LIV GOLF IS BACK SEPTEMBER 22-24 at RICH HARVEST FARMS. So you can order tickets now at LIVGolf.com. But also stay for the post round concerts-Nelly and Tiesto. So can Cam smith win it all again, what about Dustin Johnson on the team competition.

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.

Welcome to the Pine-Pine Meadow in Mundelein.

PINE MEADOW in Mundelein is going to hold it’s final Titleist Thursday, on Thursday September 7th-from 11 Am to 5 Pm.

But these fittings are by appointment only. So there are no walk-ups.

Titleist fitting specialist Brad Nelson will conduct the fittings. TSR products and the new T-Series Iron will be present. So call to schedule your fitting at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

THE CASH MONEY SCRAMBLE at the Pine on September 23rd. 3-person teams which can be male or female. But all players will play the course in the 6,400 yard range. $175.00 per player, and $525.00 a team. Prizes are cash payouts. To register call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653.

The Rambo Scramble is Back-October 14th at Maple Meadows-tough set up and tough pins.

THE RAMBO SCRAMBLE is back for another year at Maple Meadows Golf Club in Wood Dale.

So do you like the challenge of tough pins. Because the superintendent gets to show off his evil side here, and test your nerves and your putting skills.

So Saturday October 14th is the day, and you can sign up at DuPagegolf.com or at Maple Meadows. $90 per player is the green fee and all that comes with it. BUT MORE NEWS from DuPage Golf. So have you been to the Greenway Tap, if not check-out the video at DuPageGolf.com the food is yummy good.

The Labor Day Weekend Sale at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook.

THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND SALE is now underway at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook through Monday.

Shop now. Because this weekend, you can find a variety of items at various % off.

But don’t forget even when the course closes for the year, the professional team is there for lessons, and club fittings all winter long. So don’t forget that every day from 3-5 Pm, is happy hour or 2, in the Acorn Grill. But now with discounts on Taco Tuesday’s and Wings on Wednesday. Men’s and Women’s Club Championships coming up on Saturday September 30th for the ladies, and September 30th and October 1st for the men. (847)-291-2351 or visit HeritageoaksGC.com.

CHRIS RAINEY of Drums PA. is this years Flight Winner at the 40th World Amateur Championship in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Rainey survived the 5-man playoff to win the title. But for all the flight winners in this years competition in various divisions visit MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com.

SEPTEMBER IS ALS Awareness month at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. The Wally Boughton Senior Open is September 26th & 27th. Raffle tickets now available for some great prizes. So learn more at BlackberryOaks.com where #KidsRule (630)-553-7170. 2-Man Scramble September 9th, the 4-man scramble is October 8th.

LIV GOLF IS BACK at Rich Harvest Farms September 22-24, tickets LIVGolf.com

SO ARE YOU TIRED of paying for over priced tickets for sporting events.

Because if so, why not buy your tickets for the LIV GOLF Weekend at Rich Harvest Farms September 22-24, this weekend.

Because this weekend there are specials on tickets for the upcoming LIV Golf week.

So punch into the LIV Golf.com site and get your deals today.

But did you know there are post round concerts after golf on Friday with Nelly, and on Saturday with Tiesto.

So come out and enjoy another year of top level professional golf at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove September 22-24.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS has announced Women’s Golf Team member Isabel Sy, has been named to the Big Ten Women’s Golf-Watch List for the 2023-2024 season. Details at Fighting Illini.com.

THE MEN’S TEAM #9 has three players on the pre-season watch list. Junior Jackson Buchanan, Senior Piercen Hunt, 5th year Senior Jerry Ji. FightingIllini.com.

CALLAWAY GOLF fitting event at Cog Hill on Wednesday September 20th from 11 Am until 4 Pm. Fitting fee is $60. But you  receive a dozen golf balls. So to book your appointment call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29th is Cog Hill’s Night Golf. Which is a walking only event. Call Cog Hill to sign-up. Coghillgolf.com.

OAK BROOK TERRACE based Zero Friction Golf, has a full line of products, with logo’s of your favorite football teams. Both college team and NFL teams. But if you need a glove with a Cubs logo on it, as they try to make the playoffs. Maybe a Blackhawks glove as the Connor Bedard era begins. So for more information see Zerofriction.com.

Pawley’s Plantation old and new 2024 look.

DATELINE MYRTLE BEACH SC.

Pawley’s Plantation will introduce a renovation starting in April of 2023, the course will be reimagined by the Jack Nicklaus design team. Which is headed up on this project by Troy Vincent.

Currently the planned reopening is set for October in 2023. Design work started on May 22nd and by early last month, the greens had been restored to their original size after having been re-grassed. Improvements on this popular golf course that opened in 1988 included greens, bunkers and clubhouse work.

Bunker work on 10 of the courses holes has been extensive. “There are a lot of changes to the course, and they will be very noticeable,” said Vincent. ” The majority of the large bunkers are gone and in their place will be expanded fairway, and more traditional fairway bunkers and native areas. The layout will be more playable, but the teeth have not been taken away for better players.”

“Watching the work at Pawleys Plantation take shape has only served to heighten our excitement about the project,” said Steve Mays, President of Founders Group International. “The restoration of the greens will infuse the layout with creativity, and the reimagination of the bunkers will help ensure that Pawleys Plantation maintains its place among the best courses in South Carolina for years to come.”

Work has continued in the clubhouse, where Pawley’s Pub will have more space and better views of the par-4 18th hole. So for more information see Pawleysplantation.com.

SuperStroke announces Ryder Cup golf bags.

SUPERSTROKE GRIPS

SAYS you should get a grip on these Ryder Cup themed golf bags.

PRE-ORDERING is now underway.

These new styled golf bags, have everything golfers need in todays modern world of golf.

So if you purchase one of the Ryder Cup styled bags, you receive a free SuperStroke Ryder Cup styled putter grip.

Prices are $399 on the Ryder Cup Cart Bag. But only $349.00 for the Ryder Cup Stand Bag. So to learn more about the Ryder Cup series of golf bags, please visit SuperStrokeUSA.com or http://superstrokeUSA.com/.

19-Year Old Dylan Horowitz now captain of the golf team at Chapman University in Southern California, has created the Kavooa Pro.

SO IF YOUR A COLLEGE STUDENT and your stuck in your dorm during the pandemic, what do you do.

Well if your Dylan Horowitz and your on the schools men’s golf team, you help build a training aid that helps remove your major swing flaws.

Kavooa Pro, will be the first training aid by Kavooa Golf.

Horowitz realized that the hockey he played from his early days in sports, had given him some bad habits with his golf swing.

Eventually after building some tripod prototypes, Horowitz involved his dad Andy Horowitz who had experience building companies, later bought by Fortune 500 companies.

Kovooa Pro sells for $129.99 weighs only 3.5 pounds, and easily collapses into side pockets of most golf bags. Kovooa Pro comes with a phone clip holder, so you can easily take video of your golf swing. So learn more about the newest unique training aid on the market at KovooaGolf.com. You can see some video’s online of Kovooa Pro in action.

THE GOG BLOG returns this week. RS

LIV GOLF IS COMING TO RICH HARVEST FARMS SEPT. 22-24 so get your group together and come out and enjoy the fun. Because the pro’s and party deck are back. You can now order your tickets at LIVGolf.com. So you can also enjoy the post round concerts that include Nelly on Friday night, and Tiesto after Saturday’s Round No.2.

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.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS-CEO SAM HAHN joins us live. GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

TEE TIME is always 10 Am on WNDZ 750-AM Chicago. Three more live shows in 2023. Current sponsored by LIV Golf-coming to Rich Harvest Farms September 22-24. Tickets at LIVGolf.com.

       LAB GOLF PUTTERS the MEZZ 1, CEO Sam Hahn joins us live today. But you will hear from  PGA Tour’s Lucas Glover in his interview with the Golfers on Golf, talking the LAB Golf putter and how it’s saved his career on the PGA Tour.

DOUG HABGOOD of the Par 5 Group-that sets up golf tournaments, including LIV Golf events, talks to us from Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove as the pre-tournament set up continues.

Special thanks as always to our sponsors including Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin Wisconsin, and Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. LIV Golf Chicago & RHF.

  LAB GOLF PUTTERS-are evolving. LIV GOLF Chicago September 22-24.

CLICK HERE if you need a mulligan and want to catch a replay of this weeks show.

Thanks for listening, Ed, Billy, Len and Rory.

Three shows left, September 9,16 and 23. 10 AM WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

CLUB 54 IS BACK at Rich Harvest Farms. So bring the group from September 22nd through the 24th for the second edition of LIV Golf-Chicago. Tickets at LIVGolf.com. But now join LIV X-for a chance to win a Miami VIP experience at the tour championship.

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

NICOLE JERAY of Mistwood Golf in Romeoville, is bidding to win the USGA U.S. Senior Women’s Open in Oregon.

MISTWOOD GOLF’S NICOLE JERAY is in the hunt at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in Oregon.

So heading into the final round Jeray is in the fifth place, and one of only 5 players under par. She sits 4 shots off the pace by leader Trish Johnson.

So tune in later this afternoon to see Jeray fight for the title. But also in the field is Conway Farms teaching professional Jamie Fischer, who made the cut and sits in 20th place after a 1 under par 71 in round three.

TODAY MARKS THE END of the PGA Tour’s 2023 season, with the final round of the Tour Championship. But upon completion of the tournament, the club will immediately close for a renovation by architect Andrew Green. Green’s recent work includes clubs such as 2023 PGA Championship site Oak Hill, 2022 BMW Championship home Wilmington Country Club, Congressional Country Club and locally in the Chicago area at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park.

TOMORROW marks the start of the 40th Annual World’s Largest Amateur Handicap Tournament in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. This year over 3,250 golfers from all 50 states and 17 countries will tee it up. Because of the field size, over 30 courses from the Myrtle Beach area will be involved. So learn more about the tournament and Myrtle Beach Golf by visiting PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.

THE BB 30 has launched.

BETTINARDI GOLF

NOW OF BOTH Tinley Park and Oak Brook (new studio now open).

Has released the 8th putter in it’s line of it’s 25 Anniversary commemorative line of putters.

THE BB30 is a limited run and will sell out quickly.

So whether it’s the BB30 or another model of Bettinardi Putters, check them out at Bettinardi.com. The new Studio B is located on 22nd Street in Oak Brook-the phone number is (630)-815-8592.

The late Jim McWethy of Mistwood Golf Club.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB

Located on Renwick Road in Romeoville, will host an outing on Thursday September 14th. The new version of the McWethy Cup will tee off in honor of late Mistwood owner Jim McWethy.

Funds raised will be donated to PGA Hope-that serves our veterans.

Check in-time is at 11 Am with golf starting at Noon. But that’s not all. Because the dinner of Mistwood’s best dining options come out at 6 Pm. So call Mistwood Golf Club at (815)-254-3333 and visit Mistwoodgc.com for more information.

IN THE FITTING CORNER in the Mistwood Performance Center, the new TaylorMade Grind MG4 Wedges and the P790 Irons have arrived. So get fit for both models now, call Matt Carter and Eric Russell for fitting appointments (815)-254-3333.

LAB GOLF and the new TPT Shafts-only in LAB putters.

LAB GOLF

LIE ANGLE BALANCE Putters.

Bold-solid styles. But now with a new shaft that could be the best ever.

Because it’s a feel that is unmatched. So who says so.

Touring professionals and some top amateurs as well. Because the tour players like Adam Scott and Lucas Glover aren’t just playing well, they are winning. So do check out the new shaft options with LAB Golf putters, because they are making a world of difference. LABGolf.com.

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA). serving Chicago golfers for over 100 years. CDGA.org.

THAT DIDN’T TAKE LONG.

WILL HICKEY 45, (Burr Ridge) has not lived in Illinois very long. In fact for just a few weeks.

But while Hickey had grown up in Illinois, more recently he had been living in Minnesota.

So in his first Chicago District event as an Illinois resident, Hickey took home the hardware at 31st Illinois State Mid-Amateur Championship.

Hickey’s 6 under par (207) was just enough to beat Maxwell Scodro (Chicago), Andrew Price (Lake Bluff) and Charlie Waddell (Kenilworth) by one shot.

” My goal was to finish in the top 10,” said Hickey. “But I was comfortable with my game coming in and felt I could do it.”

CDGA Championships resume in September, from the 18th to the 20th with the 37th Illinois State Senior Amateur at Rockford Country Club. CDGA.org for more details.

ZEROFIT Arm Sleeves.

ZEROFIT GOLF

Announces the release of Golf Sleeves, to help protect your skin, for when the sun is it’s strongest.

Zerofit the Japanese performance brand, and leader in baselayer products for outdoor activities.

The Unisex Golf Sleeves come in three colors, gray, black and white. But the sizes do vary, medium/large and Small/medium.

“Our state-of-the-art Golf Sleeves are stylish and functional,” said Doug Zirbel. CEO of Zerofit USA. “They allow for compression, freedom of movement, and protection from the sun’s harmful rays. But in case of injury, using the arm cover helps compress joints and enhances blood circulation to allow faster healing and recovery.”

The arm-sleeves also help prevent sweat-diffusion. Zerofit’s line includes other products for golfers including multiple heat-rub products. So for more information see Zerofitusa.com.

GOLFFOREVER SWING AND BODY TRAINER is offering a Labor Day special running from now until September 4th. Because the normal $199.99 price, will be $179.99. But there are specials on the GolfForever Apps, see GOLFforever.com. Used and endorsed by Scottie Scheffler and Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson.

FINN SCOOTERS-now at over 160 courses nation wide.

FINN SCOOTERS has a new technology.

So enter EAGL Technology. As a result all new Scooters will have EAGL technology installed. But all of the courses that currently have FINN Scooters, will transition to the new App.

So with the EAGL App, you can scan for which courses have FINN Scooters. But for more information visit Finnscooters.com.

BELVEDERE GOLF CLUB in Charlevoix Michigan will host the 2023 Hickory Grail Matches from September 5-7. This Ryder Cup style event, brings together the best hickory shaft golfer from both the USA and Great Britain. Spectators are welcome to witness great play-with the teams dressing in coats, ties and knickers. So for more information please visit Belvederegolfclub.com.

RALPH LAUREN will return as the official outfitter for the 2023 Team USA Ryder Cup team in Simone Italy. See more at Ralphlauren.com.

TITLEIST WAS ABLE TO DEBUT it’s new Radar Capture Technology (RCT) on the range at the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. So to learn more about how RTC interacts with Trackman and other launch monitors, visit Titleist.com/rct.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB is running it’s summer season closing ” IN STOCK ONLY” sale. Up to 20% off on in-stock items such as golf bags and other items. For details call (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) Pine Meadow golf Club in Mundelein.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

LIV GOLF IS BACK at Rich Harvest Farms September 22-24. Tickets are now on sale at LIVGolf.com. Hospitality is almost sold out. So act now if your bringing a group or needing a place for your business. Can Cam Smith win again at Rich Harvest Farms.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO NOW IN IT’S 33RD YEAR-Chicago’s longest running golf show. The only show in Chicago with a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, a former member of the PGA Tour. A member of the Illinois PGA Section. WNDZ 750-AM

Golfers on Golf Radio is (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

Tee time for Week 16 is 10 Am on WNDZ 750-AM.

Our guests this week are Tim Clarke. Because the former President of Wilson Golf is now back in the golf business, with Callaway Apparel and assorted brands including Perry Ellis. Clarke will talk his transition from golf clubs and golf balls with Wilson, to the apparel side of the industry.

LIV GOLF Sept. 22-24 at Rich Harvest Farms

ALEX KLINE-WEDEEN VP of Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove joins us for updates on the planning of the return of LIV Golf to RHF. September 22-24 marks the dates of tournament week.

Can Cam Smith take home the trophy again. Can Dustin Johnson’s team win the team championship. So do stay tuned and come out for golf, and fun with round concerts-Including Nelly on Friday the 22nd. But then there is Tiesto on Saturday the 23rd.

So tune in to hear more about what’s ahead at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove-Sept. 22-24.

But on this weeks show we wrap-up the BMW Championship. But not before your hear from champion Victor Hovland, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

SO CLICK HERE to hear this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio. The THREE-TIME ING national award winning golf radio program.

So do remember that Golfers on Golf Radio has four shows left in September. Because the guest list and interviews will be interesting for any golf fan.

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

The 2023 BMW CHAMPIONSHIP at Olympia Fields is part of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs.

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.

Viktor Hovland is the 2023 BMW Championship-Champion.

THE 2023 BMW CHAMPIONSHIP is in the garage, and Victor Hovland has left with the trophy and winners check, and is off to Atlanta for this coming weeks PGA Tour Championship.

The final round started with leaders Scottie Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick heading out together in the final pairing. But six holes later nothing had changed but the scorecards, as both players had made three birdies and no bogeys.

But while Scheffler and Fitzpatrick were fighting it out, when it came to the back nine it was Hovland who snuck-up behind both players, caught them and passed them. Hovland’s 9 under par 61-that included 10 birdies, was enough to break the course record yet again.

Max Homa set a new record on Friday with a 62, breaking the record set by Rickie Fowler and Thomas Detry while playing in the Fighting Illini Classic. Vijay Singh’s course record came during the second round of the 2003 U.S. Open (won by Jim Furyk).

Hovland had three birdies on the front nine, but none over the last four holes. Because of Hovland’s lone bogey of the day on the par-4 7th. Hovland shot a 1 over par score over the last four holes. Plus he was only even par through the last six holes on the front side.

SO WHAT HOVLAND told himself at the turn must have kicked in immediately. Because birdies on 10-11-12 ignited the charge to the winners circle.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR-the post Round 4 interview with champion Viktor Hovland.

Scheffler seemed in control after birdies on holes 12-13. But he played the last five holes in one over par, and could not pull away. Fitzpatrick was always looming, but a bogey five on the par 4-17th hole finished his chances.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the final Round interview with runner-up Scottie Scheffler.

RORY MCILROY was in the hunt again, but he could not pull out a victory. McIlroy seemed to play as many holes out of the rough, as did from the fairway. His putting seemed shaky at times, when he missed a few putts inside of ten feet. During his media briefing, McIlroy said he would go home for a few days, and consider one of his TaylorMade Spider Putters for next week in Atlanta.

SEPP STRAKA-Jordan Spieth, Tyrell Hatton and Chris Kirk all thought they might be out of the Top 30 for next week. All had late round errors that could have cost them. Hatton clipped the lip of a bunker on 18 and fired his club so hard to the ground, that it almost bounced back to hit him in the face.

Sahith Theegala and Justin Rose were the first two players out of the tour championship, finishing in places 31 and 32. Scheffler will got Atlanta as the top seed, with Hovland at number two. McIlroy will be third, Jon Rahm is fourth and Lucas Glover is fifth.

AN ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE had Sundays number at 30,000, in spite of temperatures that reached 92 degrees. The heat index reached 116 degrees.

The 2024 BMW Championship will be played at former PGA Tour site, Castle Pines in Colorado. This will begin a four year run of the championship being player out of the Chicago area. Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer, during an interview with WGA CEO John Kaczkowski on Sunday morning, learned that the WGA is looking at a return to the Chicago area in 2028.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS tomorrow. RS

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