THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has reopened the Players Nine and the putting green as Phase 1 of the three year renovation is complete. The Baer Nine has shut down and should reopen around July 1st of 2019. New newly lengthened driving range is open as well. For more information see Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. Are you ready for more from your clubs, Go Rogue by Callaway, see Callawaygolf.com   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram. In the pro shop at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, home of the 2018 Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open July 16-18.

Last week was a great week for golf in the Chicago area, except for the fact the heat level keep some folks off the golf course or from attending the different tournaments in town.

I’ll start by talking about the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship that was held at Kemper Lakes, that ended on the 16th green after a short delay in play because of a weather issue.

The two-hole playoff and drama down the stretch and into the playoff was great viewing, in the end  Sung Hyun Park edged out So Yeon Ryu in yet another Korean major championship victory. I did come away with a load of respect for Ryu. I covered the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run in Kohler when Ryu won her first major. Someone asked what she might do with the first place check. Ryu who was struggling with speaking English at the time said, she would hire a tutor and lean how to speak English. Well whoever she hired is one good teacher. Ryu is very fluent and polished in English, and a real tribute to female Korean golfers and a role model for what athlete’s coming to America to make millions here should do.

From a media standpoint, it’s hard to work with players or golfers when they need an interpreter, some media organizations don’t accept comments or audio from those who can’t speak the English language, which can cost reporters money while working major sports. Which is why Ryu is a real breath of fresh air and why I will be rooting for her when she is in contention. Ryu is one real classy lady, and sports professional. It was great to have her at the UL Crown media day yesterday in Northbrook.

As far as Kemper Lakes goes, there is no doubt that Kemper is back as a major championship venue. The question is what comes next. During championship week the PGA of America announced that in 2023 Baltusrol will host the 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA and in 2029 the Men’s PGA Championship. Now it seems that every club that hosts the KPMG, gets a PGA Championship as well. It’s too bad the PGA wasn’t thinking that way when Olympia Fields and Kemper Lakes signed up for the KPMG.

BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm (visit lenziehmongolf.com) and I teamed up to interview Kemper Lakes Golf Club owner Steve Jouzapaitis on Sunday to ask him about the week that was, and what’s next for the club. Jouzapaitis felt his club delivered and it sure did this past week. Jouzapaitis says the club will continue to work through it’s master plan as it goes forward. Architect Rick Jacobson and his team did a bunker renovation project in recent years. While there are no plans and no need for any serious renovations going forward, there might be a hole (8th) that could see some minor changes. In 1989 some of the pro’s in the PGA took some cheap shots at the clubhouse which has been improved and is much nicer inside since the club went private. Jouzapaitis didn’t rule out making more improvements to the clubhouse down the road to benefit the clubs members and guests as part of the master plan.

Click here to hear the interview with Kemper Lakes owner Steve Jouzapaitis on the KPMG and what could be up for Kemper Lakes going forward.

The Gauntlet plaque by the 16th tee box at Kemper Lakes.

The Gauntlet Holes 16-17-18 as the club is calling them now, got some attention championship week and in a few ways did decide the outcome of the championship.

Ryu’s water ball on 17 lost her the championship, and Park’s par save from the water/mud on the side of the 16th green won it for her. With several tournament courses having catchy names for a stretch of holes, the addition of the Gauntlet adds something to the last three holes at Kemper Lakes. It got the players talking that’s for sure. But other talk included the use of the name “Gauntlet”, since its the same name used for the last three holes at TPC Sawgrass home of the Players Championship on the PGA Tour.

I have been to Sawgrass but did not play the golf course so I didn’t know about the Gauntlet being part of that course. I’ll say this, considering the amount of years that tournament has been on TV, it’s amazing it’s not promoted since very few people seemed to know about the Gauntlet name being used there.

wwga.org

ANOTHER GREAT CHAMPIONSHIP THIS PAST week was the Women’s Western Golf Associations National Championship that was played at Mistwood. It was won by medalist Emilee Hoffman from Folsom California, she defeated Tristyn Nowlin of Richmond Kentucky, who plays for the University of Illinois Golf Team by an 8&7 score.

Nowlin said that her swing and putter just weren’t working in the final match but was glad to make the championship’s in the match play. The WWGA that also runs a National Junior Championship (later this month in Cincinnati) is hinting that it might be back in town in 2019, maybe with both championships. The WWGA has not said where the championships might be next year, but I’m not ruling out White Eagle CC in Naperville, stay tuned. As for this year, kudo’s to Mistwood for a job well done.

