The Perfect putting Aid by Chad Johansen, see PerfectPuttingAid.com. The Clubhouse at Arcadia Bluffs, where architect Dana Fry is building a second course to open in 2018.

   Tickets for the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin on sale at USGA.org/tickets. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington PA.  A new Pete Dye Course July 1, 2017. Former Illinois PGA Professional Mike Jones is the new Director of Golf at Nemacolin.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the 18th hole at the new DuPage County Forest Preserve District Course.

The new phase of the golf course formerly known as Oak Meadows is about to begin.

Oak Meadows is gone, the signs are down with the name. Director of Golf Operations Ed Stevenson hopes the confusion will be too.

Confusion ? Well when you have two courses both with the name of Meadows in it, and one course is on Addison Road in Wood Dale, and the other on Wood Dale Road in Addison you kind of get the idea.

New ERA, new name. As you might guess many folks are submitting their idea for what the new name should be. But the DCFPD board will go forward and find a name that works within the bylaws of the district. I even entered my two-cents worth and tossed this out for discussion.

The Links at Preservation Point, that runs alongside of Corridor Creek. You see the newly redone Salt Creek looks like a beautiful corridor through nature, and who needs “anything salt” running through a newly designed Greg Martin golf course. Save the salt for your fries and wings on the deck of the new clubhouse that should open in 2019.

The tree removal plan has opened up a nice corridor of nature along the restored creek area.

As for the name Preservation Point. What the DCFPD has done is to preserve a piece of property that was at a point where something really had to be done to stop the reoccurring flooding issues that plagued the golf course and the surrounding area.

The preserve is located at a point between multiple communities, and the DCFPD had reached a point where they grew tired of spending public money to constantly clean up the mess left behind by all the floods.

I’m not sure what the name will be when the naming decision is finally made, but I’m sure it will be something that both the general public and golfers will like, or at least most of them anyway. Doesn’t seem like you can please 100% of everyone on anything these days.

I spoke with architect Greg Martin this weekend who joked his work is done after 6 years. But it really isn’t, as he will be checking on things as play begins, and then it will be determined if any tweek’s to the course are necessary.

It’s all about the grow-in process now, golfers should keep their fingers crossed for as many warms days as possible between now and the end of the year. That will speed up when the course opens in 2017. Stevenson is hopeful for Memorial Day weekend, but it could be a few weeks later if Mother Nature delivers a harsh winter.

I think along with Cog 4, Mistwood, Highlands of Elgin, Pine Meadow, Cantigny, Mt. Prospect, Arrowhead and a few others that have made recent improvements, that this new course will be among the best public courses in the Chicago area.

In the meantime keep it here for more on the new DuPage County golf course, formerly known as Oak Meadows as it develops.

A NEW COURSE in the city by South Shore. I won’t say it won’t happen, but it’s hard to believe that this will just roll forward without issues. The Chi-Tribune keeps pumping this, but there are many obstacles to overcome. Hey if George Lucas and Star Wars can be run out of the city, so can a golf course.

It doesn’t matter if Obama, Tiger Woods and other people you have heard of get involved. There will be many political obstacles, and all the usual suspects will have their hands out, and be wondering what’s in it for me. The Mayor has NOT signed off on this yet and he might never sign off on it. Of course unless there is something in it……

Where would the money come from to pay someone like Woods who would have his hand out for big check, we will hear rumors that he will do it for free..don’t bet on it. The early feedback on courses with his name on it, are at this point nothing special. But that doesn’t mean that can’t change.

LAST WEEK, I went North to Wisconsin to see Wild Rock by Dana Fry and Dr. Michael Hurdzan, stay clicked on for my story on that. Titleist has launched a new Driver called the 917, I hear great things, more to come on that soon.

TWO of the FOUR PARTS of Wilson’s Driver vs Driver have been shown on the golf channel, it’s a good watch if you haven’t seen it. I can’t wait to see what the winning driver will look like, and how Wilson Staff player Kevin Streelman will use it on the PGA Tour next year. This winning driver goes on sale to you starting on Black Friday next month, in time for the holidays.

Fall golf season is winding down, so Go Play and of course Go Cubs. It could be quite a week. RS

OAK MEADOWS IS GONE, A new name is coming when the course reopens in summer of 2017, see our story from this past week. THE US OPEN will make a rare Midwest appearance at Erin Hills Golf Club in June of 2017, for tickets to attend the US Open please visit usga.org/tickets. Erin Hills reopens for public play after the US Open.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the 6th hole at Wild Rock Golf Club designed by Hurdzan and Fry.

There is more good news from the golf industry, that continues to grow in the right direction.

The news comes out of Michigan, where the owners of Arcadia Bluffs have decided to build a second golf course.

Work has started already as the property is being cleared of trees that need to be removed.

The main work will start next spring when crews and architect Dan Fry start putting the Master Plan in place.

The hope is for the course to be open in late summer of 2018, when it does open the Arcadia area should have two courses that will attract golfers from everywhere.

The clubhouse at Arcadia Bluffs in Arcadia Michigan.

The new clubhouse will not be much different than the current one at Arcadia Bluffs, and it will be one of the first things you see when you arrive on the new property.

Which by the way is almost 1 mile south of the current golf course and it will be on the other side of the street you take to pull into Arcadia.

As a result the new course will be called the South Course at Arcadia Bluffs. the style will be different that Arcadia and there will be almost no trees and no holes on the water. Yes a different look that’s for sure. The new location is for the most an apple orchard, but soil is sandy and has enough elevation change for some exciting golf holes.

Architect Dana Fry (right) along with Golf Digest writer Ron Whitten (L) and Dr. Michael Hurdzan with US Open trophy (M).

Fry is excited about having just over 300 acres to work with, and will have parts of this new design, look like an old design.

While squared off tee boxes are not something new in recent designs, and or renovations, squared off greens are.

Steve Smyers did a few of them on his recent renovation of Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook, but Fry sounds like that concept will showcase itself much more in new design.

Click here to hear the Interview with Dana Fry about the new course at Arcadia Bluff in Michigan.

During the interview Fry also talks about Erin Hills and the growing of golf in Wisconsin. Stay clicked in for more news as it happens with the building of the new course at Arcadia Bluffs.

 THE PREFECT PUTTING AID used by over 100 PGA Tour professionals, including the reigning Open Champion, visit Perfectputtingaid.com or see Chadjohansen.com. The U.S. Open makes a rare Midwest appearance in 2017, get tickets at USGA.org/tickets.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy on the 18th hole at a new course in Addison.

If your wondering about what to look forward to in 2017 on the local golf scene, well look no further than what’s happening in Addison, with the renovation of the course formerly known as Oak Meadows.

That’s right Oak Meadows is done, and when the property reopens there will be a new name, that name has still not been selected by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.

Earlier this week BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm and I toured the renovation project with the Director of Golf Operations Ed Stevenson. Stevenson has spent countless hours since the fire in 2009 burned down the clubs clubhouse, and got him and the county thinking about how to totally restore the property.

The name is down, Oak Meadows is no more. The new name has not been selected yet.

On July 7th of last year the bulldozers started turning over the sod, and work was started on the area of Salt Creek, that has flooded the golf course and the surrounding properties on many occasions.

The 288 acre parcel of land will have a new direction come 2017, and I don’t just mean the golf holes and the way the water is flowing in Salt Creek.

The golf course will be new, an the walking or biking track around the property will be as well. The clubhouse will not be ready when the course opens somewhere between Memorial Day and the 4th of July, the exact date won’t be announced until it’s determined in the spring how harsh Mother Nature was to the newly planted grass over the cold winter months.

Welcome to the first hole, kinda looks like the former first hole, with a little more elbow room off the tee.

But according to Stevenson progress is being made on the clubhouse, DuPage did put out a request for applicants or in this case architects or their firms to apply for the job.

While the golf course had over 20 architects apply for that job, the clubhouse project had 19 applicants apply. That field has been narrowed down to a short list, and county is now moving forward in discussions with those finalists.

The hope is that the clubhouse will be open for use by 2019. The project much to the surprise of some, is that this restoration project is not all about golf. But it will show how golf can serve the needs of the community. Architect Greg Martin who is heading up the golf part of the project has said from Day 1, this is a project with a lot of moving parts. Martin was sure correct about that. When it’s all said and done, the project will run close to 16 million dollars. But only just over a third of that figure is for golf. The clubhouse will be rebuilt on the site of the old clubhouse, it will have a deck where golfers will be able to view the course or watch other golfers still out playing.

The Par 5, 5th hole at the new course, formerly known as Oak Meadows.

While a few of the holes will look like the old holes, there will be some new holes. Stevenson says in some ways, there are 18 new holes and he is correct.

But several of those holes will give the golfer the feeling of playing the old Oak Meadows or Elmhurst Country Club if you go back that far.

If you are looking forward to playing some of the holes that had a bunch of trees you will find them. If you are looking for a little more elbow room off the tee, you will find that as well. Yes some of those pesky trees are gone, and while Stevenson did not have an exact number that have been removed, environmentalists are thrilled with the kind of trees that have been removed, along with damaged trees and ash trees that have been infected with the Emerald Ash Borer disease.

Ed Stevenson stands on the new natural bent grass tee line, that will be favorite of golfers needing to hit a few buckets.

All the work, has not just been on the golf course and the creek. The practice area’s have been enhanced, with a larger tee line, short game area’s and putting green. There will be a private lesson and practice area now on the back of the range, just to the right of the first green.

One hole that golfers did enjoy when it wasn’t under water, was the first island green in the country. The par 3, 16th hole. That hole had to be eliminated as part of the new routing, which has taken the 27 hole facility and turned it into just 18 holes, with the Maple Meadows East nine now incorporated into the new routing.

Stevenson says the new course will incorporate the properties history into the current design, Ben Hogan’s win in the 1941 Chicago Open will not be forgotten, and neither will the former 16th “island” green.

All of us as golfers can hardly wait for the finished product. As someone that has played most of the Chicago area’s public courses. I can say this new design will rank the course “formerly known as Oak Meadows” in the top few public courses in the area.

Stay clicked in for new developments as they happen on this new golf course and of course it’s new name. RS

 THE US OPEN makes a rare Midwest appearance in June of 2017 at the Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin Wisconsin, tickets are now on sale. Please see usga.org/tickets. The White Pines Golf Club has 36 holes of golf and a great 37th for food and beverages. With Halloween and other holidays coming soon, don’t forget to book your holiday event at White Pines today before all the good dates are taken. Whitepinesgolf.com for details.   ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Wearing outerwear from the Carnoustie Collection.

With the holidays approaching it’s time for you to visit the outerwear and sportswear collections from some of the major golf apparel companies.

More and more of the options allow you to make selections that you can not only look good in on the course, but off of it as well.

So if your wardrobe needs an upgrade or the members of your favorite foursome do, now is the time to explore your options.

Come 2017, look better, play better, it’s the total package, and one you won’t regret.

CARNOUSTIE SPORTSWEAR Debut’s it’s Men’s Collection for 2017. The full line of Performance Knits, Performance Outerwear, and Waterproof styles, and that’s not all.

Performance Knits. ” Our collection of performance knits for Spring of 2017, continues to expand based upon the tremendous reception this segment of our collection has received since it’s 2014 introduction,” said Canoustie CEO Marshall Mancillas. “We introduced a beautiful melange solid for Fall 2016, and for spring of `17 we’ve developed new colors appropriate for the season-such as amethyst, melon, spearmint and sky. This melange fabric is nuanced and has a dimension that ordinary piece dyed solids cannot approach. The use of the finest microfiber polyester blended with generous amounts lycra ensure a luxurious hand and comfort.”

Mancillas adds that Carnoustie outerwear has a growing following since it’s 2014 introduction to the market. Carnoustie uses only top grade micro poly with the highest quality workmanship, and Carnoustie customers have taken notice. New for Spring of 2017 is a chest stripe vest and shoulder stripe 1/4 zip pullover. These designs should wear as a perfect complement to the knits.

Carnoustie CEO Marshall Mancillas is excited about what’s new for Carnoustie Sportswear in 2017.

“A few seasons back, we introduced our collection of lightweight woven waterproof outerwear that features taped seams and Carnoustie styling,” said Mancillas. “These styles offer a different alternative to the heavier, often-drab styles within the marketplace that have been created to withstand heavy winds or rains found at places like the Open Championship. Our new styles are lightweight and colorful, and match-well when paired up with our knits, bottoms and other poly or cotton outerwear styles. These fully functional styles do provide great protection from the elements. For 2017 Carnoustie has a first time vest offer, especially for those cooler mornings when golfers approach the range or first tee.”

For more information and details see Carnoustiesportswear.com.

ANTIGUA-LIFESTYLE & GOLF APPAREL

Antigua’s Spring of 2017 colors include the new look Cypress Green.

Antigua a leading brand in the golf apparel world has announced it’s Spring Line for 2017.

Sean Gregg, Antigua’s Vice President of Product Development and Marketing Support, says it’s worth your time for a wardrobe update. there is almost no comparison between today and what you liked over past decades.

Gregg’s recommendation, check out the new stuff, touch it, feel it, wear it, and play in it, to really get a feel of this inherent value.

While Antigua has made large strides in fabric and function research, you can’t look at at Spring of 2017 without noticing the advancements in their use of colors.

The bright colors that include names such as, Cajun, Cabana, Cypress, Mulberry, Marmalade, Harbor and Pineapple are among the options of new brighter colors.

Antigua took the new trends and did what they call an assimilated color onto color for 2017. Why just take the neutrality of black, white and grey accents against bright shades that will allow the later to be forefront of any style. Antigua juxtaposed a primary color-against another primary, that created a new avenue of Spring performance and color creation. Cabana royal is set with Cypress green and a color like Harbor navy offsets Pineapple yellow. All of this is part of the Antigua’s Men’s Performance 72 Collection.

ARE YOU IN A PERFECTED PIQUE..Antigua calls it a must-have in your 2017 collection. This fabric created exclusively by Antigua is a new level of comfort for the classic polo design and style. STYLE ENDURE and STYLE ADEPT are other new enhanced pique fabrics. Not to be forgotten is style Channel, that has been a newly engineered stripe of color versus color offset.

LADIES…YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

The Antigua 2017 Spring Women’s Collection has been announced.

“The 2017 ladies golf collection is a continuation of the simplicity that the 2016 line embodied,” says Danielle Dellios, Antigua’s women’s designer. “In the new collection, fabrics and colors play a key role versus styling and silhouette. The market was calling for a fresh take on the primary color, which was made possible by mixing colors together. Thus, each grouping consists of two primaries. For example our new green color Cypress is mixed with a bright blue color, Cabana. There is a total of of four color combo’s each mixing two primary colors. Every printed, striped or colorblocked style within the collection mixes two colors, instead of using traditional neutral accents like grey or khaki. Combining two complimentary primary shades really pops. Prints are as strong as ever in the marketplace, which meant creating unique artwork that could also be used to mix colors and give new life to basic styles.”

New styles such as the sleeveless style, Mischief, the long sleeve half-zip pullover style Sterling, and the ultra light, high-stretch woven fabric style called Trust. Dellios calls Trust a, “first time ever lightweight stretch woven polo. Trust is a prime example of the big on-and-off course trend that is going on. It works on the course and on the weekends

Haven is a style and something that combines sporty an athletic. Solid all-white garment with printing on the color. Rogue is a creative mix of multiple colors, that can be worn with all colors of your bottoms.

It might be only 2016, but it’s not too early to check out what your should be wearing in 2017, Antigua on and off the golf course see Antigua.com or ShopAntigua.com You can follow Antigua on Facebook and or Twitter.

(OAK BROOK TERRACE-Illinois)

The Zero Friction Glove, endorsed by Johnny Miller.

Newly released data from Golf Datatech shows that Zero Friction a maker of advanced performance golf products, has claimed the 5th position in the market share for golf gloves in America.

“It is incredible to believe this has happened in roughly 24 months,” says John Iacono, President of Zero Friction. “I believe this is a testament to the quality of our gloves.”

Iacono wasn’t done there, offering up where he expects his company can be in the next year and a half.

“With the platform of offerings and current success we believe we can move into the number two spot in the next 18 months,” said Iacono. “The reviews on the new DistancePro GPS Glove have been excellent and we have been taking orders daily for shipment in November.”

Zero Friction released it’s first golf glove, a one-size fits all Compression golf glove, at the PGA Merchandise Show in 2014. In 2015, Zero Friction released it’s Storm All Weather Golf Gloves and a pure 100% Cabretta Leather Glove.

Late in 2015, former US Open champion and NBC golf commentator Johnny Miller joined the company as part owner and and endorser of ZeroFriction. This past August at the PGA Demo and Fashion show, Zero Friction unveiled it’s new DistancePro GPS Glove the first wearable GPS technology on a golf glove. It’s accurate and Powered by Bluetooth, weighs less that half and ounce and sits within the glove-flap.

The device is programmed for yardage on over 35,000 courses worldwide. For more information on Zero Friction and the new GPS Glove see Zerofriction.com or you can call (847)-436-4262.

  THE US OPEN MAKES A RARE MIDWEST APPEARANCE  IN JUNE OF 2017 AT Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin Wisconsin June 12-18. Tickets are available at USGA.org/tickets. THE 9TH HOLE at Whistling Straits prior to the 2015 PGA Championship. Starting this October 31st til closing, play the Blackwolf Run original layout that will test your game at new level. The famed Kohler Food and Wine Oct. 20-23 get your tickets. Kohler comedy night is November 5th, for more information visit Destinationkohler.com (888)-293-7337. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG NEWS BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At Blackwolf Run in Kohler.

The Fall Golf Season is rolling along, did you get out and play today when the temperatures reached over 80 degrees, even if it did not feel like it with the strong breeze blowing in the afternoon.

I would like to say I went out and tee’d it up today, but I did not. However I was on the course all afternoon.

Special thanks to Ed Stevenson of the Dupage County Forest Preserve District for a tour of the course formerly known as Oak Meadows. BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm and I saw all 18 holes and the new practice area’s, a full story comes in the 48 hours right here. Do stay clicked in for all the details.

WISCONSIN..what a great time for Wisconsin golf. US Open tickets for the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills are now on sale. Make sure you get yours while you still can, see the USGA website ticket information above for details. WILDERNESS ROCK, have not been there but will be, later this week. Stay clicked in for details. IT’S A GREAT TIME TO VISIT KOHLER, fall is a beautiful season in Kohler, head up and play some golf. Courses should be open for a few more weeks, but MAYBE less than 30 days so act quickly. Destinationkohler.com.

THE NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY, on display at Rich Harvest Farms in advance of the 2017 National Championships

The final issue of Chicagoland Golf for 2016 has a story on the 2017 NCAA National Championships coming to Jerry Rich’s, Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

If you not any stranger to how Mr. Rich does business, you know he does things in a big way. He expects the 2017 NCAA Championships he is hosting next May out on his farm to be no different.

You can order tickets already already at NCAA.com/tickets.

If you would like to be a bigger part of the championships next May, you can be a volunteer. You must be 18 years old, and you can not be enrolled in high school to be a volunteer.

The first 25 people to sign up get a free Rich Harvest Farms cap. To volunteer go to the Rich Harvest Farms website and follow the link on the NCAA Championship page.

   Chris Charnas and Links Capital Advisors are proud to announce their latest golf course listing the Gambit Golf Course in Vienna Illinois, has been sold to new owners. For more information on buying and selling golf properties call Chris at (847)-866-7192.

CHICAGO/NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPERSPORTS has been selected to manage the Pinecrest Golf Club in Huntley, that is owned by the Huntley Park District. Pinecrest has been a part of Huntley for 44 years, and Thom Palmer Executive Director of the Huntley Park District says,” we feel KemperSports is the best partner to take Pinecrest to the next level in operations and excellence in customer service.”

KEMPERSPORTS had 9 properties recently named on Golf Magazines Top 100 Courses You Can Play List. The nine properties are responsible for having 19 courses on the Best in State list. Streamsong Resort in Florida and Streamsong Resort in Oregon has multiple courses on the list. See Golf Magazine for more details.

Stolten Brae the 2nd hole, part of the Gull Lake Resort.

Stoltin Brae the newest addition to Gull Lake has opened 12 holes for limited play this fall.

The Southwest Michigan resort feels they have created a design that challenges the golfer without overwhelming them.

Vice President and PGA Professional Bill Johnson along with owner Jon Scott and his family, feel the project has turned into just what it was expected it could be two years ago when they hired Renaissance Golf Design owned by Tom Doak.

The course when completed will play to a back yardage of 6,800 yards, and to a par of 71.

Hole 18 has it’s green near the new clubhouse that includes a bar, outdoor patio and the Blue Stem Restaurant. Gull Lake has five championship 18 hole courses, luxury cottages and deluxe suites. For more information on the property see GullLakeView.com.

The famed Pinehurst No.2 Flag got a new home for day.

The bet was won by Pinehurst.

As a result the famed Pinehurst #2 Flag flew on the 18th green of the Old Course in St. Andrews in Scotland.

Pinehurst won the bet with St. Andrews when the USA Ryder Cup team won the matches this year over team Europe.

If Europe had won Pinehurst would have to fly the St. Andrews flag for a day on the 18th green of Pinehurst 2. Right now Pinehurst has fall golf specials and a great way spend Thanksgiving, visit Pinehurst.com or call (855)-923-7677 for the details. Pinehurst the home of American Golf.

The new Oak Meadows is explored by The Gog Blog, stay clicked in.

  THE INN ON WOODLAKE, in Kohler Wisconsin, getting bigger, more rooms and more options, See DestinationKohler.com. THE PERFECT PUTTING AID created by IPGA Golf Professional Chad Johansen, the best way to improve your putting. Please visit Chadjohansen.com or PerfectPuttingAid.com used now by over 100 PGA Tour players.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @gogblogguy. With the Ryder Cup.

Now that Hazeltine National and the 2016 Ryder Cup is in the books, next up on the Ryder Cup clock is Paris France in 2018.

But as they say at the draft, now on the clock. Yes, now on the clock, the American clock is 2020 and the Pete Dye designed Whistling Straits Golf Club in Haven/Kohler Wisconsin.

So what happens now at the Straits as Kohler Company prepares for something even bigger than the three PGA Championships they hosted in 2004-2010 and 2015.

THE 9TH HOLE on Whistling Straits during set up for the 2015 PGA Championship.

Well whatever is going to happen has already started according to Kohler CEO Herb Kohler.

Kohler and his son David Kohler and a team of some 30-50 people were at the Ryder Cup this year, and will go to France in 2018, to see how this golf event keeps evolving.

There is no doubt then when the 2020 matches to arrive at Whistling Straits, the Kohler Company and it’s golf team, along with the PGA of America will be ready for them to be there. Along with however many fans the PGA elects to let into the matches that year. But you can bet it will be some 50,000 a day or more.

Click here to hear our interview with Kohler Company CEO Herb Kohler about the Ryder Cup that is yet to come in 2020.

In the meantime, checkout DestinationKohler.com, the golf courses are still open for the season, and there are other special events coming to the American Club in the days ahead.

 THE WHITE PINES Golf Club IN BENSENVILLE has 36 holes and great 37th hole for before and after round food and beverages, it’s not to early to book your holiday party or special event. Check out the new outdoor tent for large events. 10% off your holiday party if booked by October 31st. Call (630)-766-0304 Ext 2 for details. it’s not too late to go enjoy Fall Golf, see Whitepinesgolf.com. Do you need to work on your putting, why not get the best putting aid on the market, the Perfect Putting Aid invented by CHAD JOHANSEN creator of the new Guide for Golf. Visit Chadjohansen.com for details or go see Chad in person at the Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol. Blackberryoaks.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, Linkedin and twitter @GogblogGuy. With the Ryder Cup

What a win for the United States, finally winning the Ryder Cup for the first time in 8 years. The final score 17-11.

Was the new system created by the PGA of America a difference maker this time around, or was it something else.

Did Hazeltine show through and earn a right for another major championship, or a future Ryder Cup host site down the road.

On Sunday of Ryder Cup week the Gog Blog caught up with Ryder Cup Chairman Patrick Hunt, for his thoughts on the week and what’s ahead for the Ryder Cup and Hazletine National Golf Club.

Click here to hear the interview with Ryder Cup Chairman Patrick Hunt. Stay clicked in for upcoming interviews with Kohler CEO Herb Kohler on the 2020 Ryder Cup coming to Whistling Straits, and for French Golf Officials on the 2018 Ryder Cup coming to Paris France.

   THE US OPEN makes a rare Midwest visit next June of 2017 at the Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin Wisconsin, for tickets see USGA.org/tickets. Eric Johnson is the new teaching professional at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, for more on golf see Nemacolin.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Shirt from the Carnoustie Sportswear men’s line.

The Illini continue to win. Which is just the way Coach Mike Small planned it, when he drew up the schedule and recruited the players that he did.

His best player on the team this past week at the Northern Intercollegiate, wasn’t even on the team. Playing as an Independent, Fr. Giovanni Tadiotto from the nation of Belgium was 5 under Par over three rounds at Beverly Country Club 72-68-68 on the Par 71 course. It was the first tournament title in his college career.

The Northern Intercollegiate that is normally played Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove was moved for one year, because of the NCAA National Championships being played there next May. All NCAA players have not been allowed at RHF since August 1st. Northern Illinois University served as tournament host.

Illinois at -7 under par defeated Indiana by 53 shots (+46) and Marquette (+50) by 57 shots.

“This was a solid outing for our team,” said Small. ” I’m proud of the way that they played. I am excited that Giovanni had a great outing, and winning the tournament while playing as an individual, he showed his true potential for a solid future.”

Tadiotto was two under par headed into the third and final round, and then carded five birdies on the final nine holes. Right behind him was teammate Edoardo Lipparelli who took second place with a three under par score. Juniors Dylan Meyer and Nick Hardy were able to finish third and fourth. Meyer shot 69 in both the second and the third round to finish 2 under par for the championship.

The tournament had a field of 12 teams in which six of them were from Illinois. The next tournament for Illinois will be held at the Isleworth Golf and Country Club for the Tavistock Collegiate Invitational, on October 16-18. The tournament is hosted by North Texas and UC-Florida, and will have the country’s top 15 teams in the field.

For more information on University of Illinois Golf, please keep it here or visit Fightingillini.com. Illinois remains the #1 team in the national polls.

   CHAD JOHANSEN Inventor of the Perfect Putting Aid, and now the Guide For Golf is waiting for you at the Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol. Start making more putts, get that lesson when you need it, bring your junior golfers to the course where Kids-Rule. See blackberryoaks.com and chadjohansen.com improve your game, play the game. DO YOU need tickets for the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills, visit USGA.org/tickets.          _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Looking on the 9th hole at Shepherd’s Rock at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

That second 18 holes at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA., is inching closer to being completed. Work remains on only two holes as the final days of construction tick away.

While the golfers are enjoying the fall golf season on the resorts #1 ranked public course in Pennsylvania, Mystic Rock, the second Pete Dye course now has a name, Shepherd’s Rock.

Shepherd’s Rock will open on July 1st of 2017. Shepherd’s Rock is the latest course on the new course construction list that helps show growth in the golf industry. The opening of a second course turns Nemacolin into a major golf destination.

Nemacolin Director of Golf and Activities Mike Jones (L) with Hall of Fame course designer Pete Dye on Shepherd’s Rock.

“The course is scheduled to complete construction by October 31st,” says Nemacolin’s Director of Golf and Activities Mike Jones. “16 holes are done and the two remaining holes are nearing completion. July 1st, 2017 will be the opening date.”

With opening day for Shepherd’s Rock now less than nine months away, Jones and his team know that Nemacolin will become a destination for golfers from all over the country.

“We are very excited to get our second Pete Dye Championship Course open,” said Jones. “The new addition will make Nemacolin one of the great golf destinations in the Northeastern United States.”

The Par 3, 14th hole on Shepherd’s Rock is done, grassed and growing in.

Dye along with architect Tim Liddy are putting the Shepherd’s Rock design together.

The golf course will play to a Par of 72, and a back yardage of 7,142 yards. The first hole shows the golfer that the terrain will be rolling through the Allegheny Mountains, and leave the golfer with spectacular views through out the round.

The two nines are different and will require the golfer to create a strategy to be successful on each nine. The front nine is only 3,306 yards, and will make the golfer play a strategic game to earn the scores of success. The back nine is longer at 3,836 yards, but more wide open for the longer hitters to enjoy.

In Mid-August the par 5, 18th hole was starting to take shape.

The final hole is a Par 5, that can play around 600 yards, the tee shot will drop down into a lower section of the fairway, before requiring the golfer to play uphill shots into a green that will have scenic mountain views to one side. With the Falling Rock Golf Hotel with it’s pools and waterfalls on the other side.

“With 36 great holes of golf and over 70 different activities to do on resort property, you will never get bored at Nemacolin,” says Jones.

“Shepherd’s Rock promises to be one of the best courses in the U.S.,” says Monte Hansen, Managing Director at Nemacolin. “Thirty-six holes showcasing the creativity and genius of Pete Dye, combined with our myriad luxury amenities and accommodations, positions us at the very top of premier resort destinations in the U.S.”

In addition to Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, the Nemacolin Golf Academy offers the latest ways to improve your game at all levels. Nemacolin has added golf schools and club fitting area’s under the watchful eye of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 instructor Eric Johnson, who left Oakmont Country Club immediately after the U.S. Open to join Nemacolin. Jones left the Kapalua Resort on the island of Maui in Hawaii, earlier this year to join Nemacolin.

The first hole at Shepherd’s Rock comes into shape.

The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is comprised of nearly 2,000 acres. The resort has 320 luxurious guestrooms, suites, townhouses, and private upscale homes.

Guests can also enjoy the resorts Spa, Casino, and Wildlife Academy. The Adventure Center has Zip Lines and a climbing wall. Take a Jeep and go Off-Road Driving.

There are 15 restaurants and lunges on the property. For meetings there is over 32,000 square feet of conference space and three ballrooms, a lecture hall and 25 meeting rooms. For more information visit Nemacolin.com or call 866-399-6957.

The Perfect Putting Aid, by Chad Johansen. Used by over 100 PGA Tour professionals.

That was some golf tournament, the Ryder Cup never fails to deliver for excitement, but at least this year american fans could rejoice in having a victory.

Whitepinesgolf.com Located on Jefferson Road in Bensenville. 36 holes and a great 37th that takes care of your food and beverage before or after your round. See the new special event tent, for your event or golf outings. Play golf at White Pines all fall, open until it’s too cold and snowy to play.

How fired up are fans for the Ryder Cup. Well over 68,000 of them came out to Hazeltine on the weekend before just to shop in the merchandise tent. How is that for an advance walk up in sales.

The 41st Ryder Cup was one for the ages, and no not just because the USA won for a change, like for the first time in 8 years. But is showed how much interest there is in golf, and how many people will show up to see a top level golf event.

It became apparent quickly and early in the week, that Ryder Cup continues to grow as event. The next question is will it outgrow itself, with the amount space for tents and fans it now requires. Paris in 2018 will be challenged, Whistling Straits and Kohler Company will be challenged in 2020, Italy will be in 2022, and Bethpage will be as well in 2024. There is no word yet on 2026 overseas, and 2028 back in america.

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. In the booth at the Ryder Cup.

My feature on Paris will coming soon, and it’s a good one. I spoke with some of the top officials in French golf, and they had a lot to say.

When the matches start at 7:35 in the morning and the amount of patrons on the grounds prior to 7 AM on a weekday in late September number more than 30,000 it’s amazing.

As someone who has now attended three Ryder Cups, I have seen nothing but growth at all of them. The Ryder Cup just keeps getting bigger. Where will it all stop. Good question, even Patrick Hunt the 2016 Ryder Cup Chairman told me (in an interview you will hear in a few days) that their could be a point coming soon, where tickets sellout, tents sellout and things get cut off even before the first tee shot is stuck or Ryder Cup week tee’s off.

The first tee as Thomas Pieters and JB Holmes prepare to tee off on Sunday.

I think Medinah in 2012 showed the world just how big the Ryder Cup could be, and now Hazeltine took a page from Medinah’s book and made it bigger.

Just about the time you think you will never see more people on a golf course in your life, along comes Hazeltine and then you do see more fans than ever before.

While it would be nice to say Medinah was the biggest ever Ryder Cup, sorry to say it no longer is. The course in Paris has been built stadium style with the Ryder Cup in mind, it will be interesting to see how that works out.

THE GOOD AND BAD from the 2016 Ryder Cup.

The good was an american win for the first time in eight years. The golf was exciting and kept the fans interested. After the first day the traffic backups around the golf course were not that bad. Security was tight but not ridiculous. The merchandise tent was busy all the time and they ran out of things, but they got replenished. On Sunday morning they had more to sell than Medinah did, the PGA of America and the vendors brought along a little more stock after seeing quicker sell out in 2012 and at the PGA Championship in 2015.

Food lines and porta-potty lines were not bad and keep moving. Hazeltine had more good viewing points than I expected them to have. One person even landed a plane on the water off the 10th hole and watched for there. The bleacher area’s were bigger and held more people, there was great walkways around the tents, so you could stay off the grass and not get run over by all the golf carts zooming around that had people in them doing, well who knows what.

There was great viewing area’s around the practice area’s, short game, putting green and driving range that was complete with the tunes playing. Do you like Prince music, you know he was from Minnesota, I have heard KISS more than enough for the rest of the year.

The opening and closing ceremony area was real nice. It was hard to see Hazeltines unique clubhouse with an 8 foot high orange fence around it. Working it was fun and not, the wireless network was not sufficient to handle the media demand. Audio from the interviews could have been at better levels, but hey that’s the way it is in the media compound at times.

But in the end, pretty well done. Hazeltine deserves another Ryder Cup someday, right after Medinah gets another one as well. RS

More thoughts and news from the Ryder Cup over the next few days, right here on the site.