FRED COUPLES is the Ashworth Golf Ambassador for the fall golf series, learn more about Ashworth golf apparel at US.Ashworthgolf.com. SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES are offering a special early bird Father’s Day deal $25 off a pair of Sqairz. See Sqairz.com

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

PXG has entered the golf ball market. Check out their line of balls at PXG.com. Precisiongolfpro.com now has a line of golf goodies, in conjunction with two-time major champion John Daley. Cabot Golf-Links in Canada has opened for the season, so check out Cabotgolf.com.

BLACKBERRY OAKS GM and Callaway Golf ambassador Chad Johansen has created even more ways to improve your golf game. So visit Chadjohansen.com and see how.

CGDA.org Ramsey wins 2023 CDGA-Mid AM.

RAMSEY DEFEATS SLUTZKY.

The CDGA has completed it’s first big competition of the 2023 calendar, with the playing of the CDGA Mid-Amateur.

The championship was played at the Merit Club.

So with Ramsey and Slutzky two good friends battling it out in the championship. But it became obvious early-on that 18 holes would not be enough, and it wasn’t.

So in 19 holes it was John Ramsey (Glenview Park) over Chadd Slutzky (The Grove CC). Both players players left the next morning on same flight to Kiawah Golf Links in South Carolina, to be teammates in the USGA-Four ball. On the 19th hole, it was a three-putt by Slutzky that gave Ramsey the title. CDGA.org.

Welcome to True Blue Golf Club on Pawley’s Island South Carolina.

TRUE BLUE GOLF CLUB

Will be among the hosts of the Social Media Scramble.

But the scramble will be in it’s second year, and 20 social media content creators will compete for money and prizes.

The four-day event will include golf at the Top 100 resort course-True Blue. So you learn more about the event at PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com Myrtle Beach in home to the World’s Largest Amateur Tournament-with handicap in late August.

DUPAGE GOLF has announced the dates of it’s DuPage Amateur, which will be July 22-23. So sign up today. Because openings are going fast. Round 1 will be played at Maple Meadows, and Round 2 will be played at the Preserve at Oak Meadows. Get all the information at DuPagegolf.com.

CLUB CHAMPION GOLF based in Willowbrook Illinois, has announced a partnership with Northbrook based SWAG Golf. Four different putters and five different putter covers exclusive to Club Champion-which are now available. So for more details see. ClubChampiongolf.com. CLUB CHAMPION has also announced a new discount for First Responders, that include police, firefighters and EMS and military. So just use the word “FIRST” in the promo when making your booking.

TINLEY PARK BASED Bettinardi Golf on May 11th released the Studio B Reserve, limited quantities are now available. See Bettinardi.com for more information.

THE APGA Tour for players with minority backgrounds, will return to TPC Deere Run on May 29-30. The championship is being played there for the third straight year. But for more details visit APGAtour.org.

LABGolf.com LAB Golf putters are now available at most Golf Galaxy stores.

THE JORDAN GOLF COLLECTION now has new items to choose from, some include golf bags made in the Red & Black Chicago Bulls colors. Items including golf shoes can be found at Nike.com.

GOLFTEC has announced it will soon be opening a new location in Geneva Illinois. GOLFTEC will be located at 1492 South Randall Road-Suite H. So learn more about opening day at Golftec.com.

CHRIS CHARNAS and LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS have announced the sale of Pine View Golf Course in Ypsilanti Michigan. So if your in the market to buy or sell a golf course, call Chris Charnas at (312)-543-7192. Linkscapitaladvisors.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

DO YOU NEED NEW CLUBS-visit Mistwood Golf Club and check-in with club fitters Matt Carter (R) and Eric Russell on getting something new in your golf bag. So visit Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333, and while you are there play some golf and enjoy a meal in McWethy’s Tavern in the clubhouse. HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook has the pro shop restocked and ready for your summer needs. Shirts, caps, golf balls and gloves in time for Fathers Day. See HeritageoaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.

Golfers on Golf Radio (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears at WNDZ AM 750.

WEEK #2

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-Chicago’s longest running radio show now in it’s 33rd year, is back for it’s second week of the year.