SPEAKING OF MISTWOOD, tomorrow the Red White and Blue golf tournament tee’s off bright and early, and the club is going to try and retake a Guinness World Book of Records back that they once held. Get ready for some serious hot dogs everyone. For more details see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333.

ULCrown.com Korea October 4-10 2018

THE UL INTERNATIONAL CROWN if you missed our story from yesterday, the LPGA and UL based in Northbrook hosted the media to announce the 2018 UL Crown field of 8 countries and 32 players that will play in Korea come October. TEAM USA the #2 seed will be down two players from the 2016 Crown played at the Merit Club and won by the USA. Jessica Korda and Michelle Wie replace Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller who are (Lewis) or have recently been (Piller) pregnant. Korea is the #1 seed at the jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Inchon.

While there is no doubt that that Korea will be crazy for the Crown, the next question is where next in 2020. I spoke with LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan yesterday who says that the 2020 Crown site has not yet been determined. But he narrowed it down to five courses in America, or 4-5 courses in two other countries around the world.

Whan made it clear they want to play in a country that has a team competing in the matches, which makes sense. Whan told me the LPGA is not ruling out the Midwest in 2020, in spite of the Ryder Cup being played in Kohler that year. He also was not sure when in 2020 the Crown might be played, but with the Olympics in August, and the Ryder Cup in September, it’s likely if the Crown is played in the USA, July could be the month. But if a venue down south is picked, it could be October.

As far as US based sites go, with UL CEO Keith Williams a member at Conway Farms, I wouldn’t rule out CF being in the mix as a possible site for 2020.

THE GOG BLOG will be back this week, with more on the CDGA Amateur sites for the next four years being announced. RS

   THE PLAYERS NINE at the Schaumburg Golf Club along with the driving range and newly expanded putting green are now open. Tee times are now being taken at (847)-885-9000, you can visit Schaumburggolf.com for more information about the clubs three year renovation project that is now complete with Phase 1. THE 2-DG golf shirt (blue shirt in right photo) is the Italian made shirt that protects golfers from the sun at a new level of safety not seen in other outerwear. Visit www.2-DG.com to learn more.  ______________________________________________________________________

  THE UL INTERNATIONAL CROWN IS HEADED TO KOREA IN OCTOBER OF 2018 for the most exciting International Crown matches yet. Details at ULCrown2018.com.      THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram.

THE CROWN is not back in town, or at least for 2018 as it heads to golf crazy Korea and the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Inchon. TEAM USA is the defending champion but Korea that finished third in 2014 and second in 2016, is poised to strike on it’s home turf and win it’s first UL Crown in the week of October 4-10.

This morning at the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) in Northbrook, the 2018 UL Crown made the announcements that so many people (especially in Korea) have been waiting to hear. What  eight countries will be playing, and who are the 32 players that will be selected to represent their countries in the event.

The 8 player representatives, from So Yeon Ryu far left to Canid Kung far right. Seeds are in order (L-R)

Korea earned the #1 seed and So Yeon Ryu announced her teammates  I Park, Sung Hyun Park, and in-Kyung Kim.

The United States is the #2 seed, and Jessica Korda announced her teammates, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie, and Cristie Kerr.

Japan is the #3 seed, and Nasa Hataoka announced her teammates, Ai Suzuki, Misuzu Narita and Mamiko Higa.

England is the #4 seed and Georgia Hall announced her teammates, Charley Hull jodi Ewart Shadoff and Bronte Law.

Australia is the #5 seed and Katherine Kirk announced her teammates, Minjee Lee, Sarah Jane Smith and Su Oh.

Thailand is the #6 seed and Moriya Jutanugarn announced her teammates, her sister Ariya, Pornanong Phatlum and Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong.

Sweden is the #7 seed and Pernilla Lindberg announced her teammates, Anna Nordqvist. Madelene Sagstrom and Caroline Hedwall.

Chinese Taipei is the #8 seed and Candice Kung introduced her teammates, Teresa Lu, Wei-Ling Hsu and Hsuan-Yu Yao.

Click here to hear part of the press conference, with moderator Jerry Foltz of the Golf Channel, Michael Whan LPGA Commissioner, UL CEO Keith Williams.

