SHEPHERD’S ROCK at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is now Open For Play. This NEW Pete Dye designed golf course is one of the last by the Hall of Fame designer and architect. It sits side by side with the with the #1 in Pennsylvania rated Mystic Rock Golf Course, Shepherd’s Rock should join your must play list. For more see Nemacolin.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE FOURTH HOLE of Shepherds Rock, the new Shepherd’s Rock logo and your’s truly with Mike Jones Director of Golf at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, on the first tee.

(Reporting from French Lick Indiana) By Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory to the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA., to the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

She did it before and she can do it again. Trish Johnson had won before on the Pete Dye Golf Course at the French Lick Resort, when she won the 2016 Legends Tour tournament championship. This time the win was a little bit bigger than that. Johnson won the Sr. LPGA Championship, and it’s the first major championship in senior women’s golf. Next year with the addition of the U.S. Sr. Women’s Championship at Chicago Golf, the ladies over 50 will have two majors to play for. Those between 45-49 will have a return to French Lick to look forward to playing in.

With 36 holes in the books, it appeared that Trish Johnson of Bristol England was in great shape to win the inaugural Sr. LPGA, and when it was done that’s exactly what she did. It didn’t come without a few interesting moments for Johnson, but she survived multiple challenges to hang on for a 4 shot victory.

Afterwards Johnson was still critical of her play, saying how she tried to give away the championship. But she did say that her driver the key to winning.

2017 Sr. Lpga Championship winner Trish Johnson, holds the trophy in front of the Pete Dye Pavilion at the French Lick Resort.

“I hit my driver well all week,” said Johnson. “If you can give yourself only short irons into these greens it’s a big advantage.”

Johnson went on to add that she now has a new favorite golf course, and it replaces an icon in the sport of golf.

“When people ask me what my favorite course is I have always told them St. Andrews,” said Johnson. ” Now it’s this one here in French Lick.”

For the win Johnson collects the first prize of $90,000, after her three rounds of 67-72-73 were good enough to defeat runner-up Michelle Redman.

Redman now the women’s golf coach at the University of Minnesota, who played her college golf at Indiana at some support from the locals, and said she heard them around the course. Final day attendance was around 2,500, that might have been more but temperatures reached into the low 90’s on the Dye Course that has few if any trees or places of shade. Redman took home $54,397 for second place. Helen Alfredson was third.

Chicago area native Nicole Jeray who sat in fourth place much of the day, was seventh after a tough bogey-bogey finish. Jeray took home one of her bigger checks on tour earning $16,827

Click here to hear interviews with Trish Johnson, Michelle Redman and Berwyn’s very own Nicole Jeray.

The championship and the French Lick Resort and Cook ownership group donated $200,000 to the Riley’s Children’s Foundation. Making the total donation over a few tournaments played at French Lick now over $700,000.

The championship created a new level in senior women’s golf, one that many felt was long overdue. Play the Pete Dye Course at French Lick, see Frenchlick.com and make your reservations and tee times today.

Wednesdays third round wrapped up a long week of golf, that included a Symetra Tour event played last Friday and over the weekend on the resorts Donald Ross Course now 100 years old. The Sr. LPGA Championship was the first of a 5 year deal, dates not yet announced for 2018. But the championship is expected to be played earlier on the calendar in 2018 so not to be back-to-back with the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.

   THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS-coming soon. Will open this summer. Stay clicked into DuPagegolf.com and this website for the announcement about when play will start and how to book tee times. The Symetra Tour is playing the 100 year old Donald Ross Course this weekend at the French Lick Resort, see Frenchlick.com for details about the tournament and the Sr.LPGA Championship that starts on Monday.       ______________________________________________________________________

         The French Lick Resort, home of the Pete Dye Golf Course in French Lick Indiana. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the French Lick Resort, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Frenchlick.com

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO THIS morning at 9 AM on Am 750 WNDZ. Our guests include Brendan Sweeney of the French Lick Resort, former Illinois PGA Professional Mike Jones from the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA, opening a brand new Pete Dye Golf Course this weekend. Clair Petersen tournament director of the John Deere Classic, stay on the tee, at WNDZ.

Your hosts are Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

FRENCH LICK CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK IS UNDERWAY, for all the details follow Lenziehmongolf.com veteran scribe Len Ziehm is in French Lick covering all the action.

