THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN At Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Padraig Harrington will defend his title, Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly will try to take it away in their home state of Wisconsin. So get your tickets today, and learn more at 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.

OCM’s Michael Cocking stands on the new 18th green on Course #3 at Medinah Country Club. Photo’s by Rory Spears.

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB is regarded by many as the flagship golf club for the Chicago area.

So it’s news when the club takes major steps, in making major improvements.

Currently if you have driven past the club it’s hard not to notice that something major is going on. So when one looks over the fence, or stands under the archway at the main gate. It’s hard not have that Oh-My moment.

IT DIDN’T take long after the 2019 BMW Championship was complete, for discussions to begin regarding a new Course #3. During the championship as the worlds best players went lower and lower into red numbers, the fans and press center was buzzing with comments about what Medinah would do to it’s famed #3 course.

Justin Thomas won with a score of 25 under par. “25 under par” were the cries of golf fans and media, that’s not supposed to happen on Medinah 3. But it did. But as Thomas said during an interview at last years BMW Championship, “the conditions were perfect that week for low scoring.” Toss in some lift clean and place assistance from the PGA Tour, and games best golfers will tear apart any course.

Welcome to Medinah where the work is well underway and this is the view from under the front gate.

Medinah didn’t wait long to create a committee that would ask, “how can our championship golf course be better than it is.”

But what emerged was the reality that all golf courses face at some point. Which is the need to replace or upgrade it’s aging infrastructure.

So when the cost of rebuilding the drainage, irrigation, the watering systems could run as high as 15 million. Why not spend a little more and get your self a new golf course. So no Justin Thomas, Medinah is not blowing up the golf course because you shot 25 under par.

Golf courses and private golf clubs are changing what they offer customers, members and guests. Medinah Country Club is no different. Golf courses are changing, practice area’s are changing, pools are getting bigger, Tennis is getting replaced by Pickleball. Banquet rooms are becoming rooms where members go for a workout on a stationary bike or a treadmill.

As a result, Medinah has gone all-in on a new golf course, that surrounds many of the recent improvements to the club. The routing adds a small (less than 100 yards) amount of yardage, it’s closing holes around the water will require new challenges for good scores. While some golfers always hate to lose the golf course they had, the argument can be made that the new look Medinah #3 might be the best routing to date.

The new 18th hole, runs east to west, and not towards the front door of the clubs famous clubhouse.

The beginning of the process to upgrade #3, hit a bump in the road. A big bump called Covid-19.

Architects were being interviewed on zoom, or touring the golf course wearing masks.

One group that really seemed behind the 8-Ball was OCM. OCM stands for Ogilvy, Cockling and Mead, the Australian golf design firm that had not done much work in America, other than a project down in Texas. So enter 2006 U.S. Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy, Michael Cocking, and Ashley Mead, who tossed their hat into the ring to land the Medinah project against tough competition. But what Cocking calls amazing, is that OCM even got permission to leave Australia from the government during the height of Covid-19, to return to America and take a first hand look at Medinah.

At the time the only thing OCM had going for it, was that 14 years earlier, Ogilvy had played there in the 2006 PGA. So he had first hand knowledge of the property, and saw the course play during a major championship week. But even Ogilvy didn’t know much about the changes architect Rees Jones made for the 2012 Ryder Cup. Other than some tree removal was completed.

Cocking stands in a deep new fairway bunker on the new look 18th hole.

OCM knew they needed to create something different to have a chance in getting the project. So they did. The video presentation created online, gave the clubs committee and members a new and unique way to see it’s championship golf course. They kept their fingers crossed as the vote passed to hire-OCM. Then pass the membership vote to redo the course, in the way the OCM master plan presented the changes.

When asked if OCM knew about the one minor knock Course #3 had, which was that the par-3s looked and played alike. Cocking says,” yes definitely. Because if you were first building a course on the Course #3 site. You would use the the lake and water in a different way. Plus the course was lacking a short-par 4 hole, a popular feature these days.”

COCKING says that the “heavy lifting” in the new design, is more on back-nine of the course. But that the front nine will see it’s share of improvements as well.

The view out towards holes 3-6 on the front nine.

One change that stands out immediately, is that the 18th hole is no longer running alongside the driveway when one drives in towards the clubhouse.

The new look 18th hole now runs East-to-West (towards Medinah Road and not the clubhouse). One’s tee shot must carry the water on 18, and then avoid multiple really deep fairway bunkers.

So what was the 18th fairway, is now home to both a new 5-hole short course. Plus a large new “Himalayas” style putting green.

Work is full steam ahead on the short course (L), while the grading has been done on the new putting course (R).

The 16th hole from the tee box of the old 17th hole, runs over the water and then alongside of it. 17 now plays over the water, but not towards the clubhouse, but away from it.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with OCM’s Michael Cocking-his first on site at Medinah Country Club.

Cocking says that if all goes well with weather and with the grow-in process, the course could reopen in June of 2024. Medinah #3 will host the Presidents Cup in fall of 2026. Where fans that attend in 2026, will have to adjust to new hole routings. Ones they didn’t see in 2012 at the Ryder Cup or in 2019 at the BMW Championship.

THE U.S. SENIOR OPEN TEE’S OFF THIS WEEK at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Our recap of what to expect comes up this week. See USGA.org for details.

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

Dupagegolf.com The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Green Meadows.

The DuPage Amateur is coming up soon, and you can now sign up to play.

One round will be played at Maple Meadows, with the other round held at The Preserve at Oak Meadows.

But now there is even more incentive to play, with the winner of the Gross Division, earning an exemption into the 2023 Illinois Open at Flossmoor Golf Club. So sign up today and enjoy the amateur, who knows you could play with the pro’s in the Illinois Open. Dupagegolf.com.

The Preserve at Oak Meadows will host the 2023 Illinois Senior Open tomorrow and Tuesday, defending champion and University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small is back to defend his title. But for more information see IPGA.com.

Club fitting at Mistwood Golf with Matt Carter in Romeoville.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB located on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is holding a Cleveland Golf Wedge fitting clinic on Friday June 30th.

Time is from 10:30 Am to 12 Noon, and cost is $175.00. The clinic is hosted by both Cleveland Golf representatives and Mistwood Golf professionals.

But for your fee, you will get a Cleveland Wedge. So you must sign up in advance, space is limited. See Mistwoodgc.com. After the clinic concludes stay for lunch at McWethy’s Tavern.

The 103rd CDGA Amateur tee’s off tomorrow at the Lake Shore Country Club in Glencoe.

THE 103rd Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) Amateur Championship, gets underway tomorrow at Lake Shore Country Club.

The schedule for the week is as follows.

Monday the field of 76 players will play 36 holes of stroke play. This will determine the 16 players who advance on to the match play portion of the championship.

A playoff will be held if needed at the end of the 36 holes to determine the match play field. So then on Tuesday, the Round of 16 will be held.

Wednesday will be the quarter-final and semi-final matches. With the championship match being played on Thursday morning. So for more information see CDGA.org. Charlie Waddell returns to defend his title he won in 2022.

Danny Mulhearn of Glen Oaks Country Club in Glen Ellyn.

HE’S IN.

Glen Oak Country Club head golf professional Danny Mulhearn has made it into the field, for this weeks U.S. Senior Open at sentry World Golf Club in Stevens Point Wisconsin.

For Mulhearn this is not his first U.S. Senior open, Mulhearn previously played in the championship when it was held at Salem Country Club in 2017.

Mulhearn will be joined in the field by fellow Illinois PGA professional Mike Small, golf coach at the University of Illinois.

Bettinardi BB5 the 6th release in the 25th anniversary season.

BETTINARDI PUTTERS

Have released their sixth limited release batch of putters this past week.

As the run of releases continues in Bettinardi’s 25th anniversary season.

This past week was the release of the BB5.

The Black 360 gram PVD Putter with the Roman Numerals XXV stamped on it, to mark the significance of this model. While visiting Bettinardi.com, check out the putter refinishing program, if you have a production putter. Old or new.

CALEDONIA GOLF and FISH CLUB and TRUE BLUE GOLF in Pawley’s Island South Carolina (Myrtle Beach) has been named the 4th and 5th Best Courses You Can Play in the State of South Carolina by Golfweek. So visit CaledoniagolfandFishclub.com and Truebluegolf.com.

TPC Wisconsin-in the Madison area, will open this August.

TPC WISCONSIN

The 30th TPC Club in the network will open this August.

But there are now membership opportunities available. The former Cherokee Country Club was showing it’s age after 60 years, so member and neighbor PGA Tour professional and University of Illinois alum Steve Stricker, decided to take the property to a higher level.

Starting in 2025 TPC Wisconsin will host the American Family Insurance Championship, that Stricker host’s. Stricker was involved in the redesign with the PGA Tour network. So you can learn more at TPCWisconsin.com.

Welcome to the Cog Hill Golf & Country Club.

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club will host a Callaway Golf Fitting event on Wednesday July 12th-from 11 Am to 4 Pm.

But you must sign up in advance.

So the fee is $60.00 but you do receive 1 dozen Callaway Chrome Soft Golf balls.

But to learn more see Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL. See what other events Cog Hill has coming up, there are several.

MORE FROM JEMSEK GOLF on the Northside. Because it’s now summertime at The Pine.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced a new division for it’s Wednesday July 26th Senior 2-Man Scramble, cost is $68.00 per player. But the new division is for teams in which both players are 70 years of age or older. So for all the details see PinemeadowGC.com or call “The Pine” at (847)-566-4653 (Golf).

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC coming up July 6-9. Tickets at JohnDeereClassic.com. TPC Deere Run.

The John Deere Classic is coming up from July 5-9.

So the championship has made a series of announcements leading into the championship.

Ludvig Aberg a Swedish upcoming star in golf, has committed to play at the JDC. Ludvig a former World Amateur No.1, and back-to-back winner of the college Ben Hogan Award in 2022-2023, has now turned professional. He earned the No.1 ranking at the PGA Tour School, which earned him direct access to the tour. Ludvig finished 25th in his professional debut in the Canadian Open.

TWO TOP COLLEGE STARS have been given exemptions to the JDC, in keeping with the tournaments long standing tradition of showcasing the game of golfs future stars.

Gordan Sargent a former World #1 and NCAA National Champion, along with former Western Amateur Champion Michael Thorbjornsen. So both players recently competed in the U.S. Open and Sargent played via special exemption in Masters.

AWARD WINNING PERFORMERS Blake Shelton and Darius Rucker will perform after Rounds 3 (Shelton) and Round 4 (Rucker) on July 8 & 9. So fans can watch from the right side of the 18th fairway at TPC Deere Run. But the performers will be set up on the left side of the fairway. Both concerts are expected to start about 5:45 Pm, pending any weather delays, or Sunday playoff to finish the championship. So for more details on championship information at johndeereclassic.com.

The Uneekor EYE MINI portable Launch Monitor.

UNEEKOR has unveiled the new EYE MINI Portable Launch Monitor.

The EYE MINI is now available through both the Uneekor website, or various retailers across America.

Eddie Lee, Chief Sales and Marketing officer for Creatz INC-Uneekor’s parent company says,” now golfers and courses, commercial facilities and coaches alike have access to an extremely powerful solution that is easy to use. But it caters to the requirements of indoor and outdoor simulation and instruction.

The EYE MINI had a soft launch at the 2022 PGA Show in Orlando, it’s priced at $4,500. The EYE MINI has a market-proven EYE XO engine, and comes with high speed photo metric camera’s. So for more information please visit Uneekor.com

CALLAWAY GOLF has announced a limited edition Chrome Soft Truvis Rose-golf ball in honor of Rose Zhang’s winning of her first LPGA Tour professional event. The player in 72 years to do so. But your must order this limited edition ball quickly. Callawaygolf.com

Co-Captain Henrik Stenson of Majesticks GC,Co-Captain Ian Coulter of Majesticks GC, Co-Captain Lee Westwood of Majesticks GC and Alternate, Laurie Canter of the Majesticks GC pose for a photo during the practice round ahead of LIV Golf DC at the Trump National Golf Club Washington DC on Wednesday, May. 24, 2023 in Sterling, Virginia. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/LIV Golf).

OKX is the first WEB3 sponsor of an LIV Golf Team.

The Majesticks GC comprised of Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and currently Laurie Canter (subbing for the injured Sam Horsfield), will sport the OKX logo in team kits, and on tour.

OKX has other sports partnerships including with McLaren F1 Team and the Manchester City Football Club.

OKX is the second largest global crypto exchange by trading volume and a leading WEB3 ecosystem.

MORE LIV GOLF NEWS-the upcoming London Tournament from July 7-9 will have music stars DJ Snake and Alesso on site to “Pump Up the Volume.” So for more information see LIVGolf.com.

GolfGame and KZN shot tracking.

GAMEGOLF one of the games leading GPS shot-and-stat tracking sensor platforms, is announcing the addition of instructor Martin Chuck. Chuck will serve as the brands Coaching Lead and official ambassador. So Chuck will help develop the video content and plans for coaches and student who use the platform.

GameGolf has just announced the launch of it’s next generation technology “KZN”, which is short for Kaizen (Pron: KY-Zen). Joe McKnight V.P. of Engineering at GameGolf calls Chuck, “one of the brightest minds and talented teachers in the game today. So to learn more see GameGolf.com.

GOLFERS ON GOLF’S Len Ziehm has been on the road in the Ziehm Machine once again. So this time it was a trip across his home state of Florida to Daytona Beach. Ziehm reports on the 20+ area courses in Daytona, including the one’s at the headquarters of the LPGA. Read more on golf travel at LenZiehmongolf.com.

CGX-The College Golf Experience and endorsed by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) will bring highly rated male junior golfers together at the Boys Top100 South Camp, presented by Adidas at the Texas Rangers Golf Club July 18-19. During this camp-campers will have access to numerous coaches from various top NCAA programs across the country. So due to sponsorship by Adidas, participants will receive Adidas hats, shirts, backpacks and outerwear.

Multiple coaches on-site for this camp include winner of NCAA national championships. So for more information see www.collegegolfx.com/camps/#upcoming.

BLACKBERRY OAKS-The Oaks Grille is open. Blackberry Oaks Amateur is June 24-25, and the summer scramble is July 22nd.

THE IS PLENTY HAPPENING at the Oaks.

Blackberry Oaks that is, where the new Oaks Grille is now open. So come in and check out the new menu before or after golf.

But more from the Oaks, with the Blackberry Amateur wrapping up today, next up on the event list is the summer 2-Man scramble on July 22nd. So for more information see BlackberryOaks.com. Blackberry Oaks is where #Kidsrule.

INNISBROOK RESORT in Tarpon Springs Florida, and home of the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour, is offering specials for the 4th July. The holiday like you have never enjoyed it before. So visit innisbrookresort.com.

GOLF TRAININGAIDS.com launches The CONNECTOR. Which is the latest golf training aid from teaching professional Dan Frost, known for the invention of the award winning Sure-Set. The Connector is a designed foam ball device, with axis rods running through it to help golfers maintain a connection between their arms and torso. So you can learn more at GolfTrainingAids.com.

SuperStrokes Wyndham Clark and his SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 3.0 17″ putting grip.

SUPERSTROKE Putting Grips congratulates 2023 U.S. Open Champion Wyndham Clark, who used a Superstroke Zenergy Tour 3.0 17″ grip on his putter championship week.

Clark’s putting grip is part of Superstrokes “Off the Truck” series. With TV time for Clark running strong, his grip was seen by millions around the world.

But as a result, Superstroke sold out of the Zenergy 3.0 17″ grips. So if you would like to order one, you can join a waitlist at SuperstrokeUSA.com. Clark’s grip is 3.6 inches longer than the standard grip. Reports say that 8 of the Top 10 finishers at the U.S. Open are using Superstroke putting grips. During 2022 Superstroke users won 61 professional tournaments on top level tours, for over $58.5 million in earnings.

The U.S. Open was not Clark’s first win with the grip, as Clark won the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this year.

SUPERSTROKE has announced the release of one of the tasty looking putter grips on the market. But while you shouldn’t bite into it-the grip called “The Turn” is gaining popularity with pictures of halfway house snacks, up and down the grip. So to learn more about SuperStroke grips see SuperStrokeUSA.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. But for more pictures of the products above, see Rory Spears on Facebook-Twitter. RS

   MICHAEL COCKING of OCM Golf Designs stands in front of the famed Medinah Country Club-clubhouse. See our feature coming this week on the Course 3 renovation.

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 IPGA, Len Ziehm IL. Golf HOF, Bill Berger former PGA Tour Player-and Rory Spears at WNDZ-AM 750

Golfers on Golf Radio Week #7

This week your hosts-Chicago’s Favorite Foursome, of Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears, bring you all the golf news from Chicago and beyond.

With a little help from our producer Brian Stinson.

TEE TIME is 10 AM on WNDZ 750 AM Chicago.

This weeks guests include Nick Biglasco Director of Brand Development for Makefield Putters-one of the new hottest putters on the market. Two recent winners of the PGA National Club professional championship have used Makefield putters-born in Philadelphia.

BOB FARREN (R) with the design team of the new Pinehurst #10-Makefield Putters which is quickly making a name for itself in the golf world. Director of Brand Development Nick Biglasco joins us.

CLICK HERE to hear this weeks show from June 24th.

We hear from USGA Championship Director Ben Kimball about his plans to set up this coming weeks U.S. Senior Open at Sentry World in Wisconsin.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO 10 Saturday mornings on WNDZ AM 750-Thanks for listening- Ed, Billy, Len and Rory.

THE U.S. SENIOR OPEN-next week at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly are in the field-Padraig Harrington is the defending champion. So for ticket information please see USGA.org See the famed Flower hole-16 in person.

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

Hans Risvaer sinks the putt.

Hans Risvaer won the 105th Western Junior Championship at Midlothian Country Club, with a final round score of 69.

Risvaer shot 10 under par for a score of 270, to win his first Western Junior Championship is his first appearance by 7 shots.

He carded rounds of 67, 68, 66 and 69 to be in the 60’s in all four rounds. Risvaer 18, of Miami Florida is committed to play college golf at the University of Central Florida. Risvaer had a six shot lead heading into the final round.

“So instead of scoreboard watching, I just focused on hitting the next shot and talking with dad to keep my spirits high,” said Risvaer. But Risvaer’s father Oyvind Risvaer, who caddied for his son during the championship said,” I had to talk my son off the ledge a few times.”

Noah Kent 18, from Naples Florida, used a final 9 hole score of 4 under par, to jump into a tie for second place. Kent has committed to play his college golf at the university of Iowa. But joining Kent in second place was 18 year-old Jacob Modelski of Noblesville Indiana.

Kent said the key for his round was getting up and down from 100 yards out, on the tenth hole.

But there is more good news for the three top finishers. Because Risvaer, Kent and Modelski have earned exemptions into the 2023 Western Amateur at North Shore Country Club in Glenview in early August.

Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale Illinois, will host the 106th Western Junior Championship from June 17-20 in 2024. But for more information on the 2024 championship please visit The WesternJuniorChampionship.com.

THE CLEVELAND GOLF SCORING CLINIC Wednesday (Tomorrow) at Cog Hill, to sign up call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455. JUNE 29-July 2 U.S. Senior Open USGA.org.

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

Midlothian Country Club logo. Home of the 105th WGA Junior Championship.

The 105th Western Junior Championship is now underway at Midlothian Country Club in Midlothian Illinois.

This historic championship was first played in 1914 at the Chicago Golf Club, making it the oldest junior championship in the United States.

Current PGA Tour players Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, and veteran tour stars including Jim Furyk, Corey Pavin and Fred Couples have played in the championship.

But this years championship is the third time Midlothian has hosted the championship. Because in 1915, the events second year saw the championship held at Midlothian, the second time was in 1931. DeWitt balch won in 1915-Robert Cochran in 1931.

“We’re excited to bring the Western Junior back to Midlothian. A club with a rich tradition of hosting our nation’s most famous championships,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. ” So the players who have won at Midlothian are among the best in golf history. So we are confident this course will provide a great test for the next generation of stars.”

The club has been host to the other championships including three Western Opens (1901-1969-1973), The Western Amateur (1901,1917). The U.S. Open in 1914. The club is not only one of the founding clubs of the Western Golf Association, but one of the first 18 hole golf courses in the country.

Architect Ray Hearn-did the most recent renovation of Midlothian Country Club.

While Herbert Tweedie did the original course design in 1898, the famed Donald Ross added his touches before the 1914 U.S. Open. But it was Evans scholar architect Ray Hearn did the most recent renovation. Hearn lengthened holes, renovated 82 bunkers and created new sightlines and shot making options.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the history of Midlothian Country Club than by welcoming the world’s top junior players for a championship of this magnitude,” said Club President Matt Barry. “On behalf of Midlothian Country Club and our members, we’re honored to host the 105th Western Junior.”

Ryan Cowan who finished 5th last year at The Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest. Will head up and outstanding field at Midlothian. Because there are 10 Chicago area local players in the field, this years champion could have Windy City roots.

But it’s Bowling Green Kentucky native Cooper Claycomb who carded a 5 under par 65-to take the first round lead. The 65 was one shot short of tying Leonard Thompson’s course record 64, in the 1973 Western Open. Chase Kyes of Birmingham Alabama is one shot back after shooting 66. Hans Risvaer of Miami Florida, was in third place after 3 under par score of 67.

The championship format is 36 holes of stroke play. But then the low 44 scores and ties, advance to a 36-hole final on Thursday. For more information see thewesternjunior.com.

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN is coming up June 29-July 2 at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. So for tickets visit USGA.org. Padraig Harrington will defend his title, but will have a tough defense against Wisconsin players Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly.

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

SOMEHOW you could just hear the great Vin Scully saying yesterday, Clark Won It.

Because whatever call you imagine Scully making, it sure would have been better than NBC’s Dan Hicks not providing anything that will be memorable.

But over on Twitter-Hicks side kick Paul Azinger got blasted for getting it wrong and wrong and wrong again during one call. So yes even in golf, the awful announcing website has plenty to write about. But at least Hicks didn’t drone on all day about Tiger Woods, who isn’t even playing, that must have been tough on Hicksy.

WHAT A GREAT WIN for Wyndham Clark getting major championship win #1, and professional win #2 on the PGA Tour level. Clark had a chance to lose a three-shot lead in the final four holes. But as his lead shrank to one over Rory McIlroy, he held on by making tough pars in holes 17-18. The win brought all his emotions pouring out. Because Clark still struggle over the loss of his mother to breast cancer about 8 years ago.

CLARK DESERVES plenty of credit for calling out the USGA and NBC for the really late start times. Especially on Saturday, when shadows were pouring across the golf course at 7 Pm, LA time. In summer people are outside on a Saturday night, not sitting inside to watch Prime-time television. Which is why west coast U.S. Open’s are brutal for golf fans, the New York crowd is not looking forward to seeing the leaders trudge in at 10 Pm local time. It’s no fun either for Chicago golf fans seeing coverage wrap up after 9 Pm. Sunday night was almost as bad, even through play wrapped up a little sooner.

DEFENDING CHAMPION Matt Fitzpatrick called out the USGA for a disappointing lack of atmosphere at the U.S. Open. But one story that is breaking, is that host club Los Angeles Country Club tried to buy up all the tickets, in an attempt to make the U.S. Open kind of a private event. That did not happen, but the club and it’s members got their fair share.

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON to hear during the NBC broadcasts about the so-called great producer Tommy Roy. Really ? Roy again focused his camera views away from LIV Golfers even though Dustin Johnson and Cam Smith were, “In the Hunt”. Hopefully Roy can figure out how to broadcast a major by next month.

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR CLARK-will he be the next name tossed out as favorite at all the majors. Time will tell, but I don’t see Clark winning at “The Open Championship” next month. Hint-Pick Rory.

(D) Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) has opened a senate probe of the new agreement between LIV Golf and PGA Tour. Letters have been sent to both Jay Monahan of the PGA Tour and Greg Norman of LIV Golf. Both were asked for explanations on the new agreement. So if Blumenthal would actually wait until the deal is done, he might be able to get the answers, that everyone else, including the players are looking for.

SINE LAST WEEKS COLUMN-the news came out that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has had to step away from the PGA Tour to attend to a health issue. During the recent months I have been critical of Monahan’s handling of the PGA Tour battle with LIV Golf. But I do wish him a speedy recovery from whatever his aliments are. But Monahan has been under plenty of stress in recent months, the time way should do him some good.

GOLF GREAT TOM WATSON-has sent a letter to Monahan that was published by Golf Digest. Watson has plenty of questions he wants answered. Doesn’t everyone. Watson would also like the Saudi’s to acknowledge their role, in the 9-11 attacks. Whatever that role might be suggests Watson. Tom-maybe there wasn’t a role.

MEDINAH 3-BIGGER, BOLDER and ARGUABLY BETTER. I returned to Medinah last week to catch up with OCM architect Michael Cockling, and tour the course. A course which is plenty of dirt piles, and bunkers with liners in them. My story will be coming up this week on what’s happening on #3 and why. After walking some of the closing holes in the routing, I think I really like the OCM vision for improvement. So for those who don’t like change, they might not like the improvements. Time will tell.

TOURNAMENT SEASON CONTINUES with the playing of the 105th Western junior Championship at Midlothian Country Club. Best of luck to all the players in the field that represents 27 U.S. States and 13 countries.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOB & SAM BETTINARDI of Tinley Park based Bettinardi Golf, on their 25th anniversary on being I the golf business. This August their new studio will open in Oak Brook, stay tuned for more details.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

2023 ILLINOIS STATE WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPION SARAH ARNOLD joins us live. STORI SNIDER of Bettinardi Golf has more on the Autobots vs those Decepticons.

Golfers on Golf Radio-Chicago’s Favorite Foursome (L-R) Ed Stevenson-Len Ziehm-Bill Berger and Rory Spears at WNDZ AM 750 Chicago.

THE U.S. OPEN is here.

MAJOR #3

Los Angeles Country Club is the home this year, and the golf course has provided mixed results.

Because their has been record low scores, and other low number records set.

But as the rounds go past, the scores are not continuing to go lower and lower.

So tee-time for Golfers on Golf Radio today at 10 AM-from WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

This week hosts Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger-Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, bring you the best in golf coverage from Chicago and beyond.

2023 Illinois Women’s Amateur Champion Sarah Arnold is live from the Caddyshack at Glen Oak Country Club.

But then a preview of what’s coming up this week.

MICHAEL COCKING of OCM Design sat down with Golfers on Golf in his first onsite at Medinah interview this past week. But coming this week at GOG.COM The Medinah #3 Project-Bigger-Bolder and Arguably Better.

Todays show has an excerpt of the Cocking interview, and why the new routing will be what it is.

BUT TO give us more on the Matt Fitzpatrick putter that won him the 2022 U.S. Open, Stori Snider of Bettinardi Golf joins us at 10:30, plus the latest release that includes the Autobots and Decepticons putters and head covers. But get the details on where the new Bettinardi studio will be, when it opens in August.

CLICK HERE to hear Golfers on Golf Radio Week #6-U.S. Open Week Show.

ALL THIS and some U.S. Open talk on Chicago’s longest running golf program-33 years. Thanks for listening, Ed, Bill, Len and Rory.

So stay tuned to Golfersongolf.com all week long. RS

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. June 29 through July 2. Tickets are available. Padraig Harrington is back to defend his title, in the land of Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. So visit USGA.org for more information.

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.

The 2023 CDGA Winning Amateur Team.

THE CDGA AMATEURS GO…

BACK-TO-BACK over the IPGA Professionals.

Finals Score CDGA 11.5-IPGA 6.5.

So earning 1.5 points for amateurs Zach Mulhearn and Will Troy meant a lot. Because both have dad’s who have played in the event as professionals (Danny Mulhearn-Mike Troy). But for Will Troy his great grandfather  IL. Golf Hall of famer Zigfield Troy served as a Radix Cup captain in the early years of the event.

The Illinois PGA professionals still lead the all-time series 37-22-2. But the 5 point margin of victory was the largest for the amateurs in 12 years. The CCDGA has had the better of play in recent years.

CDGA Teams of Chadd Slutzky and John Ramsey & Jake Erickson and Tim Sheppard both earned a full three points. But the top Illinois PGA team of Brian Carroll and Kevin Flack could only get 2.5 points out of three.

This was the first time since 2017-18, that the CDGA Amateur have won in back-to-back years.

THE U.S. OPEN THIS WEEK-THE U.S. SENIOR OPEN IN TWO WEEKS at Sentry World in Wisconsin. So follow the action at USGA.org U.S. Senior Open June 29-July 2.

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.

The Illinois Women’s Amateur trophy-presented by the Illinois Women’s Golf Association (IWGA).

WRITING FROM THE GROVE COUNTRY CLUB-in Long Grove Illinois.

The 90th Illinois Women’s State Amateur is down to two players.

Both have won this championship in the past, both want to win it one more time.

Sarah Arnold of Geneva the #2 seed was a past winner of the championship in 2019. Then after a year off because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Grace Curran of New Lenox took home the title in 2021.

But in 2022 it was Megan Furtney who was the champion. This year Furtney is up at the University of Minnesota attending summer school. But two months from now Curran will join Furtney her roommate at Minnesota.

Grace Curran will play at the University of Minnesota starting this fall.

So right now both Arnold and Curran are looking to hoist the trophy for a second time. The road both players had to reach the finals wasn’t an easy drive. Arnold heading into her fifth year at Western Kentucky University had a 3 Up lead in her quarter final match with Catie Nekola.

But three late bogeys left her lead at 1 Up heading to the 18th hole. Arnold then dug down and made birdie to win the match 2 Up. Arnold never trailed in her afternoon match with Katherine Lemke a fellow native of Geneva, closing it out on 16 for a 3 & 2 win.

Curran has been rolling through the championship and had wins in the quarterfinals 3 & 2 over Reese Clark of yes-Geneva. Then 4 & 2 over Barrington’s Mara Janess the 2021 Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) Junior Champion.

Curran got 3 Up after six holes, and never let the lead get less than 2 Up. Every time Janess made a charge, Curran held her off.

Sarah Arnold points to where she wants to be, after Thursdays championship match at The Grove Country Club.

Curran, Arnold and Janess will all play at the Women’s Western Amateur at White Eagle in Naperville next month.

Curran and Arnold will both play at Mistwood Golf Club in the Illinois Women’s Open in July. Janess hasn’t decided yet, but could them at the Phil Kosin IWO.

The key for the championship match will be which play can get out to an early lead. Because both players have been doing that in their four previous matches, in the championship match one of them might have to come from behind to earn a second time with the trophy.

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Tickets are available. Padraig Harrington will defend his 2022 title against Wisconsin’s home town players Steve Stricker & Jerry Kelly and a field of 153 other players. So visit USGA.org.

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

The 2022 CDGA winning Radix Cup team. The CDGA amateurs will try and defend their title on Thursday.

THE 61st Radix Cup at Oak Park Country Club.

So this Thursday the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) and it’s team of amateurs, will try to defend it’s title against the team of Illinois PGA professionals.

So each team has 12 players and their will be 6 matches. But they are scored three ways. The first 9, the back nine and the total scores.

MATCH 1 12:45: Carson Solien (Oak Park CC)  & Kyle Donovan (Oak Park CC) IPGA vs CDGA Justin Smith (Oak Park CC) & Zach Mulhearn (Glen Oak CC).

This match could be the first time 3 or more players represented the same club.

All matches will start 10 minutes apart.

MATCH 2 12:55: Eric Hoff (Bryn Mawr CC) & Jeff Kellen (Butler National GC) IPGA vs CDGA Grant Goltz ( Black Sheep GC) & Graham O’Connor Brooks (Glen Flora CC).

MATCH 3 1:05: Chris French (Aldeen GC) & Tim Streng (Wildcat Golf Academy) IPGA vs CDGA Zach Jecklin (Butterfield CC) & Charlie Waddell (Shoreacres).

MATCH 4 1:15: Frank Hohenadel (Mistwood GC) & Andy Mickelson (Mistwood GC) IPGA vs CDGA John Ramsey (Glenview Park GC) & Chadd Slutzky (Royal Fox CC).

MATCH 5 1:25: Brian Carroll (The Hawk CC) & Kevin Flack (Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club) IPGA vs CDGA Will Troy (Cog Hill G & CC) & Parker Wisdom (Bloomington CC).

MATCH 6 1:35 Roy Biancalana (The Hawk CC) & Chris Nieto (Exmoor CC) IPGA vs CDGA Jake Erickson (Panther Creek CC) & Tim Sheppard (Pekin CC).

Good luck to all the players from the Illinois PGA and the Chicago District Golf Association.