This week Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears, take a look at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill and more.

But the fourth member of Chicago’s favorite foursome, Len Ziehm is on assignment in Alabama this week, and will report more on his travel golf picture in the weeks ahead.

OUR GUESTS THIS WEEK-Jim Nugent owner and publisher of the Global Golf Post (L) and John Schlaman Director of Golf at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena.

Nugent will talk PGA Championship and the state of golf including PGA Tour and LIV Golf. With a preview of what the 2023 WGA Western Amateur will be at North Shore Country Club this July. But the club has had a major renovation since the last hosting of the championship.

JOHN SCHLAMAN has returned to his old job from the 1990’s. Because he is returning as Director of Golf at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. The best destination golf property in Illinois.

Schlaman who was planning on retiring. Announced the on show he will now head up the golf department for the next five years at Eagle Ridge.

ED STEVENSON gives an update on the renovation process at Maple Meadows Golf Club. That is part of DuPage Golf in Wood Dale.

CLICK HERE to hear Week #2 of Golfers on Golf Radio in case you missed it.

So thanks for listening Ed, Billy Len and Rory. Week #3 next Saturday at 10 AM on WNDZ-Am 750-Chicago.

COG HILL will host a 2-Man Scramble, with Tequila Night included. So learn more at CogHillGolf.com. BUT JUST in time for Mother’s Day is the Sqairz Freedom Ultra. A mesh shoe that comes in three colors for the ladies. Available now-order at Sqairz.com.

the Gog Blog Speaks Out-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. On yet another cold day at Heritage Oaks GC in Northbrook.

THERE HAS BEEN A SONG played at Chicago Bulls games for years.

Momma said there would be days like this, there would be days like this Momma said.

But for us outdoor operation guys, there have been too many days like this, this spring.

Because it’s been the full outdoor all weather suit, with layers underneath.

So one helping element of warm weather gear-is the G-Tech hand warmer pouch. NFL QB’s wear them, and when it’s cold, on or off the golf course, you should too. Because they have been a life saver this spring. Keep the warmth in your fingers, and in the top of your head-with G-Tech hand warmer pouch’s and hoodies. But here is hoping the warm weather arrives to stay before too long.

BUT IN SPITE of the cold weather or wet weather, golfers have responded and been out to play, or hit the range to hit some balls. I have seen people on the Heritage Oaks range in 34 degree weather, why I don’t know. But it sure shows the love people have for the great game of golf.

PGA TOUR vs LIV GOLF there is no winner and how it all ends someday, remains to be seen. But it is time to settle it, out of court. Because what has happened between the two sides, isn’t smart. But while there is room for another tour, and there is nothing wrong with LIV Golf spreading the game world wide. Too many bad things are happening, that give the game a bit of a black-eye.

THE PGA TOUR-rumor has it, has been really dirty behind the scenes, if you wish to believe that. It depends who you talk to, but it sounds like they have been threatening players, media members, media outlets, and equipment companies for starters. Jay Monahan is really responsible here, but Greg Norman certainly doesn’t get a free pass either.

IT WAS EMBARASSING to see some of the media content that has been posted, with the latest being an out called SOCAL GOLF. With a headline that starts with LIV GOLF CRYBABIES. Say What?

RIGHT NOW FOLLOWING COLLEGE GOLF seems like more fun. Congrats to the Illinois Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams, for both winning B1G Ten titles in the last few weeks. I’m still shocked by the 62 shot by Crystal Wang of the Fighting Illini Women’s team in 40 degree temps, at Fox Chapel GC in Pittsburg. I’ve played there on a nice day, and didn’t break 80. Wang’s 62 is one of the most amazing rounds I have heard of in quite some time. The Illinois Women start today in San Antonio, in the NCAA Regionals, the Big Ten Champs are a 9 seed in a 12 team field.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO returns this Saturday at 10 Am on AM 750 WNDZ. Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger-Len Ziehm and your truly, bring back Chicago’s favorite foursome.

SPEAKING OF LEN ZIEHM-our partner at Golgers on Golf has two golf travel pieces for those on the road looking for great golf and maybe warm weather golf as well. Read it all at LenZiehmongolf.com.

I DO HAVE NEW CALLAWY CLUBS-so as soon as i get out to play with the Paradym’s I will have a full report. See the Paradym’s at Callawaygolf.com. Thanks to Matt Carter at Mistwood Golf Club for working with me during the fitting process. Carter is one of the top fitters in the Chicagoland area. Eric Russell part of the Mistwood fitting team is really good as well.

SAD TO SAY-condolences to Tony Putzer the new Director of Golf at The Grove Country Club in Long Grove on the passing of his father. To everyone who knew Lance Ten Broeck, a star at Beverly Country Club who recently passed away in Florida. A great golf media friend Fred Altvader on the passing of his wife Pat. To friends and family of long time great golf professional Don January, who lost in a playoff in 1961 at Olympia Fields to win the PGA Championship. January rebounded to win the PGA Title in 1967.

CONGRATS ON RETIREMENT to Mike Weiler after 40 years in golf. Weiler retired from the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena this past week. CONGRATS to Mistwood pro’s Andy Mickelson and Frank Hohenadel on winning the first IPGA Section event of the 2023 golf season. The pro-pro at Ivanhoe Country Club.

THE GOG BLOG returns this week. RS

THE CLUB AT LAC LUBELLE in Oconomowoc Wisconsin is now open for the season. So you can visit TheclubatLacLabelle.com for more information. THE GIANTS RIDGE RESORT in Biwabik Minnesota will open this week for golf. See GiantsRidge.com/golf.

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

Taylor Gooch wins two LIV events back-to-back, to become the hottest golfer in the world, outside of maybe just fellow Callaway staffer Jon Rahm.

TAYLOR GOOCH is on fire.

Because right now he is the hottest golfer on the LIV Golf Tour, after two straight wins on the circuit.

But while that might not be enough to get him into the U.S. Open, after what seems to be a suspicious rule change to keep him out. Gooch is playing some really good golf.

First up was Gooch’s win in Australia where he built a big lead, then had to hang on to win. But this time in Singapore, the tournament went to a playoff, where Gooch defeated Sergio Garcia.

Gooch’s team the Rangegoats took both trophies in Singapore, while in Australia the Rangegoats came up a shot short, losing to the 4Aces. Rangegoats are Harold Varner and Thomas Pieters, both added by Captain Bubba Watson.

Rangegoats beat out the Fireballs by three shots, who were led by Garcia. Gooch is now the only two-time winner on the LIV Golf Tour other than Brooks Koepka.

Laurie Canter made the third Ace in Liv Golf history, with an 185-yard shot on the par-3 17th hole. Canter made the shot with a seven iron.

Weather issues halted played on multiple occasions, but usually not for more than hour.

THE NEXT LIV GOLF TOUR event will be in Tulsa Oklahoma. So for more information on LIV Golf, and the point standings, visit LIVGolf.com

PINE MEADOW IS HOLDING  2-Man Senior Scramble on Monday May 22nd, sign up today the field is over half-full. (847)-566-4653 (GOLF). HERITAGE OAKS has won a Top 50 GRAA  Award for one of the best ranges in America. Try it-HeritageOaksgc.com

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

ILL-INI The men’s golf team wins the B1G Ten again.

ILL-INI!

SO IT JUST never seems to end. The Fighting Illini just keep winning, and Coach Mike Small has built a powerhouse in men’s NCAA golf.

Illinois now heads to the regionals after winning it’s own tournament at the Atkins Course. Then rolling behind Big Ten Men’s Player of the Year Adrien Dumont de Chassart, won the conference championship yet again.

For Coach Mike Small that makes 8 straight and 13 of the last 14 conference titles in recent years. But who’s counting.

But while this years championship in New Jersey was weather shortened to only 36 holes, it doesn’t matter. Small got what he called a “total team effort”, as the Illini did jump out to a 17 shot lead after two days. So whether or not the third round was played, it was very unlikely anyone would have caught Illinois on the final day.

Coach Small won his 13th BIG Ten Coach of the Year award, no other B1G Ten coach has done that. But Small was not alone in capturing B1G Ten honors. Because the Big Ten player of the year, was Fifth-Year Senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart.

One of two athletes in University of Illinois history to accomplish the feat.  But for Illinois it was the 14th time an Illini golf team member took home the award. So only two others have won the award three times in men’s golf. With one them being Northwestern’s Luke Donald.

FIGHTING ILLINI that took home post season awards included Tommy Kuhl. Kuhl was recently named to the 2023 Team USA Palmer Cup Team to be held June 8-10 at Laurel Valley Golf Club in Pennsylvania. But joining Chassart and Kuhl on the First Team-All Big Ten list was Matthis Besard, and Jackson Buchanan. Junior Piercen Hunt made the Second-Team All Big Ten list.

ILLINOIS now moves on to the Eagle Eye Golf Club in East Michigan (Lansing) as the No.1 seed at the regional May 15-17. Five teams will advance to the Grayhawk Golf Club for the NCAA National Championships in late May and early June.

HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB on Dundee Road in Northbrook has been honored by the GRAA (Golf Range Association of America) with two awards. One award to teacher Michael Wenzel (L) now a 5-time national award winner for golf instruction. The other to the Northbrook Park District and Director of Golf Greg Baron (R). The Heritage Oaks range is double-sided for instruction and complete with Trackman. Heritageoaksgc.com

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

Illinois-the women’s golf B1G Ten Champions

The Illinois Women’s Golf Team has won the B1G Ten Women’s Golf Championship at Fox Chapel Country Club in Pittsburgh PA.

Illinois was led by the outstanding play of Graduate Student Crystal Wang. Wang shot a 9 under par score of 62 in the final round to lead Illinois to the title.

But not only is Wang’s score of 62 outstanding. But it was accomplished in horrible weather conditions, with winds gusting and temperatures in the 40’s.

Wang has since been named the B1G Ten Women’s Golfer of the Year, and has been selected to this years Women’s Team in the Arnold Palmer Cup from June 8-10 at the Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier PA.. Wang will be joined there my Tommy Kuhl of the Illinois Men’s golf team, who will compete in the men’s competition.

Illini graduate student Crystal Wang lines up a putt. All photo’s courtesy of the University of Illinois.

So WANG IS currently ranked the No.8 women’s player in the country by GolfStat.

But she is also the first Illini Women’s Golf to be the medalist at the B1G Ten Conference Championships, since Illini Women’s Coach Renee Slone did it back in 1993.

Next week Illinois will travel to the San Antonio Texas NCAA Women’s Regional, to compete for a spot in the national championship field. Illinois has been named the No.9 seed, in a field of 12 schools. But only five schools from the field will advance to nationals.

The regional will be played at TPC San Antonio on the Oaks Course. So the course will be set up as a par-72, and playing at a yardage of 6,342. In addition to the team advancing to the nationals at Grayhawk Golf Club May 19-24 in Scottsdale Arizona. One player whose team did not advance, will advance as an individual to the nationals.

Illinois faces tough competition in San Antonio, headed up by No.1 seed Texas AM. But there are three schools from Texas in the field.

THE U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin is June 29-July 2, defending champion Padraig Harrington heads up the field. Wisconsin’s Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly will join the field. See more information at USGA.org. Mother’s Day is coming soon, take care of Mom with golf gifts from Zero Friction, including the new Stride Remote controlled golf cart shown by owner John Iacono. Zerofriction.com.

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

Medinah 3 has entered the full renovation mode-by firm OGM. ALL Photo’s courtesy of J. Ryan Potts-Medinah 3 restoration team.

The work continues at Medinah #3 as the next phase starts to take shape.

Golfers on Golf sends a special thanks to J. Ryan Potts for the use of his photo’s of the project.

The architecture team of Australia’s OCM firm is moving the renovation into the next phase, the construction phase.

Seeing Medinah #3 in this condition, this time of year, is a bit of a shocker for Chicago’s flagship golf property. But there is renovation work going on in the South Suburbs as well at Olympia Fields Country Club.

Work continues in the area’s of holes 16 and 18, but a recent online video shows hole 1, as torn up as well.

Last fall the tree removal program had started, and that was showcased here in recent weeks.

Now the fairways have been turned upside down, and the dirt is piled up.

So what will the course look like when it reopens in late 2024, there are drawings that can be found on various websites, including Golfersongolf.com.

Medinah #3 last hosted a major golf event with the playing of the 2019 BMW Championship. That was won by Justin Thomas. The 25 under par score by Thomas opened some eyes, even though the players were playing in great conditions, and used lift-clean and place.

The banks of holes on the back-nine have been shaped down for the planned changes.

Next up in the terms of major golf events on Medinah #3, is the playing of the 2026 Presidents Cup.

The Presidents Cup will be the first major team championship at Medinah since the 201 Ryder Cup.

So for most of the major players in the world of golf, the Presidents Cup will be the first look at the revamped Medinah #3 golf course.

What players will be part of the teams that week, remains to be seen.

Because both teams will be short-handed because of the restrictions place on LIV Golf players. Many of which remain the best players in the game of golf today. So stay tuned. Golfers on Golf will continue to follow the renovation as it moves along at Medinah.

THE OKAS GRILLE IS OPEN at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. Blackberryoaks.com. LIV Golf returns to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove- Sept. 22-24 details at LIVgolf.com.

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

Golfers on Golf Radio-returning soon. L-R Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm-Bill Berger and Rory Spears, Am 750 WNDZ-Chicago.

THINGS ARE STARTING TO LOOK LIKE GOLF SEASON.

Golfers on Golf Radio returns on Saturday May 13th at 10 AM on our home Am 750 WNDZ-Chicago.

Chicago’s favorite foursome of Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears return for the show’s 33rd season.

There will be more details on the show ahead.

A special thanks to one of our long time sponsors Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. This year Mistwood is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary. I just wish that the late Jim McWethy was here to celebrate all the hard work and dollars he put into the club before passing away. But good news another edition of Ben’s in the Bunker is back to start the year. Mistwood’s social media guru Ben Hutchison, and superintendent Ben Kelnhofer are in the bunker on the 10th hole. A Ray Hearn Sod-wall bunker design. Catch it and more on the 25th anniversary season at Mistwoodgc.com.

Congrats to the Fighting Illini, yet another Big Ten Championship for Coach Mike Small’s Men’s team. The championship was halted after 36 holes because of weather, but Illinois had a pretty good sized lead to begin with. So it was not impossible, but unlikely they would have been caught on the final day. Congrats Illinois, well deserved, and the women’s team is doing pretty well also, lead by Crystal Wang. Both teams are off to the sectionals.

CONDOLENCES to FRIENDS and family of Lance Ten Broeck a great player and caddie on the professional tours. A tip of the hat and golf visor to the Illinois Golfer for catching wind of of Ten Broeck’s passing. Ten Broeck was 67 and passed away in West Palm Beach Florida.

PARADYM POWER-it really does seem that golf season is here, and it’s not because the weather is starting to change. But it’s the arrival of new clubs, which is always a good thing and a good way to start the golf season.

My new Callaway Paradym’s arrived at Mistwood Golf Club last Friday. So I went out and met with my fitter Matt Carter to pick-up the clubs. Carter watched me hit about 35 balls before I was on my way home with 11 new clubs in the golf bag. I added a new driver, and 3 and 5 wood, plus irons 4-through A-wedge.

I am anxious to get out and play as soon as possible. New golf clubs have a way of doing that to you when you really enjoy the game. Paradym has made an impact on the PGA Tour, starting right at the top with Masters Champion Jon Rahm who has been the hottest player in golf, Rahm is playing with Paradym’s this year. I am not sure who might be playing them on the LIV Tour, but I am sure there are players who are using them.

COLLEGE GOLF is hitting the playoff season, stay tuned for more on the Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats as they hit the post season on college golf.

The Gog Blog is play catching up, but will return this week. RS

THE OAKS GRILLE at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol is now open-BlackberryOaks.com. The cottages at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville Florida-coming in late 2023.

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

Davis Riley and Nick Hardy-winners on the PGA Tour at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.

NORTHBROOK NICK HARDY!

Along with partner David Riley has done it, they are winners on the PGA Tour.

What a finish in coming from behind to earn their first PGA Tour win.

They are both exempt now on the PGA Tour through 2025, and both pocketed over $1.2 million dollars. So for Hardy the cost of his upcoming wedding is now covered, if it wasn’t already.

I HAVE KNOWN for a long time that Hardy would win on tour, the question was when, not if. The answer was yesterday. But when can hardy do it solo, that remains to be seen. But he now can play when and where he wants for a few more years. Well done Nick and congrats, you have worked so hard, and this is well earned.

Quite a weekend for Hardy and his alma mater the Fighting Illini. The Illini Women’s Team won their first Big Ten Conference title, and is into the sectionals. While the men’s team won it’s own invitational at the Atkins Course at the University of Illinois. So the streak of 8 in a row at the conference championships is on the line for the #3 Illini men.

University of Illinois graduate student Crystal Wang-shot 62 in 40 degree temperatures to speed away from the field and win the title. But for the men it was fifth year senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart-only 1 of 2 under par golfers for the weekend. So for Chassart it was first win in the last year, after four second place finishes. The Ben Hogan award finalist is peaking at the right time.

THEN ON THE EQUIPMENT SIDE-Uneekor a South Korean simulator brand, has announced they have acquired California based putter company Evnroll, based in Carlsbad. Both sides seem excited about the new arrangement, let’s hope it works out.

THE ILLINOIS PGA has ten professionals playing in the upcoming National Club Professional Championship-good luck to them all. But more on the Illinois field coming up this week.

THE KEISERS are at it again. So this time it’s Colorado and the building of Rodeo Dunes. Will Rodeo Dunes be the next Bandon Dunes, or Sand Valley. Because only time will tell. But only 35 minutes from the Denver airport is a winner. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw will build the first course, sounds like a winner already.

PICTURES FROM THE NEW 10th Course at Pinehurst show things taking shape. So what I do know is that much has been completed, since I was there 8 weeks back.

THE WEATHER HERE needs to change. For the better, last weekend 82, this past weekend in the 40’s. Now this weekend only in the 60’s. So let’s hope it does squeeze into 70 degree weather by Saturday.

THERE IS MORE EQUIPMENT updates coming out soon, plus news on a local course and one down South. So stay tuned. Congrats Nick Hardy, your win is great to see. RS

LIV GOLF RETURNS TO RICH HARVEST FARMS-SEPT. 22-24 Sign up to volunteer now-see LIVgolf.com or RichHarvestFarms.com for more details. THE THERA TEE glove sold through Zero Friction Golf, see you local golf retail store or ZeroFriction.com.

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 BLACKBERRY OAKS GRILLE is now open. See the new menu.

HAPPY SUNDAY!

Even thought the weather is cold out today-better conditions are coming soon.

Northbrook-Nick Hardy is in contention at the Zurich Open on the PGA Tour, tunes in this afternoon to see all the final round action.

BLACKBERRY OAKS in Bristol, home of Callaway Golf Ambassador Chad Johansen has opened it’s new Oaks Grille Restaurant at the course. So come out and play some golf and enjoy the new menu at The Grille. Blackberryoaks.com.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Men’s and Women’s Golf teams are busy this weekend. The Women’s team is competing at the Big Ten Championships at Fox Chapel Country Club in the Pittsburgh area. Headed into the final round the Illini are in second place, one shot behind leaders Ohio State.

The Men’s team is hosting it’s Illini Spring Collegiate at the Atkins-Course at the University of Illinois. So after 36 holes #3 Illinois leads Loyola Marymount by 3 shots and sits alone in first place. But fifth year senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart is the individual leader. 18 more holes to play today.

Taylor Gooch holds the trophy in the down under-Adelaide. Photo Courtesy of LIV Golf.

LIV GOLF

This week the location was in Australia, at Adelaide and the Grange GC.

Taylor Gooch opened with back-to-back 62’s, to give him a 10 shot lead headed into the final round.

But after a slow start that included a couple of bogeys, the lead shrank to two shots. Because of birdies on the 11th and 13th holes. Gooch had some space from those chasing him, parring in from the 14th hole for a 1-over par 73 was enough to win. Gooch’s former team the 4ACES lead by Dustin Johnson won the team championship. More at LIVGolf.com.

A rendering of what Topgolf’s future Memphis venue will look like. 2024 Topgolf will be part of the Special Olympics.

TOPGOLF

Will join the Special Olympics starting in 2024.

Special Olympics athletes will be able to compete in Topgolf, as an individual or as part of a team.

So beginning next month, Topgolf will offer free practice sessions to Special Olympic athletes or Unified athletes as they prepare for the games. So see more at Topgolf.com.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB will host a Cleveland Golf Wedge Scoring Clinic on May 24th. Cost is $185.00 per participant. Time of from 5 Pm to 6:30 Pm. So for more details and to register visit Coghillgolf.com or call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455. But the Mothers Day Brunch is coming up on May14th-Reserve your place today.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Mistwood Golf head professional Frank Hohenadel for being named the 2022 IPGA merchandiser of the year. Public Facility by the Illinois PGA.

THE FIRST JACK NICKLAUS HERITAGE COURSE has broken ground in the Bahama’s. The Nicklaus Course built at Jack’s Bay will be 18 holes. But along with the Nicklaus course, with be a Par-3 course designed by TGR Design (Tiger Woods firm). See Nicklaus.com for more information.

THE DORMIE NETWORK has announced Gray Bull a new course for the network now under construction. But the planned opening date isn’t until May of 2024. The designer will be David McLay-Kidd. Details at Dormienetwork.com

Island Resort and Casino in Harris Michigan-home to Sweetgrass and Sage Run golf courses.

THE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

In the UP of Michigan is 36 holes of great golf in the name of Sweetgrass and Sage Run.

Because architect Paul Albanese has designed two courses that players of all skill levels can enjoy. But not mention the beautiful scenery that goes along with it.

Because the resort has added more rooms in the last couple of years there is plenty of places to stay, with the addition of a new tower hotel.

But for those that need more action once off the golf course, you can try out the resorts casino always a fun experience. So learn more about booking your Resort and Casino Experience at Islandresortgolf.com.

Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd MN-Opens April 28th.

CRAGUN’S is opening this week.

Brainerd MN. in the land of 10,000 lakes has seen the handiwork of major champion Tom Lehman, and golfers will be better off for it.

Because starting now 36 all-new championship holes of golf are ready for play.

So the Lehman-18 a multi-million dollar renovation-runs through a 1000-acre wooded sanctuary that winds around Stephen’s Lake and other natural wetlands, offers a scenic Minnesota backdrop.

But the Dutch-27 that combines three nine-hole courses (Red-White and Blue) will open this week. But there is a flip-flop coming, as the Blue Nine reopens from a full renovation on June 30th. However on July 1st the Red Nine is back in the hands of the Lehman Group for renovation, with a 2024 planned reopening. Among the improvements on “the Dutch 27″ are new cart paths and white sand bunkers.

The Dutch course will host on Labor Day weekend the PGA Tour Canada’s CRMC Championship, presented by Gertens. The White and Blue 9’s play a combined 7,001 yards and to a Par of 70.

But there is more-the Chris Foley golf school opens this month along with the resorts par-3 golf course.

Director of Golf Jack Wawro says,” we are thrilled to have 36 holes open for play. Tom Lehman’s visions for our golf courses are exactly what we hoped for, when we started the renovation. The caliber of our courses and golf facilities will be unparalleled in this region.”

Golf fees include golf, golf cart with GPS and driving range privileges. Walking is permitted on the par-3 course. Resort guests get special green fees. So for more information see Craguns.com.

ZEROFIT Hoodies-Worlds Warmest Baselayer.

ZEROFIT HOODIES

So if your looking for a hoodie-that does not hamper your swing during a round of golf, consider ZEROFIT.

The Zerofit Heatrub Move Unisex Hoodie is a no-sweat baselayer with a hood, for cooler temperatures but not freezing cold weather.

Because this style hoodie has the build style it does, golf is not the only activity option for Zerofit. Because more options include sailing, hiking, bicycling and skiing.

Colors for the Zerofit hoodie are both Black and Titanium. See ZerofitUSA for more details and information.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS