ELISA GAUDET with Golfers on Golf Editor and talk show host Rory Spears at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The 2017 KPMG Ladies PGA Championship will be played from June 26-July 2nd at Olympia Fields. The Sr. LPGA Championship comes to the French Lick Resort in early July, see Frenchlick.com for more details.

Today June 6th is National Women’s Golf Day, and it’s going on around the world. Ladies it’s your day for some free golf or lessons, before the social hour starts. There are plenty of locations around the world and many here in the Chicago area.

Founder and Chairman of the event Elisa Gaudet has traveled world wide to make this day a success. So ladies take advantage, there has been a better way to get involved in golf. See Womensgolfday.com or #womensgolfday on social media.

You can play 9 holes, get a free golf lesson before you dig in on the food and drinks before working on making some new contacts. Be a winner, take advantage of the second annual women’s golf day, today.

                 THE 117TH U.S. OPEN AT ERIN HILLS and now the field is being closer to being set after Today’s Sectional Qualifying. USGA.com and or USOPEN.com for more details.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory to the U.S. Open, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter@GogBlogGuy. With the U.S. Open Trophy.

THAT SIGH OF RELIEF you just heard all the way from Erin Hills to Far Hills in New Jersey, was the USGA and it’s full staff relieved that they won’t be run out of the State of Wisconsin for not letting Steve Stricker in next weeks U.S. Open. The media was ready to pounce. Expect a few thousand more tickets sold tomorrow, now that Stricker is in.

Much to the relief of many, Sticker won the USGA Sectional he played in today at 10 under par. Of 106 players, there was 8 spots up for grabs, and Sticker grabbed the top spot. Problem Solved.

It appears that Wisconsin’s Jordan Niebrugge is in as well, which along with Stricker will keep the bars open late tonight. On a sad note neither of the two finalists from the 2011 U.S. Amateur at Erin Hills made it out of qualifying today. So there will not be a Kelly Kraft or Patrick Cantlay sighting at Erin Hills.

FROM THE LOCAL SCENE the news was not much better. Andy Pope with roots in Glen Ellyn did survive and make the open field. Doug Ghim of Arlington Heights is a second alternate, but not likely to get in. The University of Illinois saw it players Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer play well, but not well enough. Former teammate Charlie Danielson a Wisconsin guy, did not get in either. Skokie Country Club professional Garrett Chaussard came up short. So did Erin Hills professional Rich Tock.

LUKE DONALD played well and so did Mark Wilson, the local PGA Tour pro’s were under par, but not far enough under to make the field. Vince India of Deerfield did not make it in, neither did defending Rust-Oleum Champion Max Homa. IPGA Pro Dan Kochevar’s son Kyle Kochevar did not get in There were a few other Illinois players from other parts of the state that fell short as well.

SECTIONAL LOCATIONS NOT POPULAR with the players. I heard over a dozen complaints from various players that were playing in today’s qualifiers about the poor locations of this years sectionals. Two sectionals in Ohio, Why? There should be at least one in Illinois, with so many Illinois and Wisconsin and Indiana players that were playing today. USGA, lets revisit that plan in 2018.

WHAT WILL BE POPULAR is that USGA has announced that the U.S. Open merchandise tent will be open this week from Thursday to Sunday, from 10 Am to 6 Pm for shopping. You do not need a ticket for the open to go shopping this week, if you want to give the USGA your money, they will gladly take it. So come on in and spend.

THE USGA, FOX SPORTS and TOP GOLF have announced a nation wide watch party at all Top Golf locations during championship week, visit all three websites for more details.

AROUND TOWN..prior to Erin Hills teeing off next week thereis some good golf in town here this week. The Radix Cup that features the top CDGA Amateur’s vs our Illinois PGA section professionals is Wednesday afternoon at Oak Park CC, admission is free. Starting on Thursday is the Rust-Oleum Championship at Ivanhoe Country Club in the town of Mundelein. Fans won’t be admitted until Round 1 on Thursday.

We are still working on our show for Saturday and which US Open guests will be on, more on that as we get the confirmations. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

     WHO NEEDS TWO, limited tickets remaining for the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills, see USOPEN.com for details. THE BOOK ON ERIN HILLS, by Gary D’Amato and the photography by Paul Hundley, order now at Erinhills.com or purchase US Open week.    _____________________________________________________________________

WELCOME TO ERIN HILLS home of the 2017 US Open. by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the US Open and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

IT’S CUT DOWN DAY and yes after 36 holes today the dreams of some golfers will be realized and others will have had the dream go to the wayside.

Most of today’s players are on various tours and some at least made it through the local qualifiers, so they do have something to be proud of, if they don’t make the field at Erin Hills and next weeks U.S. Open.

Today’s Sectional Qualifiers are at 10 sites in the USA, and some of the names will be familiar to golf fans and golf fans here in Illinois.

AT BIG CANYON CC AND NEWPORT BEACH CC IN CALIF. USC’s Sean Crocker a final four player at the 2015 US Amateur at Olympia Fields, and final member last week at Rich Harvest Farms. Allen Geiberger Jr., son of Mr. 59 Al Geiberger and the man with the 59 in the john Deere Classic Paul Goydos. 2016 Rust-Oleum champ Max Homa, and 2014 Western Am Champ Beau Hossler.

AT JUPITER HILLS FL. Robert Allenby and 2016 Western Am finalist Sam Horsfield.AT

HAWKS RIDGE GC GA. Davis Love IV will try and join his dad at Erin Hills.

WOODMONT CC MD no major names of interest.

CANOEBROOK CC NJ. Mike Dunham New York Islanders Goal Tending Coach, Nathan Smith 4 time USGA Mid-Am Winner last at Conway Farms in 2012.

BROOKSIDE G&CC Columbus OH. Patrick Cantlay 2011 Erin Hills Amateur finalist, Keegan Bradley, Bryson DeChambeau 2015 US Amateur winner at Olympia Fields, Luke Donald, 2011 US Winner at Erin Hills Kelly Kraft, Sam Saunders grandson of Arnold Palmer, NU grad Chris Wilson, Davis Love III, Stewart Cink, Tom Lehman and Ben Curtis all three former Open Champions.

SPRINGFIELD CC OH. Skokie CC pro Garrett Chaussard, Charlie Danielson former U of I player, Arlington Hts. native Doug Ghim, Illinois players Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer.

GERMANTOWN CC & RIDGEWAY CC, MEMPHIS TN. Steve Stricker, Ian Poulter and Mark Wilson.

LAKEWOOD CC no major names of interest.

TACOMA C&GC WASH. Jordan Niebrugge, Tyler McCumber son of Western Open winner Mark, and Aaron Wise 2016 NCAA Champion, played in John Deere Classic.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE, hope to see you in Erin Wisconsin.

 THE GREEN STREET GRILLE-with partners Mike Munro and Jim McWethy, now open on Green Street in Bensenville. The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, opening this summer, watch for news on opening day. See Dupagegolf.com #PlayMapleMeadows     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. With Founder of Women’s Golf Day (this Tuesday June 6th) Elisa Gaudet. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY this Tuesday June 6th, ladies get the clubs out, or go take a lesson, find out about golf, it’s your day. Created by Elisa Gaudet. #Womensgolfday

There are numerous Chicago area locations all around and in the city. Womensgolfday.com for locations. Golf and Social time, enjoy the day, and learn a game you can play for a life time.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO what a show that is planned for this week. Director of Golf360 Dave “Links” Lockhart joins us at 9:10 to talk about the season opener this Sunday Sunday night at 6 PM on Comcast Sportsnet.

CHAD JOHANSEN GM of Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol (near Aurora), is on around 9:30. Blackberry Oaks has just opened a new short game practice area, and Johansen says he has record number in enrollment in the junior golf program and the PGA Junior League. We will have some recap of the NCAA championships and discuss some upcoming tournaments in the area.

The second hole at Stolten Brae, the new course at the Gull Lake Resort near Kalamazoo Michigan.

Stoleten Brae the new course at the Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort. With today’s golfers looking for more fun on the golf course, the new Stolten Brae golf course has a minimalist design that golfers will enjoy.

The course opened for limited play last fall, but with the benefit of a soft winter and additional time to mature, Stolten Brae has now hit the ground running.

This golf course is not tricky, but has a Scottish style that leaves the course right in front of the golfer.

“We’re putting the final touches on Stolten Brae and we are excited about our first full season,” said Bill Johnson, vice-president and PGA Professional at Gull Lake. “Just like our other courses, we are keeping the course affordable and playable,so pricing will be dynamic throughout the golf season.”

Stolten Brae is a creation of Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design and it’s four senior designers. For more information please visit GullLakeView.com.

KEMPERSPORTS has announced that June is there fourth annual player development month. As a result all Kemper properties are offering FREE 15 minute lessons. The program launched by Kemper started in 2014, and saw over 3,500 interactions with golfers and professionals across the country. That number rose to over 8,000 by last year.

KEMPERSPORTS President Josh Lesnik calls the program,” a way to introduce the game of golf to a generation of non-golfers in a fun way.” For information on Kemper golf facilities please visit Kempersports.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow.

      WHO NEEDS TWO ! or maybe more. Limited tickets remain for the U.S. Open at Erin Hills, see USOPEN.com or USGA.com for details. The U.S. Open at Erin Hills coming the week of June 12-18. A rare Midwest appearance by the U.S. Open don’t miss it.        _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the U.S. Open, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy The US Open trophy visits Gino’s East in Rosemont.

THE US OPEN, yes it’s coming to Erin Hills a U.S. Open venue course you can play, and a TOP 100 in the country according to one national publication.

Who is not coming to Erin Hills appears to be “Lefty” Phil Mickelson who announced that he plans to skip the U.S. Open, a tournament that he wants to win badly, to attend his daughters high school graduation that falls right during round 1 of the open.

Will Phil actually not play, as of now he says he will not, stay tuned. But it loks like Mickelson is out of the U.S. Open.

THE BARN ON THE RANGE at Cog Hill. Coghillgolf.com

JUST IN TIME for Father’s Day. On Saturday June 17th, there will be a demo day at Cog Hill. Need to get dad some new clubs, here is the chance for you last minute shoppers to get it done.

The big name golf equipment companies will be at Cog Hill on the 17th. Try out some clubs, and then ask about discounts if your purchase that day. Are you a dad, drop the hints to your wife or kids, that it’s time for new clubs. Outdoor golf season is under way. More info see CogHillGolf.com.

GOLF360 is back for it’s second season on Comcast Sportsnet. The first show in tonight at 6 PM. With repeats on June 9th, 12th, 17th, 25th and 27th, see local listings for times. Producer Dave Lockhart has announced that former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly is hosting the show.

The 30 minute show, has features on Mistwood Golf Club, the KPMG Championship at Olympia Fields, Tour Edge Golf, Zero Friction golf gloves with Johnny Miller, and a preview of the 68th Illinois Open Championship.

Web.com Tour coming to Ivanhoe Country Club this week, fans welcome for round 1 starting on Thursday. #Rustoleum

The Rust Oleum Championship comes to Ivanhoe Country Club this week. Fans are welcome starting Thursday for Round 1. The championship that has a purse of $600,000 with $108,000 going to the winner, will conclude next Sunday. Defending champion Max Homa is now on the PGA Tour and will not be able to defend his title.

Homa will be trying to qualify this coming Monday for the U.S. Open at Erin Hills.

The Rust-Oleum Championship has awarded three sponsors exemptions to the following players. Brad Hopfinger of Lake Forest, Taylor Pendrith of Canada, and local product Michael Schachner of Libertyville who grew up playing Ivanhoe.

All ticket sales which includes $20 tickets good for all week, go to charity. For more information on the Rust-Oleum Championship see Rustoleumchampionship.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow with more news. RS

           WILL WE SEE THIS AGAIN            THE SUN FINALLY SHINED ON NCAA GOLF ______________________________________________________________________

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

What an incredible two weeks of golf at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

I don’t know about you, but i’m sure glad I didn’t miss this event. If you did and you like golf then you really missed something.

Congratulations to both the Arizona State Women and the Oklahoma Men for winning national championships. 2017 will be remembered as your year.

One of the other things that will be remembered is the great run’s into the final fours by the Northwestern Women, and the Illinois Men. It made sure that there was a local team playing every day for two weeks, except for the final day on the men’s side.

 The Arizona State Women and the University of Oklahoma Men celebrate their titles.

NCAA officials say the attendance for the two weeks was 16,425, with 4,275 coming out to see the ladies, and 12,150 out to see the men. It’s safe to say the Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich would have liked to see the galleries at 16,425 every day, but unfortunately Mother Nature did not cooperate.

I can’t say the Women ever had a real good warm and dry day their entire week, which was a total shame. Did the colder wet weather help Northwestern whose players had plenty of spring practices in much the same weather. Maybe, but what Coach Emily Fletcher has at NU is a group of solid players who go out and get it done. This summer see’s the loss of only Sr. Kacie Komoto and as a result it’s likely NU makes another run on the ladies side in 2018.

The people who came out to see NU play USC in the final four were treated to some exciting golf, if you didn’t come out but saw it on TV, you know what I mean.

Speaking of TV, The Golf Channel did a great job showing off the championship and Rich Harvest Farms in a great light. I have never seen Rich Harvest from some of the views that were shown, some of the higher angles made it seem like a drone or blimp was hovering. Either way RHF looked sharp to the national television audience.

Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich holds the NCAA championship trophy.

I spent some time on the last day walking around with Mr. Rich and the amount of people coming up to him shaking his hand and complimenting him on the golf course and or hospitality was great to see.

Rich and staff headed up by his son Keith Rich, put in long hours and keep the golf course in great shape through heavy rains and cool weather

It sure sounded like all in attendance would enjoy coming back to Rich Harvest Farms for another national championship or three, in the years to come.

Which could be a possibility if the NCAA announces later this month that they are going to a 2 or 3 year run at the same facility. The possibility is that the NCAA could pick the same club for the years of 2020-2021-2022. The list of finalists is a short one, and Rich Harvest Farms has confirmed to Golfers on Golf that they have submitted a proposal to be considered.

There were plenty of things done quite well at this years championship. Well priced tickets along with food and beverages. Free parking, shuttle carts to help patrons get around the golf course. The limited amount of ropes so fans could get up close to the action. Area’s where players and patrons could mix, and the college players were great in signing autographs and handing out some golf balls with their schools logo on them.

Illini fans got some great up close time with players like Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer, as the Illinois men made it to their third straight final four. Here’s hoping the national title match is in store for both of them in their senior year of 2018.

If the NCAA makes an announcement of a return to Rich Harvest Farms in the years ahead, later this month. Golfers on Golf with be there to send you all the news. In the meantime to see many of the best college golfers in the country, you can see them play at Skokie Country Club in the Western Amateur July 31 to August 5th.

Many of the top women college players will be at the Women’s Western Amateur Championship at River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst June 12-17. RS

 IT’S TROPHY TIME AT RICH HARVEST FARMS Congratulations to Arizona State and Oklahoma on winning the Women’s and Men’s National Championships. A tip of the cap or golf visor to the NCAA and everyone at Rich Harvest Farms for two solid weeks of great golf. A fantastic job by the Lady Wildcats of Northwestern and the Men of Illinois. ______________________________________________________________________

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

AFTER TWO WEEKS it’s all over but the shouting. Boomer Sooner ! as the Oklahoma Sooner’s win the Men’s NCAA National Golf Championship at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Oklahoma defeated the defending national champion Oregon by a score of 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 or 3-1-1 as the NCAA called it. The gallery was a good one of almost 1,000 patrons, and it is very good since it was the only day of the two weeks that a school from Illinois was not playing.

Oklahoma lifts the trophy

Oklahoma’s Brad Dalke closed out the matches by earning the winning point on the 17th hole for Oklahoma.

Sooner head coach Ryan Hybl started his press conference by congratulating the Ducks, for making it to the national championship two straight years. But when it came to his team Hybl said the following.

“We’re really excited about having the opportunity for one today, to go out there and win, and the guys did it. They executed when they had to, and I can’t be anymore proud of these guys than how I feel right now.”

Hybl summed up his teams long season that started on Labor Day weekend in 2016 at Pebble Beach, and then all the way to Rich Harvest Farms. Hybl called the year a “long season” and gratifying that his team would hoist the trophy.

Dalke on closing out the championship. “This has been a week to remember for sure. This was the goal in our minds since Pebble Beach at the beginning of the year. We knew we had the team to do it. We have depth in this team and we’re gritty and we fight until the last stroke.”

OREGON COACH CASEY MARTIN, “I think we didn’t play our best, obviously, but Oklahoma played wonderfully and have a bunch of good players. We didn’t seem to get a whole of of momentum early. A few guys got up, but as I was out there, it didn’t seem like we had many exciting things happen,not a lot of putts drop. So it’s hard to win when you’re playing a great team without a little bit of magic, that we didn’t quite have today.”

WYNDHAM CLARK won the lone match for Oregon. “I didn’t play my best today, but I hung in there and Rylee (Reinertson) played great. He’s a great guy and I had to grind it out. It was hard to get a feel on how the other guys were doing because we were so spread out and it was hard to build momentum off the other guys. That was tough, but I’m happy to have been here with these guys.”

After the Oregon press conference Clark was informed by Golfers on Golf that he had earned an exemption into the John Deere Classic next month in the Quad Cities.

The 2018 NCAA Championships is in Stillwater Oklahoma. See NCAA.com for details.

    THE MEN’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH Will be played on Wednesday at Rich Harvest Farms. Tickets available at the gate, parking is free. See the title awarded. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the John Deere Classic, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Illinois tried to come from behind just one time too many, and it finally caught up with them. After a stunning rally in the morning to defeat #1 rated USC, Illinois did not have the same magic to defeat Oklahoma, losing to the Sooners 3 1/2-1 1/2 in the semi-final matches.

In the morning, Illinois trailed USC early by a 4 and 1 score, but started flipping matches midway through the round. Edoardo Lipparelli won his match 1 UP over Sean Crocker, and then Giovani Tadiotto also was a 1 UP winner. Michael Feagles was coming back and Dylan Meyer rallied from three down to get A/S. But when USC’s Rico Hoey missed a five foot par putt on 18 to force extra holes with Nick Hardy, their match and the team match was over. 3 1/2 to 1 1/2.

After a quick break, Illinois headed out to play Oklahoma the #2 in the match play. Lipparelli playing his final match for Illinois before turning professional after his sophomore year, fell behind quickly against Oklahoma’s Blaine Hale and went on to lose 4&3.

Tadiotto trailed on the back nine 3 DN, but rallied to get to 1 DN with two holes to play, but a bad drive, led to a drop and and a bad stance that forced a poor recovery shot. When he lost the hole and the match, Illinois was basically done. Michael Feagles trailed most of his match before losing 2&1.

Nick Hardy rallied to halve his match and Dylan Meyer controlled his match the entire way, but it wasn’t enough for Illinois to pull off the comeback. Oklahoma advanced to play Oregon in the championship match tomorrow afternoon.

Click here to hear interviews with Illinois Coach Mike Small, Dylan Meyer, Nick Hardy, and Edoardo Lipparelli in that order.

A good sized gallery of several thousand Illini fans came out to cheer on the Orange and Blue, and the Illini players said they really felt the support. For some of them they had never played in front of galleries of this size. Now for Coach Mike Small it will be time to reload not rebuild his squad for next next year.

Tee times in the championship matches begin in the 2 PM hour CST, and will be show live on the Golf Channel.

 THE MEN’S 2017 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP’S ARE UNDERWAY AT RICH HARVEST FARMS in Sugar Grove. Illinois has advanced to the match play part of the championship, and is in the Elite 8. Tickets at NCAA.com/Tickets Support your school. Do you have U.S. Open tickets yet, the 117th US Open at Erin Hills from June 12-18.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Rich Harvest Farms and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

MOVING ON! that’s what Illinois is doing and they will enter the eight team match play part of the championship as the #3 seed and will play the #6 seeded USC Trojans.

USC entered the 2017 NCAA national championships as the #1 team in the country.

Illinois has been better this week at Rich Harvest Farms, but not by much. The quarterfinal match up will be the biggest game between the schools since the 2008 Rosebowl won by the Trojans. But this time Illinois gets the home field advantage. USC had former Trojan and NFL Hall of Fame player Lynn Swann in it’s gallery on Monday. Illinois was not sure if any of it’s former players and PGA Tour players could attend the match play.

The Illinois match vs USC will start at 7:00 AM off the 10th tee. The match breakdown is as such.

Match 1 7:00 ILL Edoardo Lipparelli    USC Sean Crocker                                                 Match 2 7:10 ILL Giovanni Tadiotto     USC Andrew Levitt                                                 Match 3 7:20 ILL Nick Hardy               USC Rico Hoey                                                       Match 4 7:30 ILL Michael Feagles      USC Cheng Jin                                                       Match 5 7:40 ILL Dylan Meyer            USC Justin Suh

Click here to hear interviews with Illinois players Edoardo Lipparelli and Dylan Meyer, along with Coach Mike Small.

Illinois got off to a good start on a windy day, but struggle mid round and saw it’s hope to advance start to slip away, Coach Small had to go get in his players faces at that time, but Meyer said it was Illinois needed at that time. Small again needed to challenge his players around the 17th hole, but Meyer answered the bell with a 20 foot putt as the last player through.

The 18th hole saw freshman Michael Feagles make birdie and Lipparelli make a 30 foot eagle putt, that turned out to be important in the final scoring. Especially after Hardy missed a 5 foot birdie putt and then Meyer failed to get up and down from the front bunker and settled for bogey on 18.

Braden Thornberry from Ole Miss was the individual champion, winning his seventh tournament during his time at Mississippi.

The action for the rest of the tournament will be live on the Golf Channel. The semi-finals will be played mid-afternoon tomorrow, with the finals on Wednesday afternoon.

  THE MEN’S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP’S ARE UNDERWAY AT RICH HARVEST FARMS IN SUGAR GROVE, Illinois is in 5th place. Come support your school or Illinois as only 15 schools remain. Tickets at the gate and parking of course is FREE. #NCAAGOLF       ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Rich Harvest Farms, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

Today we thank those who have served, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who are still with us and were fortunate to make it home safely.

They are the reason we can enjoy the golf course today, watching the NCAA Championships at a place like Rich Harvest Farms, or just flipping burgers, steaks, chicken or ribs on the grill. That cold one we enjoy the most.

It’s a day we salute those like Major Ed Pulido of Folds of Honor, and closer to home tomorrow, is the Illinois Patriot Day at Medinah Country Club lead by founder Mark Slaby whose golf outing to help our Illinois vets is among the best charity golf outings in Illinois and the Chicago area. Support those groups if you can, and if you enjoy golf, you can do it through golf, a great way to give back.

BREAKING NEWS-TIGER WOODS ARRESTED FOR DUI. Some stories just write itself. Moving right along…..

THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS at Rich Harvest Farms have been a success, in spite of weather that has limited the crowds a bit. During week one the Northwestern women made a great run to the national championship match, only to come up just a little short of a national title. Now in day 4 of the men’s championship Illinois finds itself in the hunt for a title as well. Illinois Coach Mike Small has paid his dues and had several close calls in winning the title, hopefully this is that year.

THE ILLINI players are making it clear that they are not at Rich Harvest for another close but no cigar trophy, they expect to win the championship this year. Why not make the trip to Rich Harvest the next few days and see if they get it done.

Dylan Meyer in front of the Illinois Men’s Golf hardware at the teams practice facility.

Golf fans may have heard the name Dylan Meyer, Illini golf fans sure have. The junior from Indiana has been a big part of the team, and just returned from Colonial Country Club last week, where he was one of three finalists for the Ben Hogan Award (won by Maverick Mcnealy). The Hogan award in college golf is like the Heisman Trophy Award in college football, yes it’s that big.

After putting behind him the fact he did not win the award, the B1G Ten player of the year is moving forward with his team and trying to win a national title. On Thursday this week he will be at the Skokie Country Club for the Western Amateur media day, since he is the defending champion after winning last year at the Knollwood Club in Lake Forest. Meyer along with his teammate Nick Hardy of Northbrook, will address the press and room full of golf VIP’s and Western Golf Association officials.

But the story that has come out of national championship week is that Meyer now has a healthy issue in front of him to deal with. After spending three nights in a hospital right before regionals, Meyer was diagnosed with with Ulcerative Colitis and will now have to have treatment about every eight weeks. Perhaps for a lifetime. Hardy went to the hospital everyday to see Meyer, he brought food and other things to help Meyer. But in the end all Hardy could do was keep Meyer company through out the ordeal, at times sleeping on the front of Meyer’s hospital bed.

The good news is that Meyer sits in third place in the individual part of the championship and with a great round today, could be NCAA national champion by the time the sun sets tonight. Go low Dylan, the Illini nation and a few more are all pulling for you.

THE MEDIA, it’s really appalling to see the lack of media support for the NCAA Championships from the Chicago media. Yes it’s a holiday weekend, but there is no excuse when Northwestern was competing for a national championship last week and Illinois is in the hunt this week. If the Illini continue, let’s hope there is a better showing of local press as this week moves forward.

15 teams left, it will be down to eight after today. Go Illini !!!!

WITH THAT, I’m off to Sugar Grove, see you there. RS