THE NEW PAR 3 6TH HOLE at Settlers Hill in Batavia-(R) the new par 5-16th hole tee box that sits over 150 feet in the air. El-E-vation. Re-Opening Expected in July of 2022.   _____________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF the Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn.

SUNDAY AT THE STRAITS.

(Reporting from the Ryder Cup)

Today could be the day the USA has been waiting on for years.

Because it’s been five years since the win at Hazeltine in Minnesota. But over the last 10+ Ryder Cups, all the U.S. players have heard is how the Euro’s take the event more seriously, they come ready to play. They embrace the team concept better, and so forth.

Maybe today will be the day this talk can stop for a while. The USA just needs to score points today, and plenty of them. Don’t just win-WIN BIG.

Tour Edge 721 Metalwoods. Now available.

FROM THE TOUR EDGE SUMMER RELEASE

This limited edition series of Exotics Pro 721 is now available. Because only one thousand sets were made, they have moved quickly.

The 721 Center of gravity has been moved forward. These clubs were designed for players with faster swing speeds. So they deliver a low spinning and more penetrating shot.

These Tour inspired metal woods show the Ridgeback support system, with a new matte finish. Diamond face 2.0 technology is a part of all three of the metals. Prices range from $449.99 for the Pro 721 driver. $299.99 for the Pro 721 Fairway and $249.99 for the Pro 721 Hybrid. So for more details on shafts, grips and lofts, see TourEdge.com.

TURKEY SHOOT at Foxford Hills in Cary October 23rd or November 6th. $75.00 per player includes-18 holes, cart, turkey dinner, drink ticket prizes. But sign up quickly. Because this event normally sells out. Call (847)-639-0400.

Links Lager now sold at 15 Chicago area golf courses. Photo by Kevin Murray.

LINKS LAGER now the talk of some 15 area’ 19th holes of local clubs.

Dave Lockhart of Golf360TV partnered with Whiskey Hill Brewery in Westmont IL., to create a beer good for the golf course.

But what Lockhart says is the beer’s best feature is that it’s refreshing, and it tastes great. Because most lagers are at a 4-5% ABV, with most IPA’s over 7%. But Links Lager hits the middle of the fairway at 5.8%. A case of 24-16oz. cans is $62.00. Half barrel kegs (15.5) gallons are $150.00. It can be purchased at the Green Street Grille in Bensenville, River Forest CC, Bolingbrook GC, The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Stonebridge CC, Ruth Lake CC, Cress Creek CC, Naperville CC, Eaglewood Resort, and the Orange and Brew bottle shop in Downers Grove. The picture on the can is the 12th hole at Royal Portmarnock in Dublin Ireland.

LOCKHARTS GOLF360 TV can be seen online at http://www.linksvideo.net/golf360tv. The latest episode the Fall edition features a look at Boyne Golf in Michigan, and the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows. Plus Tour Edge Golf new game improving irons.

KAPALUA GOLF & TENNIS in Maui Hawaii, has named Mark Nelson as the new head golf professional at it’s Bay Course.

CHERRY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB in Denver Colorado, has named Andrew Shuck the clubs new head golf PGA professional. Joining Shuck at Cherry Hills will be the clubs new General Manager/COO Lance Sebella. Cherry Hills will celebrate it’s 100th Anniversary in 2022, with the opening of it’s new 96,000 square foot $25 million dollar clubhouse. More details at chcc.com.

ARCHITECT GIL HANSE has been named to oversee a $25 million dollar renovation of the Yale University golf course. The golf course a C.B. Macdonald-Seth Raynor design is expected to be closed in the later part of 2022, all of 2023, and part of 2024 before reopening. The course was closed an neglected in 2020 because of Covid-19 restrictions.

JIM ‘Bones’ MACKAY is back on a golf bag. After 4 years of working in golf television, Mackay takes over on Justin Thomas’ bag. Thomas caddie Jimmy Johnson has moved on to other interests. But Thomas released a statement that he did not %100 fire Johnson. Johnson previously caddied for Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker. Mackay previously worked many years for Phil Mickelson.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS has introduced a DF 2.1 line of Pink Putters for October and Breast Cancer Awareness month. But for each DF 2.1 pink LAB putter sold. LAB Golf will donate $100 to the Oregon Cancer Research Foundation. Details at LABGolf.com.

BITTERSWEET GOLF COURSE in Gurnee, has announced the return of it’s driving range lights. The lights except for Thursday nights will be on until 9 PM. After 4 PM only 9-hole rounds will be sold. More information by calling the club at (847)-855-9031.

MISTWOOD-MCWETHY’S TAVERN good things are happening this month. On October 28th from 6-8 PM in McWethy’s Tavern is a Johnnie Walker’s 5-Course meal. Tickets are $100.00. But this event is expected to sell out quickly. IN THE PRO SHOP the fall apparel is here by Straight Down, check out everything Mistwood on and off the golf course at MistwoodGC.com or call the club at (815)-254-3333.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-MCWETHY’S SPORTS BAR announces new fall hours. Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10 AM until 10 PM. Friday’s 10 Am to 11 PM, and Sunday’s 10 AM until 9 PM. McWethy’s is on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. But for more information call (630)-739-7600.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced that it will begin aerification on Monday the 4th, with the practice greens. Tuesday the 5th with the front-9. Wednesday the 6th with the back-9. So for details on opening and closings call the pro shop at (847)-566-4653 (Golf).

TPC COLORADO 16th hole. designed by Art Schaupeter.

GOLF DIGEST has released it’s list of the Top 100 Public Courses (Courses you can play).

Among those making the list include TPC Colorado designed by St. Louis based architect Art Schaupter. Boyne Golf Bay Harbor Links/Quarry nines in Northern Michigan. Designed by the late Arthur Hills.

Mystic Rock at the Nemacolin Resort in Southwest Pennsylvania, course designed by the late Pete Dye. The recently renovated PFAU Course at the Indiana University, renovated by Steve Smyers with an assist from Fuzzy Zoeller. Congratulations to all four facilities on their recognition on this esteemed list.

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION. CDGA.org

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA).

The results are in and Tim Sheppard and Tom Kearfott have won another CDGA Senior Amateur Fourball championship. It is the duo’s fourth win in the championship.

Sheppard (East Peoria) and Kearfott (El Paso) defeated Matthew Horwitch (Northbrook) and Steven Jacobs (Highland Park) by a score of 3&2.

But with the match tied after three holes, Sheppard and Kearfott won holes 4 and 5, and never tailed again. The championship was hosted by Ravina Green CC, in Riverwoods Illinois.

David Feder holds the CDGA Senior Amateur trophy at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison.

ONE YEAR after coming up just short in the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) Senior Amateur championship.

Lincolnshire’s Dave Feder shot a second round 3-under par 69 to win the title. The championship was hosted by The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. The Preserve is part of the DuPage Golf network.

But after missing too many putts the first day, Feder stole a line from the movie Caddy Shack, saying he went back to his old putter. He called it the “Old Billy Baroo”. Judge Smails could not be prouder. For a full wrap-up on the CDGA Senior Amateur Championship visit CDGA.org.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF has announced construction is set to begin on a new facility in Boise Idaho. But an opening date has not been announced. But it’s likely to open in 2022. More details at Topgolf.com.

THE ILLINOIS WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION has announced the winners of the 52nd Illinois State senior Women’s Amateur, that was contested at the Pekin Country Club in Pekin. Mary Ellen Martin of Winfield with a three day score of (228) is the 2021 Champion. With Jan Bowers of Lincoln coming in at 233 to be the runner-up. But Clarita Reuer from Schaumburg was the low-net winner, Reuer had a three day score of 220.

CLUB CHOICE IRELAND is ready for your visit when your ready to travel. Currently visitors from North America can travel to Ireland, if they can show proof of vaccination. So check out ClubchoIceIreland.com for details on great packages to visit Ireland.

THE MYRTLE BEACH REPORT: Brittain Resorts is named Title Sponsor of the Myrtle Beach Preseason Classic Tournament. The 54-hole, two person team event that attracts about 300 golfers from over 20 states. This championship is only $245.00 dollars per player. Dates are February 7-9, 2022. But for more information please visit Preseasonclassic.com or Myrtle BeachGolf.com.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach-South Carolina

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY GOLF in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. fall is one of the best times of the year to play golf in the Grand Strand. So visit MyrtleBeachGolftrips.com for information on a fall golf trip.

THE DUSTIN JOHNSON WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP will be played at TPC Myrtle Beach from march 4-6. 90 of the best junior players will compete. For more information see WorldJuniorGolfChampionship.com.

THE FIGHTING ILLINI Men’s Golf Team coming off a share of 1st place at the Indiana University-Hoosier Collegiate, didn’t carry that success into the Fighting Illini Golf Classic at Olympia Fields, where the Illini finished 11th in a field of 15 teams. Jerri Ji led the Illini with a score of 211 (+1) for the championship. 6th ranked North Carolina won the tournament.

Welcome to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

COG HILL is starting it’s Top Tracer league league on the driving range the week of October 20th. The league runs into December. But is off the week of Thanksgiving. So for more information see CogHillgolf.com or call (866)-254-4455.

But other special events are coming to Cog Hill. The golf facility that never closes year round. Cog Hill hosts the first outing of 2022, the Eskimo Open.

The First Tee of Greater Chicago.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS YET ? for the Taste of the First Tee.

Thursday November 11th at 5:30. But you do need to show proof vaccination to enter.

On this evening join CBS 2 Ryan Baker for a fun evening of great stories. For more information visit the First Tee of Greater Chicago’s website for all the details. Because time is running out for Early-Bird ticket prices.

The First Tee is also hiring a new Director of Instruction. But this position is located at the new Waveland Facility. You must apply by October 30th. But for more details contact Dinna Trovero at [email protected].

Golftini.com Women’s Golf apparel at it’s finest.

ARE YOUR READY FOR A PINK OUT!

Because yes it’s time to Pink Out your shop in time for October’s Breast cancer Awareness month.

This month Golftini donates a portion of it’s sales to Breast Cancer Research. Don’t forget that Dance Party the fall collection is now available. So visit Golftini.com.

Welcome to Pinehurst North Carolina

PINEHURST-The Home and Cradle of American Golf.

But now is the time to plan ahead for your visit to Pinehurst.

Because if you book now for a November or December visit, you can find some of the best rates of the year.

BUT IF your looking at next year. January or February can be an option as well. Because the Bed & Breakfast package and the Donald Ross packages are great deals in the winter months. So visit Pinehurst.com for details.

Sun Mountain-Navy

SUN MOUNTAIN has added some new outer wear designs as the fall and winter season approach. So for all the the styles-men & women and costs see SunMountain.com or call Sun Mountain at (800)-227-9224.

Because you can learn more about the Colter Outerwear Collection, and 37.5 style insulation.

Sun Mountain not only keeps you warm in the winter months, it keeps you dry when needed.

Because soon the fall and winter season approaches, and your holiday gift list starts to build. It’s time to think Sun Mountain, find the closest outlet to you at SunMountain.com.

CLEVELAND GOLF has announced it’s new Launcher XL-Irons, now available as of September 17th.The XL Irons are game improvement clubs, that have been designed to give players better ball flight and consistent control. Cleveland Golf calls the new irons an “ideal set” for golfers needing forgiveness and accuracy in one set. The new XL Irons offer a new head design with a large MOI and confidence inspiring shape. A 7-piece set is $799.99 and in graphite is $899.99. But for more information please visit Clevelandgolf.com.

But for additional photo’s of some products, see Rory Spears on Facebook or @GogBlogGuy on Twitter. The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns on Monday. RS

PATRICK MULLANEY with G-Tech Apparel at the Ryder Cup. G-Tech has the best hand warmer on the market. For those of your who like to play Fall-Winter and Spring Golf on those chili days, never have cold hands again. See GtechApparel.com. But just in case you missed it yesterday, the latest edition of Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series is posted.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE 2021 ILLINOIS GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION DINNER was held last night at the Glen Club in Glenview. By Rory Spears, Director of Content & Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

2021 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Gary Pinns

The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame held it’s bi-annual induction ceremony, to induct the six members of the 2021 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class.

Six members being inducted at once is one of the largest classes of inductees at any one time. The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame has been operating since 1989.

Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Chairman Tim Cronin announced that “The Hall” now has 97 members. But in two years the number of inductees will finally reach or exceed 100.

Former inductee’s that were in attendance for this years ceremony included, Bob Verdi (2005), Joel Hirsch (1999), Frank Jemsek (2009), Jim Sobb (2015), Gary Groh (2017) and Len Ziehm (2019).

Class of 2021 Inductee Jim “Doc” Suttie

This years Class of 2021 inductee’s included.

BESSIE ANTHONY: The first great women’s players in Illinois history. Anthony started winning major women’s tournaments in the year 1900. When she won the Governor’s Cup at the Onwentsia Club. Anthony also won the first three Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) Amateur Championships. Anthony’s great-great grand daughter Cornelia Powers accepted on her behalf.

GARY PINNS: Is the all-time leader with five wins over three decades of the Illinois Open. But Pinns won the Illinois Open as both an amateur, and a professional. He is a past winner of the IPGA teacher of the Year award in 2014.

PHIL KOSIN: The publisher of Chicagoland Golf and creator of the Illinois Women’s Open. But Kosin was also a radio host, hosting his golf show on four different radio stations. But two of those stations included WMVP-1000 and WSCR 670. Kosin’s widow Kathy Rachick accepted on his behalf.

MASON PHELPS: Won the Western Amateur twice (1908-1910), and played golf in the Olympics. But Phelps was also a semi-finalist in the 1909 U.S. Amateur. Phelps daughter and grandson Rob accepted on his behalf.

HERBERT JAMES TWEEDIE: Learned trade of being a golf course architect at Royal Liverpool. But after arriving in Chicago he designed almost two dozen course in a short span of years. Some of those clubs included Park Ridge, Flossmoor, Midlothian and Skokie. Tweedie’s great grandson James Tweedie accepted on his behalf.

JIM “DOC” SUTTIE has been a three-time winner of the Illinois PGA teacher of the Year winner. Suttie won the PGA National teacher of the Year award in 2000. The Northern Illinois University alum was among the first teachers to start using video to teach his students. Numerous touring professionals have worked with Suttie over the years.

The next Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class will be 2023. So for more details see IPGA.com.

ON 2021 ILLINOIS GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION NIGHT-A look back to 2019, when two 50+ year veterans Illinois golf were inducted. Len Ziehm and Emil Esposito.     _____________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Len Ziehm (R) enter Kelpie’s Corner at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

ZIEHM & SPEARS are back.

With Podcast Series 2021-Volume 30.

Because with so much going on in golf, the time was right for a new edition.

But while we did not have time in Haven Wisconsin to record a podcast there, we do have plenty this week in wrapping up Team USA’s big win over the European Team.

In addition to everything Ryder Cup. This week Len and Rory discuss tonight’s Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Induction dinner at the Glen Club.

But there is more. Like the annual Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) luncheon form yesterday at Lake Shore Country Club in Glencoe. The Players Championship win by Curtis Malm at The Knollwood Club. Skokie Country Club’s Garrett Chaussard being named the 2021 Player of the Year for the Illinois PGA.

Jimmie Johnson stepping off being caddie for Justin Thomas. So which veteran caddies is giving up TV to return to being a full-time caddie. Len and Rory discuss. Which famous college course is getting a 25 million dollar redo from Gil Hanse.

Len and Rory did sample the new Links Lager beer at the Green Street Grille last night. Our thoughts.

CLICK here to hear Ziehm & Spears Podcast series 2021-Volume 30.

Thanks for listening Len and Rory. Next week Len checks back in from Sunny Florida.

TOUR EDGE Golf winning on the PGA Tour Champions, and winning in your golf bag. So check out the new product line now available from Tour Edge Golf. Made in Illinois.    _____________________________________________________________________

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.

White Eagle Director of Golf Curtis Malm wins the 2021 IPGA Players Championship at Knollwood Club.

WHEN HE GETS rolling in a Illinois PGA Section major, Curtis Malm keeps it going.

Because a few years back Malm, the Director of Golf at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, won the IPGA Match Play Championship three straight years (2012-2014).

But now Malm has won the Players Championship two straight years, with his one shot victory at Knollwood Club in Lake Forest.

Malm shot one of only four under par scores on the second day of the championship. His 4-under par 68, was enough to defeat Brian Carroll (The Hawk Country Club) by one shot. Malm finished his round first, and was eating lunch when he discovered he was suddenly tied for the lead with Carroll. Because if the score had remained tied, there would have been a 3-hole playoff.

Malm quickly finished eating and got ready for a playoff that never happened. Because Carroll hit his approach on 18 into a front left greenside bunker. Carroll played his bunker shot to 15 feet from a right side-middle back pin placement. The par putt looked good most of the way, but slid past the edge of the cup. Carroll made the comeback putt for bogey and finished second, but Malm got the win for his sixth Illinois PGA major.

Malm while still an amateur won the Illinois Open. So now all Malm needs for the Grand Slam of Illinois golf, is the IPGA Section Championship. Malm has previously had three runner-up finishes in the section championship.

Davis Jensen (Five-Iron Golf) and Roy Biancalana (Blackberry Oaks Golf Club) the first round leaders, fell back after getting off to rough starts. Jensen with a lost ball on the first hole-that lead to double-bogey. Biancalana with bogeys on four of his first six holes.

Mistwood’s Andy Mickelson tied for third with Skokie Country Club’s Garrett Chaussard. Both players finished at 1 under par with a score of 71.

Skokie Country Club’s Garrett Chaussard is the 2021 IPGA Player of the Year.

But for Chaussard, his steady final round play earned him the IPGA 2021 Player of the Year award.

Chaussard previously won the award in 2019.

Chaussard didn’t win any of the major IPGA titles this year, but he had solid finishes in all of them.

He was runner-up at the Match Play Championship at Bull Valley Golf Club. He was in the top 5 at the Illinois Open until the final nine holes, where he fell back just out of the Top-10.

In the Illinois PGA section Championship at Ivanhoe, Chaussard earned a T-2 finish. Chris French of the Aldeen Golf Club could have won the Player of the Year award, but a back nine score of 42 (+6) pushed him behind Chaussard in the point standings.

CLICK HERE to hear the press conferences with Players Championship winner Curtis Malm. That includes 2021 IPGA Player of the Year Garrett Chaussard, and IPGA Executive Director Carrie Williams.

Both Curtis Malm and IPGA Executive Director Carrie Williams confirmed a return to White Eagle Golf Club in 2022 for the Illinois Open. The other three major championship sites will likely be announced in early 2022, said Williams.

THE ILLINOIS PGA is also conducting a Q-School event this week at Bull Valley Golf Club for the Korn Ferry Tour, after being approach by the tour to fill an opening, after some previous sites dropped out.

THE WINNING RYDER CUP TEAM-TEAM USA- EUROPE AFTER LOSING THE CUP.  ______________________________________________________________________

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. With PGA of America President Jim Richerson at the Ryder Cup.

IT WAS JUST TIME…

BUT NOT JUST to win the Ryder Cup, but to do it in convincing manner.

As Sunday moved forward at Whistling Straits, it became apparent that Team USA didn’t want to “just win” they wanted to win big.

Because it was time to put up, 19 or 20 points on the board. Because it was time to keep Europe in a point total of single digits.

For almost 20 years, it’s not only been Team Europe winning most of the time. But Team USA getting pounded and leaving the question of what next, and how do we stop the European momentum. How does the USA not have to come from 4 points behind on Sunday to win. How does it keep from losing 4 point leads on Sunday, like it did at Medinah. Should the PGA of America have to form a task force to figure out how to get the Ryder Cup right ?

The feeling in the small Wisconsin community of Haven, was that it was time, right here right now to put the feeling of-oh wait next in Europe’s court. Make Europe finally deal with the issues that the USA has been dealing with for the last few decades.

With the 19-9 win handed out by Wisconsin native and Team USA Captain Steve Stricker’s 12 players, there is a sense that it was mission accomplished. Word was that even the injured Tiger Woods sitting in Florida was telling the Stricker-12 as much.

After his match was over, Patrick Cantlay made it clear he wanted a big Team USA score put up. Because the word was that someone, maybe Jordan Spieth was making sure the team knew what the records were in point totals. Bryson DeChambeau told me that while he respects Sergio Garcia, he really enjoyed beating him. Then making a statement by driving the first green, and sinking his eagle putt for a quick 1 Up lead.

When the dust settled, it was Team Europe having to look in the mirror. They must now face the challenge, of where do we go from here.

But what was apparent, was that the veterans on Team Europe all know what the next steps are going to have to be. Because when the main interview session was over, credit Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter for hanging out and doing media scrums on the clubhouse patio. They were also very candid with the their answers, and tipped their cap or golf visor in the direction of the Americans.

Rory McIlroy said the Americans now have players buying into what the Ryder Cup is all about, something that hasn’t always been there in recent years. Ian Poulter said that Team USA made it’s youth movement this year, and that Europe would now have to do the same before Italy. Lee Westwood said that he would be turning 49 soon, and left an image that spelled out, I’ve probably just played in my last one of these. But it’s not likely the American’s have seen the last of Poulter or Westwood. They will be captains and or vice-captains for years to come.

But finally it’s time for the European’s to be in the boat the American’s have been stuck in several times. The shoe is now on the other foot as both sides look forward to Italy in 2023.

THE CARDS fell the right way for PGA of America President Jim Richerson. Richerson worked at Kohler for over 10 years as it’s Director of Golf. So to come back to Wisconsin as the President of the PGA, Ryder Cup week was quite a homecoming. Richerson would have been vice president of the PGA, had the Ryder Cup been played in 2020.

After 4 years with Troon Golf in Arizona, Richerson take’s over as General Manager at Riviera Country Club in California. Richerson will help take the club through it’s PGA Tour event the Genesis Invitational. Then prepare the club for it’s likely hosting of the golf competition in the 2028 Olympic games.

CLICK HERE to hear our interview with PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

The week of golf continues with the Illinois PGA Players Championship at The Knollwood Club in Lake Forest. I’m back with a wrap-up of the Illinois PGA Sections final major. RS

THE 43RD RYDER CUP at Whistling Straits is in the books. TEAM U-S-A wins 19-9.         ____________________________________________________________________

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.

REPORTING FROM Haven Wisconsin.

19-9. Remember that score. Because you can bet the European’s will, when the Ryder Cup gets over to Italy in 2023.

Rory McIlroy already can’t wait to get there, and be a part of that team. But for now, enjoy USA fans, the three year wait has now been worth it. So give the USA some credit, and Captain Steve Stricker even more. Because Team USA went and took back the Ryder Cup, and there was practically no argument about it. 19-9, and it could have been even more lopsided than it was.

Steve Stricker made it sound like his strategy was simple. Stay out of the way and his highly rated team go out and play, and win. Much of the usual schedule during Ryder Cup week was discarded, and the players just had to get ready whatever that was and go play.

Rory McIlroy started things out on Sunday trying to set the tone for a possible Team Europe comeback, defeating Xander Schauffele 3 & 2. But it wasn’t enough. Because right behind McIlroy’s win, came wins for the USA by Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler over World #1 Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau over the winningest player in Ryder Cup history in Sergio Garcia. With the Spanish armada sunk, and the USA only half point away from taking back the cup early-the rout was on.

Dustin Johnson who became one of the few players in Ryder Cup history to play in all five matches, and go 5-0-0 had a chance to score the winning point. But it was Collin Morikawa who with a half in his match against Viktor Hovland, scored the cup clinching point. With Johnson and then Brooks Koepka winning right behind Morikawa.

Team Europe settles in for the post matches interview session.

In the later matches some of the Team Europe veterans made their case.

When Ian Poulter won his match over Tony Finau, he crouched down with his head in hands. There was immediate speculation that Poulter was treating the win like it was his last Ryder Cup match.

Lee Westwood won his match over Harris English, when English dunked his ball in the creek around the 18th green. But afterwards Westwood acted like his Ryder Cup playing career had ended. Westwood admitted that he will be 49 years of age soon, the and time is not on his side. Westwood had his son with him for what could be his final journey as a player, in a Ryder Cup match.

CLICK HERE to hear Team Europe’s post round final press conference.

Team USA at it’s post round Sunday press conference.

Team USA is a much younger team that it has been in years. Stricker had six captains picks, many more than most Team USA captains have had for years.

While there was some debate about all six of the players that were picked. in one way or another, those captains picks came through for Team USA. But Stricker says they were selected because they are good players, who were good guys and could get along.

CLICK HERE to hear Team USA’s post round Sunday press conference.

Daniel Berger was sent out last on Sunday, when the captains pick ended his match with a win. The 43rd Ryder Cup was in the books, and Team USA seemed to be back on track, after almost two decades of struggles.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

  IT’S RYDER CUP Weekend at Whistling Straits-Enjoy the fun. The USA is now leading.  ______________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Ed Stevenson bring you the season finale of Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT Am 820.

WE WRAP IT for 2021 at the Ryder Cup.

Rory Spears is back in studio, with Ed Stevenson, with Len Ziehm live at Whistling Straits.

Bill Berger has putted out for the year, and has the weekend off.

The show will talk Ryder Cup, the 2021 golf season, what’s on tap for 2022.

So join us for the season finale at 4 Pm on WCPT 820 Am. Or WCPT820.com listen live, or watch live on WCPT820.com Facebook page. But if you only have your phone, use the Tune-In Radio APP, search WCPT 820. IF you miss us all-together, because your watching the Ryder Cup or at the Ryder Cup. You get a mulligan at Soundcloud.com/Chicagosprogressivetalk. Then scroll down to the podcast.

YOU WILL also hear from Ryder Cup Captains Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker. White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville Director of Golf Curtis Malm.

We hope you enjoyed our season this year, and thanks for listening. Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears.

WCPT AM 820-on the air or the tee at 4 Pm today.

THE STANDS are ready for the fans. Let’s play some golf in Haven Wisconsin. #U-S-A   _____________________________________________________________________

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

(Reporting from Haven Wisconsin-at the Ryder Cup).

DAY 1 of the 43rd Ryder Cup Matches has started off well for Team USA.

TEAM USA X and TEAM EUROPE X is the score with 8 matches in the books.

The atmosphere was buzzing early. It was somewhere around 4 Am the stands behind the first tee box were full.

Because of travel restrictions, most of the fans where dressed in Red-White and Blue colors. The crowd support was very pro Team USA. Alternate shot was the morning format.

MATCH 1 Saw the Europeans jump out to a 1-0 lead when Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm defeated Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth 3&1. Spieth hit a cliffside shot on 17 that will be shown for years, but it wasn’t enough. Thomas had several looks inside of 10 feet and could not make a putt. Rahm made several clutch putts to seal the win.

MATCH 2 Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa defeated Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland 3&2. Both Johnson and Morikawa took turns stepping up, but the Americans were in control most of the way, and Casey and Hovland did not seem to mix well as a team.

MATCH 3 Brooks Koepka and his college teammate Daniel Berger beat Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick 2&1. Fitzpatrick played much better than he did at Hazeltine in 2016. But Koepka showed no ill effects of his injury from a weeks ago and led the USA team to a hard fought win. Westwood missed a few key putts on the back nine.

MATCH 4 Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele trounced Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter 5&3. This match was over almost before it started, with Cantlay and Schauffele winning the first 5 holes. McIlroy and poulter had a brief push-back on the back nine cutting the deficit to 3 Dn, but could not comeback when the lead went back to 4 Up for the Cantlay and Schauffele.

CLICK HERE to hear end of Day 1 interviews with Scottie Sheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and captains Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker.

THE AFTERNOON FOUR BALLS SESSION

Even with a successful 3-1 start in the morning. Team USA captain Steve Stricker broke up some of his better morning pairings, that left both fans and media surprised. But things broke Team USA’s way as the afternoon continued on.

MATCH 5 Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele defeated Bernd Wiesberger and Paul Casey 2&1. Johnson was solid again, and with a new partner after playing with Morikawa in the am. Casey was the one 40+ year old veteran who played both sessions on Friday, and it showed in the afternoon. Johnson and Schauffele were never really threatened in this match.

MATCH 6 Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau settled for a half point with Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton, when Hatton converted a birdie on the 18th hole to give the Euro’s a 1/2, when the U.S. side was ready to take the first matches in the afternoon. DeChambeau almost drove the sixth green, and made eagle on a par 5. But it was Scheffler who made most of the contributions. Hatton missed several key putts and almost busted his putter over his knee.

MATCH 7 Tony Finau and Harris English took down Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowery 4&3. Finau was solid making several key putts, while English held his own and closed out the match with a par on 15. McIlroy had an awful day never seeing neither of his two matches hit the 16th tee. This match finished before Match 6, and gave the USA a 5-1 lead at that point.

MATCH 8 saw European’s Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland hang on to get the European’s a 1/2. But after losing a 3 Up lead on the front side, the Euro’s were in the survival mode. Justin Thomas made eagle on 16 to tie up the match.

Making the Day 1 score 6-2 USA. The morning pairings are about the same as Friday, with a few changes. More details in the morning.

LEN ZIEHM checks out the new Tour Edge 522 series clubs. They are now in his bag, should they be in yours. Learn more TourEdge.com. The 522 series available in 1 week. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn. At the Ryder Cup in Haven Wisconsin.

(REPORTING FROM HAVEN WIS.)

The 43rd Ryder Cup Matches are here at the Whistling Straits golf links, part of Destination Kohler.

But it’s been a long wait, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the better news, is that it’s being played with fans. If it had been held last year. The fans would not have been allowed on the course. Which is no way to hold a Ryder Cup.

Let’s play some golf at Whistling Straits

The captains are Padraig Harrington for Team Europe, who played on several Ryder Cup teams over the years.

But it’s Wisconsin Home-Town native Steve Stricker for Team USA. Stricker grew up in Edgerton Wisconsin, which is near Madison. But because he got a better scholarship offer from Illinois, he went and played in Champaign. He is still close to the Illinois Golf Program, and coach, his teammate from his college days Mike Small.

The Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

While the USA holds an over lead in the Ryder Cup, it’s Europe that has come on strong in the last two decades. Winning 9 of the last 12 Ryder Cups.

This year Team USA is the favorite, especially playing on home soil. But the USA has been a favorite in several of the recent defeats.

But perhaps the most crushing defeat, was the come from behind win by the Europeans in 2012 at Medinah. The USA had a 4 point lead heading into Sunday’s singles, and not many thought Europe could rally from that deficit. But they did, leaving the USA fans stunned. It took four years when the USA finally won at Hazeltine in Minnesota in 2016. Things did not go well in France 3 years ago, and Europe crushed the USA. As a result the American’s have had a long wait to get revenge.

Harrington made sure veteran Ryder Cuppers Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood were part of this years team. Stricker made somewhat of a youth movement, adding players like Daniel Berger, Scottie Scheffler, Harris English with three of his six captains picks.

CLICK HERE to hear Ryder Cup preview comments from team Europe’s Tyrell Hatton and Jon Rahm. From Team USA Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau.

The matches have started-enjoy fun golf at it’s best.

THINGS TAKING SHAPE at Settlers Hill in Batavia, the renovation is coming along under the watchful eye of architect Greg Martin. Martin joins the show today at 4:10. MORE NEWS from Batavia-Tour Edge Golf has launched new product. TourEdge.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Ed Stevenson (R) along with Bill Berger and Len Ziehm bring you Golfers on Golf Radio Saturdays at 4 Pm on WCPT Am 820-Chicago.

WEEK 23 is here.

Golfers on Golf Radio is back for Week #23 of the season. But only this show and the season finally next week are still remaining.

But this week Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears bring you this weeks edition of GOG Radio.

Architect Greg Martin joins us first at 4:10, with managing partner of Oliphant and Haltom Golf-Craig Haltom joins us at 4:30. Haltom is the finder of Sand Valley, and some part of some other recent projects in the Wisconsin area.

JOIN US on the tee at 4 PM, for Golfers on Golf Radio WCPT 820 or listen on line at WCPT820.com or on your phone with the Tune-In Radio APP, just search WCPT820.com. But if you need a mulligan because your on the golf course. Check out Soundcloud.com and go to Chicagosprogressivetalk and scroll down to the podcast.

But you can watch the show on the WCPT 820 Facebook page, and see us live or on replay on Facebook.

Thanks for listening Ed, Billy, Len and Rory. Golfers on Golf Radio 4 PM WCPT Am 820 in Chicago.