For more information on the UL International Crown see ULCrown.com stay clicked in here for more on the 2020 International Crown. As Golfers on Golf catches up with LPGA Commissioner  Michael Whan.

THE 2018 KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP at KEMPER LAKES has put the North Suburban club in Kildeer back on the championship future sites list, who is next.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and or Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram

THE 2018 KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP is in the books, and Sung Hyun Park is the champion after a two-hole playoff and a final round of 69, 3 under par and a total of 10 under par for the championship.

The playoff started on 18 between three players, Ryu, Sung Hyun Park and Nasa Hataoka. Hataoka was eliminated on the first playoff hole when her birdie putt ran sharply past the hole. Ryu had already drained her 20 footer from the fringe for birdie. Then Park matched the birdie with an 18 footer of her own. That would prove as big as her par save on 16 during the final round.

The championship was decided on the second playoff hole when Ryu’s putt from just outside 20 feet slid past the edge of the cup. Park then used the entire hole to get her 9 foot putt to barely fall in the hole.

2018 KPMG Champion Sung Hyun Park with the championship trophy in the media center at Kemper Lakes.

Both players had time to think about their final putts when weather suspended play for about 20 minutes after both players reached the green on their second shots.

Ryu the third round leader after round 3 by three shots, had the championship won after 16 holes when she made a 25 foot birdie putt to take a two shot lead. But then taking a page from the Mike Reid in 1989, Ryu pounded her drive on 17 into the drink to make double bogey. While Park 2017 U.S. Women’s Open Champion salvaged a great par from the watery muck on the right side of the 16th green. her birdie putt on 17 lipped out and going for the win on 18 she ran the putt over the edge of the cup.

Last weeks winner on the LPGA Tour Hataoka shot the round of the championship carding a final round 8 under par 64, then she had to wait almost two hours for the playoff to begin.

Championship week included some highlights including thee hole-in-ones. Maria Stackhouse nailed the first one on the 17th hole during the Tuesday pro-am. During Round one there was two more. Lexi Thompson struck first when she made ace on the Par 3, hourglass shaped sixth hole. Thompson hit an 8-Iron from 166 yards to accomplish the feat. Later that day. Brittany Marchant used a 5-Iron from 175 yards on the Par 3, 17th hole. For that shot Marchant was rewarded with a 2018 Kia Sorento that can drive home if she wants. Thompson’s best round of the championship was the 4 under par 68 she shot on Sunday to help her finish at 3 under par and well out of the championship.

Click hear to hear interviews with runner up So Yeon Ryu and winner Sung Hyun Park, with interperter since she does not speak English.

In the history of the Women’s PGA Championship only three courses have surrendered two hole-in-ones in the same week, There have now been 23 hole-in-ones in the championships history.

TOURNAMENT SET UP DIRECTOR KERRY HAIGH set Kemper Lakes up at the longest yardage it played at all week. The 6,751 yards was 103 yards longer than Round 2 (6,648) that was the second longest yardage of the week. Round 1, at 6,635 was the shortest yardage of the week.

SPEAKING OF HISTORY,,,In Gee Chun and Carlota Ciganda landed the luck location in the locker room this week. The two players were given lockers on each side of the restored and preserved locker that the late Payne Stewart had in the 1989 PGA Championship. The luck did not rub off on Chun who missed the cut, but Ciganga at one point in round two was in 4th place, before falling back to finish in 33rd place..

HOUSEKEEPING, Kemper Lakes course owner Steve Jouzapaitis sat down for a 2 on 1 chat with BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm and Golfers on Golf to review the week and share some thoughts on what’s next for Kemper Lakes, that segment will appear here in the next day or two at Golfers on Golf, and a small part could run this coming Saturday on Golfers on Golf Radio Saturday Morning on Am 750 WNDZ.

Jouzapaitis spoke of the clubs master plan that has been underway for six years, that included a bunker renovation and other improvements by local architect Rick Jacobson and his former partner Doug Myslinski. The course came across looking very good on TV, and earned compliments from the NBC and Golf Channel television crews.

DQ, Lee-Ann Pace had to take a DQ in round two when she hit her Pitching Wedge on a stake after a shot into the rough. What she did not realize at the time, was that the club was damaged and she needed to take it out of play. After Pace hit two more shots with the club, she noticed the damage and alerted a rules official, who gave her the option to play in the last several holes and make an appeal to the rules committee, but she quit immediately and took the DQ.

OW, that hurts. Katelyn Dambaugh injured her should in the first round. When she reached a score of 8 over par playing in pain, she Withdrew from the championship.

The championship in 2019 moves to the site of the 2016 Ryder Cup, Hazeltine National Country Club in Chaska Minnesota.

 CHICAGOLAND GOLF PUBLISHER VAL RUSSELL invites you to pick up a copy of the July issue of Chicagoland Golf that hits the golf courses and golf retail stores this week, previews of this months upcoming tournaments are included. THE Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road has completed Phase 1 of the Three year renovation project of the club. The Players Nine has reopened along with the expanded driving range and the putting green. As of today the Baer 9 is closed for renovation and is expected to reopen around July 1st of 2019. To book tee times call the club at (847)-885-9000.          _____________________________________________________________________

HOW QUICKLY time flies by. Two years of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in the Chicago area will end on Sunday. Come see the final round at Kemper Lakes today. The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram. With the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Trophy

THE 2018 KPMG CHAMPIONSHIP winds down to an exciting conclusion today at the Kemper Lakes GolfClub ib kildeer.

So Yeon Ryu is 11 under par and holds a three shot lead over Brooke Henderson and by 4 over Sung Hyun Park. All three players will be paired together for the final round of the championship. Their tee time is at 9:31.

**NOTE ALL TEE TIMES HAVE BEEN MOVED UP due to concerns about  mid afternoon inclement weather. Gates will close for the day at 5 PM, and patrons should be off the property by then.

First tee times will begin at 7:30 Am and gates will open at 7 AM for spectator admission to Kemper Lakes. Here’s hoping a playoff is not needed at the end of 18 holes on Sunday.

THE GAUNTLET PLAQUE by the 16th tee box at Kemper Lakes that marks holes 16-17-18.

Ryu broke through with a 5 under par 67 on Saturday, while Henderson could only post a 70.

Several other major names could not make a move on Saturday in the high heat that has been around for two days in Chicago area. Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie and defending champion Danielle Kang all sit at 1 over par 12 shots back of Ryu.

Lydia Ko who surprised everyone on Friday with her comment that her main goal of the week, was to ” make the cut.” Ko did that with no problem, but fell back with a 74 on Saturday that left her 8 shots off the pace. Angel Yin is the top American Player all alone in fourth place at 6 under par.

How will Sunday conclude. Well surviving “The Gauntlet” will be the key. Set up director Kerry Haigh is giving the players some tough looks for the final round. While the par 3, 17th hole has the pin in the middle of the green, pin placements on holes 16 and 18 are not easy. Back right over the water on 16, and far back right on 18 will provide two late challenges. The far right pin on the par 3, 3rd hole will be very tough.

Ryu has played the Gauntlet Holes in 2 under par, while Henderson has played them in 1 under par. The swing hole between these two players has been the par 3, 14th hole where Ryu is 3 under par after three birdies and Henderson is two over par with two bogeys including a three-putt on Saturday.

Henderson is looking to become the first Canadian golf two win two major in professional golf. Henderson also won the KPMG in 2016 at Sahalee.

The temperature will only be in the 80’s tomorrow, hope to see everyone at Kemper Lakes for the final round of golf.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is reopening the Players Nine this Saturday June 30th, and it’s newly expanded putting green. The new range is open and tee times are now being taken at (847)-885-9000. THE WOMEN’S KPMG PGA CHAMPIONSHIP is underway at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. Tickets on sale at the club and come see the greatest women’s players in the world compete for the title. MISTWOOD Golf Club is hosting the Women’s Western Golf Associations’s national championship this week. The Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open will be played July 16-18. For more information on these events see wwga.org or see mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333.        ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin and Facebook. At Mistwood Golf Club home of the 118th WWGA National Amateur Championship

THE 118TH WOMEN’S WESTERN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP has had a thrilling week at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

This year the new format saw the field of 120 players was reduced to the low 32 players after 36 holes of stroke play.

The remaining low 32 players then advances to match play. players that did not advance to match play, were done for the week, unlike in the past when players got put into flights and continued to play. This year to make the match play, the final four players survived a playoff of eight players for 4 spots. The match play survivors endured high hot temperatures reaching into the 90’s.

To play in the WWGA National Amateur Championship, players must have a handicap index of 7.4 or less for 18 holes. The WWGA conducts a National junior Championship that will be held from July 16-20 at the Cincinnati Country Club, in Ohio. the field is limited to 80 players who have a handicap index of 14.4 or less for 18 holes Players must still be 18 or younger on the last day of the championship.

The WWGA does award scholarships to deserving young women golfers Since 1971 over $4.1 million dollars have been awarded to 680 women from 45 different states. For scholarship information please visit wwga.org.

  THE WWGA NATIONAL AMATEUR TROPHY (L) and BRIANNE BOLDEN of Mokena after advancing to Match play. Bolden was eliminated in the Quarterfinals by finalist Tristyn Nowlin of Richmond Kentucky.

Janet Mao of Johns Creek Georgia who plays for the Northwestern University Wildcats and was a member of the Wildcats national finalist team in 2016 at Rich Harvest Farms advanced to the round of 16. Bolden was the last local Illinois player standing from the field.

The yardage for this years championship was set at 6,131 yards and a par of 72.

Emilee Hoffman of Folsom California and member of the Lady Longhorns golf team at the University of Texas was the medalist from stroke play, and rolled through to the championship match against Nowlin who plays for the University of Illinois.

In the championship match both players were All-Square after two holes, but then Hoffman started to pull away, going 3 Up at the turn of the first nine holes, of this 36 hole championship match. Hoffman continued to build her lead on the back nine, and was 7 Up after 18 holes.

Hoffman’s lead grew to 8 up early on the second 18, but Nowlin came back one hole later to reduce the margin to 7 Dn. by the end of the front nine of the second 18 holes, Nowlin had cut into Hoffman’s lead again, and was 6 Dn with nine holes to play.

But Hoffman settled down and won holes 10 and 11 to close out the match at 8&7.

THE 2019 WWGA National Amateur Championship is expected to return to the Chicago area, no official announcement has been made yet, but White Eagle Country Club in Naperville could be a possibility.

VAL RUSSELL the Publisher of Chicagoland Golf (L) reminds everyone to pick up the July copy that is coming out this week. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB opens the newly renovated Players Nine today at 6 AM, with the newly expanded putting green Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000 for tee times. Baer 9 Closes.    ______________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO with Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears AM 750 WNDZ Chicago 10-11 Am Saturdays

Week 12 is on the tee for Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ Chicago Tee time is from 10-11 AM. With your hosts Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, and yours truly Rory Spears.

there is great news coming from the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road, as of 6 Am this morning the Players Nine has opened from Renovation, along with the new putting green that is 9,000 square feet. So phase one of the renovation is complete, and Phase 2 beings on Monday with work starting on the Baer Nine. The hope is for the Baer Nine to reopen right around July 1st in 2019. Call Schaumburg Golf  today for tee times at (847)-885-9000.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB GM JON PARSONS joins us live at at 10:10 to provide some feedback from opening day.

KPMG, you will hear from the players and more on the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes.

TIM CRONIN joins us with an update on the 118th Women’s Western Golf Association National Amateur Championship from Mistwood.

All this and more. Stay tuned in and clicked in. RS

  COMING THIS SATURDAY the return of the Players Nine at the Schaumburg Golf Club located at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, the newly expanded putting green also opens Saturday, and the Baer nine closes for renovation. Tee times at (847)-885-9000.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook and Linkedin. On the 16th tee at kemper Lakes Golf Club home of this weeks KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

THE KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, is now finally underway at Kemper Lakes Golf Club the actual site of this years championship.                      Tuesday was pro-am day at Kemper Lakes but early rain delayed the start by some 50 minutes.

The morning flight was able to finally complete their round, and the afternoon groups tee’d off, with the first groups almost getting finished, but just after 3:30 PM local time, threatening weather returned and everyone was taken off the golf course for the day.

The first group of the morning that started on the tenth tee, was leaded by professional Maria Stackhouse, who promptly made the first ace of the week on Kemper’s near island green the 170 yard par 3, 17th hole.

Several of the top players made trips to the press tent for pre-tournament interviews, and they included Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie, defending champion Danielle Kang and Brooke Henderson winner of the championship in 2016.

Click here to hear defending champion Danielle Kang’s championship preview interview.

What will be interesting is to see how the players handle what Kemper Lakes final three holes 16-17 and 18 are now known as “The Gauntlet”. When asked about professional golfs newest group of finishing holes, the players did not seem to concerned. But it is still believed that the players who play the final three holes the best will be on the top page of the leaderboard.

When asked about the golf course long time LPGA veteran Juli Inkster called Kemper Lakes, “a hard golf course that is playing long after all the rain that has fallen in the week.” The course was wet today, but with high heats levels over the rest of the week, look for Kemper Lakes to dry out quickly over the next few days.

The last PGA Championship held at Kemper Lakes was in August of 1989 when the late Payne Stewart won his first major and his only PGA Championship. This weeks winner will be the other bookend to PGA history at Kemper Lakes.

Kang who recovered from a slight muscle strain and fatigue that led to a WD the week after the U.S.Women’s Open, said it took her three days of total rest to recover. Kang said that she slept some 48 hours over three days to get her body back in shape.

On Wednesday the players get the golf course for final practice rounds in advance of Thursdays first round of play. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow with a recap of day three at the 2018 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

    THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB AND ACADEMY will open its newly renovated Players Nine and and enlarged putting green this Saturday June 30th, at the that time the Baer Nine will close and begin renovation. Tee times are being taken for Saturdays reopening of the Players Nine, visit Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 today.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Standing on the 16th tee box at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. The 16th hole is the beginning of “The Gauntlet” the final three holes at Kemper Lakes. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin and Facebook. #Womenspgachampionship

THEY ARE HERE, the first big women’s championships of the year in the Chicago area, the Women’s Western Golf Association National Amateur Championship tee’s off at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville on Tuesday and then on Thursday it’s the  KPMG Women’s PGA Championship  at Kemper Lakes.  Where all of the Top 100 Players on the LPGA Tour’s money list are playing. That is a great field. Defending Champion Danielle Kang who won in 2017 at Olympia Fields returns to defend her title.

           Chicago, your host courses for week, come out and enjoy the very best in amateur and professional women’s golf.

The KPMG Women’s Championship will be shown on The Golf Channel and NBC, it starts off the week with private event today at Soldier Field for some odd reason.Which is located nowhere the championship site, but then again media day was held in the Chicago River for reasons still unknown. In spite of that, hopefully fans will still come out to Kemper Lakes.

Preview interviews with the main players of the championship begin on Tuesday and I will be there to begin the Golfers on Golf coverage for the week. Today the media assembles at Mistwood Golf Club to meet some of the world’s best amateur women’s players. It should be a great week I hope for both tournaments. Plenty more right here all week long from both championships.

THIS PAST WEEKEND three of our local players were in the field at the Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour in Hartford Ct., Kevin Streelman a past champion ended up 33rd, Nick Hardy made the cut, got a check as was 61st. Doug Ghim making his professional debut shot 78 in his first round as a pro (nerves maybe) but came back with an even par 70 the next day,but missed the cut by 10 shots, This week Ghim will play at Quicken Loans in DC on the PGA Tour, Hardy comes back to Illinois for a Web.com tourney the Land of Lincoln Championship downstate.

THIS PAST WEEKEND it was sad that all the hard work done by our friend Chad Johansen at Blackberry Oaks got washed away by the heavy rains of last week. Johansen had to make the tough call of canceling the Blackberry Amateur that was scheduled for the last two days. Johansen had a record sized field of 109 players in a field that had room for 120. But Johansen, a Cubs fan, knows the meaning of the saying “wait til next year”, and I’m sure the BB-AM in 2019 will be the best ever. In the meantime go play BB-Oaks, it’s a fun course and a play “Where Kids Rule” so bring our your favorite junior golfer. Blackberryoaks.com.

ONE EVENTthat won’t get flooded out is the World Amateur Championship in Myrtle Beach, that will be held August 27-31. Yje World’s largest Amateur normally draws over 3,000 golfers, and with over two months left to sign up, the number of entrants is over 2,900. the championship gets played on more than over 60 of Myrtle Beach’s golf courses. Part of the nightly fun in the worlds largest 19th hole. Registrations are taken at MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com.  Myrtle Beach is a real fun place for golfers, if you have not been there you need to be.

PGA TOUR PRO Kevin Streelman will give back to the game when he works with junior golfers at his old stomping grounds of Cantigny Golf in Wheaton on July 9th. time is from 9-4 PM, and Pre-registration is required and junior golfers can bring one guest. Cost is $45. The day includes Driving range and on course presentation with Kevin, Short Game Skills competition, a BBQ lunch, A photograph with Kevin, autograph session with Kevin and a silent auction fundraiser. To sign up (630)-257-9806.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week, get out and play or watch some golf this week. There are plenty of places to pick from. RS

       NICK HARDY sticks and Iron shot two feet from the hole on Rust Oleum Championship media day at the Ivanhoe Country Club, catch more of Hardy today at the Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour, Hardy made the cut and will collect his second check as a professional. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF & ACADEMY on Roselle Road will be opening it’s Players Nine this coming Saturday June 30th,along with it’s new putting green. This weekend, the Baer nine will close for renovation.Tee times (847)-885-9000.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook, Linkedin. On the 16th tee at Kemper Lakes home of this weeks KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

There isn’t new much new construction going on when it comes to golf courses across the country.

So when a new one comes on board, it is cause to take note. The good news is that there is another new course called Sage Run and it’s ready to open on July 10th.

The Island Resort and Casino in Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the third new course to open in Michigan in the last three years.

The resorts first course Sweetgrass is hosting a Symetra Tour event this weekend. Sage Run is designed by Paul Albanese and will complete a full foursome of great golf courses in the area.

THE NEW SAGE RUN Golf Course at the Island Resort

The new Sage Run golf course is different than the Albanese designed Sweetgrass course.

The new Sage Run takes the golfer around a ridge that provides scenic views during the round. Golfers wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, should enjoy a break in nature while they enjoy the golf courses and all the resort has to offer.

Island Resort and Casino, has plenty to offer off the golf courses, including the casino, restaurants and spa. For more information on the new Sage Run Golf Course and more please visit Islandresortandcasino.com.

 THE WOMEN’S KPMG CHAMPIONSHIP tee’s off this week at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, defending champion Danielle Kang heads up a field with ALL TOP 100 players on the LPGA money list playing. Tickets KPMGwomenspgachampionship.com The top women players of the amateur ranks visit Mistwood this week, for the 116th Women’s Western Golf Association Amateur Championship, come see the best women amateur players from around the world. Admission at Mistwood is free. See wwga.org  ______________________________________________________________________

Golfers on Golf Radio Am 750 WNDZ, Saturday mornings from 10-11 AM, your hosts Rory Spears, Ed Stevenson and Bill Berger. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO WEEK 11 was quite show, if you missed it, look for it to be posted on our sire in the days ahead.

This morning Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears were joined by USGA 2019 U.S Open at Pebble Beach Championship Manager Danny Sink, and PGA of America Director of Course set up Kerry Haigh.

Sink talked about both the U.S. Amateur Championship at Pebble Beach this August, and the U.S. Open next year.

Haigh spoke about stetting up Kemper Lakes for this weeks upcoming KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Defending Champion Danielle Kang heads up a solid field that has all Top 100 players from the LPGA money list. Kpmgwoemnspgachampionship.com for ticket or more information. Come out to Kemper Lakes this week. 29 major championship winners are in the field this week at Kemper Lakes.

SWEDEN’S JENNY HAGLUND has just excepted a special exemption to play in this weeks KPMG Woemn’s PGA Championship.

  PRAIRIE LANDING in West Chicago announces a new golf cart experience for all of it’s players. The new high-tech golf carts are called YamaTrack Carts and club has ordered 76 of them.

The new Prairie Landing carts have a free App that helps players improve their game. This APP includes course diagrams, and GPS precise distance pins. Golfers can now download the Yamatrack app on their smartphone for a more interactive Prairie Landing golf experience. The new cart helps keep carts out of area’s they should not be near, and stops them if needed. The new Yamatrak cart is great for ordering food and beverage as golfers make the turn.

“We’re always looking for ways to upgrade our club facilities in a manner that benefits golfers of all skill levels,” said JR Starnes, Golf Operations Manager at Prairie Landing. “These YamaTrak cars provide us with a unique opportunity to take the game to the next level right here in West Chicago.” For more details see prairielanding.com or call the pro shop at (630)-208-7600.

PGA TOUR PROFESSIONAL KEVIN STREELMAN will give back to golf on Monday July 9th at Cantigny Golf where he grew up and previously worked, For more details visit Cantignygolf.com. Streelman will spend the day with junior golfers covering different area’s of the game.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow.