the Ray Hearn designed golf club. The Mistwood Performance Center a Top 100 national fitting facility, and McWethy’s Tavern. Mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333 ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on TWITTER @GogBlogGuy. Linkedin or Facebook. At the Mistwood Golf Club performance center.

Titleist has raised the bar on it’s Iron production, by creating a higher grade of Irons. It’s now what Titleist could produce at the highest level for the golfer, regardless of cost.

It’s now part of a growing trend in golf club production, and besides the fact’s of cost, companies are telling it’s R&D teams, just go build it.

Management is now telling it’s design teams, if you can make it we will figure out how to price it. That’s because golfers want products that can give them, the best game they can buy.

“CNPCT is an idea, a promise. It’s our answer to “What if”? “said Kelley Moser Jr., Brand Manager, CNCPT Clubs. “What if our R&D Engineers could bring their dreams to reality. By using materials and process never before used in golf? We promise to provide them with all the resources they need, so CNCPT will always deliver the ‘wow.’ ”

The Titleist CNCPT Irons.

Created to move forward and on the road of build the best we can. Titleist’s new CNCPT CP-01 and CP-02 Irons that showcase the thinnest unsupported, constant-thickness face in golf. Which is made possible through the use of a rare, alloy never before used in club manufacturing. Called the Super Metal L-Face insert. Because It’s measured at a level that delivers and creates, ball speed previously unseen when hit off the face of an iron golf club.

The club comes with an extraordinary amounts of high-density tungsten, therefore this produces almost 50% of the total head weight in lower-lofts. This produces higher launch, besides the greater distance with a generous impact.

CNCPT CP-01 with Supreme speed, launch and forgiveness. Averaging more than 100g per head in lower-lofted irons. With a Super Metal L-face Insert. CNCPT CP-02 with Supreme speed, coming in a classic style blade shape. High-Density Tungsten Weighting. Averaging more than 110g per head in lower-lofted irons. Super Metal L-Face Insert.

LEARN MORE and or schedule a fitting at CNCPT_Titleist@achusnetgolf.com or (833)-99.CNCPT. On the web at Titleist.com/golf-clubs/irons/cncpt.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB opens for the 2019 golf season this Thursday April 11th. This includes the Performance Center, and already open is McWethy’s Tavern. Call for tee times at (815)-254-3333. Mistwoodgc.com located on Renwick Road, Romeoville. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. Gog Radio this Saturday at 10 AM on the BIG Am 750 WNDZ-Chicago.

MORE NEW GOLF COURSE construction will soon be underway. This time in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.

Architect Gil Hanse and tour player Tiger Woods, have been named as the designers of the two new courses.

The courses will be in the Makaha Valley Resort. The TGR design team will create the North Course, and the Hanse team will do the South Course.

The resort is 644 acre’s of mixed-use property. It’s developed in conjunction with community leaders, and native cultural practitioners on Hawaii’s third largest island.

L-R Gil Hanse-Tiger Woods- Mr. Du Sha-owner 7 founder of PLI. Pacific Links International

The Makaha Valley is on the west end of Oahu. The valley area is expected to provide some great land for golf course building. The courses will provide enjoyable rounds for golfers because of the great views the valley offers.

There is not an official start date for the project. Nor is there an expected opening date. Work should begin later this year.

There is no word, on whether the resort will seek professional tournaments once the project is completed.

For more details see Pacific Links International on social media sites.

REYNOLDS AT LAKE OCONEE in Greensboro GA. (R) The Great Waters Course by Jack Nicklaus is under renovation. It reopens about Nov. 1st. Reynoldslakeoconee.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and or Facebook. The front gates of Augusta National.

It’s that time of year, Green Jacket Season. The flowers start to bloom, and the color of green starts to emerge.

Across America golf clubs that have been asleep in closets, garages start to awaken.

It’s time to buy new golf clubs, golf balls, and a shirt or cap. It’s golf season.

There is something about Masters week that carries over and beyond the gates of the Augusta National Golf Club. Golf season in many parts of America, starts over for another year. It’s time.

WHO WILL WIN the green jacket this year ? Rory McIlroy is the favorite, and if he wins it will be the career Grand Slam for McIlroy, who always plays well at the Masters. Rory just doesn’t cross the finish line in first place, he hasn’t made it to the Butler Cabin on Sunday night but he can this year.

THE SO-CALLED EXPERTS say the Masters Tournament is as wide-open as it’s been in years, so come Sunday night we will see if that’s the case.

WHAT A FURIOUS CHARGE by Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman on Sunday at the Valero Texas Open. Streelman let it all hang out, and was working on a 10 under par round on the par 5, 18th hole. Streelman got home in three shots, he needed a birdie to tie for the lead. He three-putted. Never-the-less, his game is rounding into shape.

THIS WEEKEND, the Kohler Golf Challenge is expected to tee off on the original Blackwolf Run Course, and then the Irish Course. This weekend is the first of three weekends of championships, but will it be. Rumors of big snow could haunt the Midwest and make things in Kohler all white. Let’s hope not. Call (855)-510-7225 to book your spot in the field, besides if it snows, enjoy the Great Waters Spa instead.

MISTWOOD GOLF COURSE in Romeoville will open on Thursday, being one of the last golf courses to do so. As a result the course will be in good shape. Tee times can be booked by calling (815)-254-3333.

THIS WEEKS GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO will be week #3. Details are coming together, but you can bet there will be some Masters talk.

THERE WILL BE SOME WRAP UP on the Augusta Women’s Amateur, and the Drive, Chip and Putt for the junior golfers. Both events add-on to one of the great weeks in sport.

DO YOU have your picks in, because missing out on a Masters Pool is something you don’t want to do. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. Enjoy the Masters because it’s so good. RS

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT-West Baden Hotel, see Frenchlick.com for your next golf destination getaway to Indiana. Further South in the Peachtree State where it is now Green Jacket season, Reynolds at Lake Oconee in GA. See Renoldslakeoconee.com    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. On the tee at the National Golf Course at Reynolds at Lake Oconee.

WEEK 2 in the books for Golfers on Golf Radio, our guests were Jim Nugent from Augusta National Golf Club and the Women’s Amateur, and Mike Scully of Reynolds at Lake Oconee.

CALLAWAY GOLF is offering through May 5th of 2019, a 50% extra bonus on trading in of old clubs towards the purchase of new Callaway Clubs, Callawaygolf.com.

Callaway Golf Club fitting day at Pine Meadows Golf Club in Mundelein is April 27th from 10 Am until 2 PM, stop by the clubhouse to sign up for your appointment or call the club at (847)-566-GOLF.

CALLAWAY GOLF APPAREL has signed 16 new ambassadors for 2019, headed up by two-time major champion Retief Goosen. The other players included Brice Garrett, Cody Gribble, Brandon Harkins, John Chin, Roberto Diaz, Steven Brown, Rico Hoey, Nicholas Echavarria, Andres Gallegos, Steven Ihm, Matthew NeSmith, Carlota Ciganda, Emma Talley, Cheynne Knight. For more details see Callawayapparel.com. Callawat Apparel by Perry Ellis International.

Northwestern’s Stephanie Lau was named Big Ten player of the week after a T-1 at the Ping/Arizona State Invitational. Lau shot 209 (-7).

DEVEREUX NEW ERA-has released some new masters week style hats that are priced at just $35.00. See our social media for pictures and styles. @GogBlogGuy on twitter and the Rory Spears Facebook page. See www.dvrxthreads.com for details.

The Par 3 11th hole at Grande Dunes Golf Club in Myrtle Beach SC.

The South Carolina Golf Course ratings panel, has recently named 13 of the top 32 courses in the state of South Carolina, to be located in the Myrtle Beach-Grand Strand area.

This list includes courses that the public can access. The best course in the Grand Strand region was list as the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club.

Other Myrtle Beach Courses included TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Golf Club, Pawleys Plantation and three of the courses at the Barefoot Resort. For more details on courses you can play in the Myrtle Beach area, you can visit MyrtleBeachGolftrips.com.

THE WGA HAS ANNOUNCED that CIBC Bank has expanded it’s partnership with the Western Golf Association and will support the CIBC Pro-Am at the inaugural Evans Scholars Invitational and the events volunteer program. the pro-am is May 22 at the Glen Club in Glenview and the tournament is May 23-26. 52 web.com players will play in the pro-am.

Topgolf is ready to open it’s 55th location in the DC area.

Topgolf is ready to open yet another location in America. The newest location is in National Harbor near Washington DC.

Before the new facility opens the plan is to hire at least 500 new positions on the Topgolf team.

The National Harbor location is the 55th location for Topgolf.

More Topgolf locations will open in 2019, including Schaumburg IL. just outside of the Chicago area. Details at Topgolf.com.

COGHILL has announce they have hired their new General Manager to replace Nick Mokelke who is retiring this year, after 56 years with the Jemsek family, and the last 39 years at Cog Hill. Troy Newport joins Cog Hill after coming over from Troon Golf in Kansas.  In addition at Cog Hill teaching professional Kevin Weeks has been named a Top 100 teacher by Golf Magazine. Information on Cog Hill at Coghillgolf.com.

THE MEN’S GOLF TEAM at Illinois took 7th place at the Augusta Haskins Award Invitational. Varun Chopra led the Illini with a score of 213-3 under par. Adrein Dumont De Chassart and Michael Feagles finished at 2 under par. Wake Forest won the championship at -36, 30 shots better than Illinois.

WOMEN”S GOLF DAY is now less than 60 days out. June 4th is the day and since 2016, over 900 locations in 52 countries have participated. More details can be found at WomensGolfDay.com register your golf facility now.

The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow. RS