THE NEW TOUR EDGE E Series Driver and Fairway Woods, with more news from Tour Edge Golf coming out this week. Put a little magic in your game with the new Houdini Sole. New Tour Edge irons and Wedges are being released this week. TourEdge.com _____________________________________________________________________
TIM TROY of the Zigfield Troy Golf Club and Range. Holds the trophy for the IPGA Senior Match Play Championship at Biltmore Country Club.
MICHAEL TROY in just his second time competing in the Illinois PGA Senior Match Play Championship took home the trophy.
Troy defeated 2020 IPGA Senior Player of the Year David Paeglow from Kishwaukee Country Club 5 & 4.
The match was interesting as the “two dads” whose sons are roommates and teammates on the Illinois State University Golf Team battled for the title.
After Paeglow won the first hole with a birdie to go 1 Up, it was Troy who would not lose another hole the rest of the match.
Troy made birdies on holes 3 & 4 to take the lead he would never lose. But Troy blew the lead open to 4 Up at the turn, by winning holes 7,8, and 9. Troy opened the lead to 5 Up with a birdie on the 13th hole, and closed out the match and the championship on the 14th hole with a par.
“It was just fun to play this week,” said Troy. “It’s been a very busy year for everyone so it’s nice to just get out here and compete. I had some tough matches against some great competitors this week. It was a fight all day today. I didn’t play to well in the morning, but was able to pull it out. Then I started making some putts against David in the title match and that was the deciding factor.”
Troy entered the match play championship as a #13 seed.
Troy rarely trailed in a match the entire championship, and had to fight for tough wins against Roy Biancalana (Blackberry Oaks) 2 & 1, and John Clearly from Exmoor Country Club) 3 & 2 in the semi-finals.
The Senior Match Play Championship was the last event heading into the season ending IPGA Senior Players Championship at Twin Orchard Country Club.
THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook at Rory Spears.
The Gog Blog will have coverage from the season ending Illinois PGA Senior Players Championship at Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove.
THE NEW TOUR EDGE E SERIES DRIVER and Fairway Woods. More to come in the week ahead from Tour Edge Golf. Put some magic in your game with the Houdini Sole. _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook. At the rock on the Links Course at Lawsonia.
KEVIN HEALY lead the IPGA Senior Players Championship after 18 holes, and was still leading Tuesday afternoon when all 36 holes were played.
For Healy it was his first IPGA Sr. Major Championship victory. His two under par 70 in windy conditions, was one of only two scores that were under par.
Roy Biancalana finished in third place after carding 70 in Round 2. Biancalana had four birdies and an eagle in route to his 2 under par score. But it wasn’t enough for Bianacalana to catch front runner David Paeglow in the Player of the Year point standings.
Healy had four birdies in his final round including the last two holes, in route to his score of 70. Healy had a 1 shot lead after 18 holes with an opening round of 73 (+1).
David Paeglow hits a drive on the 13th hole at Twin Orchard Country Club on Tuesday. Paeglow is the 2020 IPGA Sr. Player of the Year.
Healy said that all of his years on the wide open links-style golf club, The Black Sheep Club in Sugar Grove, had given him plenty of time to work on his game in windy conditions.
Medinah’s Rich Dukelow was the runner-up with a 2 over par score of 146. Dukelow had a bogey free back nine, but his three birdies only made up for a bogey and double bogey on the front nine.
The round started 30 minutes late due to a frost delay. As a result play was moved into a shotgun style event, with several players racing for O’hare to catch flights to Florida, where they will play in the Senior PGA Club Professional Championship at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie Florida. The championship starts on Thursday.
Illinois PGA Section professionals in addition to Healy, Paeglow and Biancalana, playing at the Senior PGA Club Championship include, Doug Bauman, David Hannon, John Cleary, John Guyton, Mike Small, Jim Sobb, John Varner, and John Cleary.
The professionals playing in Florida are playing for a place in the field, in the 2021 Sr. PGA Championship that will be held at Southern Hills.
CLICK HERE TO HEAR interviews with 2020 Senior Player of the David Paeglow and Players Championship winner Kevin Healy.
TOUR EDGE GOLF is rolling out it’s NEW E and C series clubs, the biggest roll-out in company history. Coming Tuesday Irons and Wedges-Details now at TourEdge.com. _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook, and connect on LinkedIn. Hitting it solid on the Firestone West Golf Course at Firestone Country Club.