Stories and reports coming up from the Nemcolin Woodlands Resort as the brand new Pete Dye Courses opens for play. See nemacolin.com. Former Illinois PGA professional Mike Jones is the Director of Golf at Nemacolin.

The John Deere Classic tee’s off this week on Thursday from TPC Deere Run, for tickets see johndeereclassic.com.

KLEIN CREEK Golf Club in Winfield is for sale through Evanston based Links Capital Advisors and Chris Charnas. Asking price in the 5 million dollar range. For more information visit Linkscaptialadvisors.com.

More news coming up.

  THE NEW CLUBHOUSE DESIGNS FOR THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS, coming soon see DuPageGolf.com for more details. THE DONALD ROSS course at the French Lick Resort is celebrating 100 years, and the Symetra Tour is there today. For more details on next weeks inaugural Sr. LPGA Championship visit Frenchlick.com         ______________________________________________________________________

THE CHALET AT NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT IN FARMINGTON PA., The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Shepherds Rock by Pete Dye. Opening this week at NWLR.

The 2017 KPMG Championship has putted out, and Danielle Kang has won her first major championship. Can she do it again when the championship returns in 2018.

Well in 2018 the KPMG Championship will return to the Chicago area, this time up north in Lake County at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer.

Your chance to attend the championship is now a reality. Tickets for the 2018 KPMG Championship are now on sale at KPMGWomensPGA.com.

You can also now register to be a volunteer for the championship as well.

TICKET PRICES FOR 2018 HAVE BEEN SET: Grounds ticket good for any day $35. A weekly grounds ticket is $79. Tuesday-Wednesday grounds ticket is just $15. Thursday-Friday grounds ticket is $25. Saturday and Sunday grounds ticket is $30.

Click here to hear from 2017 KPMG Champion Danielle Kang, welcoming fans to Kemper Lakes in 2018.

KPMGWomensPGA.com

Juniors 17 and under, are admitted for free, if they come with a ticketed adult. There is a limit of four kids per adult. The championship is offering daily grounds tickets to current and retired members of the armed forces.

“This championship would not be possible without the help and support of the Chicago community,” said 2017-2018 Championship Director Matt Larson. “We could not be more thrilled to call the north suburbs of Chicago our home next summer, and we look forward to another memorable, but distinct experience for fans and volunteers.”

Volunteers can apply from a base of 25 different committees, that offer a variety of experiences for those that apply and work the championship. All positions do get filled on a first-come first-served basis.

Volunteer fee for adults is $130, but if you are a returning volunteer from 2017 your cost is only $100. Adult volunteers are required to work 4 shifts and a total of 16 hours. Junior volunteers from ages 14-21 must work three shifts and or 12 hours. All shifts last 4-5 hours.

Volunteers receive a Ralph Lauren golf shirt, outerwear item and hat. Volunteer credential good for all six days, meal and water vouchers. Free parking and shuttle service, and (1) official 2018 KPMG championship program.

The dates for next years championship are June 26 to July 1.

  PAM MILLER OF ANTIGUA holds up more of the 2017 line from a leader in golf apparel, More on Antigua coming soon Antigua.com and ShopAntigua.com for all your golf apparel needs. The Symetra Tour and Sr. LPGA Championship converge on the French Lick Indiana in just a couple of days. Visit Frenchlick.com for details. #Itsamajor ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to The Preserve at Oak Meadows, and Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy On the 3rd hole bridge.

PRIOR TO ROUND 4 OF THE KPMG Championship at Olympia Fields, I took a tour of The Preserve at Oak Meadows, that will be one of the best public courses in the Chicago area in the days ahead.

My radio partner at Golfers on Golf Radio (Saturday mornings 9 Am AM 750 WNDZ) Ed Stevenson, who is now the new Executive Director of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, was kind enough to find a golf cart and play tour guide.

Ed unlocked the gate to the newly paved parking lot, and I pulled in past where the new clubhouse will go when built. The old Oak Meadows pro shop building still stands, and after a quick look at some clubhouse drawings in the pro shop, off we went to the golf course.

The Par 5, 5th hole over the creek, and back up the hill into the wooded area of the Preserve.

There has been some talk of late wondering why the golf course is not open yet. There was hope at one time that the window between Memorial Day and Mid-June, might get opened for play.

Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. The second hope was maybe around the fourth of July. That didn’t happen either.

In my opinion that’s a good thing. There are just enough spots on the course and around the course not ready yet for an army of golfers to be trooping all over it. The good news is, that day is coming, and it’s coming very soon. MAYBE by the end of July. But as someone who has played a fair amount of courses on opening day, or in advance of the grand opening, The Preserve could really use another 3 to 3 1/2 weeks of warm grow-in weather before the doors fully open. As a golfer paying a green fee, your first experience will be a better one if you give it another 25-30 days.

You remember the old third hole at Oak Meadows, now it’s the seventh hole at The Preserve.

Stevenson is anxious, as are county officials to get golfers out enjoying the golf course again. Stevenson says, “we can’t wait to welcome back the golfers.”

With how long the process has been, since the fire that burned down the old clubhouse, trust me, everyone involved with the Oak Meadows project can’t wait to see the tee sheet full of names.

In order to give the Preserve all the time it needs to grow in properly, play MIGHT be limited to a certain amount of rounds per day for awhile. Not a bad idea. I saw the reversible course “The Loop” at Forest Dunes in Michigan last year three days after it opened in late June. My opinion was that the course should have stuck to it’s original plan and opened on Labor Day weekend. By Labor Day weekend it was in great condition, not so much in June.

DuPage County Forest Preserve District Executive Director Ed Stevenson stands on the bridge between holes 2 & 3 on the Preserve.

Even though the Loop was open in June, rounds per day were limited to just 16, then 24 by August, and 32 in September. There were no limitations this year from it’s opening day in late April.

In fact some new courses that open in the mid to late part of golf season, Mike Keiser’s Sand Valley in Wisconsin is a perfect example, call the first year limited play, or preview play. Then the following year is the Grand Opening Season. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Stevenson to follow that concept.

The Par 5, 15th hole will be a solid test for golfers, who will be hoping for a supporting west to east wind.

Like any restoration or renovation project, the work has to start somewhere, and then end somewhere else on the course.

The work started on the Par 4, 16th hole, and the last two holes to be completed were holes 3 and 4. As a result the 16th looks like play should have started on it weeks ago, and holes 3 and 4 look like they need another month. The fourth hole might have to be cart-path only for all of 2017, which might be the smart play.

The Par 4, 16th hole is a solid closing hole, that will generate talk among golfers on the best way to play it.

From the tour I took with Stevenson, here is my evaluation of the Preserve’s 18 holes.

Like any course I have my favorite holes, they fit your eye or you know they are just fun to play, or will be fun to play.

The greens are really all in great shape, and most tee boxes are good as well. A few holes have maybe, 1 of 5 tee boxes that still need some time or touch up.

Hole 1, Par 4, with less trees on both sides of the fairway, I’m looking forward to it. There are a few spots left to grow in, but it shouldn’t take them long to look great.

Hole 2, Par 5, This holes looks ready to play except for a thirty yard stretch down the left side of the fairway that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight.

Hole 3, Par 3, a couple of small areas around the green need some grow in, but this hole is mostly ready to go.

Hole 4, Par 4, the short par 4, only about 301 yards.  This hole needs some time in the fairway, part of the back tee box isn’t quite ready. There is room on the back side of the cart path behind the current back tee to add another tee box, and that might be the right call in the long run. The big hitters will try and cut the left corner, but you better be long to try that.

Hole 5, Par 5, maybe my favorite hole on the course, looks ready to go. Uphill Par 5, a solid hole that has a slight dogleg right built in.

Hole 6, Par 4, the old second hole at Oak Meadows. From 200 yards in looks great, in the fairway in front of the tee box, and one tee box need a little time yet.

Hole 7, Par 4, the old third hole at Oak Meadows has had the fairway raised to avoid flooding, and with multiple tee boxes on different angles will be a great hole. This hole has a few spots by the wetlands that need a little time to finish growing in.

Hole 8, Par 3, is in very good shape, has 1 tee box left that needs to fill in. Sits out in the open and the wind could have fun with your tee shot when it blows hard.

Hole 9, Par 4, this demanding dogleg left will be a tough finishing hole on the front nine, bring your big stick and hit it. The hole is in pretty good condition for play.

Hole 10, Par 3, previously a par 4, the hole has been shortened but will play tough especially to a back right pin. During my tour on a Sunday morning, the maintenance staff was out top dressing this green. But it looked pretty good.

Hole 11, Par 4, this straight-away hole looked in good shape and is about ready for play right now.

Hole 12, Par 5, dogleg right still has a couple of grow in spots, especially back left of green.

Hole 13, Par 4, has a great bunker pattern and will be a fun hole, if you avoid the sand. This hole is in very good shape.

Hole 14, Par 4, this tight hole is not driver friendly, and a back pin here will be a challenge, hole has a few rough spots yet, but not too bad.

Hole 15, Par 5, I love this Par 5, good wide fairway and golfers should get a tailwind from the west on most days The green is well bunkered. It’s condition is pretty good.

Hole 16, Par 4, a tee shot over wetlands to a fairway that splits the trees and and the creek running down the right. A possible signature hole. A small area in front of the green in a valley area, needs some work but won’t take long

Hole 17, Par 3, this former short par 4, is now a Par 3, that plays just under 200 yards from the tips. The hole is in great shape and could be played today.

The 18th green at the Preserve is the old 18th green from Oak Meadows, but has recaptured the size that was lost over the years.

Hole 18, Par 4, this hole has a few spots to grow in near places where trees got taken out, one area near front of the green (About a 10 x 15 yard area) needs some touch up. But new tee boxes here will make this hole fun to play, for those who want to finish on a good note.

The expanded putting green is coming in nicely and so is the driving range, now complete with a fairway, practice bunkers and chipping greens. A new trailer is on site for when the course opens so there will be a 19th hole. There is some general landscaping to be done around the property, and some tree trimming to be done on several holes. All will be in place by opening day.

The first proposed sketches of a new clubhouse by Architect Dan Wohlfeil.

The DCFPD is hoping for a new clubhouse to be opened for use at some point in 2019. The county has started the process by working with Dan Wohlfeil who has done several other area clubhouses, including the newly completed clubhouse at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville that has opened to rave reviews.

What I didn’t find in my tour of The Preserve was a bad hole, and for that a tip of the cap or golf visor to architect Greg Martin and his team.

While I don’t speak for the county, from what I saw it appears that before the end of July The Preserve should be open for some limited golf. I plan to report more after I tour the course again around July 20th. Until then follow updates on DuPagegolf.com.

THE NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT in Farmington PA., is getting ready to open it’s new Pete Dye Golf Course, Shepherds Rock. See Nemacolin.com. The 2018 KPMG Championship at Kemper Lakes GC is on the clock, June of 2018, mark your calendar.   ______________________________________________________________________

           THE KPMG CHAMPIONSHIP AT OLYMPIA FIELDS WON BY DANIELLE KANG, WALKING THE BRIDGE AT, THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS OPENING SOON.  _____________________________________________________________________

(OLYMPIA FIELDS IL.)

DANIELLE KANG birdied the 18th hole to win the KPMG/ Women’s PGA Championship, defending champion Brooke Henderson finished second after her birdie try on 18, stayed out of the cup by a half roll of the ball. Chella Choi who started the final round tied for the lead, finished in third place.

For Kang it was her first major championship win as a professional, she is a two-time champion of the US Women’s Amateur championship. Kang’s final round of three under par 68, was just enough to hold off Henderson’s furious final round charge of 5 under par 66 that included a birdie-birdie finish. Henderson made a birdie on the 7th hole, but could not make another until 17.

The key for Kang was making four straight birdies on holes 11-12-13-14, and then making a huge par saving putt of near 25 feet on 16 after her approach shot from the rough hit the green but ran just of the back. After a bogey on the par 3, 17th, for a quick moment put her back in a tie with Henderson, a two-putt 18th green for a birdie was the winner. The winning putt was from just inside three feet. The final round has some anxious moments when Kang and her playing partner Choi were put on the clock for slow play, both players had to run to tee boxes early on the back nine to avoid penalty.

Click here to hear interviews with Champion Danielle Kang, and runner up Brooke Henderson.

The top three finishers were the only players that finished in double-digits under par. Amy Yang headed a group of three players tied for fourth place at 8 under par, with past champion Inbee Park and Lexi Thompson T-7. KPMG Ambassador Stacy Lewis finished in a tie for 9th place after a final round 67. On her fourth round Lexi Thompson said she got tired on the back nine.

