GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO a two time ING national award winning golf radio show, returns for it’s 32nd season at it’s former home course AM 750 WNDZ-Chicago. All of Chicago’s favorite foursome, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears will return. But even better Golfers on Golf has it’s former tee time of 10 Am back again.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook. Back on the air in 5 days.

AS A LONG TIME GOLF MEDIA guy, it really pains me to see all the worthless golf content online by major publications.

Because this might be, it could be, it’s not Phil or Tiger’s schedule.

But hey everyone, Tiger signed-up for this tournament. So did Phil, so what’s Tiger’s next move, what’s Phil’s.

So did you know that Tiger played a practice round here, or there, and he told some unknown person, he might do this or might not.

Will Phil go to the Saudi backed LIV tour. So does Phil need Saudi money, after rumors persist that Phil lost $40 million dollars in 4 years from gambling. Whether “Lefty” lost a big amount in the sports books or not, is not a big deal. Nor is Tiger hitting balls somewhere, and looking great says someone on Twitter who claims to seen him firsthand.

FOLKS WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE of major season. So many great stories to be told, and when somebody wins the PGA or U.S. Open and the fans go, “Who”. It’s because writers who should be telling us about these players, are too busy telling us that somebody is mad at Phil, or Tiger might have or might not have signed up for a tournament next month. Spare us the scheduling details, and range reports. So lets get back to talking golf, and the up and coming players who might win a major in the next 80 days.

SO NOT TO BE LEFT BEHIND, make sure you take note that Rory Spears will be golfing this week at Eagle Ridge in Galena. But then next week Rory will be spotted on the range at the Glen Club in Glenview. Rory has signed up to play at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor Michigan, next week ahead of the Senior PGA Championship. I know you care-right ?

ON THE RIDGE: after two years I’m going back to Eagle Ridge. Word is that plenty has been going on, not just at the General Golf Course or the clubhouse. So I’ll find out all the details this week, on what’s happening under the new owner Mark Klausner.

ILL-INI how about the Fighting Illini men’s golf team. Winning by 1 shot. But it was enough to overtake and hold off the Spartans of Michigan State. The University of Maryland was two shots back of Illinois. So it’s seven straight titles for Illinois and 13 wins in 14 years.

WITH THAT-time to head a little bit west of Rockford. RS

THINGS ARE COOKING at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, part of DuPage Golf. The new clubhouse dining experience is heating up, with a full menu from Thursday to Sunday. But while you are there, tee it up on the award winning design renovated by architect Greg Martin. So learn more at Dupagegolf.com #Threecourses

The Gog Blog is written by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Golfers on Golf Radio returns next Saturday May 7th.

THE BIG TEN MEN’S CONFERENCE CHAMPIONHIP heads to the third and final round today, on the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort.

The University of Illinois is in a tight battle with the Michigan State Spartans, as the Illini bid for their seventh straight title, and 13th title in the last 14 years.

Illinois was 10 shots back after Round 1. But closed the gap to just 1 shot after yesterdays second round.

Today with cool and windy conditions, it will be quite a finish. Updates can be found at Golfstat.com.

Golfers you can book you next stay and play at the French Lick resort at FrenchLick.com home to 45 holes of golf.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein, has expanded it’s daily range hours to 7 PM starting on Tuesday May 3rd. But starting this week you can make tee times online at Pienmeadowgc.com or call “The Pine at (847)-566-4653.

FLORIDA BOUND-DAYTONA BEACH has 5 “Must Plays” that should make your list. Because while the area is home to over 20 golf courses, there are several every golfer will enjoy. LPGA International-which has 36 holes, including the Rees Jones design-The Jones Course. Victoria Hills a Ron Garl design is one of Florida’s Top 15 golf courses, it’s fairways are lined with pine-trees.

AFTER A GREEN RENOVATION the Halifax Plantation Golf Club is back getting rave reviews. Enjoy golf between classic oak trees that line the golf course. When you have a need for speed, try Crane Lakes. Because you can play this par-66 course in under 3 1/2 hours. The Daytona Beach Golf Club and the New Smyrna Golf Club are both Donald Ross designs. So learn more at Daytonabeach.Golf.

Sun Mountain 37.5 insulation long sleeve jacket.

STILL GETTING cold on and off the golf course, with this cold spring still hanging on.

Because if you are, it might be time to layer up in some outerwear from Sun Mountain.

The Sun Mountain Granite Jacket and Vest are much more than just a fluffy piece of outerwear.

Because using the 37.5 insulation retains your body heat, while preventing a moisture build-up and over heating.

Both the jacket ($169.99) and the vest ($139.99) are now available. So to find your nearest retailer visit SunMountain.com or call (800)-227-9224.

CELEBRATE MOM’S DAY by getting her some Mom’s style golf goodies from Zero Friction. So how about a Pink Zero Friction golf glove, or some colored golf balls of here choice, maybe pink or one of five other colors. Does Mom need a nice lightweight golf bag. Because if she does, Zero Friction lightweight bags are the way to go. So see the full Zero Friction product line at Zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville, has seen it’s fitting team of Eric Russell or and Matt Carter win another award. Both Russell and Carter were honored by Mizuno Golf for their fitting work. Congratulation to Eric and Matt. But you can learn more about the Mistwood golf club fitting operation at MistwoodGC.com or by calling (815)-254-3333.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT returns tomorrow. RS

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO returns on Saturday May 7th on it’s old course, WNDZ AM 750-Chicago. Great news is that GOG Radio returns to it’s old tee time of 10 Am. All of Chicago’s favorite foursome will return, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm & Rory Spears. So tune in for the local, statewide and national golf news. Season #32 is here.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Chad Johansen is the GM and head Golf professional at Blackberry Oaks.

CALLAWAY AMBASSADOR CHAD JOHANSEN-the creator of the “Kids Rule” concept, is announcing some upcoming events at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol.

FIRST ON THE TEE is that the Callaway Demo Day, that was previously scheduled and postponed due to bad weather, has been rescheduled to Saturday May 14th from 9 am to 12 noon.

The Foresight GC Quad Launch Monitors will be there to dial in the new equipment that’s right for you.

THE OAKS 4-person Summer scramble is set for Saturday May 21st. But you can register now for the event.

THE ONE AND ONLY BLACKBERRY AMATEUR has set it’s dates for Saturday and Sunday June 25th and 26th. So sign up today at Blackberryoaks.com. Blackberry oaks is now a Callaway Golf facility. (630)-553-7170.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO a two-time ING award winning golf program, returns to the airwaves for it’s 32nd season, on Saturday May 7th at 10Am on Am 750 WNDZ. All four members of Chicago’s favorite foursome return. So join us for season of golf talk.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Rending of the future Topgolf in Vineyard, Utah (PRNewsfoto/Topgolf Entertainment Group)

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF has announced the development of a new Topgolf facility in Vineyard Utah.

The facility is part of a rapidly growing area just south of Salt Lake City.

The two-story venue will be part of a restaurant development, where golfers can enjoy the fun of golf and views of the Wasatch Mountain Range.

The new Vineyard location opens in early 2023. There will be 72 signature outdoor hitting bays for guests to choose from. There will also be home to a mini-golf course.

“The growing Vineyard area is such a vibrant community we have been looking forward to serving, and can’t wait to open our doors early next year,” said Topgolf Chief Development Officer Chris Callaway. “Our focus is on creating more ways for people to play golf in a fun and unique way. We are looking forward to welcoming all players in the Utah County area to the Topgolf experience.”

The new Topgolf Vineyard will add nearly 300 full and part time jobs to the area. Topgolf currently operates 76 venues in six countries. So learn more at Topgolf.com.

INSIDE OR OUTSIDE things are cooking at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. The Preserve is one of three courses that comprise DuPage Golf. But now the new clubhouse is ramping up to speed with new dining options. But for golfers the golf course is better than ever, as summer approaches. So learn more at Dupagegolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect with him on LinkedIn-Facebook

Trevor Faust is the new President of Ace Indoor Golf/Gimme simulators.

ACE INDOOR GOLF and GIMME SIMULATORS has named Trevor Faust as the companies new president.

ACE INDOOR GOLF is an industry leader not just in building. But designing and installing of golf simulator hardware and technology.

Faust adds more than 15 years of a progressive entrepreneurial management experience. Faust has held general manager positions, to executive sales roles. Creating business development and responsibilities, focused on revenue growth.

“We’re excited about the direction ACE Indoor Golf and Gimme Simulators are poised to take. Given the direction, experience and industry savvy of our new company president Trevor Faust,” says Co-Founder Joe Neumeyer. “We couldn’t have asked for someone more ideally suited to this role. Trevor knows how to sell, market and fulfill world-class indoor experiences. Because his energy and ingenuity will help drive our success. As ACE becomes more of a household name.

Faust, a Michigan native has been a leader of the indoor golf space since 2004. Faust served as president of Mobile Golf Experiences since 2012. He was vice president of Global Golf Sales for OptiShot. Faust was the Midwest Sales Manager for Trackman from 2012 to 2016.

“Ace Indoor Golf is well positioned within the industry, with tremendous growth potential,” says Faust. ” But while golf industry veterans know us well. Average golfers looking to install an indoor golf solution. Don’t fully comprehend the reach Ave Indoor Golf has within the space. Indoor golf is evolving and becoming more commonplace. Because we want to be a part of the initial design phase through the build-out. We are confident we can deliver world class solutions. That are based on the client’s desired budget or cosmetic needs.”

FAUST ATTENDED Albion College. He played on the school’s golf team all four years.

SO FOR MORE INFORMATION see aceindoorgolf.com

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS MAY 7TH with a new tee time of 10 Am, on Am 750 WNDZ-Chicago. Chicago’s favorite foursome of Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears all return for Year #32 of Chicago’s longest running golf show.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS (Pictured above) is the Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or LinkedIn.

The LIV Golf Series of tournaments begins this summer.

TICKETS ARE NOW on Sale for the series of LIV golf tournaments that will start this summer.

In the Chicago area, LIV Golf will come to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove Illinois, near Aurora.

Rich Harvest Farms has been host to many amateur tournaments. But now it’s the professionals who will get their chance to tackle this Golf Digest Top 100 golf course.

Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich with the NCAA National Championship trophy in 2017.

THE LIV INTERNATIONAL GOLF SERIES will begin it’s inaugural season this summer.

But better news for Chicago golf fans, is that with many of the major tours skipping Chicago this year.

The new LIV golf series, gives area golf fans a chance to see some of the best players in the world, show off their skills.

September 16-18 are the dates for the stop at Rich Harvest Farms. The three day event comes with a new format that includes shotgun starts. So all the players in the 48 man field are on the course at once. But play will run during the middle of the day hours. So there is no need to be at the course at 7 AM, or wait until after 2 Pm to see your favorite players tee off.

Because the tour is in it’s first year. It’s not yet known what players will be competing at Rich Harvest Farms.

SINGLE DAY OR MULTI DAY passes are now on sale at Livgolf.com. So enjoy some fall golf at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Proceeds will be donated to various charities.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO returns May 7th at 10 AM on WNDZ-AM 750. Chicago’s favorite foursome all return. Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm & Rory Spears.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

University of Illinois Alum Tristyn Nowlin was the 2021 Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open champion.

The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville the long time host facility, has announced that the 2022 Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open will be held Monday July 25th and Tuesday July 26th.

But this year the format has changed from a 54 hole event, to 36 holes.

Registration is now open for the 27th playing of the championship. The Illinois Women’s Open is named after founder, the late Phil Kosin.

This year with the 36 hole format will not have a cut. But players will be repaired after Round 1.

ELIGIBILITY is open to all female professionals, or amateurs with a current USGA Handicap Index of 15.0 or less. Contestants must be 14 years of age by July 25th, 2022.

But any applicant that does not meet these requirements, can submit a written request to appeal to the events tournament committee for a special exemption. Please do email Mistwood Golf Club Director of Golf Andy Mickelson at [email protected].

Registration closes 11:59 Pm (CDT) on July 18th. Fee’s are $250.00 for amateurs, $300.00 for all levels of professionals.

Contestants are allowed one practice round prior to the event. Monday through Thursday anytime, Friday through Sunday after 2 pm. Any tee time requests outside of the time listed above, are subject to Mistwoods green fee rates at that time.

TEE TIMES will be posted online at least 72 hours prior to the event, and will be emailed to the players once times are posted online.

THE PURSE will be posted on the first tee prior to the first round. Players must declare themselves as a professional or amateur in the registration process in order to be correctly awarded a prize. Professionals will be awarded cash, and amateurs will receive gift certificates to the Mistwood Golf Club pro-shop. USGA Rules of Amateur status apply.

DRESS CODE: Contestants must follow the dress code of the LPGA tour. Sleeveless and collarless shirts are allowed. But denim is not allowed.

CADDIES/CARTS: Contestants are not allowed to carry their own bag during the IWO. But must use a caddy or take a golf cart. Cart fees are $20.00 per day.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS SATURDAY MAY 7TH AT 10 AM on AM 750 WNDZ Chicago. Chicago’s favorite foursome Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears all return for the shows 32nd season. Tune in and hear what’s up in golf.

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

MIKE SMALL’S Illini Golf Team is heating up at the right time.

Because just last week the ILLINI won the Purdue Boilermaker Invitational, and now have gone to back-to-back with a win at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate hosted by Ohio State University at the Columbus Country Club.

This coming weekend is the Men’s Big Ten Conference Championship on the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort.

A STRONG FINISH at conference could give the Illini a great position in the NCAA Regionals, before hopefully heading to the NCAA National Championships in Scottsdale Arizona at the Gray Hawk Golf Club. Adrien Dumont de Chassart is playing some great golf right now, and the senior should have a great week in French Lick. Chassart was selected for the 2022 European Arnold Palmer Cup Team, that will play in Switzerland.

BUT SAD TO SAY, Illinois is not really heating up just yet. Because the week ahead will be cold, rainy and gray. So this is not really helping our golf courses bring in the golfers.

I JOINED my foursome today for a round at the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road in Schaumburg. The golf course was in great shape. But our group hit the first tee at 1 PM, and it was 53 degrees. But by the back nine it was down to 46, and with the wind, the weather APP said it felt like 38 degrees out. All four of us could not disagree. I am looking forward to a day of 70 degree golf.

THERE IS NEWS ABOUT THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMEN’S OPEN at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. This years IWO, will be played on Monday July 25 and Tuesday July 26th. But this year the format is down to 36 holes, no word so far on as to why. But registration is now open for the event. Players can sign up at Mistwoodgc.com.

SOME COURSES are starting to extend their hours, as daylight expands and the weather improves. So don’t be afraid to checkout your favorite course on line and see the changing schedules.

MOM is almost on the tee. Because Mother’s Day is coming, we do need to think about Mom, and the golfing Mom’s. I’ll have some Mothers Day idea’s as the week moves forward. The Gog Blog is back all week.

RS.

  GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is just 13 days out on the other course in the building WNDZ 750 AM. But back with our old tee time of 10 AM. Chicago’s favorite foursome of Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm & Rory Spears all return. Tune-in fore golf talk.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. So follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

BACK ON THE AIR Saturday May 7th 10 Am on Am 750 WNDZ Chicago.

WELCOME TO THE LATE EDITION of the Gog Blog’s Sunday Morning Short Game.

MYRTLE BEACH SC. is happening on the golf course.

Because five area courses have had winter upgrades and are ready to go. But two other courses are getting improvements this summer.

PRESTWICK COUNTRY CLUB replaced a bulkhead that supported greens on holes 9,16 and 18. But a new bunker down the left side of 16 will keep some balls out of the water. The famed Prestwick Clubhouse received new floors and patio furniture.

CALEDONIA GOLF & FISH CLUB a top 100 public course, spent $250,000 to enhance playability and pace of play. Because fairways and landing area’s were widened with a tree removal plan, that improves sightlines.

TRUE BLUE, Caledonia’s sister course, will be restored to architect Mike Strantz original plans. Tree removal has opened up sight lines. But there was an expansion to the practice area.

RIVERS EDGE has done several improvements to the 18th green area along the Shallotte River. But a full bunker project is underway, and six holes have been completed.

THISTLE GOLF CLUB is installing Scottish style PermaEdge stacked sod bunkers, enhancing this 27-hole facility.

But Grande Dunes will close on May 16th, for green restoration and bunker work. The pro shop will be expanded and a new indoor/outdoor bar will be built. But the course reopens on September 15th. RIVER HILLS Golf & Country Club closes on June 20th. The two month project includes adding and expanding TifEagle greens. Capillary Concrete bunkers installed

So learn more by visiting PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach-Home of the World Golf Amateur this August and early September.

THE FIRST SOCIAL SCRAMBLE is on the tee.

This three day event will bring some of the game top social media influencers to the Grand Strand, including Paige Spiranac.

Dates are September 23-25 and cost is $5,000 per foursome.

Golfers receive a gift bag valued at over $300.00 dollars. The 36-hole event tee’s off at the recently reopened Grande Dunes Golf Club. Details at PlayMyrtleBeachGolf.com.

Welcome to Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, now up for a national award. Eagleridge.com.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA has been nominated for Stella awards, in four categories.

But you can vote for Eagle Ridge in these categories and help them win.

Nominations include, Best Resort, and Best Golf Resort, and Best Hotel and Resort, among others.

Eagle Ridge will be opening a new spa this summer, and on May 25th the resort will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the General Golf Course. Details at Eagleridge.com.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS has team up with Travis Mathew apparel to create a new line of LAB Golf polo shirts. The shirts come in three colors. So learn more at Labgolf.com.

WGN TV is reporting that residents in Bensenville are trying to keep the Bensenville Park District from selling off part of the 36-hole golf facility to housing developers. see more at WGNTV.com.

OAK BROOK TERRACE BASED ZERO FRICTION has multiple golf bags now in different styles for golfers who love to use a push-pull cart or carry their own bag. So learn more at Zerofriction.com.

SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES has launched Sqairz Academy a learning platform with golf lessons, from top players and instructors. So you can learn more from Nick Faldo, Rick Smith and Nick Bradley. But these lessons are free, see more at Sqairz.com.

SO ENJOY PHOTO’S of some products and destinations on Facebook Rory Spears page, or on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS.

BY DAY OR BY NIGHT Heritage Oaks on Dundee Road in Northbrook now open for golf or dining at the Acorn Grill in the brand new clubhouse. Visit HeritageOaksGC.com

TTHE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Marissa Wenzler of Dayton Ohio, returns to defend her title. Wenzler won at the Park Ridge Country Club in 2021.

SUNSET RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB in Northfield Illinois, will host the 122nd Women’s Western Golf Association amateur championship July 18-23.

This is the fifth time the club has hosted a WWGA Championship.

Previously the club hosted the 1935 Women’s Western Open. The 1942 Women’s Western Amateur, and the 1953 & 1961 Women’s Western Juniors.

The championship has been held every year without interruption, since it inaugural year of 1901.

The Women’s Western Golf Association returns to Sunset Ridge this July 18-23.

“Sunset Ridge is honored to have been selected to host the 2022 Women’s Western Amateur. Our membership is excited for the opportunity to extend our golf course and facilities to this iconic championship,” Sunset Ridge Tournament Chair Christa Bolt said. “We’re looking forward to watching some of the best young women in the world, compete on our home turf.”

Sunset Ridge was founded in 1923, and the golf course was designed by Bill Diddel. Diddel was one of the founding members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). Diddel learned the trade working for the famed Donald Ross. But later went on to mentor to another Hall of Fame architect, Pete Dye. Diddel’s design of Sunset Ridge included subtle contours with fast greens that created challenging putting surfaces.

Welcome to Sunset Ridge Country Club.

SUNSET RIDGE has hosted three WGA men’s championships. The 1936 Western Junior, the 1972 Western Open. But more recently the 2018 Western Amateur won by Cole Hammer.

“We’re excited to bring another elite championship to Sunset Ridge,” said Vince Pelligrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “Our successful Western Amateur in 2018 showed that this exacting venue, will present a challenging-but fair-test to every competitor.”

So the field for this years championship will be 120 amateurs, with a handicap of 5.4 or less. The first and second days of the championship, consist of 18 holes of stroke play. But then the format switches to match play. For the top 32 players advancing from stroke play.

Wenzler hitting a drive in the championship match.

MARISSA WENZLER from Dayton Ohio, will defend her title. Wenzler won in a two-hole playoff at Park Ridge Country Club.

Wenzler is a junior at the University of Kentucky. She advanced to the Round of 32 at the 2021 USGA Women’s Amateur.

But first, Wenzler survived a 11 for 2 playoff to advance to the match play. But then she defeated the medalist in the first round of 64 players.

Notable past WWGA champions include Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Brittany Lang (2003), Grace Park (1998), Christie Kerr (1995), and Nancy Lopez (1976).

“So much work goes into planning a championship like this. But since day one, Sunset Ridge has done a fantastic job,” said Jackie Wacker, WWGA Tournament Chair. “Because with a field of the world’s best female amateurs. So this will be an event no one will want to miss.”

BUT FOR MORE DETAILS visit www.womenswesternamateur.com.