NCAA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S Championships May19-31, get your tickets now at NCAA.com/tickets. MCQ’s Dome Rt.53 in Bolingbrook, cooler temps today and tomorrow, take your game back inside at McQ’s, call (630)-739-1592 . Schaumburg Golf Club has new simulators, play Top 100 courses and enjoy great food anddrink from Chandlers Chophouse upstairs. 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg (847)-885-9000.   ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content.. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkeidn and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. And to the French Lick Resort. Happy 100th to the Donald Ross Course.

The Illinois Junior Golf Assocation has announced that, John Barney one of the builders of the IJGA has passed away at age 90.

Mr. Barney and his wife Jean were cornerstones in bringing the IJGA from a fledgling operation, to being a top level junior golf organization.

Mr. Barney passed away in Lake Zurich, late last week, surrounded by his family.

John Barney worked with the IGA for 23 years, and later became it’s President and Ex-Director.

John Barney IJGA

John Barney and his wife Jean, were inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in 1997.

His obituary will be posted in the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday (Tomorrow).

There is more information at the Illinois Junior Golf website IJGA.com.

There is no information yet on where donations can be sent, but it is expected that the IJGA would be on any list of places recommended by the Barney family.

 THE NCAA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS AT RICH HARVEST FARMS IN Sugar Grove IL., From May 19-24 watch the women and from May 26-31 see the men battle for the ncaa trophy and right to say National Champion. Tickets on sale at NCAA.com/tickets. The championship is hosted by Northern Illinois University.     ______________________________________________________________________

I’m looking forward to days like this, where I’m tending the flag at Mt. Prospect Golf Club. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the golf courses, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

THE SNOW IS almost gone, even from my neighborhood where last week about 10 inches of snow fell.

The good news is that some 905 of it is gone, and I expect the last 10% out of here in a few days.

More good news is the bad snowy weather of last week, allowed our firends who have great indoor golf options to do a little more business before the golfers take it outside for the spring and summer.

That being said, I would like to thank our winter sponsors who stepped up big in the cold and snowy months and supported our recent work. To Dan Phillips at Mistwood/MCQ’s Dome in Bollingbrook, a couple of my favorite places to hit golf balls year round. MCQ’s is also a great place to “pound the ponies” in the OTB, and watch Blackhawks Games, since MCQ’s is an official Blackhawks Bar. McQ’s new menu and the MCQ’s burger is really good. McQ’s Dome is located at 730 N. Bolingbrook Drive in Bolingbrook (RT.53) visit Mcqsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592.

Thanks to McQ’s Dome for a great winter season.

McQ’s Dome will be with us this week, and then we will soon be welcoming back Mistwood Golf  Club located on Renwick Road in Romeoville. Home of McWethy’s Tavern and the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open in July.

Tonight at McQ’s you can watch the Chicago Blackhawks who are playing good hockey right now, taken on the struggling Colorado Avalanche.

Schaumburg Gm Jonathon Parsons programs the new simulators.

The new simulators at Schaumburg Golf Club, give the club year round golf atmosphere.

Special thanks to Jon Parsons at the Schaumburg Golf for the clubs winter support of this website. It will be a busy year at Schaumburg GC, located at 401 N. Roselle Road, starting June 5th, a 3 year renovation begins of all three nines and the practice area. On the food and beverage side, Chandlers Chop House at the club is a great place to drink and dine. For more infomration visit Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

I’ll have more on the Schaumburg GC renovation in the months ahead, golfers should love the improvements they will see.

Great golf and fun awaits you in Mississippi

It was with great sadness to learn of the passing of Janet Leach, who worked with the State of Mississippi and was in charge of bringing in golf media and people who could help pass the word that Mississippi is a great place for golf and more. Many of the golf writers across America got to know Janet over the years and all of us are better people for it. All of us had our eyes opened to golf on the gulf…Mississippi.

I met Janet and golfed with her twice back in 2015 during a golf media trip there to the Gulf (or Golf) Coast of Mississippi. What a wonderful person, she was never given enough time to enjoy her retirement, but one thing is for sure. There will be plenty of golfers who will enjoy golf in Mississippi because of Janet. RIP Janet Leach.

