SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES worn by 2023 John Deere Classic champion Sepp Straka, who closed with final round 62, to win by two shots. So for more information see Sqairz.com.

golfers on Golf Radio is L-R Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. Saturday mornings on WNDZ Am 750 with a 10 Am tee time.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-Season #33-Chicago’s longest running golf show, in any form of media.

Golfers on Golf has a 10 AM tee time on 750 AM WNDZ-Chicago.

Chicago’s favorite foursome is, IPGA professional Ed Stevenson, Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Len Ziehm, former PGA Tour player Bill Berger, and 5-time ING award winner Rory Spears.

SO THIS WEEK GOG takes a look at the John Deere Classic, now in it’s 53rd year.

The Gog Blog goes live on WNDZ AM 750 at 10 AM.

THIS WEEKS guests include Zero Friction President John Iacono.

Iacono will discuss the latest in remote control push carts, and golf gloves with extra protection for the hand and wrist.

Zero friction products found at clubs and retail golf outlets around the Chicago area.

The back nine includes long time Quad Cities golf writer Craig DeVrieze, the author of “Magic Happens Here” the 50 year book on the John Deere Classic.

But this week DeVrieze is also writing for PGATour.com. But there is more from the Quad-Cites, Our 4th Len Ziehm checks in from TPC Deere Run as he has headed north from the Palm Aire studios in Sarasota.

So you will hear interviews from Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman and “Northbrook-Nick” Hardy. Both players have made the 36 hole cut at the JDC.

CLICK HERE if you need a mulligan, to check out Week 9 of Golfers on Golf Radio. Because here is your wrap up after 36 holes from the John Deere Classic and more.

So from all of us at Golfers on Golf, Ed, Bill, Len and Rory-thanks for listening.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow, with the Sunday Morning Short Game-News Column.

ZERO FRICTION PRESIDENT JOHN IACONO joins Golfers on Golf Radio live tomorrow at 10:10 AM, on WNDZ AM 750-hear about the companies new products.

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.

With Sepp Straka in the interview area after his second round at the JDC.

THE 53rd John Deere Classic is in the house at TPC Deere Run.

So defending champion J.T. Poston is back trying to make two in a row. But Poston faces a tougher field than last year in trying to repeat.

Because with less spots available inn the PGA Tour playoffs up for grabs, the push is on to make the post season and maybe the Ryder Cup team.

But for the Chicago golf fans there is great news. Because our local favorites Doug Ghim or Arlington Heights, Kevin Streelman of Wheaton and Nick Hardy of Northbrook. Have all made the cut and will be at Deere Run for the weekend.

This years JDC is the first under new championship director Andrew Lehman, and so far the week looks to be going well. Iowa’s Caitlin Clark highlighted the pro-am on Wednesday and had a large gallery.

There are concerts this weekend, both after play concludes on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets could be sold-out for both days. John Deere Classic board member and 2023 Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson is in the field, and is looking like he will make the cut.

But also in the field is 2006 U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy. These days Ogilvy is more known for his work as part of the OCM golf design firm based in his native Australia. OCM is doing the work on the Medinah #3 golf course.

The leaderboard after Day 2, has some names fans do know, and some that are probably new to them. Cam Young who took second place at the British Open last year sits on top of the board at 13 under par.

CLICK HERE to hear Northbrook’s Nick Hardy talk about his second round at the JDC and more.

CLICK HERE to hear Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman, talk about his second Round 63, and his future-maybe with Wilson Golf.

So the conditions did change for the afternoon flight, as the clouds rolled-in and the temperatures dropped. But while there was some rain that fell, there was not enough to stop play. But the greens will be holding shots this weekend, and scores are likely to go low.

The John Deere Classic-Magic Happens Here. So it likely will once more.

Author of Magic Happens Here-the 50 year story of the john Deere Classic, joins Golfers on Golf Radio live tomorrow at 10:30. WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

NORTHBROOK NICK-HARDY on 18 at TPC Deere Run (L). (R) Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman watches his putt on the 9th hole at TPC Deere Run in 2022. The John Deere Classic tee’s off this week, catch all the action at the 52nd JDC Johndeereclassic.com.

Len Ziehm (L) Craig Devrieze (M) and Rory Spears (R) discuss the first 50 years of the John Deere Classic. The podcast won a national award from ING. At TPC Deere Run-Photo by Joy Sarver.

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE

So the John Deere Classic is back, and now loaded with a new 3-year deal for the years of 2024-25-26 on the PGA Tour.

Because for a moment there was some concern about the championships future beyond this week.

But the good news is, that in the end the tournament is here to stay. Plus that means many more dollars will be raided for charity, always a good deal and “The Birdies for Charity” section of the classic will work it’s magic once more. I will be on-site this week getting interviews, especially from our local players Kevin Streelman, Doug Ghim and Nick Hardy.

You will be able to hear them on Golfers on Golf Radio Saturday morning in the 10 Am hour on WNDZ-Am 750. Chicago’s longest running golf program (33 years).

HAPPY 4th of JULY everyone-go play golf, even though it will be about 90 degrees.

AT JOHN DEERE THIS WEEK- will be 4 upcoming college and non-college players. So in the field are Michael Thorbjornsen, Gordon Sargent, William Mouw. Recent University of Illinois graduate Tommy Kuhl. So come out and see the stars of tomorrow.

GREAT PLAYING LAST WEEK at the U.S. Senior Open by Bernhard Langer, career win to pass Hale Irwin for all-time senior victories. Langer is one of the all-around good guys in golf and deserves it. Langer is playing with several clubs in his bag from Batavia based Tour Edge Golf. Tour Edge makes some of the best metal woods found anywhere in golf.

TOUGH WEEK for the senior Women Golfers in Jasper Indiana. As our Len Ziehm reports, the weather was brutal and the Sultans Run golf course took plenty of rain but held up. Great finish by Conway Farm’s Jamie Fischer with a T-7. Mistwood’s Nicole Jeray ended up T-39.

TOURNAMENT SEASON IS HERE-so there will be plenty of golf to go out and watch. So hopefully you will do just that in the weeks ahead. Because next year there will not be as many options, with some vents going out of town.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

MATT CARTER of Mistwood Golf showing a club fitting station in the Mistwood Golf Dome. But even with the golf operation now moved to Mistwood Golf Club for the summer, it’s not too late to get fitted for new clubs from Matt or Eric Russell. So for more information visit Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. ERIN HILLS is home to the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, but is a golf course you can play. Visit Erinhills.com Erin WI.

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.

THE NV5 Championship presented by Old National Bank.

2022 NV5 Champion Harry Hall.

THE NV5 INVITATIONAL presented by Old National Bank will return to The Glen Club but with new dates for 2023, July 25-30.

So fans can purchase tickets now at nv5inivational.com/tickets.

But you can now purchase tickets for “The Hanger” the spectator viewing area that sits behind the 18th green.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Chicagoland golf fans back to The Glen Club for what has become a can’t miss stop on the Korn Ferry Tour,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “This championship is a proving ground for the future stars of the PGA Tour, and we’re excited to see a loaded field compete this July.”

Scottie Scheffler was the first winner of the championship in 2019. Scheffler has since gone on to win the Masters and The Players Championship. Defending champion from 2022 Harry Hall, who defeated Northbrook’s Nick Hardy in a playoff. Is currently playing on the PGA Tour.

Proceeds from the NV5 Championship will benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. So this year the ESF has placed over 1,100 caddies various colleges in 22 universities.

Individual tickets can be purchased at nv5invitational.com.

THE FINAL ROUND of the U.S. Senior Open today on NBC. So can Wisconsin players Steve Stricker or Jerry Kelly catch leader Bernhard Langer-see the details at USGA.org

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

Gooch a third time winner on the LIV Tour.

Talor Gooch shot a final round four under par 67, to win for the third time this year-on the LIV Golf Tour.

But for the week on the team competition, it was Team Torque coming up with a five shot win.

Gooch said he knew the winning putt on the 18th green was going in before he made the stroke.

So by sinking the putt, it gave Gooch a one shot victory over the fast charging Bryson DeChambeau. Gooch is the first player to win three times on the LIV Tour. Team Torque GC lead by Joaquin Niemann picked up win number three for 2023. Gooch’s three wins, none of which have come in his home country of the United States. LIV Golf moves on to it’s next event in London coming up this week July 7-9 at the Centurion Club in London. Where the first LIV Tournament was held. So for more information see LIVGolf.com.

Len Ziehm of Len Ziehm on Golf-and the traveling Ziehm Machine.

Golfers on Golf Radio’s Len Ziehm is on the road on again.

This time Ziehm is headed north towards Illinois.

His first stop this past week, has been the historic French Lick Resort in Indiana.

But in the nearby town of Jasper Indiana, is the home of Sultans Run Golf Club, that also serves as a home to the First Tee of indiana.

This past week Sultans Run has played home to the Senior LPGA Championship. But sadly, the championship has been affected by poor weather all week. The Saturday finish has been pushed into today. Conway Farms Jamie Fischer sits T-11 with Mistwood’s Nicole Jeray 22 spots back of Fischer. So follow LenZiehmongolf.com for a full wrap up.

GOLF360’s Katie Kearney hosts the new edition of the show-seen tonight on NBC Sports Chicago at 6:30 PM

GOLF360 IS BACK.

SO IS KATIE KEARNEY.

This new edition of Golf360 was filmed at the Prairie Landing Golf Club in West Chicago.

But additional segments include, Metamora Fields and Weaver Ridge in Peoria.

Boyne Golf Instruction-and the golf courses of Gaylord Michigan. So learn more about golf club fitting with Patrick Mannelly.

But let Golf 360 take you to the Golf courses of Lawsonia in Green Lake Wisconsin. So watch Golf360 tonight at 6:30 on NBC Sports Chicago.

Suzie Tran winner of the 96th Women’s Western Junior at Greenbriar Hills Country Club (Near St. Louis Mo.).

SUZIE TRAN wins the 96th Women’s Western Junior Championship.

Tran 17, of Poulsbo Washington, who has committed to play college golf at the University of Michigan, defeated Lisa Herman 15, of Jenks Oklahoma 1Up.

But the win did not come easy for Tran, who was 2 Dn after 13 holes, when Herman rolled in a 20 foot birdie putt on the 13th hole.

So an 8 foot birdie putt on the 15th hole cut the deficit to 1 Dn. But then Tran rolled-in a 10 foot birdie putt on the par 3-16th hole to square the match.

Because both players made par on the 17th hole, the match headed to 18 with the Icely Cup on the line. So on the 18th hole Tran hit her approach to 12 feet, but Herman had a birdie putt as well. But when Herman’s birdie didn’t fall, Tran rolled her putt dead-center for the win.

“Watching it go in was such a special feeling,” Tran said. “The match was such a grind and Lisa was playing so well. So to win the in the end was such a rush.”

Lisa Copeland of Naperville qualified for the Match Play part of the championship, but lost in the Round of 16. Martha Kurahawa a national Drive-Chip and Putt Champion from Northbrook, did not qualify for match play by two shots. See more at WWGA.org.

STEWART PUSH and PULL CARTS-Trollies-with a remote option.

STEWART GOLF has opened a new customer care center in Houston Texas.

A world leader in electronic push carts, will service, repair and answer customer inquiries.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer dedicated customer care servicing to our U.S. customers,” said CEO Mark Stewart, who officially opened the new center alongside Stewart Golf Co-Founder David Funnell and Chairman Ross Stewart. The team name of “customer service”, has been changed to ” customer care” to reflect on seriously the company wishes to service it’s customer base.

While both of Stewarts customer care teams spending a week in both Cotswold UK and Houston Texas, to get service sharing the same vision and commitment. But further news from Stewart Golf is the opening of a new distribution center in Nevada. Because this will reduce delivery wait time for more than 90% of the companies U.S. based customers. Learn more about Stewart Golf at stewartgolfusa.com.

The new Sun Mountain golf club travel bag-with sporty new colors.

NEW FROM SUN MOUNTAIN

So is it time to travel, or will it be this fall of winter.

Because if it is, now could be the time to look into the new golf club travel bags by Sun Mountain.

So the new styles lead by ClubGlider, a golf travel bag with entendable legs, and wheels that will support 100% of the bags weight.

But now there is also “The Cube” a minimalist travel bag that can fold up for easy storage. But while colors include black, navy and red, there are other unique options. So pries start at $339.99 for the ClubGlider and $269.99 for the Kube. So for more information call (800)-227-9224 or visit Sunmountain.com.

GOLFFOREVER has announced that legendary golf instructor Rick Smith is the companies newest product ambassador. Smith joins ambassadors Scottie Scheffler, and Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson as other GF ambassadors. Learn more about the stretching device that is keeping golfers playing longer in life and playing better at Golfforever.com.

DALLAS BASED TOP GOLF has announced that it’s newest location in St. Petersburg Florida has opened for business as of June 30th. This is the eight Top Golf venue to open in the State of Florida. The address is 220 Carillion North, with easy access off of interstate 270. Details at Topgolf.com.

EDISON WEDGES is running a 4th of July sale through July 5th. So you can receive your first wedge with $20 dollars off sale price. Edisonwedges.com.

LIV GOLF hospitality at Rich Harvest Farms.

SO ARE YOU READY for the return of LIV Golf at Rich Harvest Farms this September 20-22.

Because now you can order your hospitality for tournament week.

There are several options around the golf course to choose from.

Last year Cam Smith won the tournament, and this year plans to be even bigger and better than last year.

So to review your options visit Livgolf.com/events/chicago.

Oak Park Country Clubs Cameron Beeler with the IPGA assistants championship trophy. Photo by Nick Novelli.

CAMERON BEELER of Oak Park Country Club, has won the Illinois Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

Beeler cared rounds of 68 (-3) and 71 (-1) for a two-day total of 138 (-4) to win the championship.

Beeler won his first Illinois PGA section championship at Briarwood Country Club. He will be joined by Kevin Nelson (Chicago Golf Club) and Matt Rion (briarwood Country Club) at the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at the PGA Golf Club from November 16-19.

“I played very well in the morning, and was just able to hold it together in the afternoon,” said Beeler. “The golf course was beautiful and it dried out a little in the afternoon. Because of the wind, it made for a championship experience.

Beeler had to hold off a back-nine rally by Paul Schlimm Jr. that saw both players tied with six holes to play. But then on 15 Schlimm Jr. actually took the lead after a bogey by Beeler. But then Schlimm Jr. drive on 16 found the fescue than ended up leading to a double-bogey. So from there Beeler held on to the lead to earn the win. But for more information please visit IPGA.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week long. RS

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World-with Tour Edge staffer Bernhard Langer leading the way after 36 holes, at 3 under par. Wisconsin-Ites Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly not far behind. University of Illinois Coach Mike Small made the cut. USGA.org

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

  GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO IS (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. TEE TIME is 10 Am on Saturday Mornings on WNDZ-AM 750-Chicago. If you need a mulligan, catch the replay here at Golfersongolf.com usually later in the day.

THIS WEEKS SHOW…

Wisconsin.golf Gary D’Amato right out of the blocks.

Wisconsin.Golf writer and Wisconsin Golf Hall of Famer Gary D’Amato joins us right at the top of the first hole, for a live update on the U.S. Senior Open at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin.

Gary has been tracking the leaders for the first 36 holes, and brings us up to date on the week at Sentry World.

So for more information on the U.S. Senior Open see Wisconsin.golf or visit USGA.org.

The JDC is Silvis Illinois-July 6-9

YES IT DOES.

Because the John Deere Classic is back next week from July 6-9.

The only every year PGA Tour stop in Illinois.

But long-time JDC championship director Clair Peterson has retired after 20 years. So now Andrew Lehman takes over and has some big shoes to fill. So Golfers on Golf will bunch of questions for the “new guy”, on new deal with the PGA Tour and next weeks tournament and more.

The new look first hole at Elgin Country Club. The bunker renovation is complete with new Pro/Angle White Sand.

WHITE SAND-YES SIR.

Where does it come from-hint Ohio.

But how did the craze start, it is true the sand comes out of the side of a mountain.

So how many courses in Illinois are using White Sand, why is it better and is the demand growing.

Eric Ludewig of RW Sidley Inc. producers of Pro/Angle Sand and top dressings joins us live with the answers clubs around Illinois and the USA are asking.

CLICK HERE to hear a rebroadcast of Golfers on Golf Radio from July 1st.

BUT THERE IS MORE. Because LEN ZIEHM checks in late in the program with a full report of the Senior LPGA Championship at Sultan’s Run in Plymouth Indiana-near the French Lick Resort.

Conway Farms professional Jamie Fischer and Mistwood professional Nicole Jeray are both in the field. But have some work to do, to jump into the Top 10.

Golfers on Golf Radio 10 Am-WNDZ 750 Chicago. So thanks for listening from Ed, Bill, Len and Rory.

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN this week at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Tickets are available. So for more information see USGA.org. TV coverage on NBC.

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

ROBERT BEAUBIEN Jr. holds the CDGA Amateur Trophy at Lake Shore Country Club.

Robert Beaubien Jr. (Barrington-Biltmore CC) is the winner of the 103rd CDGA Amateur.

Beaubien Jr. defeated Danny Fischer (Lake Forest-Lake Bluff GC) 6 & 5 in the 36-hole championship match.

“It’s awesome,” said Beaubien. “I didn’t think I would ever be in a position to say I won this event. But it’s really cool to  have won this championship and put my name on the list with all the other great champions that have won. It’s pretty special.”

Beaubien and Fischer went back and forth through most of the first 18 holes, until late in the round Beaubien won four consecutive holes to take a commanding lead.

But Beaubien never felt the match was over, playing every hole the rest of the way like the match was tied or first starting.

NEXT UP is the 92nd Illinois State Amateur at Bloomington Country Club from July 18th through the 20th. So for more information visit CDGA.org.

THE 43RD U.S. SENIOR OPEN this week at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Can Padraig Harrington defend his title over home state favorites Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. Tickets are available and for information all week. Please visit USGA.org.

CLICK HERE to hear Sentry World CEO-President-COB Pete McPartland on the sentry World, and welcoming speech to the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook or Instagram. With the U.S. Senior Open trophy at Sentry World.

TOURNEY TIME IS HERE.

It’s that favorite time of the year, where golf organizations start scheduling events on top of one another.

So this week is a great week for senior men’s golf. Because it started on Monday at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, with Small beating Small for the win. But more coming up tomorrow.

But it continues for the rest of the week in Stevens point Wisconsin, with the 43rd playing of the U.S. Senior Open. The second major this year on the USGA’s championship schedule. Flower Hole and all-it should be a good one.

THE 96th WWGA JUNIOR is in full force near St. Louis Missouri at Greenbriar Hills Country Club. Kennedy Swedick 16, of Albany New York, and a University of Virginia commit is the medalist. Swedick shot a 143 (+1) for two rounds and will be the #1 heading into the match play.

Naperville’s Lisa Copeland, who has made it to August National twice for the finals of DCP, is the fifth seed after finishing at 4 over par. But the match play begins tomorrow.

THE FINALS OF THE CDGA AMATEUR are tomorrow at Lake Shore Country Club. Danny Fisher Lake Bluff GC vs Robert Beaubien from Biltmore Country Club. So Good luck to both players.

CONGRATS to CHRIS CHARNAS of Links Capital Advisors on brokering the sale of the Stone Harbor Golf Club, in Cape May New Jersey.

SUPERSTROKE PUTTING GRIPS might be the hottest grips in golf. Because after winning the U.S. Open with Wyndham Clark, SuperStroke putter grips won at Hartford last weekend with Keegan Bradley. SuperStroke is putting out a great product.

GOLF DIGEST+ read the story with equipment editor Mike Stachura going under cover with police in California to a bust. Because arrested was a suspect with over $50,000 of stolen golf equipment. Mafia and Cartels are now selling stolen golf equipment online. So if the deal looks to good to be true-it’s probably hot. But no not the Hot-List-just hot equipment. So no-do not buy. Great work Mike Stachura and GD+ team.

KEMPERSPORTS has teamed up with Roger Steele the youth golf advocate, in a grow the game initiative. #MakeGolfCool Steele will co-create content with KemperSports, on KemperSports family members who are working hard at selling and growing the game of golf.

Steele the University of Illinois graduate, is looking forward to changing lives by helping introduce younger generations to golf. So learn more Kempersports.com/growthegame.

SAND VALLEY RESORT in Nekoosa Wisconsin, has announced that it’s newest golf course the classic “Lido” golf course by Tom Doak is now open to resort guests. Chris and Mike Keiser say the course will continue to be improved. So learn more at Sandvalley.com.

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC tee’s off next week at TPC Deere Run, defending champion J.T. Poston is back to defend his title. But new JDC Championship Director Andrew Lehman joins Golfers on Golf Radio this Saturday morning at 10:15 Am on WNDZ. Am 750. So stay tuned in for everything JDC.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN this week at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Padraig Harrington looks to defend his title again the like of Wisconsin players like Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. So learn more about the championship at USGA.org.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with 2023 U.S. Senior Open Chairman Hank Thompson-Outside the Ropes of the USGA.

Mike Small goes back-to-back at the Illinois Senior Open, at the Preserve at Oak Meadows.

THE COACH DOES IT AGAIN.

University of Illinois Men’s golf coach Mike Small has won the Illinois Senior Open for the second straight year.

But this time he had to beat Small to win the championship.

Because his opponent Mark Small (A) never gave up, even though his 3 shot lead with five holes to play wilted away, and forced a playoff.

But the two shot swing on the 13th hole that gave Mark Small that 3 shot lead, only seemed to inspire Mike Small to turn up his game a notch. So a birdie on 15 by Mike, cut Marks lead to two shots. Another birdie on 16 by Mike-cut Mark’s lead to 1 shot.

After Mark 3-putted the par-3 17th hole, the players were tied at 5 under par, heading to the 18th hole. So after both players made par on 18, the players went back to the 18th tee in a sudden-death playoff hole.

Mike Small won the title with a 2-putt par on the 18th green, as Mark Small’s chip, left him a longer par putt-that he could not covert to force another playoff-hole.

“It always feels good to win and defend your title,” said Small. “Mark deserved to win, he played more solidly than any of us today. But I just snuck it out at the end and I’m happy to win.

Mike Small now heads to Sentry World and Stevens Point Wisconsin, to compete in the U.S. Senior Open.

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN tee’s off this week from Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Defending champion Padraig Harrington is in the field. So is Wisconsin’s very own Steve Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. For more information visit USGA.org.

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

The U.S. Senior Open trophy-the Francis D. Ouimet, on display at Sentry World. Photo by Rory Spears.

The U.S. Open comes back to the Midwest, with the 43rd playing of the U.S. Senior Open.

Contested by men at the age of 50 years or older.

The U.S. Senior Open is the 17th USGA Championship contested in the State of Wisconsin. But the U.S. Senior Open was last played in Wisconsin in 2007 at Whistling Straits. Brad Bryant won the championship on the Pete Dye designed golf course.

The famous Par-3 16th hole-The Flower Hole. Will be colorful again.

But this years U.S. Senior Open will play as one of the longer ones, from a yardage standpoint at-7,218 yards.

But that yardage can change either way, because of weather conditions. Par will be 71. So while this years purse is still TBD-it’s expected to at least match last years amount of $4 million dollars.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington received a check in 2022 for $720,000. But this years winner should expect a few more dollars.

The 2023 U.S. Senior Open could turn out to be another battle of what is shaping up to be a major rivalry in senior golf. In 2021 Wisconsin’s Steve Stricker lead Team USA to a win over Team Europe at Whistling Straits, the European was captained by Harrington.

Padraig Harrington is the defending champion in the U.S. Senior Open.

But more recently in the 2023 Senior PGA, it was Stricker again who won the title, this time in a playoff over Harrington. So this years Senior Open is a chance for Harrington to take down Stricker in his home state, in front of his home fans. But Wisconsin’s hopes for a local champion don’t just ride on the shoulders of Stricker. Because Jerry Kelly who has been a force on the champions tour, will likely be right in the middle of leaderboard. So if Stricker and Harrington focus too much on each other, it could be Kelly that walks home a winner.

CLICK HERE to hear an interview of 2022 U.S. Senior Open Champion Padraig Harrington.

CLICK HERE to hear an interview with Wisconsin native Jerry Kelly.

The 3,066 entries received by the USGA, was the second largest amount in U.S. Senior Open history. Missing the all-time mark of 3,101, by only 35 entries.

The tee shot on the 18th hole at Sentry World, home of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.

So golfers have to be 50 years of age or older by June 29th to be eligible to compete.

Amateurs are welcome to qualify for the championship. But their handicaps must not exceed 3.4.

Professional golfers from Illinois that qualified for the championship include, University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small. Glen Oak head golf professional Danny Mulhearn.

CLICK HERE to hear an interview with 2023 U.S. Senior Open Champion Director, Ben Kimball of the USGA.

Round 1 begins on Thurday, with the fourth and final round on Sunday. But should their be a need for a playoff, it will take place on Sunday night. So for more information on the championship see USGA.org.

But more good news for golfers is that, Sentry World reopens for public play finally, on the 4th of July. So go play where the professionals play. So while you are there, stay in the Inn at Sentry World some of best golf lodging available in Wisconsin.