“It went well and I had a good front nine. But then I had a bad stretch of holes. The back nine I think I honestly got tired. I don’t know what hit me. Overall for the week I played pretty well. I just missed a few putts that I need to make, and my wedges let me down a little.”

Michelle Wie who charged into the lead during Round 3 on Saturday before falling back, fell back further on Sunday closing with a 2 over par 73.

” I played pretty good, but I feel like I miss-read every putt. It was one of those days where I hit every hit dang one of them perfect and just misread the speed and misjudged the speed a little bit. I had a lot of lipouts. If they would have fallen in, it would have been a different story. But overall I’m proud of how I am playing. I am excited for the U.S. Open and I am very pumped for that.”

The Olympia Fields North Course was set up for Round 4 almost as short as it was all week, at 6,577 yards. Rounds 1 7 2 both were longer. After rain on Friday, the course played short on Saturday in Round 3 at only 6,454 yards.

The 2018 KPMG Championship will be contested at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in North Suburban Kildeer, tickets and volunteer opportunities will available online shortly.

    CALLAWAY, THE NEW MACK DADDY GRIND by Roger Cleveland custom club designer for Callaway, bring your wedge game up to par, see Callawaygolf.com. FootJoy with new additions to the DNA golf shoe line, see Footjoy.com #shoes.              _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the KPMG PGA Championship and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Round 1 and Round 2 are in the books at Olympia Fields and the KPMG/PGA Women’s Championship is moving along, with plenty of players under par.

Leading the way is Danielle Kang, Se Young Kim and Chella Choi at 7 under par.

But lurking just behind is the new #1 player in the world So Yeon Ryu at 5 under par, and Lydia Ko at 4 under par. Defending champion Brooke Henderson  is at 5 under par.

The day started with the first round having to be completed, since 30 players did not finish round 1 due to rain. That round was completed quickly and Round 2 went off on time.

The yardage for Round 2, was pushed back by tournament officials from 6,596 in Round 1, to 6,621 in Round 2, an increase of twenty five yards.

THE PAR 3 16TH HOLE of the championship routing for the KPMG/Women’s PGA Championship.

That didn’t stop Kelly Shon from having her best tournament round of her career, by two shots when she carded an 8 under par 63.

Shon admitted to being a bit out of sorts in Round 1, saying that she, “didn’t carry myself the way i should out here, I got mad at my caddie and frustrated overall. I was disappointed in myself.”

But her putting in Round 2, was nothing to be frustrated with as she started her second round with a 90 foot birdie, when she admits she could not even see the hole very well. Shon ended her media session by saying that her weekend game plan will depend on predicted overnight rains and the amount of wind.

THE 12TH HOLE OF the KPMG Championship Routing on the North Course at Olympia Fields.

Danielle Kang has played 36 holes of bogey free golf, and that has given her a share of the lead.

The two-time amateur champion is looking for her first win out on tour as a professional. Kang has fought through a fracture of the lunate, and a problem with her back.

Right now the pain is something she can deal with, as she keeps giving herself the birdie opportunities that she needs.

Click here to hear interviews with So Yeon Ryu -5 and Lydia Ko -4.

Henderson carded a two under par 69 to go with her first round 68, two bogeys on her front nine kept her from having a share of the lead. Michelle Wie jumped on to the first page of the leader board with a one under par 70, leaving her just three shots back off the lead. Wie opened her round with a par but made birdie on her second hole, then strung together 12 straight pars before she could make another birdie. Wie bogeyed the final hole to fall back to the three shot deficit.

The cut fell at +2, and 72 players were able to stick around for the weekend. For more information on the KPMG/ Womens PGA Championship at Olympia Fields, stay clicked into this website and join us on Am 750 WNDZ at 9 AM tomorrow morning.

  THE PRESERVE OPENING THIS SUMMER stay tuned to DuPagegolf.com and this website for details. IT’S 100 YEARS FOR THE DONALD ROSS COURSE AT THE FRENCH LICK RESORT, see Frenchlick.com for details on everything this summer long  _____________________________________________________________________

KPMG-RD 1 SUSPENDED with 30 players needing to complete round 1. Leader is Chella Choi at 5 under par. Amy Yang is -5 through 17 holes.

US SR OPEN at Salem Country Club near Boston. Illinois Coach Mike Small is T-13 after Round 1, after shooting a 3 under par 67.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy with Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small.

University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small has qualified for the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club in North Carolina, which will be contested from August 10-13.

Small was one of the 12 Illinois PGA Section players who made the field of the 50th Professional National Championship at SunRiver Resort in Oregon.

The top 20 players at the PNC make it into the PGA Championship and Small with a -2 score, ended up T-3. this will be Smalls 10th appearance at the PGA.

Four of the 12 Illinois PGA Section players made the cut at the PNC. the other three Illinois PGA Section members that made the cut were Jim Billiter of Kemper Lakes Golf Club, Curtis Malm of the White Eagle Country Club, and Adam Schumacher of the Indiana Hill Club.

The rest of the field from the Illinois PGA was: Brian Brodell of Mistwood, Travis Johns of Medinah, Brian Janty of Exmoor Country Club, Nick Taute of South Side CC, Steve Orrick of the CC of Decatur, Matt Slowinski of Hinsdale Country Club, Doug Bauman of Biltmore Country Club, and Chris Green of the Glen View Club.

Small had an excellent chance of winning his fourth PNG title, which would have been a record, but he double-bogeyed the 9th hole that hurt his chances. He did rally on the back nine and was one shot back winner of Omar Uresti, but slipped back after another bogey on the 18th hole.

This week Small is competing with two other members of the of the Illinois PGA Section at the US Open at Salem Country Club outside of Boston. While Small is three under par and in a T-13 after a first round 67. Bauman and Glen Oaks head professional Danny Mulhearn both shot a 6 over par round 76. Both players are T-122.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow from the KPMG Championship at Olympia Fields.

  THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is one of the top Midwest 5-Star properties with multiple golf courses. The famed Pete Dye Course home of the Sr. LPGA Championship, and the Donald Ross Course celebrating it’s 100th season. For more information please see Frenchlick.com. The Senior LPGA Championship is coming to French Lick from July 10-12, with the Symetra Tour playing July 7-8-9 with a pro-am in between. #Legendstour.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the 17th green of the Donald Ross Course.

IT’S KMPG WOMEN’S PGA WEEK at Olympia Fields, come see the top 100 women’s golfers and then another 56 players at Olympia Fields. Tickets here on site at Olympia Fields, park nearby and take the FREE shuttle over to the golf course and enjoy a day on one of the nations Top 100 rated courses.

Defending champion Brooke Henderson of Canada is back to defend her title.

THE KPMG/Women’s PGA Championship will return to the Chicago area next year, when it comes to Kemper Lakes in north suburban Kildeer, more on Kemper Lakes in the days ahead, after the final putt falls at Olympia Fields. Stay clicked in for updates on this weeks KPMG Championship right here.

THIS WEEK AT OLYMPIA FIELDS the KPMG Championship is part of LPGA major Championship series. The player that has the best combined results in the majors will win the 2017 Rolex Annika (Sorenstam) Major Award. So far this year So Yeon Ryu is the leader with Lexi Thompson in second place. To take home the award a player must win one of the five majors. Lydia Ko won the award in 2016.

THE GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTURE newsletter says that a new Perry Dye course near London has been granted, planning permission. The course is part of a housing development near Edgware UK. Donald Ross Characteristics will be put back in the upcoming work at Pinehurst #3, says the resort. The course will have some rerouting done to make room for the new Gil Hanse nine-hole short course. PGA Tour star Jordan Spieth will begin working on a new course for the University of Texas with architect Roy Bechtol.

Jordan Spieth celebrates his 2015 John Deere Classic win, in his post round press conference.

Jordan Spieth winner of the 2013 and 2015 John Deere Classic is not ruling out a return to the tournament this year, from July 10-16.

Spieth told the Gog Blog at the US Open that the John Deere has been a successful place in the past, and it not ruling it out. “There’s a chance” said Spieth.

The tournament office has just announced that Bubba Watson and Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III have also just committed to the tournament for this year. Deadline for player entries is July 7th. For tickets see Johndeereclassic.com. TPC Deere run is an easy drive down Rt-88.

THE MASSACHUSETTS Golf Association and The Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts, have announced a merger through the Buffalo Agency. It’s a historic move for golf and golf in the state of Massachusetts. For more information please visit mgalinks.org.

PAM MILLER OF ANTIGUA looks at a vest line at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show, carrying the Pinehurst logo

THE BIG A IN APPAREL ANTIGUA Group Inc. is now a participant in over 3,000 events in 2017, from professional events to amateur events, to country club scrambles, Antigua is there. Antigua is a lead sponsor for the 2017 Solheim Cup.

“The event business is a very important aspect of all our business channels,” says Ron McPherson, CEO of Antigua. “Whether it’s a superbowl, a major golf event, a corporation’s national sales meeting, or an event on the professional tennis circuit, Antigua is there to provide customized products and services, on time and through completion.” For more information see Antigua.com or ShopAntigua.com.

BIRDIES, BREWS and BBQ on Friday August 25th with a shotgun start at 1 Pm at the Glenwoodie golf Club in Glenwood, benefits the First Tee Program of the Greater Chicagoland. Save the date. Live music after golf.

JAMEY LEWIS elected 23rd President of the Southwest PGA Section. Lewis is the PGA General Manager and Director of Golf at the Sun City Country Club. The new secretary is former Medinah head professional Mike Scully, who serves as Director of Golf at Desert Mountain. Former Illinois PGA Executive Director Michael Miller currently serves in the same capacity in the southwest section.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS STANDOUTS Dylan Meyer and Nick Hardy have been named to the PING NCAA All-American team. Meyer was selected to the First Team, while Hardy was named to the Second Team.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS native and member of the University of Texas golf team Doug Ghim was named to the second-team along with Hardy.

CDGA.org

THE 98TH CDGA Amateur moves into Indiana. It is the fifth time in history the championship has been played out of state. The field is 76 golfers at the Briar Ridge Country Club in Schererville Indiana.

The championship has now completed the stroke play part of the championship and moved on to the match play.

The four remaining finalists are Kyle Slattery, Patrick Mudd, Drake Bushong and Michael Fastert. the championship match will be played on June 30th.

TOP TEACHING PROFESSIONAL RANDY HENRY will be joining Overload Golf. Henry is currently the lead instructor for the Golf Channel Academy at Hayden Lake Country Club in Northern Idaho, and he plans to open a new million dollar facility later this summer. For more information on Overload Golf please visit overloadgolf.com.

THE MSOP  the Major Series of Putting comes to Cog Hill on Sunday June 25th. This is a 9-hole qualifier. It is open to golfers 21 and over to try an earn a berth in the MSOP championship in Las Vegas. The competition runs from 11 Am to 3 Pm. You can register on line at msop.com/Chicago or do it on site.

ROCCO MEDIATE and John Daly are among six players who will use the new verticle grooved river at this weeks U.S. Sr. Open at the Salem Country Club in Salem MA. for more information on the new Verticle groove driver see vertgolf.com.

Erin Hills site of the 2017 US.S. Open will reopen for publiv golf this Saturday July 1st.

The Erin Hills pro shop is already open for business and there is a limited amount of U.S. Open merchandise still on sale.

Erin Hills will remain open until October 29th this season and the course is taking tee times for 2018. The best way to book your tee time is on the phone, who needs the hassle of trying to do it on line. Call  Erin Hills at (866)-772-4769.

LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS AND Chris Charnas  have confirmed the sale of the Nippersink Golf Club and Resort in Wisconsin has been sold. LCA has announced that Weaver Ridge Golf Club in Peoria IL. has had it’s sale priced reduced to $3.5 million. For more information visit Linkscapitaladvisors.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns on Thursday.

 THE WESTERN AMATEUR at Skokie Country Club, coming up July 31st through August 5th, defending champion Dylan Meyer from the University of Illinois Golf Team, returns to defend his title WGAESF.ORG. THE KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on the tee this week, tee’s off in 2018 at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer. Late June. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Defending champion Brooke Henderson of Canada, heads up a powerful field for the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at the Olympia Fields Country Club, in south suburban Olympia Fields.

For the second straight year the top 100 players in the world are in the field of 156 players. Tee times begin in the 7 Am hour on Thursday for Round 1, and on Friday for Round 2. Television coverage of the championship that will be contested on the clubs North Course, will be three hours on Thursday and Friday on The Golf Channel. On the weekend the coverage moves to NBC from 2-5 PM CST, but will run over on Sunday if there is need for a playoff to determine the champion.

EARLIER TODAY KPMG and the PGA announced an extension of the championships contract until 2023. Starting next year at Kemper Lakes in north suburban Lake County, the purse will jump from 3.5 million to 3.65 million. The 2019 Championship was also announced and will be contested at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska Minnesota, that hosted the 2016 Ryder Cup.

SO YEON RYU is now the new #1 women’s player in the world and the official #1 bib will be handed to her and her caddie before teeing off for the championship.

ON THE TEE THIS WEEK the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Olympia Fields

Joining Henderson in the field are all Top 100 rated women’s players in the field. From that list are players like Lexi Thompson, Christie Kerr, Ariya Jutanygarn, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie.

The KMPG field has 26 players that have won major championship, that comprise a total of 53 major championship victories.

THE PGA and the LPGA have created a ticket sharing program that allows fans of the KMPG Championship to attend the inaugural Thornberry LPGA Classic next week (July 3-9), fans with tickets for the LPGA event in Green Bay can visit the KPMG Championship at no charge. Fans must present their tickets at entry to gain entrance. All ticket types get a 1-day grounds access pass. For more information on getting tickets please visit KPMGWomensPGA.com or call (708)-996-0370.

Normally hole #3 on the OFCC North Course, but for KPMG Championship week it will play as #12.

For Wednesday the course will used for practice rounds for the players, gate hours are from 7 Am to 7 Pm. With gate hours reopening on Thursday at 7 Am, and running through 8:15 Pm.

For championship merchandise the golf place to go is Olympia Fields pro shop. Anything fans wish to purchase can be found there, and fans with all levels of tickets can enter.

Fans can visit the KPMG inspire greatness timeline, a 150 foot wall near the main entrance, a chance to honor those who have inspired today’s women’s leaders. KPMG Social Zone gives fans a chance to post their favorite photo’s of the day and a chance to win prizes. Post with #inspiregreatness or #KPMGWomensPGA.

NEED MORE got to the “Go Like a Pro” Lesson zone, get the chance to try out new equipment and get free lessons from PGA and LPGA teaching professionals. On Friday LPGA World Golf Hall of Famer Pat Bradley will beat the zone.

Don’t miss all the action this week at Olympia Fields, and come out to see 156 of the top women’s players in golf battle for the trophy and the honor of winning a major championship. This weekend hear from the players during Golfers on Golf Radio on Am 750 WNDZ from 9-10 Am. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow.

  THE DONALD ROSS COURSE at French Lick Resort celebrating 100 years, book your tee time now through Frenchlick.com. Coming in July Shepherds Rock at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA. One of Pete Dye’s final courses Nemacolin.com    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Olympia Fields and this weeks KPMG Championship, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

IT’S here. KPMG/PGA/LPGA Championship week at Olympia Fields is on the tee.

Several golf greats started the week with skills competition on the 8th hole of the South Course at host club Olympia Fields.

KPMG Ambassadors Phil Mickelson and Stacy Lewis, along with defending champion Brooke Henderson, and star Lydia Ko.

A great afternoon was had by all, as this week of major championship golf, and a seminar for the benefit of women got underway. After the competition both Henderson and Mickelson spoke with the media.

Click here to hear interviews with KPMG defending champion Brooke Henderson (1st) and then Phil Mickelson.

Olympia Fields, IL – June 26: Mike Greenberg speaks with Phil Mickelson, Brooke Henderson of Canada, Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Stacy Lewis of the United States during a Skills Demonstration at the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship held at Olympia Fields Country Club on June 26, 2017 in Olympia Fields, Illinois. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America)

This week at 150 of the top female professionals will descend on the Olympia Fields Country Club for the 2017 KPMG PGA Championship.

In 2018 the championship will remain in the Chicago area when it moves north to the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer in north suburban Lake County.

In addition to Henderson, Lewis and Ko, other top players in the field do include. Na, Yeon Choi of Korea, Paul Creamer, Charley Hull, Christie Kerr, Brittany Lang, Belen Mozo of Spain, Gerina Piller, Morgan Pressel, and Lexi Thompson.

Tickets are on sale on line or at Olympia Fields Country Club. Round 1 is Thursday with the final round wrapping up on Sunday afternoon. There is television coverage all four days with Thursday and Friday on The Golf Channel, and on the weekend on NBC.

The Gog Blog returns with a full review of the KPMG Championship on Wednesday.