TODAY is the day I return to the famed Lawsonia Links in Green Lake Wisconsin, for another edition of the Langford Shield 2-Man golf tournament.
I played in the very first one some 5 years ago, with partner Len Ziehm. That day Len and I were very average on the golf course, and it showed in the standings, with a middle of the pack finish.
This year with Len back in the Sunshine State I have re-loaded with a new partner, and I am hoping for better results this time around. Details will be added on this column later tonight. In the meantime, Lawsonia is getting ready to close for the year so if your ready to play one of America’s Greatest 100 Classic Courses, here is your chance. Lawsonia is open to the public. Many golfers from Illinois have already beat your there this year, don’t miss out. Play Lawsonia, designed back in the day, by Illinois golf architect William Langford.
I CAUGHT UP WITH IPGA Players Championship winner Curtis Malm from White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville. We discussed his win at Conway Farms, the 2020 Illinois Open at White Eagle and a possible return of the Illinois Open to White Eagle in the future. Malm speaks about what will be his increased focus on the Illinois PGA Section Championship, the only IPGA major he hasn’t won, and what he needs to complete the IPGA career Grand Slam
Click Here to hear the interview with White Eagle Director of Golf Curtis Malm.
PART 2 The Langford Shield.
The 13th green on the Lawsonia Links Course.
The Langford Shield outing has been played every year since 2014.
This year was my first year back since the original outing. The course was in outstanding condition, and the greens were primed to roll at least 12 if not 13.
With less than hour to tee off time for the outing, Mother Nature opened up and dumped on William Langford’s gem, Lawsonia.
Tee times were delayed over 30 minutes and then the format switched to a 2-man scramble. After teeing off in a light drizzle, the heavens exploded again while groups were playing their third hole. Once the rain stopped, the temperatures dropped. Then there was two rumbles of thunder. Some groups went in, many played on.
When there was about 5 holes left to play, the sun came out and it got a little warmer. Of course, it never fails. My partner and I didn’t have a great score, but we had a great day. The food was good, the company was better, kudo’s to Oliphant Golf and everyone at Lawsonia.
The second course at Lawsonia the Woodlands Course is getting ready to have some improvements done, stay tuned details will be coming out shortly. If you have not been to Lawsonia, you need to play it. Many of the old classics, that are rated a Top 100 course by multiple publications, are not accessible to the public. Lawsonia is that one course that is one you can play.
FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH will be named the 2021 Ambassador to Golf, he will receive the award at the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship at Firestone Country Club in July of next year.
BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB has been named a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. More details coming this week, but congrats to Bolingbrook GC.
DUSTIN JOHNSON has tested positive for Covid-19. As a result he has withdrawn from this weeks CJ Cup, that is playing in Las Vegas at Shadow Creek. Get well DJ.
THE NEW TOUR EDGE E-SERIES fairway woods, Put a little Magic in your game with the Houdini Sole. More to come from Tour Edge Golf this week, or visit Touredge.com. The FIRESTONE Country Club has limited opportunities for Stay & Plays, now you can bring a group and hold your own championship at this historic golf venue. Come play golf where the games greats have played and won. Visit FirestoneCountryClub.com. ____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook at Rory Spears.
Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Inductee Len Ziehm at PGA Village.
Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Len Ziehm has been on the road, to bring everyone the best of golf destination travel.
There is plenty of travel going on, even during these pandemic times.
Ziehm has posted features on his website LenZiehmonGolf.com from his recent travels to both the Outer Banks area of North Carolina, and from the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina.
Check out Len’s stories to see some great golf in the Carolina area.
A sign of the season-Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.
Pine Meadow Golf Club In Mundelein has announced that they have started to cut down the hours of sales for range buckets, as of this past week.
Final buckets are now being sold at 5 Pm. But if your looking for a the large bushel basket of balls, you must purchase them by 4 pm.
In addition Thursdays at Pine Meadow at now Titleist Thursdays on the range from 10 Am until 4:45 Pm. if you would like to come test out the new Titleist Clubs. Call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (Golf).
THE ILLINOIS PGA FOUNDATION has partnered with Pine Meadow, the Mundelein Park District, Revelation Golf, on the HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere) Program that works with veterans. 20 veterans are enrolled in the program that will meet once a week for 5 weeks on the Pine Meadow Range. The program is free to veterans. “we’re thrilled to partner with such an outstanding group of organizations to make this program possible for veterans invested in the game of golf,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA.
THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville, is making news in the fall.
Mistwood Golf Club is in the news as the fall season arrives.
First up fall rates are in affect now at Mistwood, come out and play golf, it sure is the year to do so.
Mistwood has also announced that Toptacer that has become so popular at the Mistwood Golf Dome, is now being added to the Mistwood Golf Club Performance Center. Plus the performance center will have hours this winter. Stay tuned to see how that will work. Plus the Mistwood Golf Dome will have a new dome-shell this winter. Mistwood is working with local authorities to see how the dome can operate this winter safely, until Covid-starts to go away. For more details see Mistwoodgolf.com or call Mistwood at (815)-254-3333.
The Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, is ready for the 2021 edition of the matches.
The Ryder Cup matches scheduled for Whistling Straits in Kohler/Haven Wisconsin this past September, were delayed until September of 2021.
But that didn’t stop the event from announcing some new corporate partnerships going forward on both sides of the pond.
Pepsi drinks and products will now be partners with the Ryder Cup. Toro golf equipment and mowers are also now partners with the Ryder Cup. Both partnerships are worldwide deals. Rydercup.com
IF YOU WANT TO SEE MORE ON GOLF visit Expertgolf.com. You can learn more about there YouTube Channel, that now has more 10,000 subscribers.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Men’s golf coach John Carlson has put together a series of Intrasquad tournaments to keep the team playing in the fall. This weeks event is the Titleist Foot-Joy Classic October 16-18, at a variety of golf courses in the Chicago area.
ITANHANGA GOLF COURSE coming off a recent renovation has been nominated for the Best Course in Brazil, in a world golf awards contest. The course is located in Rio de Janeiro.
MISSION INN RESORT in Howey-In-the Hills Florida 30 minutes NW of Orlando, has announced that all of it’s restaurants have now reopened. See MissionInnResort.com.
GOLF IN WISCONSIN-is winding down towards the end of the season. Both Erin Hills and Sand Valley Resorts will be closing for the year shortly. If you miss out on this year, both resorts are already accepting booking dates for 2021. See Erinhills.com and Sand Valley.com.
Chad Johansen has created the 4-Step Process. Improve your game today and shoot lower-golf scores.
How has your golf season gone so far this year ?
if your golf scores are higher than you want them to be, and your ready for improvement.
Watch the online video seminar by Blackberry Oaks head golf professional Chad Johansen.
His system called the Four-Step process has been helping golfers make major improvements in their game. Call Chad at (630)-553-7170 or visit BlackberryOaks.com #Playtheoaks #GofFortitDome
The new patio at the General Clubhouse at Eagle Ridge.
ARE YOU READY for a nice fall getaway, and still want to play some golf while checking out the colors.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa and still open for golf, during the fall season.
The resort has 63 wonderful holes of golf, headed up by the General Golf Course. The General Clubhouse has been redone, and the patio and outdoor dinning area’s are something to behold.
For more information, EagleRidge.com.
MICHAEL SLOAN & CONNOR LEWIS were both named to the Golf Heritage Society’s board of directors. The announcement came from society president Bern Bernacki.
CANTIGY GOLF is proud to announce that Paul Taylor has brought 15 years of fitting experience to Cantigny. Taylor’s 15 years have been spent with Mizuno, Taylor Made and the PGA Tour Store. Taylor was an all-state golfer at Bremen High School, before playing college golf at Western Illinois University. Taylor was a caddie at Calumet Country Club for 14 years. The Cantigny Golf Academy is open year round for practice, lessons and fittings. See Cantignygolf.com for more details.
THE DUSTIN JOHNSON World Junior Golf Championship that will be contested at TPC Myrtle Beach from March 5-7 in 2021, will begin accepting entries tomorrow October 12th. Visit WorldJuniorGolfChampionship.com for entry details.
THE NEW TOUR EDGE Hot Launch E & C series clubs, are ready to add a little magic to your golf game, with the creation of the Houdini Sole. For details see TourEdge.com. _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG- by Rory Spears. Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook at Rory Spears. With the World Series of Golf trophy at Firestone Country Club.
THE FIRESTONE Tire and Rubber Company has one of the best sets of tires on the highways these days. The award winning series of tires are called “Destination”.
Not far away from the home office of Firestone Tires, in the Northern Ohio town of Akron, is another part of the Firestone legacy, Firestone Country Club.
Firestone Country Club has been a golf destination for touring golf professionals for decades. Now the club can be a destination for you.
The great news for golfers is that you no longer have to be a member at Firestone Country Club to play golf there. Firestone Country Club is no longer owned by the tire company, but by ClubCorp who purchased the club in 1981.
Firestone Tire and Rubber company started the club’s history in 1929. But now the history continues to grow, and you have a chance to be part of the next chapter. Under ClubCorp, Firestone Country Club has introduced public “Stay & Play” golf packages based on availability.
The landmark Firestone water tower that stands tall over the club.
Only a few golf courses in the country have standout landmarks. That once seen, golfers can immediately identify the name of the golf course.
The water tower at Firestone Country Club is one of those places. The base of the water tower looks like an inverted golf tee, that is supporting a golf ball at the top of the structure.
The white globe at the top of the water tower carries the Firestone name, and leaves no doubt about where one is playing golf.
The Firestone Country Club clubhouse, is home to the pro shop, dining, and upstairs overnight rooms.
Firestone offers three golf course options. While major professional golf events over the years have been contested on both the North and South courses, there is another 18 holes that most people are not aware of.
Firestone Director of Golf Tommy Moore admits, that when he applied for his current position, he thought the club was a 36 hole facility. When he first visited the club he was surprised to find there was actually 54 holes.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Firestone Director of Golf Tommy Moore.
In fact the Firestone West Course might be one of the best golf courses that nobody really knows about. The West Course doesn’t get the television time or professional tournaments the other courses do, but that doesn’t mean the almost 20 year old golf course that was designed by Tom Fazio isn’t really good. In fact some visitors to Firestone might love the history of the North and South Courses, but they enjoy playing the West Course the most, with it’s wider fairways and lack of trees that come into play.
THE FIRST HOLE (L) on the West Course, while the bunker and drainage project work is ongoing over on the 18th hole. Renovation work is being done by the Fazio Group.
It’s expected when renovation work is completed on the West Course, it will be renamed for Fazio. The Fazio Course at Firestone is the front runner.
The 18th green on the South Course at Firestone Country Club.
The South Course is the best known course of the three at Firestone. It first opened in 1929 and was designed by Bert Way.
Robert Trent Jones Sr. did a redesign in time for the 1960 PGA Championship.
Currently the course is home to the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, won this summer by Wisconsin native Jerry Kelly. Kelly needed a hole-in-one during the back nine on Sunday to win the title. Firestone will host the championship for two more years, and then anxiously awaits to see what’s next on the tee in terms of championship play.
The Arnold Palmer bridge sits on the 667 yard, par 5, 16th hole-nicknamed “The Monster” by Palmer.
The South Course has a great history of championship golf.
There are courses that are defined by who has won there. Winners on the South Course include, Jack, Arnie, Tiger and Tom, no last names are needed.
The clubs most famous hole is the 667 yard, par 5, 16th hole on the South Course. Nicknamed “The Monster” by Arnold Palmer, who won three times in 10 years at Firestone. Palmer has the bridge over the pond that fronts the green named after him. Jack Nicklaus has his own history at Firestone, in fact it’s where he started his historical run in professional golf. As his first PGA Tour tournament was the 1959 Rubber City Open on the clubs South Course.
The Par 3, 17th hole on the North Course. Hale Irwin made a hole-in-one here during the World Series of Golf using a 4-Iron.
The North Course is no stranger to championship play, as both the World Series of Golf, and the American Golf Classic have been held there.
While the South Course is the longest of the three courses at Firestone measuring 7,400 yards and playing to par of 70, the North Course at 7,125 yards is the clubs only par 72 course.
Spacious villas are part of the overnight accommodations at Firestone.
Firestone is about golf. If you are looking to play golf, hit balls, practice, take a lesson and work on your game Firestone is for you.
There are no tennis courts, spa’s, casino’s, hiking trails, pools, or horseback riding.
General Manager Jay Walkinshaw will tell you that,” Firestone is first and foremost a golf club, but there are plenty of frills within 45 minutes around the central and northern parts of Ohio.”
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Firestone General Manager Jay Walkinshaw.
Some of those options include the National Football League (NFL) Hall of Fame in nearby Canton. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland. If your in need of more hiking before or after golf, there are nearby parks and state parks to enjoy.
While your Firestone you will enjoy the hospitality and what Walkinshaw calls the “Firestone Experience.” Hospitality at the club makes everyone feel both welcome and like they a member. Off the golf course there are both rooms upstairs in the clubhouse, or luxury villas for overnight stays. Dining takes place in the 1929 Grille or the 55th Hole Bar.
Groups can dine together in large common rooms in the villa buildings, that are complete with stocked bars, big screen televisions and pool tables. The pro shop carries a large inventory of golf apparel and golf supplies.
If your ready to host your own golf group, or golf tournament, and play where the pro’s play and best players in the history of the game have won. It’s time for you to call Firestone and book your visit. More information at Firestonecountryclub.com or by calling (330)-644-8441.
THE NEW TOUR EDGE E521 & C521 DRIVERS The Roll-Out has begun. New fairway woods have been released, visit TourEdge.com to learn more. THE BIG BALL is on the tee. Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio is now hosting play and stays. Play 54 holes, including the championship tested North & South courses. Firestonecountryclub.com. _____________________________________________________________________
LEN ZIEHM 52 year golf media member and 2019 inductee into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, along with golf reporter and journalist RORY SPEARS, have created the most complete weekly Chicago area and beyond podcast with all the news golfers can use.
CLICK HERE to hear ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 30.
This week Len and Rory discuss this weeks KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at former BMW Championship site Aronimink. The LPGA under the lights in Dubai.
The trouble at the Golf Chanel continues to grow and where the studios should be moving to, instead of the Northeast location where they are moving to.
The new hot Stay and Play destination historic Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio.
The Illinois PGA race to the wire for the 2020 Player of the Year Award.
The new equipment roll-out by Batavia based Tour Edge Golf, and what Tour Edge might consider doing on the PGA Champions Tour in the years ahead.
Titleist is improving it’s Pro V1 and ProV1x golf balls, the tour pro’s have them, and what this means big picture as the golf ball gets better and goes further.
What if the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show doesn’t happen, and the quick turn around at Augusta National in preparation for the delayed 2020 Masters Tournament.
All this and a little more. Listen in for Chicago’s most complete weekly golf report. Thanks for listening-Len & Rory.
THE FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB in Akron Ohio. Stay and Plays are now available. Yes you can play all 54 holes on the clubs three golf courses. Play where the pro’s play. ______________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Facebook and LinkedIn. On the West Course at Firestone Country Club in Akron OH. Wearing the new Sqariz Golf Shoes.
GOLF is ROLLING.
As the fall arrives golf is rolling on, and rounds of golf played are still up.
Equipment sales are doing pretty well too.
I love these recent stories about how the pandemic saved golf. Saved golf ?
Golf didn’t need saving, but it got a booster shot or a vaccine from the pandemic, after the pandemic almost killed golf in the spring. Especially here in Illinois where it became evident quickly, that nobody on the Governors staff, not only didn’t play golf, but really didn’t know anything about the sport of golf either.
The golf business got an unexpected boost about June from the pandemic that has carried on into the fall, lets hope it continues into next year and beyond.
Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio, and famed water tower.
FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB in Akron Ohio is offering a public “stay and play” package deal right now.
There is still some time to take advantage of this special deal in 2020. But if you can’t make it this year, it will be here next year as well.
I just returned from 4 days there, and this historic golf property is better than ever and improving, as it nears it’s 100th birthday in 1929.
DID YOU KNOW Firestone has three golf courses. Everyone knows about the North and South Courses, but the West Course is still a bit of a secret. Currently the West Course will have the name Fazio Course added to it, as the (Tom) Fazio group is currently working on a bunker renovation, and some drainage improvements.
If you want to play at one of America’s most historic golf venues, Firestone Country Club, you now can. Three courses, 54 holes, excellent hospitality. No casino, no spa, no tennis or horseback riding. It’s all about the golf, plenty more coming up on Firestone later this week right here. So do stay clicked in.