Mississippi has over 62 miles of coastline on the Gulf that runs between New Orleans and Mobile Alabama. Mississippi’s Golf Coast has over two dozen courses designed by many of the top names in golf course design.

The Par 3, 16th hole at the Preserve by Jerry Pate.

The Preserve by Jerry Pate is a must play down along the coastline.

Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio and Mark McCumber, Tom Bendelow. Welcome to the “Golf Coast.”

If you enjoy action on and off the golf course, Mississippi is the third-largest gaming destination in North America. The area has a dozen casino’s. But the gulf or golf coast has plenty do to if your traveling with non-golfers or junior golfers who can quite get in the casino.

If your headed south for spring break, visit the newly launched website GolfCoast.com and look to play some of the great Mississippi gulf coast courses like Grand Bear by Nicklaus, Shell Landing by Love III, Great Southern Golf Club, built on land once owned by Confederate States President Jefferson Davis. The Oaks Golf Club, Diamondhead Country Club and Windance Country Club.

The Gog Blog wishes you happy spring travels as we get ready for the regular golf season opening of our local clubs and courses.

The Gog Blog returns on Tuesday. RS

  MCQ’S DOME your home for indoor golf, OTB Horse Racing, great BBQ and an official Blackhawks Bar, see the Hawks and the Avalanche tonight at 6 PM, McQ’s on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook call (630)-739-1592 for more information. The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road only minutes from Woodfield Mall, is open year round for golf. The club has added new simulators with Top 100 courses ready for you to play. While you are there why not enjoy Chandlers Chop House, Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT RICH HARVEST FARMS, May 19-31, tickets on Sale NOW. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The snow is melting and the courses are starting to reopen, in fact this past weekend some courses were open with carts.

Great job by Chad Johansen and crew at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol, that had carts out yesterday afternoon.

By later this week, most of the remaining piles of the snow should be gone, and there should be more course openings to report, stay clicked in right here for details.

For those of you who have been asking, Golfers on Golf Radio will return this year on April 15th, to start a 23 week run through September 16th and BMW Championship week at Conway Farms, yes the show is moving to Saturday mornings at 9 AM. There will be more news announced shortly, about our new station.

The entrance to Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island. Palmettodunes.com home of three great golf courses.

Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, is running some spring “stay and play” packages.

Golfers have 54 great holes of golf to play on the Jones, the Hills and the Fazio courses. The Fazio course has now reopened from the damage of the hurricane last fall. It’s bunkers have been repaired and are in their best condition in some time.

The stay and play package consists of 4 days and 3 nights in a 2-bedroom villa at the resort. Two or three rounds of golf on the resorts three championship golf courses (includes greens and cart fees). Two hours per day of court time at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis center. Complimentary range balls, pro shop merchandise and dinning discounts at Big Jim’s and the Dunes House. Preferred rates and priority access to all the resort activities and amenities.

The Par 5, Tenth hole on the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes.

The “Birdies and Beer Package”, where you get three rounds of golf on the courses of your choice. In addition to the choices listed above, the package includes Breakfast and Beers.

The “Group Golf Stay and Play Package”, this package is for groups of 12 or more players, play three rounds of golf and have the option of a fourth round for free, special discounts in all pro shops.

If your game needs some help, you can put in the work while enjoying the “Golf Academy Package”. You receive two full days of instruction from the Palmetto Dunes Resorts PGA Golf Professional staff, you can view your results on video. You do receive lunch after lessons unlimited use of the range and much more.

Palmetto Dunes has very comfortable villa’s nestled in between the golf courses and near the ocean.

If you wish to save money on your tee times, you can save 30% on select tee times if you book on-line and at least 45 days out.

If your book your tee times at least 15 days out, you can still receive 15 % off, if your book at least 7 days out, and you receive a 5% discount. Tee time restrictions could apply. So when your ready to book your spring destination call Palmetto Dunes at (877)-567-6513 online at www.palmettodunes.com.

NEED MORE on the golf course, well Palmetto Dunes can do just that. New styled golf carts designed by Club Car. The carts built for four players, are perfect for players that want to walk a little more, but still ride when needed. In addition, the carts are complete with USB ports to cahrge cell phones and play music devices. palmetto Dunes is the first resort in South Carolina and the Southeast to offer such golf carts. options like this have ranked the resort among the Top 20 Best Resorts in the South.

FROM THE GCSAA the golf course superintendents association of america, has announced that Patrick Drinkard becomes the first in the USA to complete the professional certificate program of the association. Now Drinkard is in his first year of equipment manager at The Clubs at Cordillera Ranch near San Antonio. For more on the program or the GCSAA visit www.gcsaa.org or on social media at Facebook and Twitter.

TOURNEY TIME IN CHICAGO…tickets are on sale for the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Championships to be played at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. The Women’s Championship is May 19-24, and the Men compete from May 26-31. Host by Northern Illinois University the national championships are two weeks of great golf, and some of the players will on to various professional tours in the years ahead. For tickets go online to NCAA.com/tickets.

TIM MERCER of LaGrange park won the long drive contest at the Chicago Golf Show, with a drive of 337 yards to earn a pro-am spot in the KPMG/LPGA/PGA Championship on June 27th. Tim will join a group complete with one of the top LPGA players competing in the event, congrats Tim.

CHICAGO/NORTHBROOK based KemperSports management group has announced it is now managing it’s 21st course in the state of California, with addition of the Yucaipa Valley Golf Club, the club is located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, the course is a 6,800 yard, Par 72 course.

KSM recently handed out it’s annual awards during a dinner at the Glen Club. Among the winners were Ryan Szydlowski, from the Desert Willow Golf Resort, who was honored with the famed Emil Esposito Golf Professional of the Year Award. The Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, was named Retailer of the Year.

IN MINNESOTA KemperSports has announced it’s been selected to manage the Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota. The club is a short drive from the Twin Cities, and is nicknamed “The Jewel”. It is the second course that KSM will manage in Minnesota.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT, returns tomorrow. RS

 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS, TICKETS ON SALE NOW visit NCAA.com/Tickets. MCQ’s Dome, Indoor Golf, Horse Racing OTB, and Official Bar for your Chicago Blackhawks, 6PM tonight vs original 6 match up Toronto. Mcqsbar.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy and to the new Schaumburg Golf Club Simulators, book a tee time today. (847)-885-9000

They are here. As of yesterday the new Scotty Cameron Futura Putters are in the stores and pro shops.

The new line of Futura’s consists of seven models, that allow golfers of all skill levels a forgiving putter setup.

Titleist and Scott Cameron are saying this about the new additions to the line.

The line of rounded mid-mallets to high-tech, high-MOI larger mallets, the 2017 Futura family melds the best design characteristics of the previous generations of GOLO and Futura X lines with Scotty Cameron’s continued innovation in multi-material putter constructions.

Scotty Cameron Futura 6M putter

The new line of Futura putters is as such. Futura 5CB, 5MB, 5W, 5S, 6M, 6M Dual balance, and Futura 7M.

The Multi-Material technology now features wrap around, face sole constructions milled from lightweight 6061 aircraft grade aluminium, which is intergrated with precision milled 303 stainless steel.

The weight is moved back to the perimeter, which allows for larger putter heads with an enhanced MOI performance (resistance to twisting during the backstroke). The new heel-to-toe sole weighting technology to increase stability and forgiveness.

The new Scotty Cameron Futura F7

Scotty has added a built in vibration dampening system that connects the mid-milled face-sole component to the stainless steel frame of each model, producing a responsive feel and feedback, that Scotty calls “soft, but solid.”

Scotty has added some topline sigh lines for a dual-purpose alignment on the 5W, 5S, 6M, 7M models.

“This new Futura line blends my ideas about high-performance putter designs with my longstanding ideals that high-tech should always be high quality. What we’ve pioneered with our multi-material technology allows me to design properly-weighted larger putter heads for more stable setups to give mallet players more confidence over putts.”

Scotty then added this thought about the new line.

“Fans of my brand may remember the original Futura putter released over a dozen years ago, which was viewed as an experimental design that went on to be trusted to several titles. It’s the focus on making putters for the best players in the game that drives meto continue to innovate, experiment and push the boundaries of what we offer to all dedicated golfers. Similar to the world of motorsport, what we prove on Sundays on the worldwide professional golf tours goes into every putter we bring to the market. The futura name validates the decades of design performance my team and I bring to the high-tech putter market and celebrates that early innovation standing the test of time.”

The Futura line is identified by shape and size and using a 5-6-7 numbering system, with larger numbers meaning larger model sizes.

Titleist staff player Adam Scott has worked with Scotty on a custom design, that design inspiration is found in the Futura 6M. Left handed models are found in Futura 5CB and Futura 6M models.

Prices..new Futura putters MAP $379.00 and MSRP $410.00. The New Futura 6M Dual Balance Putter is MAP $399.00 and MSRP is $425.00.

For more information see www.scottycameron.com

THE NCAA Men’s and Women’s National Championships May 19-31 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove get tickets at NCAA.com/tickets

                                                                                                                      UNTIL THE SNOW IS GONE take your game inside to the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, new state of the art simulators give you the perfect place to have your game ready for outdoor golf season. While you are there enjoy great food and beverages from Chandlers Chop House located right upstairs, Book a tee time at (847)-885-9000 to play a Top 100 course or Schaumburggolf.com. MCQ’S Golf Merchandise Sale is on today and the Official Blackhawks Bar will be rocking tonight for an original six-matchup at 6 PM vs Toronto. Kentucky Derby tune up races continue in MCQ’s OTB, MCQ’s Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, call (630)-739-1592. ______________________________________________________________________

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

Good Morning it’s a beautiful day in Pinehurst.

Well it usually is a beautiful day in Pinehurst and now there is another great chance for you to be a part of it.

In recent months Pinehurst National the home of Pinehurst #9, became the newest member of the Pinehurst Country Club and Resort. Pinehurst #9 is the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in the Sandhills region of North Carolina.

The Par 3, second hole on Pinehurst #9

In those recent months people are learning that Pinehurst #9 is more than just a great place to play golf, it’s a great place to live, either full or part time.

Ballybunion Park is situated between holes 14 and 18 on Pinehurst #9. If your loking to downsize, Ballybunion and it’s cottage life style could be right for you. There is no exterior landscape maintenance.

What you will find at No.9 these options.

Lot’s priced from the $80’s. 3 Models under Construction in Spring of 2017. 8 Floorplans to choose from, CASITA Guest House Option.

BEST PART YET…a lot price includes a full golf membership to Pinehurst Country Club-including courses 1-9, with no transfer fee and year dues waived.

For those wanting to learn more about Ballybunion Park and Pinehurst No.9 you can sign up for the “Great Pinehurst Discovery Golf Getaway.” This special, four-day and three night getaway for two is available for a limited time only. You get a choice of accomendations, and a round of golf at Pinehurst National #9 and a second round at another Pinehurst course of your choice. Pinehurst is available for an upgrade-all for just $450.00.

The offer is based on Availability, and subject to certain blackout periods. One does not have to participate in a presentation, but if your choose to become an owner you do get reimbursed the $450.00 fee. The offer is not valid for groups.

You can arrange your visit by contacting Mike Phillips at (910)-295-0012 or via email at mike@pinehurstnationalrealty.com or visit BallybunionPark.com

 THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 N. Roselle Road, is a year round golf facility with new addition of top of line indoor simulators. While working on your game, playing a round as a single or with friends on a Top 100 golf, you can enjoy the best in food and beverage from Chandlers Chop House right upstairs. So while the snow melts, go call (847)-885-9000 and make your tee time, or see Schuamburggolf.com #GOLFSCG.         ______________________________________________________________________

 IN FRONT OF THE BANNER AT ILLINOIS PATRIOT DAY, WITH FOUNDATION CREATOR MARK SLABY (R) ON MEDINAH 1-SEE ILLINOISPATRIOT.ORG

Illinoispatriot.org, Tuesday May 30th Medinah Country Club

One of Chicago’s premier golf outings returns for another season on May 30th at Medinah Country Club.

The Illinois Patriot Day that helps our military veterans and their families, is back again with another chance for you to enjoy all the comforts and spoils of Medinah Country Club, while helping out Illinois based veterans and their families.

Sponsors include WGN Radio 720, 5/3rd Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Law Vision

This outstanding day, starts with registration at 8 AM, Brunch and Presentation at 11 AM, a shotgun start on Course 1 at Noon, and the Awards dinner at 5 PM.

Illinois Patriot Day at Medinah has a history of selling out quickly, so don’t be left our for golf or dinner or both.

WGN’s Steve Cochran is your MC, and you can sing the national anthem right alongside of Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison. You will get a chance to golf with friends and military veterans.

So before Illinois Patriot Day at Medinah on May 30th sells out, pick up the phone and make your reservation today. Visit www.illinoispatriot.org If you can attended but wish to be a sponsor contact ksharick@illinoispatriot.org.

Medinah patriot day is a fun day, with cocktails and camaraderie. A BBQ cockout and more. Don’t miss one of Chicago’s top golf charity outings. Tuesday May 30th.

  GOLF AND ST. PATRICKS DAY at MCQ’s Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, the snow remains so take it indoors at McQ’s Dome. Brings the clubs and green gear as St. Paddy’s day arrives, watch the NCAA basketball tournament, have some green beer, while the GOLF SALE is on in the dome TODAY and Tomorrow. Blackhawks hockey tomorrow night with original six match up Toronto. Try the new drink and hot dog bar behind the tee line. See Mcqsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592. #Visitmcqsdome #golf   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy and to MCQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook

There will be a lot of great tournament golf this year in the Chicago area, and the Midwest.

The Illinois PGA Section conducts 4 major golf championships. Three of them for it’s Illinois PGA members, and the fourth is the Illinois Open which is for professionals and amateurs who can qualify.

The first major of the year is the Illinois PGA match play championship, which is held at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer.

The par 5, 15th hole at Kemper Lakes, home of the Illinois PGA Section Match Play Championship

This years dates are from May 8-11, the course is as challenging as ever, as it tunes up for the KPMG/LPGA PGA Championship in June of 2018.

In recent years Kemper Lakes has undergone a bunker renovation program, a tee improvement and new tee location program, and some other course and practice game area improvements.

Kemper Lake makes an excellent home for the first IPGA major of the year. Kyle Bauer of the Glenview Club is the defending champion of the match play championship.

Carlos Sainz Jr. is the defending champion in the Illinois Open.

The Illinois Open is moving back on the calendar and August 7-9 are the new dates. The new course is an old course in the open rotation, and that is the Glen Club in Glenview.

Two years ago the Illinois PGA expanded the open field and now requires two courses.

The second course has not yet been announced, but is expected to be shortly. Carlos Sainz Jr. is the defending champion.

Two weeks after the Illinois Open is the Illinois PGA Section Championship, that will be played at Medinah Country Club from August 21-23. Mike Small the golf coach at the University of Illinois is the defending champion.

Mike Small after winning the 2016 Illinois PGA Section Championship at Olympia Fields.

The final major championship of the year will be the IPGA Players Championship, that will be contested October 2-3 at the Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena.

Casey Pyne of Crestwicke Country Club is the defending champion.

The Illinois PGA does operate other section golf events that are contested all season long. For a full schedule of all the tournaments and how to come out and support your golf professional or amateur golfer playing in the Illinois Open, please visit IPGA.com for all details. The Illinois Office is located at the Glen Club in Glenview Illinois. The section is starting it’s second centruy, after celebrating it’s 110th season last year.

 COMING MAY 19-24 The Women’s National Championships, followed by the Men’s National Championships May 26-31 both championships played at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, and hosted by Northern Illinois University. Go to NCAA.com/tickets and get your tickets today. Tickets are well priced and you get close to the action, parking of course is free. Come see the professionals of tomorrow before they play on major tours. ______________________________________________________________________

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

It’s come a long way since I made my second visit to Sand Valley in the picture to the left.

In fact the previous November, Gary Damato of the Milwaukee Journal Sentennial and I were the first golf writers to visit Sand Valley.

There were no tree’s cleared on that first visit, and it took a good sized four wheel drive pick up truck to drive the property. No car could have made it around back then.

It wasn’t much better on the second visit, but there was a place to park the cars a little closer. Some 600 acres had been cleared at that point, and Bill Coore was making regular visits to stake out the first 18 holes.

 The Par 3, 5th hole (L) and the Par 4, 9th hole (R), at Sand Valley designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

While there was some preview play last summer, the official Grand Opening for Sand Valley will be on May 2nd. There is a contest being held so that some lucky golfer will get the chance to tee it up on opening day, with the special guests that are invited.

The information to enter the contest is found at woobox.com/umfefp so take a shot at having to hit shots at Sand Valley in Wisconsin on opening day.

While you are there, you can look at the work being done on the second course by David Kidd. Whether you play or not on May 2nd, put Sand Valley on your bucket list for the summer of 2017, you will be glad you did.

    SNOW OR NO SNOW IT’S GOLF SEASON at the Schaumburg Golf Club located at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, the new simulators are open for play. Call and get a tee time at (847)-885-9000. If your dome ready, head out to McQ’s Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, golf, horse racing and great food. Call (630)-739-1592 or mcqsdome.com.

 CHANDLERS CHOP HOUSE at Schaumburg Golf Club is ready to serve you the food and beverage of choice. You can enjoy Chandlers while getting your game in shape down on the lower level in the new simulators. Schaumburg Golf Club is located at 401 N. Roselle Road near Woodfield Mall, see Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF CONTENT, Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy and to the Schaumburg Golf Club.

Where did our early spring go, and now we are back in the snow. For parts of the last few weeks, courses have been open for outdoor play, now something we can not say.

It’s likely that the snow won’t last all that long, hopefully it will soon be gone.

In the meantime, work on your game inside, the domes are open and are a great place to practice. If your not up for a dome and would like to post a score, check out the facilities with simulators. Schaumburg Golf Club is one of those places with new state of the art simulators. You can just swing away, or play a Top 100 course with friends, take a lesson from GM/Pro Jon Parsons or the SGC Teaching staff. Schaumburg has Chandlers Chop House on the main floor ready to serve you, so go eat, golf, or watch the NCAA tournament and more. Schaumburg Golf Club renovation work starts on June 5th, see Schaumburggolf.com for details.

TROPHY on the Farm, the NCAA Championship’s come to Rich Harvest Farms from May 19 to 31, get your tickets today at NCAA.Com/tickets.

The NCAA National Championship’s come to Rich Harvest Farms from May 19-31, tickets and corporate hospitality are on sale now.

Why not come and spend at least one day enjoying the grounds at Rich Harvest Farms. Where you can enjoy all the golf action right up close. Why spend 5-times the amount on ticket fee’s, parking fees, and to watch the action from the balconies, where the players look like ants.

At the NCAA Championships, you can watch all the action standing up close to the players. This is your chance to see the top professionals of tomorrow, up close and personal today.

The local teams of Illinois and Northwestern are working hard to make the field, lets hope they do. My look at the paths of both Illinois golf teams as they try to ride the bus or take the road to Rich Harvest Farms.

BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm is keeping busy at Lenziehmongolf.com with several posts about what is happening in Florida. Check out his storys on the Florida PGA Tour, that stops this week at Arnold Palmers Bay Hill Classic. The new statue of the King was unveiled on Saturday during the volunteer breakfast.

I AM disapointed about the amount of major players that are skipping Bay Hill, in fact many of them are skipping the Florida swing. Which might be understandable considering the schedule, but many of them went to Mexico, and you have wonder why they didn’t skip that tournament, which would have been the easy one to skip, WGC event of not. The King, the late Arnold Palmer deserves a great turn out this week at the tournament he created, after doing all he did for golf and the players of the day, the games best should be there to honor Palmer.

WHAT A GREAT TOURNAMENT at the Innisbrook Golf Resort this past week, where Winfields Kevin Streelman moved into the top 10, but ended up in 18th place. Past champion and NU Wildcat Luke Donlad missed the cut. Illini alum Steve Stricker missed the cut as well. Stricker heads to the Champions Tour this week in Tucson, flanked by Illinois golf coach Mike Small. Special thanks to Innisbrook sales guy and former Kemper Sports VP Doug Schmidt for keeping us plugged into the week that was. To make your trip to one of America’s great golf resorts visit Innisbrookgolf.com.

FROM MY ILLINI trip of the past week. I was gathering information for an upcoming story for Chicagoland Golf and the NCAA Championships, but other news I did learn includes:

Small off to play on the Champions Tour this week. Mike Small will also miss the PNC this year, and a chance to play in the PGA Championship, due to his commitment to play in Steve Strickers American Family Insurance event in Wisconsin.

Dylan Meyer will defend his Western Amateur title at the Skokie Country Club in late July and early August. Stephanie Miller will defend her Illinois Women’s Open title at Mistwood in late July. (While the snow is landing outside-head to McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, part of Mistwood Golf, for golf, betting horses, and enjoying BBQ and great food all during the NCAA basketball championships, and during the Blackhawks run to  and through another Stanley Cup Championship).

Nick Hardy along with Meyer will try to qualify to play in the U.S. Open at Erin Hills. Hardy has written John Deere Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson a letter, hoping to be awarded a sponsors exemption for this years JDC tournament that will again be played in July.

The Gog Blog returns all week long, stay clicked in. RS

 MCQ’S DOME on RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is your home for todays Blackhawks game with Minnesota at 11:30 Am. But why not start the day with some golf, or wrapping it up by playing the horses in the OTB. Grab a lesson with the Mistwood Golf Professionals or get fitted for some new golf clubs, see Mcqsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592 #Mcqs _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to MCQ’s Dome and the US Open at Erin Hills, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The USGA has announced that there will be 10 U.S. Open Sectional Qualfiers played on June 5th. There will be 2 International Qualfiers played on May 22 in Japan and May 29 in England.

Sectional qualfiers are conducted over 36 holes, to be played over one day. Illinois was shut out again by the USGA, and was not selected to host a sectional qualifier.

“We appreciate the support and commitment provided by the state and regional associations and international community during a two-tiered qualifying process that dates to 1959,” said Stuart Francis, USGA Championship committee chariman. “The U.S. Open has broad appeal, as evidenced by the more than 9,800 entires wehave received in each of the last four years and the fact that any amateur golfer can enter, provided they meet the Handicap Index requirement. The opportunity to take sectional qualifying to all parts of the United States and international sites helps to ensure that we have the strongest field possible.”

   THE US OPEN TROPHY STANDS ON THE 15TH TEE BOX AT ERIN HILLS, the logo of the USGA, visit the USGA at their home in Far Hills NJ. or online at USGA.org.

The U.S. Open logo for Erin Hills.

The site selected for the qualifiers are.

The Ono Golf Club, Ono City, Japan.                             Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey England.

In the USA.

Big Canyon CC and Newport Beach CC, Newport Beach California.

Jupiter Hills (Hill Course) Tequesta, FL.

Hawks Ridge Golf Club, Ball Ground Ga., Woodmont CC (North Course), Rockville Md. Canoe Brook CC, (North and South Courses) Summit NJ.                                                 Brookside Golf and CC, Lakes Golf & Country Club, Columbus Ohio.                               Springfield CC, Springfield Ohio.                                                                                         Germantown Country Club & Ridgeway Country Club, Memphis Tenn.                             Lakewood Country Club, Dallas TX.                                                                                   Tacoma Country and Golf Club, Lakewood Washington.

Online registration begins on Wednesday March 8th and runs through Wednesday April 26th at 5 PM. EDT. at https://champs.usga.org/index.html.

The record amount of entires for a US Open Championship is 10,127 for the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst.