THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP all this weekend at Olympia Fields Country Club-part of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. So who will be next to go up on the clubs Wall of Champions.

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

36 Hole leader Max Homa talks to the media at the BMW Championship on Friday. Homa set a new course record with a 62.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO WEEK 15 is here.

This week it’s a mix of the Chicago area’s top professional golf tournaments, both in town over a six week period.

So join Golfers on Golf Radio this week on the tee at 10 Am on WNDZ 750 Am-Chicago.

Because our guests are Nick DiGiovanni long time Olympia Fields member-serving as Chairman for the BMW Championship.

THEN WITH A tip of the cap to LIV Golf, Jake Mendoza the new course superintendent for Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove-talks about getting “The Farm” ready for championship golf from the LIV Tour.

Your hosts are Len Ziehm-Bill Berger and Rory Spears (Ed Stevenson has the week off).

  JAKE MENDOZA-Superintendent of Rich Harvest Farms (L) and Golfers on Golf Radio hosts Ed Stevenson-Len Ziehm-Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

Golfers on Golf Radio WNDZ AM 750-10 AM Saturday mornings through Sept. 23rd.

BUT FROM THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP

You get to hear from: leader Max Homa, Rory McIlroy as he works to dial in his wedges.

British Open champion Brian Harman, on his putting and golfing in the Midwest.

Matt Fitzpatrick on his relationship with Tinley Park and now Oak Brook based Bettinardi Golf.

So Fitzpatrick tells us he needs a Top 5 of 6 to make the Tour championship next week in Atlanta.

BUT CLICK HERE TO HEAR this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio.

THANKS FOR LISTENING-ED, LEN, BILLY and RORY.

HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB on Dundee Road in Northbrook. Now with a new clubhouse, driving range (trackman) and better golf course. HeritageoaksGC.com.

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.

Max Homa with an Olympia Fields north course record , takes the lead at the BMW Championship.

MAX HOMA was on fire.

Because Homa made what what seems like miles of putts on the Olympia Fields North Course in route to a course record 62.

Homa (-10) now holds a two shot lead over Chris Kirk, and by three shots over Matt Fitzpatrick and British Open Champion Brian Harman who are at 7 under par.

The Olympia Fields North Course record of 63, was held by three players. Two of them Rickie Fowler and Thomas Detry both did it in college during the Fighting Illinois Golf Classic.

But Vijay Singh accomplished it during the 2003 U.S. Open. But while Singh had the low round of the week 20 years ago, it was Jim Furyk who won his first major championship.

FIVE PLAYERS are five shots back including Fowler,. But the group includes Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. McIlroy had a tremendous par save on 18, after hooking his drive into the trees. But the 505 yard par 4 ( that plays as a par 5 for the members), saw McIlroy hit an 8-Iron from 192 yards onto the green.

While the last two BMW Championships have been held at other courses (2021 Caves Valley-2022 Wilmington CC), two time defending champion Patrick Cantlay is 6 shots back at 4 under par after a second consecutive 68.

Triple-decker skybox suites have packed in the patrons the first two days.

Fitzpatrick who know sits T-3, said he knows he has to finish Top 5, to make Atlanta and the Tour Championship next week.

But for Homa, he feels like he needs to win. Because Homa wants to receive and automatic selection to be on the Ryder Cup team in Italy. So he admitted that-that, has been weighing on his mind.

One group that had the largest following of the day, was the Scheffler and Jon Rahm group. But while Scheffler picked up one shot with a (69). Rahm shot a 4-over par 74, and now is well back in the field. Rahm is in a tie for 35th place.

Lucas Glover who has been the hottest golfer on tour the last couple of weeks. Glover has recorded with back-to-back wins in Wilmington and in the first playoff tournament in Memphis. Started climbing back up the leaderboard with 3 under par 67, and sits in 13th place.

Harman with a victory would be the latest golfer to win the “Illinois Slam.” The Illinois Slam is earned with wins in both the John Deere Classic, and the BMW Championship. When the tournament it is actually in the Chicago area. Because this year marks the only year the BMW will be played in the Chicago area, in a seven year stretch.

Kirk and Sam Burns are currently holding the final two spots to play in next weeks Tour Championship. Sahith Theegala and Justin Rose are at positions 31 and 32, and needing a strong weekend to move up into the top 30.

Hidecki Matsuyama had to withdraw from the championship before Round 2. Matsuyama said he injured his back during Round 1.

Seamus Power is first out Saturday morning for Round 3. Power will be a single because of Matsuyama’s withdrawal. Leaders Homa and Kirk tee off at 12:50 for round three.

LIV GOLF RETURNS TO RICH HARVEST FARMS-SEPT. 22-24. So get your group together and head out to Sugar Grove and catch all the action. Will Cam Smith be able to defend his title, can Dustin Johnson’s Team win it again. Visit LIVGolf.com/Chicago.

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.

University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small is bidding for yet another trophy-in the Illinois PGA Section championship. Small with the Illinois Senior Open trophy at the Preserve at Oak Meadows-earlier this summer. Photo by Nick Novelli.

THE MIKE SMALL INVITATIONAL

Seems be on tap for for tomorrow at the Thunderhawk Golf Club.

Whether it’s 13, 14 or 15, Small’s resume in the section championship says one thing. “W”.

It’s hard to find any golfer and at any tournament that has won a certain golf tournament as many times as Small has won the the Illinois PGA Section title.

Because the weather has been a thorn in the side of the tournament, Day 1, which is really Day 2, didn’t start until 1:30 in the afternoon on Tuesday. But not to mention the 54-hole championship is down to 36 holes. Tuesdays format was a 99-player shotgun, that was necessary because of both Monday’s rains, and Tuesdays early rains that left the golf course unplayable.

“It was a good day,” said Small. ” I made seven birdies and one bogey. I birdied my first hole and was solid throughout the round and birdied my last three holes.”

Small’s six under par (66) gave him a 1-shot lead.

“With all the low scores bunched up at the top, you have go out and make some birdies,” Small said. “The course is soft and the greens are playing slow and comfortable after all the rain we got. So you just go and try to knock down some pins.”

Small had to climb his way back to the top, because 2021 champion Andy Mickelson of Mistwood had set the pace and had the lead much of the round. Mickelson’s 67 has him one shot back of Small. But should Mickelson win again, he would be the 20th player to win the championship two-times.

Jim Billiter (Ivanhoe Club) another past champion is also just one shot behind Small after a 67 (-5). Billiter with a win, would be the fifth player in section history to win both the section championship and the match play championship two times.

Chris French of Aldeen Golf Club, winner of the 2023 IPGA Match Play Championship and participant in this years PGA Championship at Oak Hill, is two shots behind Small after a 68 (-4).

Play concludes on Wednesday. because of the two-day format there was no-cut after the first 18 holes. IPGA.com

GET THE GROUP TOGETHER September 22-24 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. LIV Golf is back. Can Cam Smith defend his title, get your tickets at Livgolf.com.

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

WELCOME TO THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB in Beech Park-Home of the 2023 Illinois PGA Section Championship.

FOUR YEARS LATER it happened again. So for defending champion Brian Carroll it was a replay, when Day 1 play was delayed-then cancelled.

Carroll didn’t quite call Day 1 of the 2023 championship a replay, but nobody would blame him if he went home and watched Ground Hog Day on the big screen.

RAIN WAS lurking when action started at 8 Am, then it finally showed up. But then it rained harder and harder. So then the puddles formed, and the streams of water flowed down the fairways. The practice range was soon underwater.

The 54-hole section championship is now a 36-hole championship. Round 1 of 2, will tee off 90 minutes later than planed on Tuesday, was the announcement from IPGA Tournament Director Brad Slocum. 8 Am Round-2 tee times are now 9:30 and so forth.

Carroll at 3 under par through 12 holes was leading the field, just like four years ago. But Round-1 was wiped off the board and the books. Carroll says, “I didn’t like the restart rule then, and I still don’t today. But I do understand it.”

At least Carroll got his first major win last year in the section championship. It’s one that nobody can take away from him. But Carroll like the rest field, still has 36 holes left to play, and a full chance to win this years championship.

Slocum also announced the entire field will play 36 holes there will be no-cut this year. So for more details visit IPGA.com.

LIV GOLF RETURNS TO RICH HARVEST FARMS September 22-24 Get tickets now at LIVGolf.com. The stars of professional golf back in town. Dustin Johnson talks to the media in 2022 at Rich Harvest Farms. Cam Smith returns to defend his title at RHF.

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

Hard to believe Shoji Tabuchi-my Maui Hawaii-Kapalua and Branson golf partner has passed away. Photo at the Plantation Course at Kapalua-Maui.

MAUI…

THE fires are bad enough and a real tragedy. So many more are missing, and more bodies are being found.

I drove through Lahaina some 20 times going back and forth to Kapalua, from the airport. What a just really neat Hawaiian town.

But now more bad news with a Maui connection to it. Because over 20 years ago on the now defunct Village Course, I met Branson Missouri’s top fiddle player, Shoji Tabuchi. That one round of golf led to a friendship that lasted 23+ years. Former Kapalua VP-the late Gary Planos would pair us up, and off Shoji and I would go for 18 holes. The Village Course, Bay Course, and the famed Plantation Course.

Then back stateside I would drive to Branson Mo. and we would golf even more. After lunch and dinner I would go catch his show, always great and entertaining. Last night on Facebook his family announced his passing. Branson will never be the same. Golf lost a true friend when Tabuchi passed away, hopefully there is another coming Japan, that will love golf the way Shoji did. #RIP

PGA TOUR COMMISHIONER Jay Monahan finally announced the cause of his needed health break away from the tour. Anxiety. Well I’m glad to see him back, but for how long. Resentment about Monahan is growing from the rank & file. Perhaps Monahan needs to look no further than himself to see how his health condition started.

ONE PERSON NOT BACK at the PGA Tour, is long time VP of this and that Andy Pazdur, who decided to quit one day not long ago. Pazdur’s name would pop up in a variety of press releases on various topics. What his loss means at this point, remains to be seen.

LIV GOLF CEO GREG NORMAN says he’s getting calls from players that now see the end of the split between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf coming up. But why would anyone make the jump now, is there a need to. But another question is what is Norman’s role these days at LIV, is he staying or is he gone. That situation will get more interesting as the months move forward.

ANGEL CABRERA has been released from prison after some 30 months in prison. But what does it mean for his golf career. Because Cabrera does want to get back in golf shape, and play in professional events again. Can he do it, will tours and golf organizations let him back in their fields. I say let him in if he qualifies, unless it’s the Masters where he has a lifetime exemption for being a past champion.

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU is coming off a final round 68 at the Greenbrier LIV Golf tournament. So is it a matter of DeChambeau being healthy again. But there is word that he has made some equipment changes, and that is the key factor. So could his long bomb drives be a help to the Ryder Cup team. Sure why not pick-him, Zach Johnson.

PINE MEADOW GOLF has both a Senior Scramble coming up on August 23rd, remaining spots almost gone. But there is more, do you need some wood chips and mulch for around the house. Because has extra, that they are giving away for free. But you need to come get it yourself and do the shoveling yourself. But do call-ahead for a pick up time. (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

BLACKBERRY OAKS in Bristol headed up by KidzRule Guy-Chad Johansen, has the new Oaks Grille up and running, and plenty of upcoming events happening. So go check out Blackberryoaks.com.

IT’S TOURNAMENT WEEK-with of course more than one this week. So first on the tee is the Illinois PGA Section Championship at Thunderhawk Golf Club in Beech Park. The club is hosting the section for the first time. Brian Carroll is back to defend his title, against 6 other past champions, and a field of over 100 players. The field is 11 players larger than year.

OLYMPIA FIELDS hosts the 2023 BMW Championship this week, as it’s Round 2 of the Fed Ex Cup playoffs. This is the last BMW in town until at least 2027, so make sure you get out to Olympia Fields Country Club this week.

OUR RADIO PARTNER LEN ZIEHM has more golf travel pieces up on his site Lenziehmongolf.com. So check out Len’s stories, including more on the new par-3 at Boyne Golf in Michigan.

ZERO FRICTION GOLF in Oak Brook Terrace has announced a new digital catalog to showcase it’s product line, which is a good one. Balls, Tees, Gloves, push carts and more. Zerofriction.com.

The Gog Blog will be back a bit more this week. It’s been a busy summer, so writing time has been limited. RS

   LIV GOLF returns to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove from September 22-24. Cam Smith will try to defend his title. Can Bryson DeChambeau go-low again. LIVGolf.com. So come see 2023 PGA Champion Brooks Koepka and the stars of LIV Golf next month

Golfers on Golf Radio Week 14-on WNDZ AM 750 Chicago. L-R Ed Stevenson-Len Ziehm-Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO WEEK 14 is here.

So as usual the tee time is 10 AM on WNDZ-AM 750.

You hosts are Ed Stevenson-Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

Do stay tuned-in. Because this weeks guests include Don Wilson from Srixon/Cleveland Golf.

But then it’s a mulligan for Illinois PGA Executive Director Carrie Williams, who will join us this week-to talk everything Illinois PGA. Including this coming weeks IPGA Section championship at Thunderhawk Golf Club in Beech Park.

Wedges from Cleveland Golf-Srixon’s Golf Ball line that includes Z-Star and the Divide.

  GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-WELCOMES THE ILLINOIS PGA and Carrie Williams the Executive Director of the section.

More conversation includes LIV GOLF and Bryson DeChambeau’s 59 on Old White at the Greenbrier Resort. Why was Jay Monahan out with health issues. So did Phil Mickelson have a serious gambling problem.

Illinois PGA Section Championship and BMW Championship at Olympia Fields and the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs are here-for 1 year anyway.

CLICK HERE to hear this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio.

TEE TIME 10 AM on WNDZ AM 750-Golfers on Golf Radio in it’s 33rd season, the longest running golf show in Chicago history.

Thanks for listening Ed, Len, Bill and Rory.

HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook is open for it’s second full year from renovation.  So try the new Trackman range, try the new Acorn Grill, complete with Taco Tuesday’s and Wings on Wednesdays. There are now two simulators in the clubhouse for year round golf. But there is still plenty of golf season left for outdoor play. So book a tee time by calling (847)-291-2351 or Heritageoaksgc.com. Head Golf pro John Billiter (m) will compete in next weeks IPGA Section Championship.

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.

Martha Kuwahara was back at Glenbrook North High School tryouts on Monday at Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, IL.

Martha Kuwahara 15, of Northbrook Illinois was back in the environment she enjoys most, golf.

Monday was the first day of golf team tryouts for the Glenbrook North Spartans girls golf team, at their home course of Heritage Oaks GC in Northbrook. But for Kuwahara the national Drive-Chip and Putt Champion at Augusta National Golf Club, it should have been easy day.

So even though her scorecard said a round of 69 (-2), her day wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Because walking 18 holes these days isn’t quite so easy, in fact it’s a little painful. So painful she could be sitting out some of her Glenbrook High School’s upcoming golf team matches. Because that’s what happens when you get electrocuted in a Jacuzzi, and you are left paralyzed from the waste down for three days. But Kuwahara insists she will take part in the next two days of tryouts, since the rounds of golf are only 9-holes.

But just a few weeks back-things got scary for Kuwahara, when after her practice round at an AJGA event in Pewaukee Wisconsin. Kuwahara jumped into the Jacuzzi at her hotel, the Wildwood Hotel recommended by the AJGA as the place to stay. But an electrical fire that caught the hotel’s pool area on fire, electrocuted Kuwahara forcing her to withdraw from the golf tournament.

CLICK HERE to hear Golfers on Golf exclusive interview with 2023 DCP champion Martha Kuwahara.

Kuwahara says she really enjoyed her time in Drive-Chip and Putt, which at 15 and she will be 16 before next years competition, means she will be too old to compete again.

Martha Kuwahara at Medinah Country Club warming up for the DCP finals.

Players like Rory McIlroy teased her about getting her autograph when she asked for theirs. Winning Drive-Chip and Putt made her much more well known.

During a tournament this summer in Florida, she noticed Illinois Coach Renee Slone following her. Kuwahara has seen the University of Illinois golf facility while visiting her brother, who attends the universities dental school. Kuwahara says that plenty of colleges are now following her Instagram page.

But with college still three years away, right now Kuwahara is just looking forward to walking again, with out the pain that’s been bothering her for the last month and keeping her off the golf course.

The medals and trophies for the finalists of the Western Amateur golf championship.

THE 121ST WSTERN AMATEUR has played out to an exciting finish at North Shore Country Club.

Kazuma Kobori of New Zealand made a 15 foot birdie putt on the 18th green to win the championship.

Kobori defeated Christiaan Mass of South Africa 1 Up.

So this was the first time two players of the southern hemisphere made it to the Western Amateur final.

BRENDAN VALDES Auburn University was the Medalist heading into the 16 player match play. But he promptly lost his first match in 19 holes to Carson Bacha.

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN the 2021 champion was a co-leader after the first cut at 36 holes. But Thorbjornsen was eliminated in his first match by Drew Goodman in a 20 hole match.

MORE WGA NEWS…

TRACE CROWE Won the NV5 Invitational at the Glen Club, being played in July for the first time. Crowe made par on the second playoff hole to defeat Patrick Fishburn.

But for more information on the Western Golf Association or Evan Scholars Foundation please visit WGAESF.org.

LIV GOLF is BACK at RICH HARVEST FARMS in Sugar Grove September 22-24-Cam  Smith looks to defend his title. Can Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces win the team championship again this year. 23,000 golf fans came out last year on Sunday to see the final round. Will you be one of them in 2023. Tickets are now available, please visit LIVGolf.com.

Golfersongolf.com is written by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect- LinkedIn/FB/INSTA

  GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is on the air for Week-13 of the 2023 Golf Season. So check out all the golf news at 10 AM Saturday mornings on 750 AM WNDZ-Chicago.

THIS WEEKS guests include Mistwood Golf Club Director of Golf Andy Mickelson, a past Illinois PGA Section Champion. Carrie Williams Executive Director of the Illinois PGA.

CLICK HERE to hear this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio.

Our guest was Andy Mickelson of the Mistwood Golf Club. Unfortunately Carrie William of the IPGA, had to cancel. Carrie will join the program next weekend.

There will be plenty of golf talk on other topics.

Thanks for listening Ed, Billy, Len and Rory.

Golfers on Golf Radio every Saturday morning at 10 AM on WNDZ-AM 750-Chicago. With the 2023 season running through September 23rd.

HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook is open for it’s second full season from renovation. The new clubhouse featuring the Acorn Grill, and two new simulators make Heritage Oaks a year-round destination. Trackman is a part of the driving range improvements that include a backside private hitting area for lessons and groups. So book your tee-time at Hertiageoaksgc.com or call (847)-291-2351. John Billiter head golf professional competed in this weeks Illinois Open at Flossmoor GC.

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

Vince India of Deerfield and the Korn Ferry Tour, won his second Illinois Open at Flossmoor Golf Club in a 3-hole playoff with Dylan Meyer. Photo by Nick Novelli.

VINCE INDIA has done it again, winning his second Illinois Open in a playoff with Dylan Meyer at the Flossmoor Golf Club.

India must love the par-5 18th hole at Flossmoor. Because it took a birdie on the tournaments final hole to get India into the playoff.

But then it was a birdie on the 18th hole again, on the third hole of the playoff, to win the title in a hard fought battle with the former University of Illinois standout.

India who now plays mostly on the Korn Ferry Tour, won the Illinois Open in 2018 at the Glen Club. India played there last weekend in the NV5 Invitational, making it seven straight days of competitive golf. But now India now plans a flight straight to Utah for this weeks Korn Ferry tournament. So should he make the cut, it will be 11 straight days of competitive golf.

The green of the par-4 16th hole at Flossmoor GC.

” I had to be really smart about where I hit my shots today,” said India. “They did a great job setting up the golf course this week. But for the most part, I played carefully, but I rolled the ball really well. So it was my putter that bailed me out this week.”

Both India and Meyer had chances to take over the playoff, but missed opportunities to do that. Meyer on the 16th hole, and India on the 17th hole.

But on 18 it was India who hit the fairway and made it count. While Meyer’s drive landed in deep rough and then a greenside bunker. India got home in two shots, and lagged up for a tap-in birdie. Because that was enough to win, when Meyer’s birdie try, slide past the cup.

Quinn Clifford won the low-amateur award with -6 score for the tournament. Photo Nick Novelli.

Quinn Clifford (a) of Chicago was the low-amateur for the championship.

Clifford totaled a 6 under par score, two shots behind India and Meyer for third place. Clifford shot a 1 under par final round to clinch the low amateur award.

“I had a lot of fun this week,” said Clifford. “I came in with low expectations, which I have learned is the right way to approach golf. The golf course was phenomenal.”

Defending Champion David Perkins (East Peoria) and Luke Gannon rounded out the top five, by tying for third place with Clifford.

Varun Chopra had the low final round of the day a 5 under par (67) that moved him into 6th place. University of Illinois men’s golf coach Mike Small started the final round just one shot back of India and Meyer. But Small fell back with a 76 to tie with Kyle Donovan for the Low Illinois PGA Section professionals and T-13, and a 1 under score for the championship.

The location for the 2024 championship is still to be determined by the Illinois PGA. For more information on the Illinois PGA, please visit IPGA.com.