SQARIZ GOLF SHOES… I just wore them in a round of golf for the first time. I’ll have my review on the shoe that claims better traction than any other golf shoe on the market coming up.
The new Tour Edge E521 Driver release is coming. Put one in your bag come November.
The TOUR EDGE rollout of new clubs I have hinted at is coming out this week.
The E521 or C521 drivers have now been announced. These clubs are game changers for players who need more distance, and need to get the ball in the air a little bit higher.
More product from Batavia based Tour Edge Golf is coming out in the next week.
My exclusive interview with Tour Edge VP of Marketing Jon Claffey will come out this week. Need irons, fairway woods, hybrids and more. Stay with us.
CONGRATS to White Eagle Director of Golf Curtis Malm for winning the Illinois PGA Players Championship at Conway Farms. For Malm who has previously won one Illinois Open and the IPGA Match Play three times, this win leaves him only an IPGA Section title short of the career Grand Slam.
THE GOLF CHANNEL is shut down in Florida. Apparently a neighboring company Lockheed-Martin, an aerospace company that has plenty of government contracts, has done testing that has left contaminated particles in the air that can affect people who breathe it in. As a result the building is pretty much off limits for most employees. Which was the case to begin with because of Covid-19, now even more so. Golf Channel is facing an employee class-action lawsuit on this matter for dangerous working conditions. According to reports, it’s the third lawsuit TGC is currently facing. I’m not a supporter of TGC’s move up to the Northeast, but now it’s obvious their current location needs to go for safety reasons.
Len Ziehm and I will return with the 30th edition of our podcast series later in the week, so do listen in. Len always does have a lot to say. RS.
FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB-Akron Ohio. Play and Stay packages are now available. _____________________________________________________________________
BY: RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook or connect with linkedIn.
White Eagle Golf Club Director of Golf Curtis Malm-holds the IPGA Players Championship trophy at Conway Farms.
MAKE IT THREE different Illinois PGA major championships for Curtis Malm.
Malm the Director of Golf at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, hung on to win the 2020 IPGA Players Championship by 1 shot at Conway Farms in Lake Forest.
Malm has previously won the Illinois Open, and was victorious in the IPGA Match Play Championship three straight years (2012-2014).
Malm started his march to victory with birdies on the final 2 holes in Round 1 on Monday. His 2 under par 69 gave him a two shot lead. His 69 in Round 1, was the only score under par for the day.
“I finished the first round really well. I hit two good shots into eight and nine to make birdies and finish 2 under. I hit a lot of quality shots the whole day yesterday,” said Malm. “Coming into the final round, I didn’t know what would happen. I was joking with some guys that I would shoot 80 or 85, but I hit some good shots, some bad ones and just got it done.”
Malm opened Round 2 with six straight pars in windy conditions, and then birdied holes 7 & 8 to open a four shot lead. But a bogey on 9 saw his lead drop down to two shots over Andy Mickelson (Mistwood Golf Club) and Tim Streng (Wildcat Golf Academy).
A birdie on the par 3, 11th hole pushed Malm’s lead back to 3, but another bogey on the 12th made the lead only two shots. After Streng made eagle on the par 5, 14th, and Malm could only counter with a birdie, the lead was down to one shot.
But the eagle on 14 and a par on 15 was all the charge Streng could mount, before bogeys on 16 and 17, combined with a double bogey on 18, pushed him out of contention. Streng finished alone in 4th place.
Malm lost his tee shot on the par 3 17th, and made a triple bogey 6. Malm then made bogey on the par 5, 18th hole. That reduced his margin of victory to only 1 shot, but it was all he needed.
Frank Hohenadel (Mistwood Golf Club) and Chris Green (Glen View Club) tied for second place with scores of 142 (even par). University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small and Brian Carroll (The Hawk Country Club) tied for 5th place, with 2-over par scores of 144.
This wrapped up the 2020 Bernardi Player of the Year points race. For more details visit IPGA.com. The Senior Players Championship is next Monday and Tuesday at Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove (Oct. 12-13).
THE FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB IN AKRON OHIO- Play where the champions of golf have won at for years. Some limited public play options are now available. Visit ClubCorp.com/clubs/Firestone-CountryClub. Host for this years 2020 Senior Players Championship won by Jerry Kelly. 54 holes of golf, on the South-North & West Courses. ______________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook or LinkedIn. With the World Series of Golf Trophy at Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio.
REPORTING FROM AKRON-OHIO.
IT’S BEEN A BUSY LATE SUMMER AND FALL for the Illinois PGA Section.
Four major championships were wrapped into 2 months, with time in between being spent raising some money for great charity causes.
This past week at the Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest, the 2nd annual charity golf pro-am hosted by the Illinois PGA and former Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg.
The pro-am raised funds for the Illinois PGA Foundation, First Tee of Greater Chicago, Maryville Golf Academy and Lambs Farm in Lake County.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Ryne Sandberg, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and one of the all-time great Chicago sports icons, to raise funds and awareness for the Illinois PGA Foundation, ” said Carrie Williams, CEO of the Illinois PGA Foundation. “The Foundation supports junior golf programs, grow the game initiatives, as well as internship and scholarship programs that allow young people the opportunity to work in the golf business, and attend college.”
ONWENTSIA CLUB (L) was the home of this past weeks Illinois PGA-Ryne Sandberg pro-am. (R) Conway Farms serves as host to this weeks Players Championship for the IPGA’ sections top 35 players on the 2020 player of the year points list.
The pro-am included a pre-round luncheon, player gift package, on-course contest prizes and exclusive auction items. Teams were comprised of one PGA-professional and three amateur players. the outing was won by the team of Glen View Club Professional Jim Billiter.
“Last years inaugural event was a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to building on that success,” said Sandberg. “We’ve got a good group of PGA professionals and local golfers who support the Illinois PGA Foundation programs as well as Lambs Farm, an organization I’ve supported for so many years, so we’re ready to tee it up and make a difference in our communities.”
BIRDIES FOR CHARITY-The Illinois PGA Section has released the final numbers from the Sept 8th, Birdies for Charity event at River Forest Country Club. While dodging rain showers that hampered play, IPGA professionals raised more than $350,000 dollars, bringing the ten year total to over $2 million dollars.
Over a 1,000 birdies were holed by the IPGA professionals. Funds are most directed to youth based charities such as Ronald McDonald House, Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF).
David Paeglow with the Senior Illinois Open Trophy at Royal Fox Country Club.
David Paeglow (Kishwaukee Country Club) won the 2020 Illinois PGA Senior Open Championship at Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles this past week.
Paeglow finished with a 36-hole score of 4 under par 138, to hold off University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small by one shot. Michael Troy from Zigfield Troy Golf Club was the other member of the final group.
Earlier this year Paeglow did not fare as well against either player in other IPGA Senior tournaments. But the third time was the charm.
“It was very satisfying to win,” said Paeglow. “I’ve been runner up numerous times in a lot of tournaments and it was great to finally finish out a tournament. My goal is to win these tournaments and not just do well. So today was satisfying and nice to have something to take home to the kids.” Paeglow eagled the 18th hole for the win. Four players tied for third place.
THE IPGA FINAL MAJOR of the year of 2020 IPGA Players Championship is this Monday and Tuesday at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest. The top 35 players on the Bernardi Player of the Year, points list are invited to this invitation only event. Host professional at Conway Farms Jeff Mowry, is also in the field.
ILLINOIS GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE Len Ziehm (L) and Rory Spears (R) on the First Tee at the Schaumburg Golf Club, have teamed up to bring you Chicago’s most complete weekly report on golf in the Windy City. More news than in the 19th hole. _____________________________________________________________________
CLICK HERE TO listen to ZIEHM & SPEARS SERIES 2020 Volume 29 Podcast.
This week Len and Rory discuss how golf remains strong in Chicago into October. The 5 year renovation at the Schaumburg Golf Club is complete. Tour Edge’s upcoming new equipment launch is coming.
What Changes Covid-19 and more could bring to the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. What Chicago pro is moving to Frisco Texas to be part of the new PGA of America headquarters.
The Illinois PGA wraps it up at Conway Farms next week with it’s final major of the year.
What Chicago area golf course could be outstanding with the some tree removal and a little renovation work. All this and more. Thanks for listening-Len & Rory.
THE NEW TOUR EDGE E Series Driver and Fairway Woods, with more news from Tour Edge Golf coming out this week. Put a little magic in your game with the new Houdini Sole. New Tour Edge irons and Wedges are being released this week. TourEdge.com _____________________________________________________________________
