MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is open for summer play. So come out and play the Ray Hearn designed links style golf course, rated one of Chicago’s best public courses and home to McWethy’s Tavern. Mistwood is home to one of the best professional teaching and fitting staffs in the area. So to learn more on the home of the Phil Kosin IL. Women’s Open see Mistwoodgc.com or (815)-254-3333

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

Rory Spears-Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger at WCPT.

YOU HAVE HEARD IT BEFORE.

But here it is again, cancer sucks.

All of us who make up Golfers on Golf have enjoyed working with PGA Life Member and former PGA Tour player Bill Berger. But as of today, Chicago’s favorite foursome is down to three.

Last night the “old pro” as Billy liked to say, lost his battle with cancer. Berger is believed to be 80. A native of Youngstown Ohio, Berger took up golf in the Buckeye state before moving to Illinois. It didn’t take Bill long to know many of the members of the Illinois PGA Section. 

Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears. L-R at the old WNDZ AM 750.

At the start of the 2023 Golfers on Golf Radio season, last May. Berger admitted he had cancer and had been seeing Doctors and was on medication.

At times last summer, Berger struggled to get through the show.

He didn’t show up one Saturday which was not like him. He told us the following weekend, that he came to the station on Sunday, mixing up his days, and then finally realized what he had done after being parked in front of the station for 30 minutes.

Earlier this year, he apparently decided his medications weren’t helping, or not helping enough. So sadly, he quit taking them. When I heard that at the Chicago Golf Show, I knew the clock was ticking, until last night when it wasn’t.

Berger owned Bill’s Pub in Streamwood for years, until about 10 years ago when he had to close the bar, because Cook County taxed him out of business. But Bill’s pizza on Grand Avenue is still open and in operation.

As of now, the plan is to have several guest hosts fill-in, as many weeks as possible.

Golfers on Golf Radio will remember Berger on this Saturdays show. RS

  THE WARM WEATHER IS HERE so it’s time to go outside and play the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. This year the driving range now has Trackman to help golfer track their shots, yardages and more. So play all 27 holes at Schaumburg Golf Club by calling SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. The SHACK INDOOR Golf Club has you covered all summer long when things aren’t so nice outside. Too hot, rainy, too windy or dark, take it inside at the Shack 1717 Chestnut in Glenview. Where owner Nick Larkin has added 4 new simulators and a putting green. (847)-904-2905.

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

                     GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. Chicago’s longest running golf program now in it’s 34th season, tee’s off on Saturday mornings at 9 Am this year on WNDZ-Am 750 Chicago. Golfersongolf.com the year round part of Golfers on Golf. Join us Saturday morning live or the mulligan here.

WEEK 2 Golfers on Golf Radio-2024.

Medinah teaching professional Travis Johns the 2024 winner of the IPGA Match Play Championship at Bull Valley GC. Photo Courtesy of IPGA and Nick Novelli.

BUT THIS WEEK on Golfers on Golf Radio.

Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, discuss the PGA Tour’s debut in South Carolina’s golf capital Myrtle Beach.

Because in addition to PGA Tour golf, there are many great public courses in the Myrtle Beach area, where the number is over 90 courses.

SO FROM THE PGA-This coming week is PGA Championship week at Valhalla, can Brooks Koepka do it again, and back-to-back. Congrats to Illinois PGA professionals in the field, Andy Svoboda from the Butler National Golf Club, and Jeff Kellen from the North Shore Country Club.

Valhalla is a Jack Nicklaus (the greatest golfer of all-time) signature design golf course. Par is likely to be 72, but with a yardage that is yet TBD.

Congratulations to Medinah Country Club teaching professional Travis Johns. Johns won the Illinois PGA Match Play Championship at Bull Valley 1 Up over Andy Svoboda. Johns is a guest this week on the show.

CLICK HERE to hear Week 2 of Golfers on Golf Radio-with guest IPGA and Medinah CC teaching professional Travis Johns.

So thanks for listening-from Ed, Len, Billy and Rory. But remember next week is Week 3 of the season, tune-in and join us on the tee at 9 Am.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB is located at 1717 Chestnut St. in Glenview is open daily for golf and more. Owner Nick Larkin has created 4 new simulators and a brand new putting green. The Shack is a place where Arnie is always at the bar. So book a simulator bay today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook-Instagram. Driver is a Callaway Golf Paradym 9.5.

BROOKS SEASON.

So as the PGA Championship approaches, the defending champion and three time PGA winner Brooks Koepka is rounding back into form.

Last year Koepka was the first LIV Golf winner of a major championship, when he won the PGA at Oak Hill.

Prior to Oak Hill, Koepka won PGA titles at Bellerive and Bethpage. So while Koepka has two U.S. Open titles to his credit, his play at recent PGA’s is getting peoples attention.

Brooks Koepka (R) with caddie Ricky Elliot after winning this weekend at LIV Singapore. Photo courtesy of LIV Golf.

So could Koepka win his 6th major next week in Kentucky, when the PGA returns to the Jack Nicklaus designed Valhalla Golf Club.

I for one won’t rule him out. Koepka will be heading into the PGA coming off a win at LIV Singapore this past weekend.

Koepka shot a three day 54 hole total of 15 under par to win by two shots over Cam Smith and Marc Leishman.

Those in Singapore say Koepka is finding his game and is locked in. Koepka is not disagreeing with that line of thinking. “My game is starting to come around and I like the way things are trending,” said Koepka.

When Koepka is on he is very hard to beat, even Scottie Scheffler will have trouble taking Koepka down at Valhalla, if Koepka is on his game.

CHICAGO AREA golf fans will have the chance to see Koepka in person when LIV Golf comes to Bolingbrook Golf Club September 13-15. So don’t miss it. More than 94,000 fans came out over three days to see LIV Golf in Australia. So lets break that record here at Bolingbrook. LIV GOLF can now been seen on the Caffeine TV network, visit Caffeine.TV for details.

BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB and LIV GOLF. I’m still getting plenty of questions from golf fans, why Bolingbrook for LIV. Because for starters, Bolingbrook stepped up and agreed to host the event, when reportedly talks broke down with Olympia Fields Country Club.

So credit Bolingbrook GC. and it’s management company Northbrook based KemperSports Management for stepping up and making this happen. But skeptic golf fans are saying that the LIV pro’s will tear Bolingbrook apart. Well yes they could.

BUT-like at most tournaments if the wind blows, and it does at Bolingbrook, the course could play a few different ways. Bolingbrook is not a short course, it is over 7,100 yards, and nobody is ruling out some yards getting added before championship week. So stay tuned. I wouldn’t mind seeing the party hole format being recreated around the island green par-3 5th hole. Because that would be fun.

SPEAKING OF VALHALLA and the upcoming PGA Championship, for the first time in over 20 years, the Illinois PGA section will have two members in the PGA field. So a big congratulations to new Butler National head golf professional Andy Svoboda, and new golf professional at North Shore Country Club Jeff Kellen who survived the PGA National Club Professional Championship in Frisco Texas to qualify.

SUN DAY RED-the new Tiger Woods line of apparel has been released. The general opinion for golfers and consumers is that the SDR line is over priced and ugly. So from what I have seen so far, both of opinions have hit the nail on the head. I’m not wasting two cents on Sun Day Red.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is back for season #34, the longest running golf program in Chicago history. Week 1 is in the books and you can hear a replay on this website.

Hosts Ed Stevenson, Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Len Ziehm is back, and so am I. But Chicago’s favorite foursome is down one member. Our long time co-host Bill Berger is in a cancer fight. So to be honest in recent months Billy’s battle has gone in the wrong direction. As a result, all of us at Golfers on Golf are hoping Billy’s cancer doctors can get some of his medications back on track, and Billy’s condition can get turned around.

LIV GOLF has made five new hires in the front office, including Ross Hallett as EVP of Events. See the full list of front office additions at LIVGolf.com.

TOP INSTRUCTOR DAVID LEDBETTER is now partnering with Sqairz Golf Shoes, my favorite golf shoes and the brand I wear. So learn more at Sqairz.com.

GOOD LUCK TO THE SIX BIG TEN GOLF PROGRAMS that are advancing to post season play in the NCAA Championships.  Three Big Ten players will play as individuals. Teams include Big Ten Champion Northwestern, off to Chapel Hill regional. Runner-up Illinois is off to the Stanford Regional.

THIS YEARS NCAA FINALS are at La Costa in California, with a newly renovated North Golf course by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. The finals should be really fun to watch on the course, coming in off this renovation project.

So in the weeks ahead, Golfers on Golf is looking to get our show’s founder new CDGA Director Mike Munro back on the air with us-when his time permits. But in addition there will be weeks Golfers on Golf will have some guest hosts joining us in the studio. So do stay tuned in.

THE GOLF INDUSTRY heads to Washington D.C. this week (May 8-10), to meet with political leaders on the impact of the golf industry in America. You can learn more at Golfcoalition.org.

MORE FROM TOP GOLF-the newest location for the always fun Top Golf has opened this weekend in Montebello California. Details at Topgolf.com.

I’M NOT SURE PICTURES DO IT JUSTICE-But the latest addition to the Dormie Network set of clubs GrayBull by David Kidd, looks really good.

GOOD THINGS are happening at the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook. The driving range is seeing improvements, and a bunker project is happening on the golf course. A par-3 course designed by Greg Martin, will start construction this summer.

Because now that it’s May, and temperatures are heating up. The urge to play more golf is flowing through your veins, when you look in your golf bag what do you see. Is it old clubs that need to be replaced, it’s not too late to get fitted for new clubs that you can enjoy for the 2024 golf season ahead. So check out website of your regular clubs. Then see who is hosting fitting days, that and buy some new golf balls. It won’t hurt. The Gog Blog is back all week. RS

   THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut in Glenview has made golf season a year-round sport. Four new simulators and a putting green are now open at the Shack. So come join Arnie at the bar for some great food and drinks. Owner Nick Larkin (R) will save a chair for you. Visit TheShackgolfclub.com or call (847)-904-2905

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

LAB Golf DF3-CPO Golf.

SO ARE YOU READY!

LAB GOLF PUTTERS in the Gold.

There are not many to choose from.

In fact there have only been 10 of these made. So act quickly if you want one.

They will go quickly and they will sell out, even at $2,000.00 per putter. DF3 honored on the Gold List By Golf Digest, Best Mallet putter of 2024.

LABGolf.com plus don’t forget that LAB Rat gear is here. So act now at LABGolf.com.

TITLEIST is offering team Titleist members a personal tour of Ball Plant 3 in New Bedford CT., can go in person, watch the video online at Titleist.com.

AFTER THE RECOUNT-Fighting Illini junior Jackson Buchanan has been named Big Ten Men’s Golfer of the Year. Buchanan becomes the 15th Illini golfer to win the honor. “I am so happy for Jackson to be recognized as Big Ten Golfers of the Year,” head coach Mike Small said. “Jackson has had a very successful and consistent season. His record speaks for itself. As his coach it’s great his dedication and play recognized by the conference.”

Buchanan has had two victories, and is the Big Ten’s top rated golfer in the individual NCAA Division 1 ratings. Buchanan will share the award with Purdue’s Herman Sekne, who was announced as the initial winner, before there was an update because of an incorrect ballot submission.

TRU linkswear LUX G golf shoe.

FATHERS DAY will be here before long. So does Dad need a new pair of golf shoes.

Because if he does, why not think about a pair of the comfortable LUX G golf shoes.

Colors range from Black, Blue, White and Gray. Throw in a 2-year waterproof guarantee, and dad is on his way to a round of golf in comfort.

So learn more about the shoes at http:/Trulinkswear.com.

THE SHANGRI-LA Resort in Oklahoma has added military equipment alongside of it’s Battlefield Par-3 course that opened in 2023. So play the game and take the historic tour. Details at Shangrilaok.com.

Club Champion continues to expand, with Five new markets being added this quarter.

CLUB CHAMPION GETS BIGGER.

Because during the second quarter of 2024, Willowbrook IL. based Club Champion the nation’s largest club fitter, will get even bigger.

Five new outlets will open bringing the store count to it’s expected total of 140 by years end.

Opening now are fitting locations in Mequon WI., Hanover MA., Lake St. Louis, MO., and Pembroke Pines FL., with the current Houston Texas location, moving to a bigger location. Which shows the demand for fitting in that market.

“It’s hard to keep up and that’s a good thing,” said Nick Sherburne, company founder and EVP of Operations. “Every week, it seems, we announce a new store or bring new fitters into the fold. It’s a testament to the sports ability to thrive in any environment.”

Since 2010, Club Champion has incorporated components from more that 65 brands. Club Champion delivers Tour-level fitting that produces longer and more accurate shots.

“It’s a gift and a challenge to be part of such rapid expansion,” said Cassandra Busch, Director of Marketing for Club Champion. “It means we’re reaching new golfers all the time but it also means we have to stay on our toes and continue to innovate.”

EARLIER THIS YEAR Club Champion opened stores in Albany NY., Coral Springs FL., Perrysburg OH., Chandler AZ..

So now for a limited time, the new stores will offer fitting specials in conjunction with a club or clubs purchase. So learn more details by calling (888)-340-7820.

EDISON WEDGES has launched a new website at Edisonwedges.com.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein is offering a price reduction on Titleist TSR Clubs, call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) for more information. Veterans Play Day is Wednesday July 18th. The 8am shotgun is limited to the first 100 veterans that sign up. Pine Meadow is now a Scotty Cameron putter demo location. The only one north of I-90. But you must sign up in advance with GM-Head Professional Dennis Johnsen, by calling the number above. The senior scramble is Monday May 20th, spots still available.

CABOT CAPE BRETON in Nova Scotia Canada-They are back and open for the 2024 season with improvements. See CabotCapeBreton.com

The flag on the 18th green of Pinehurst #2.

So it’s not just Play where the Pro’s Play.

IT’S PLAY LIKE THE PRO’S PLAY, so right after the U.S. Open on Pinehurst #2, you can play the course with pin locations from the four rounds of the U.S. Open.

So to have this rare opportunity, one needs to sign up for the three night Donald Ross Package. Learn more by visiting Pinehurst.com.

WOMEN’S GOLF DAY is now Women’s Golf WEEK. So ladies find a location near you, and sign up to play and learn a little about the game of golf. See @womensgolfday because women’s golf-week is coming May 28-June 4th and #BringAFriend

OAKBROOK TERRACE BASED ZERO FRICTION has a variety of golf gifts for Mom, with Mothers Day coming up next Sunday. Golf balls, tees, ball markers, golf gloves and push or pull carts. See Zerofriction.com and look for the Mother’s day specials. ZERO FRICTION took first place in the ING Awards for ads with it’s Stride remote golf buggy.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville has a Mizuno Fitting day coming up this Wednesday May 8th, from 11 am to 3 pm. But you must sign up in advance, visit Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. THE CGXD-III camp at Mistwood is from June 18-19. Several Top college golf coaches will be there. The camp is limited to 48 players. Mistwoodgc.com or visit collegegolfX.com.

LATE COURSE OPENINGS Giants Ridge Resort in Minnesota-both courses now open. See GiantsRidge.com. SENTRY WORLD in Stevens Point Wisconsin, opening on May 31st for the season. Sentryworld.com

MONTANA BASED SUN MOUNTAIN SPORTS-earlier this year named Grant Knudson new company president and chief branding officer. Sunmountain.com.

THE BLACKBERRY OAKS GOLF COURSE in Bristol IL. will host it’s 4-player summer scramble on Saturday May 18th. So to sign up visit Blackberryoaks.com or call the Oaks at (630)-533-7173.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO HOST LEN ZIEHM has posted a travel review story on golf in the Daytona Beach area of Florida. So read the recap at LenZiehmonGolf.com.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow-RS.

  MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB is a proud sponsor of Golfers on Golf Radio. Book your tee times at Mistwood by calling (815)-254-3333 or by visiting Mistwoodgc.com #Mcwethys

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

               GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-PHOTO FROM 2022. L-R Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

Golfers on Golf Radio is back for 2024 on WNDZ Am 750-with a new tee time of 9 Am.

Golfers on Golf Radio is entering it’s 34th season, and is the longest running golf program in Chicago history. It has won four straight years of national awards at the PGA Show from ING.

BUT AS WE enter the season, our concerns rest with our partner Bill Berger, who is fighting cancer. Billy’s battle could be going better, and all of us at GOG hope the cancer Doctors can adjust his medication, and get him moving back in the right direction.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR WEEK 1 of Golfers on Golf Radio for the 2024 golf season.

This weeks show includes interviews with Bolingbrook GC Director of Golf Dave Thompson, and former Village of Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar. Both speaking at the press conference for the announcement of LIV Golf at Bolingbrook GC, Sept. 13-15.

Len-Ed and Rory spent the remainder of the show looking ahead at various topics that will be covered in the year ahead, and having some round-table discussion about the world of golf.

Thanks for listening-Ed, Len, Bill and Rory.

  THE SHACK-WHERE ARNIE IS AT THE BAR. The golf season is longer because of places like The Shack. Owner Nick Larkin has added 4 new simulators, and a new putting green. So come enjoy the food, the beverage and the golf at The Shack which is located at 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview, call (847)-904-2905 for more information.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory at Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Instagram/FBook

  THE BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB in Bolingbrook-will host LIV Golf Chicago 2024.

LIV GOLF CHICAGO RETURNS from September 13-15 at it’s new home, The Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, operated and managed by KemperSports Management.

So just when everything seemed lights out for LIV Golf returning to Chicago in 2024. Bolingbrook Golf Club stepped up to save the day.

The path to return to Chicago in 2024 got shaky when LIV Golf apparently dragged it’s feet on announcing a return to Chicago. Then missed a deadline to return to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, where it was played the last two seasons.

So from there LIV Golf was apparently in contact with two other clubs. Which included 2023 BMW Championship host Olympia Fields Country Club. But when talks broke down, Bolingbrook stepped up.

MAYOR EMERITUS ROGER CLAAR at the podium spoke about LIV Golf coming to the Village of Bolingbrook.

Bryson Dechambeau with the winners trophy in 2023 at Rich Harvest Farms.

The Chicago tournament is the LIV Golf players last chance to earn points in the individual standings. That puts them to be in the 1-24 secure lock zone to play in the league in 2025.

Currently Bolingbrook plays to a yardage of 7,104 yards. Elevated greens are winding around seven lakes on the property.

“The passionate sports fans of Chicago have embraced the intense competition and fan-first experience that LIV Golf delivers. So this year will be an incredible setting for a high-stakes event. As the players battle it out for the individual title, and a roster spot for 2025,” said Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “We’re thrilled to return to Illinois with an event at Bolingbrook Golf Club, as we celebrate the season-long race to set the stage of the 2024 finale.”

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Bolingbrook Golf Club Director of Golf David Thompson. Speaking about the LIV Golf Chicago golf event.

BOLINGBROOK MAYOR MARY BASTA said,” We are excited to welcome the star-studded, international field of great players. To both the Village of Bolingbrook and the Bolingbrook Golf Club.”

CLICK HERE TO HEAR FORMER MAYOR OF BOLINGBROOK ROGER CLAAR’S interview with Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer and Rory Spears or Golfers on Golf.

Claar the villages former mayor for over 30 years, and who was instrumental in getting the Bolingbrook Golf Club built. Highlighted why LIV golfers could be challenged by the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE next Wednesday May 8th at 10 Am CDT. Fans can purchase tickets at LIVGolf.com.

Bolingbrook Golf Club is located 30 miles west of Chicago. But for public golfers, the golf course will remain open for public play into September.

  THE SHACK IS OPEN-come join Nick and Arnie for some golf and fun at The Shack Indoor Golf Club, 1717 Chestnut in Glenview. 4 new simulator bays and a putting green. So call and book a time today at (847)-904-2905 or visit TheShackgolfclub.com. #Golf

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook. At Tot Hill Farm in Asheboro NC. a Mike Strantz design.

LIV GOLF IS BACK !

IT WILL BE OFFICIALLY ANNOUNED TOMORROW, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

So yes you heard me correctly, the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

The club was most recently the host of a Forme Tour event. That tournament had a few former members of the University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team in the field, headed up by Dylan Meyer.

There are those who will wonder why LIV Golf is headed to Bolingbrook GC.. So maybe there will be more answers tomorrow. But in-part it’s more likely that LIV missed the deadline set by Rich Harvest farms, to tell RHF it was coming back.

DID LIV SPEAKS WITH OTHER AREA CLUBS-word is Bolingbrook stepped up when talks with Olympia Fields Country Club broke down. So that’s a tough one for OFCC, because hosting a PGA Tour playoff event, and a LIV Golf event in back-to-back years. Would have been a real feather in the cap of Olympia Fields. Especially since the tab for renovation work at Olympia Fields, has run higher than expected on the South Course.

APP CRAP- as everyone knows, there is NOTHING more annoying these days than somebody, some company or even some golf course telling you and constantly bugging you to get their APP. One social media platform last year sent me 90+ emails in 120 days to get their APP. That is pretty sad. Because it should never happen. Then the people who get mad when you won’t get WhatsApp-seriously get a life.

BUT WHAT’S WORSE is that golfers are letting weather APP’S destroy their day on the golf course. I understand when a real downpour is coming, that will last hours. You should take a rain check and move to another day. But what’s amazing is golfers who cancel rounds, because they are afraid of a few drops on 17 and 18. because I always thought golfers were a tougher breed than that.

I have seen my course Heritage Oaks my club in Northbrook-with a very light tee sheet on some beautiful days lately. Why, because some APP or weather person said Tuesday calls for heavy rain. Then when you hear the full report, the rain is starting at 7-8 Pm.  While the entire day is nice and sunny, good news is that golfers who show up. Can really enjoy an outstanding round of golf with good pace-of-play.

THE COST OF JUNIOR GOLF-on your license plates. I was just looking at the Youth Golf brochure of supporting Jr. Golf in Illinois. Because like so many other things in Illinois, the cost of supporting this great cause has jumped up. So a tip of the cap or golf visor to those who do, because at $198.00 to renew every year it’s getting pricey.

ONE FINAL NOTE-I will have more coming up this week on the return of Golfers on Golf Radio. Looks like our first tee time for 2024 is at 9Am this Saturday. Back on WNDZ-Am 750. RS

  MISTWOOD GOLF in Romeoville has outdoor golf season underway, Mistwood is no longer just domed up. So come play Ray Hearn’s challenging design, the home of the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open. Good luck to Mistwood Director of Golf and IPGA 2023 Player of the Year Andy Mickelson this week at the PGA National Club Pro Championship at PGA Frisco-Texas. Book a Mistwood tee time at (815)-254-3333 and visit Mistwoodgc.com Home To McWethy’s Tavern. THE SHACK IN GLENVIEW has extended golf season to a year round venture. So try out the new simulators and the new putting green. Join Arnie at the bar. (847)-904-2905 located at 1717 Chestnut St.

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

CASSY TULLY ART is now open in Aberdeen/Pinehurst North Carolina.

ON THE MOVE AGAIN!

BUT HIS TIME-hopefully Cassy Tully Fine Art has found a home for good.

Cassy has taken her art business to Aberdeen and just past the city limits sign of the Village of Pinehurst.

But more good news, is that CTFA is in North Carolina in time for the upcoming U.S. Open on Pinehurst #2.

So after stops in Wisconsin, Florida and Montana, Cassy has taken her talents to the Cradle or Home of American Golf.

So what followers of one the countries top golf artists are waiting to see, is how Tully will capture the Sand Hills Country of North Carolina.

“The warm welcome I’ve received is inspiring and appreciated,” Cassy said. “Settling in the Pinehurst area represents a true love of the game of golf, and I can’t wait to set my brush to canvas and grow as a golf artist in this legendary golf community.”

Over the years, Cassy has worked with numerous golf associations, companies, and clubs. Her artwork has come from coast to coast, in places like Pebble Beach in the west, to Kiawah on the east coast.

Artist Cassy Tully in her new North Carolina studio.

The new Cassy Tully art studio is located in the historic district of Aberdeen.

“Aberdeen is a quaint, charming town and I already feel at home painting once again in front of my storefront window,” Cassy said. “I look forward to welcoming patrons back into my doors and share my creative process in person. This move feels incredibly familiar and brand new all at once. I look forward to sharing my love of golf and heart for the philanthropy with not only golf fans, but with those who appreciate art.”

Cassy Tully Art can be found on Facebook and Instagram or at Cassytully.com. Now a part of the Home of American Golf.

  THE SHACK with 4 new simulator bays and a putting green. So book a hitting bay today, and enjoy some bar time with Arnie. The Shack Golf Club where the golf season just got longer, in fact the Shack’s Golf season is all year round. Call (847)-904-2905.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook. In the pro shop at Heritage oaks in Northbrook. All 27 holes are open.

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER wins again, and again and again, and again.

Because Scheffler is winning everything in sight, he is also winning a lot of money.

Last week Scheffler earned his second green jacket, but the broadcast didn’t LIV-UP in terms of TV ratings to the expectations.

Because the back-nine on Sunday didn’t even draw 10 million views.

Some have suggested that Scheffler is boring and that’s why. But how does winning and the great shots hit by Scheffler = boring. I think the way Scheffler moved on moving day at the Heritage, flying past all the players in front of him, was really good drama.

But what was too bad was the Sunday finish became a Monday morning finish due to weather. No live coverage of Scheffler getting the Heritage “Red Jacket”, well wait until next year.

AS FOR THE MASTERS-well visit my previous column. Was Gary Player onto something when he rated it the last of the 4 majors. Because it does have the weakest field and smallest field of the 4 majors. I wonder if Masters week has become too predictable.

Saturday before, women’s amateur golf, Sunday before junior golf putting and chipping contests. Two days later a dinner, Wednesday a par-3 contest. Thursday ceremonial tee shots, with then a jump ahead to the back nine on Sunday. A green jacket ceremony on Sunday. Yep-same routine, different year. But by next year the players might have underground parking on site. I can’t wait for the overhead drone shots of tractors digging a hole in the ground for a new parking garage.

THE GOLF WORLD-Rory McIlroy who left the PGA Tour policy board, apparently now wants back in-why. I’m not sure he deserves a seat, plus what about the talk he is or was jumping to LIV Golf. It sure has dried up as quickly as it started.

SPEAKING OF THE TOUR BOARD-who gave Tiger Woods what appears to be a seat on the board with no-term limits. Boy that is sure one big mistake. But maybe that is what you do, when you you should be retiring. But then again the cart-tour is only two years away for old Tiger.

U OF ILLINOIS Senior Isabel Sy is headed to East Lansing Michigan as 1 of 36 individuals playing in the NCAA Women’s Regionals. The women’s team at Illinois did not advance, but the Illinois State Women’s team did advance-Go Redbirds.

FROM THE MEN’S SIDE AT U OF ILLINOIS where the Fighting Illini Mens’ team won the spring classic they host at the Atkins Course in Urbana. So even better for the Illini is that Sophomore Ryan Voois was named as the Big Ten Men’s Player of the week.

PINE MEADOW GC in Mundelein has a few sports left for its’ TaylorMade fitting clinic this Sunday April 28th between 12 and 4. Call the Pine to reserve a spot. (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow RS.

  INDOORS & OUTDOORS Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road is open for the 2024 golf season. 27 outdoor holes, three simulators with Schaumburg Golf Club on the screen for those rainy days. The Trackman outdoor range is now part of SGC for the season ahead. So book a tee time at SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME practicing for this weeks traditional putting contest.

CAN IT PLEASE START. NO MORE HYPE.

THANK YOU!!!

IT’S FINALLY TIME for the most over hyped event in golf to finally begin.

So if your from Chicago and you thought the Bears QB Justin Fields trade saga was drawn out-well that’s nothing compared to the pre-masters hype.

BECAUSE IF YOU have heard all the pre-masters hype, you probably burned out of this week, back right before the first April Fool’s Jokes were told. Yes Pre-Masters hype has become that bad, to a point this tradition like any other, is like a tradition that shouldn’t continue.

SO WHAT HIT’S you as bad, is when in mid-December CBS Television is showing Masters Promo’s at Halftime of it’s NFL games. Seriously, can we please get through Christmas-New Years of this year, before we talk next April of the following year. THANK YOU. CBS don’t get stupid.

Arnie is at the Shack all week long. The Shack 1717 Chestnut in Glenview. New simulators and a new putting green. So book a hitting bay at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

SO THE FIRST OF THE YEAR BEGINS, there are plenty of college football games and NFL playoff games to hype.

MAYBE that championship football game too, it’s called the Super Bowl, maybe you have heard of it.

But by now-March Madness is just 60 days out, yes with that tradition of standing on a ladder and cutting down the nets. T-Shirts and Hats will do, no green jackets are necessary.

However the talk seems to be, about who is in, when it’s who is out should be more like it. The Masters has the smallest and the weakest field of any of the majors, since several in the field can no longer compete. They are here for the reunion part of the event, and a nice traditional dinner on Tuesday night.

IF YOU HAVE HEARD GARY PLAYER’S comments about where the Masters ranks in terms of the other majors (last), and you thought he was crazy. Do take a step back and look at the big picture, maybe Player wasn’t so far off base after all.

THE NEW TRADITION for the tournament in Augusta Georgia, is weeks of arguing who should get in the field. With LIV winners still getting the shaft.

The PGA Tour becomes months of debate of what unknown’s will grab the final invites to get in the Masters field. But not what a win on tour or the money, does for their career, life on tour and endorsement potential.

NEW TRADITION’S include Tiger talk of can he walk, can he make the cut, or those with Azalea colored glasses on saying how Tiger is in Augusta to win. One of the best exchanges on Twitter-X 3 weeks ago, was a guy who asked if Phil or Tiger had a better chance to win this year. The great response was a guy saying Ben Hogan or Arnold Palmer had a better shot of winning.

NEW TRADITION’S include discussion on one tee box moving back an entire 35 yards. So far it appears the pro’s don’t like it. OLD TRADITIONS seem to make this week a great place to discuss the rollback of the golf ball. Another unpopular topic among golfers, both amateur and professional alike.

SO IF YOU enjoy the Masters for what it is, or what it’s supposed to be. Which is a dinner on Tuesday, a Par-3 contest on Wednesday, great concession prices for patrons in attendance, three old former champions hitting ceremonial tee shots on Thursday, before 63 holes of golf, and then to proceed to the “Back-Nine-on-Sunday” shootout. Let us hope it’s gets back that way.

Because the build-up is taking the fun out of-“A Tradition Unlike Any Other.” Then turning it into a tradition golf can do with out. RS