MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville is open for summer golf and the annual Stars and Stripes Classic is coming up soon. Great golf, lessons, club fittings and McWethy’s Tavern are all part of Mistwood Golf, home of the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open in July. So learn more at Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333 today.

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

the new Titleist drivers are coming this week-GT 2-3 and 4.

TITLEIST ANNOUNES GT2 GT3 and GT4.

But no they won’t be in pro shops this week. But they will be at Muirfield Village on the PGA Tour.

Titleist says their drivers have been the most played drivers on the PGA Tour for the last five years.

But the GT drivers are not alone. Because GT fairway metals are coming out this week at Muirfield as well.

“The whole (Titleist R&D Team) from top to bottom is obsessed with making things as great as they can. Because they have a deep understanding of the players on the PGA Tour and golfers in general,” said Titleist Brand Ambassador Cameron Young. “They have seen it all and there is not anything you can bring them, that isn’t fixable if needed. Their deep knowledge of the equipment, provides a solution to what your needs are.”

Titleist Tour reps will work with players all week to gather feedback on the clubs performance. Among some of the players on tour using Titleist drivers include Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Max Homa, and Jordan Spieth.

Titleist drivers were the most played driver at the men’s (51 percent) and women’s (33 percent) NCAA Division 1 championships. But there is still no date announced for all golfers to place orders, or see the clubs in golf shops or retail stores.

So for more information visit Titleist.com

  CHAD JOHANSEN’S GOLF ACADEMY is rolling into another summer at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol IL., the 2023 Callaway Golf professional of the year is filling “The Oaks” with junior golfers, senior golfers and with the ladies. But there is still tee times left for you. So why not come out and enjoy “The Oaks Grille” and BBO-Golf (630)-553-7170.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X-Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook. At the clock on the Medinah CC range.

ONE U.S. OPEN IN THE BOOKS and now Pinehurst is closing in later this month.

I have had the pleasure of playing Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania a few times, and this William Flynn classic is really good.

The upgrades suggested by the USGA and Mike Davis who was then the CEO/EX. Director in 2015 are really good, and have help up for this past weeks championship.

Granted some of the “big names” did not survive the cut. But there was plenty of great golf by the ladies who did stick around for the weekend.

THE USGA talks about “anchor sites” such as Pinehurst. I would hope that they would consider a club like Lancaster an anchor club for a variety of championships.

The Par-4 third hole at Lancaster CC, the home of last weeks USGA Women’s Open.

BACK IN 2015-it was Lancaster that finally broke the attendance record for a U.S. Women’s Open, that was held by Kohler and Blackwolf Run for several years.

So can they do it again, it will be good to see if they can.

The golf course has some great elevation change, and some tricky but very fair greens. So if you ever have the chance to play Lancaster, which is a private club, don’t pass it up. It’s a really great round of golf, I hope the USGA returns as soon as LCC welcomes them back.

The perfect gift for the Dad who likes to walk. Stride-from Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction- Zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

MORE FROM THE WORLD OF CLUBS.

So do you want to trade it in. Because if your golf season is not off to the start you want it to be. New clubs should still be in the plan.

Callaway Golf is currently for a limited time, running the 2X bonus trade-in deal. So right now get the new AI Smoke clubs, for prices that you would only find at a close-out of a line of product.

That is off course with your trade-in clubs. How much is trade-in worth?

Well that depends. Because if you have a newer set of clubs, and if they are Callaway Clubs, your value can go up. But even older Callaway clubs kept in good shape can earn you a good trade in value. So to learn more please visit Callawaygolf.com. Callaway Golf has also announced a limited edition of AI Smoke clubs in a all-black finish.

   IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED-my new Callaway AI-ONE-TT with an insert. I am now almost ready to start the competition to see who wins the starting QB job-on the greens.

WILD SPRING DUNES-the latest and greatest from Dream Golf, Mike Keiser and his sons Mike and Chris. So it’s located “Deep in the Heart” of Texas and about 2 hours from both Dallas (se) and Houston (north). But more good news is that architects with a great history of working with the Keiser family are back. So add Tom Doak and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to the project.

So as one of the first two media members to see Sand Valley, I am excited to follow this project as it moves forward. Stay here for details.

John Hardy and his dog Sadie, both new at Chad Johansen’s Blackberry Oaks. Photo courtesy of Chad Johansen.

IT’S GREAT NEWS that another step forward is being taken at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club.

Managed by Mr. Kids Rule himself Chad Johansen, Chad has taken another step to upgrade the BBO golf facility.

After the passing of the previous superintendent, Johansen was introduced to John Hardy, who has joined BBO as the No.1 superintendent.

Hardy joins Blackberry Oaks, coming over from the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, after working for over 4 years at clubs on the East Coast. Hardy tells Golfers on Golf he will start his focus on the practice range area at “The Oaks”.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Chad Johansen and new superintendent John Hardy.

IT WAS GREAT hearing from both Cantigny Golf GM Terry Hanley yesterday on the Golfers on Golf Radio Show. But if you missed it, catch the replay here at Golfersongolf.com. I think architect Todd Quitno will do a great job, and I am looking forward to him joining us on the radio show. The renovation project will take 4 years, but at all times there will be 18 holes open for play. Youth Links golf course will remain open for play during the renovation. But even better news is that Youth Links will be welcoming adults at some times during the week. So visit Cantignygolf.com for more information.

THE WEATHER HAS CHANGED for the better in Northern Michigan, and at the Boyne Golf properties. A special thanks to sales and marketing guru Ken Griffin for jumping in to give us the low down on everything Boyne. But there is still no official opening date for the architect Ray Hearn designed par-3 course at the resort. Doon Brae is still at a point where it is growing in.

RICHARD BLAND a member of the LIV Golf Tour was last weeks winner of the Senior PGA Championship at the Harbor Shores Golf Club, in Benton Harbor Michigan. Bland’s final round 63-gave him a three shot victory over multiple players on the Jack Nicklaus signature designed golf course. Harbor Shores is open daily for public play, and a fun track. So try it out if you have not played there before, it’s about 3 hours drive time, with the time change to EST from CST in Chicago. Bland won using a LAB Golf putter- a Mezz 1 MAX.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

  CHAD JOHANSEN at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. Johansen was the Callaway Golf staff professional of the year for 2023, and was recently named the 2023 Illinois PGA Jr. golf player development honoree. All well deserved. So book a tee time at The Oaks by calling (630)-553-7170 or Blackberryoaks.com. Blackberry Oaks-Where Kids Do Rule.

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

Lancaster Country Club in PA., is home to this years U.S. Women’s Open. Here is the par-4 third hole.

THE U.S. Women’s Open wraps up today. So tune into NBC to catch the final round.

Pre-tournament favorite Nelly Korda made a 10, on a par-3 hole and that lead to her missing the cut.

But while Korda missed the cut, so did several other top names in women’s golf. So who wins. Tune-in to catch all the final round action, and see who wins the first U.S. Open of the year. The site is Lancaster Club, who set the all-time U.S. Women’s attendance record in 2015. But can they break the record again, watch for the numbers during the broadcast.

THE ADIDAS TOUR TRUCK and simulator will spend Fathers Day June 16th at Cog Hill in Palos Park. You can visit Coghillgolf.com for more information. Titleist has announced a golf ball fitting at Cog Hill on Friday June 7th from 9a to 2:30 Pm. But you must register in advance-CogHillGolf.com. So get dialed in with your wedges, at the Cleveland Wedge Scoring Clinic at Cog Hill on June 19th. The time is 5p to 6:30 Pm and cost is $199.00 per golfer. The 10 participants will get a fitting for a Cleveland Wedge.

Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville on Renwick Road is taking registrations for the 26th annual Stars and Stripes Classic.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB is keeping the tradition going.

So join the fun at Mistwood Golf Club for the 26th annual Stars and Stripes Classic golf tournament.

The Stars and Stripes is a 6-6-6 format event. Because that means golfers will play six holes in one format, and that will change every six holes.

Entry fee is $150.00 for a general public golfer. Tee time is a 7am shotgun format on July 4th. So for more details you can visit MistwoodGC.com. But to drive the golf ball better, watch the PRO 2 PRO video with Mistwood professionals Andy Mickelson and Frank Hohenadel. Mistwoodgc.com. Golfers sign up now, for the Mistwood summer academy series. But spots are filling quickly, so sign up today at Mistwoodgc.com.

MISTWOOD GC is congratulating Mistwood teaching professional Nicole Jeray and her teammate Jordan Lintz for their T-7, in the Arizona senior Women’s Open.

LAB GOLF has pushed back the launch of it’s DF3 Armlock and Broomstick putters to this Monday. Details at LABGolf.com. But the LAB Golf Green Putters have been released. So get them while you can, they are selling fast. Golfers do like them.

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB has announced that’s it’s CFO Jeff Okland has been promoted to the clubs Assistant General Manager. The transition for Okland will take place over the next 1-2 months, announced Medinah’s General Manager Dave Schneider. Congratulations to Jeff from everyone at Golfers on Golf.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced a drawing to support the veterans (PGA HOPE). Two Scottie Cameron putters will be auctioned off and tickets are now on sale for $20.00 per ticket, only 60 tickets will be sold. So chances of winning are 1 in 30. The two Scotty Cameron’s are 34″ Super Select Newport 2, and a 5.5 Phantom. But for more information call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF). A visit from the Blue Grass Weevil creature that was discoloring some of the Pine’s greens, has been taken care of. But there is even more happening at Pine Meadow, this Wednesday June 5th is a Callaway fitting day on the Pine Meadow range.

ILLINI FRESHMAN Max Herendeen was voted to the Golf Coaches of American Associations All Freshman team. Herendeen won his match during the NCAA Championship quarter-finals vs Georgia Tech. But GT eliminated the Illini from national championship consideration with a 3-1 (one match not finished) victory.

ON THE ILLINI WOMEN’S SIDE-Isabel Sy was named an Honorable Mention All-American by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA).

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA) in it’s 11th season of conducting amateur championships. CDGA.org.

The Chicago District Golf Association is currently in it’s 11th season of conducting amateur golf championships.

So starting this week on June 3rd and running through June 6th, is the 22nd Senior Amateur Championship at Kishwaukee Country Club.

2023 champion Ted Pecora of Winnetka, returns to defend his title. There was over 200 golfers that attempted to qualify for the championship, that features golfers 55 years or age or older. 81 of those players made the field. 16 players were exempt into the field, with 65 others advancing through qualifying. The championship will begin with stroke play, and convert to match play. For more details visit CDGA.org.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S Jackson Koivun is the Fred Haskins Award winner, for being the top collegiate golfer in America. The Haskins Award is college golf’s equivalent of college footballs Heisman Trophy.

THE USGA has announced that Team USA will compete against the National Team of Australia, on July 2-3 at the Sentry World Golf Course in Stevens point Wisconsin. Last year Sentry World hosted the U.S. Senior Women’s Open. So see more at USGA.org.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO’S Len Ziehm writer for the Daily Herald, regional and national publications has a story on Myrtle Beach. Ziehm’s column is how the recent PGA Tour event could help tourism to the Grand Strand area. So visit the story on LenZiehmongolf.com.

DALLAS BASED TOP GOLF has selected Pepsi as it’s beverage partner of choice for it’s facilities. So at Top Golf, all attendee’s can get the full line of Pepsi products and Gatorade for those warmer days. But for more information visit Topgolf.com.

BLACKBERRY OAKS GOLF CLUB has announced the passing of superintendent Steve Holich on April 30th. Holich had been a member of the Blackberry Oaks team since the club opened in 1993.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-returns on Monday. RS

    THE OAKS GRILLE live at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol, and home of the award winning Chad Johansen Golf Schools and the land of “Kids Rule” golf. So you can learn more about what’s next at the Oaks by visiting BlackberryOaks.com or call (630)-553-7170.

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

                              GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-Chicago’s longest running golf program on WNDZ-AM 750 Chicago. Tee time is 9 Am on Saturday mornings. Golfers on Golf Radio is made up of (L-R) Ed Stevenson-Rory Spears-and Illinois PGA Golf Hall of fame Inductee Len Ziehm. Sadly, our fourth Bill Berger passed away 3 weeks ago from cancer. So we all miss Bill and won’t ever forget him.

Golfersongolf.com Golfers on Golf Radio is Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, and Rory Spears Am 750 WNDZ

TODAYS SHOW starts with with what’s happening at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton.

The 4 year renovation project project is underway, under the eye of architect Todd Quitno.

But while the course will under-go changes, there will always be 18 holes open for play.

General Manager Terry Hanley will explain the rotation system that will be used during the renovation, and which of the club’s three nine hole routings will close first.

The 18-hole routing will take effect this week.

THE SECOND HALF HOUR will feature Ken Griffin the Marketing and Sales Director of Boyne Golf properties in Michigan. Because finally the weather has changed to golf season in Northern Michigan. But then later this summer the new Ray Hearn designed par-3 Ten hole course Doon Brae will open.

      THE MOUNTAIN GRAND OF BOYNE MOUNTAIN-Welcome to Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, operated by KemperSports Management.

The closing holes include golf news of the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster CC, and the reopening of Cog Hill #4-Dubsdread.

CLICK HERE to hear this weeks version of Golfers on Golf Radio with hosts, Ed Stevenson, Rory Spears and Len Ziehm.

So thanks for listening, Ed, Len and Rory.

             GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO-CHICAGO’S FAVORITE FOURSOME.

L-R Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, the late Bill Berger, and Rory Spears, at WNDZ AM 750.

GOLFERS ON GOLF mourns the loss of our partner Bill Berger-who passed away on May 12th of this year. The Show will carry on with Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Rory Spears, and some in studio guest hosts for the remainder of the 2024 season.

      TODAYS SHOW will feature guests Bob Winskowicz the CEO of Sqairz Golf Shoes and Elisa Gaudet CEO and Founder of Women’s Golf Day which is now Women’s Golf Week.

Plus Len and Rory discuss other news in the world of golf.

Len Ziehm at the Top of the World Studio’s and Rory Spears at WNDZ AM 750 host this weeks program. Ed Stevenson has the week off.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio from May 25th.

Thanks for listening, Ed, Len and Rory.

CALLAWAY GOLF PRODUCTS are sold at Mistwood Golf Club located on Renwick Road in Romeoville-call (815)-254-3333 or visit MistwoodGC.com to book tee times.

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

                       Golfers on Golf Radio is L-R Ed Stevenson DuPage Golf/IPGA, Rory Spears NBC Radio, and Len Ziehm of the Daily Herald, LenZiehmOngolf.com and a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

Golfers on Golf Radio 9-10Am Saturday mornings on WNDZ-AM 750-Chicago.

WEEK 3 has Rory Spears in studio with Len Ziehm checking in fro the Top of the World Studios in Ocala Florida.

Ed Stevenson is speaking at the Memorial Service for our fallen co-host Bill Berger.

Billy passed away last week after a long battle with cancer, he was 87 and PGA Life Member. Berger played the PGA Tour for several years. But until recently was still helping with junior golf clinics, working with Ed Stevenson.

All of us will miss Bill, who I enjoyed working with for 16 years.

Tyler Yancey at Pinehurst

TYLER YANCEY the first head golf professional of the NEW Pinehurst #10 golf course, designed by Tom Doak. Yancey will join us live from Aberdeen NC (near Pinehurst).

Yancey is currently working out of a trailer on the #10 course location. But that location will soon be home to another course-perhaps within 1 to 1 1/2 years.

Because the golf course was built on a old sand mine, that’s the name of the golf course.  Sand Mines has plenty more elevation change than most other Pinehurst golf courses, and it’s a walking only golf course.

SO CLICK HERE to hear this weeks edition of Golfers on Golf Radio with Rory Spears and Len Ziehm.

But there will be plenty of PGA Championship talk as well. Thoughts on the arrest of Scottie Scheffler by the Louisville KY. police department. Plus thoughts on the announced divorce of Rory McIlroy.

So thanks for listening, Ed, Len and Rory. Tee time is 9 Am on Saturday mornings on WNDZ AM 750-Chicago.

   MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is open for summer golf and home to McWethy’s Tavern. So book your tee time, lesson or fitting by visiting Mistwoodgc.com or calling (815)-254-3333. THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB is great for golf anytime, but is the place all summer long on hot, rainy, windy days, or when darkness sets in. Because four new simulators and a putting green are waiting for you. So come watch the PGA with Arnie at the bar all week. Call the Shack (847)-904-2905.

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/FBook.

RORY SPEARS at the 2023 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club.

SO AS I HEAD into PGA Championship week at Valhalla, there are some other matters to clear up.

So first on the tee, if you did not see my other post, is that all of us at Golfers on Golf are mourning the loss of our colleague and PGA Life member Bill Berger, who passed away this past weekend from cancer.

I worked with Billy for 16 years on our radio program, and the “Old Pro” as he liked to say, will be missed. Chicago’s favorite foursome, will be down a member at times this season. But we are looking to add some guest hosts as the season moves forward.

OLYMPIA FIELDS COUNTRY CLUB reached out to Golfers on Golf to clarify their position on LIV Golf coming back to Chicago this September. While multiple sources said Olympia Fields had engaged in talks with LIV Golf about hosting their tour this year. OFCC is now saying they did not speak with LIV Golf about their tour event this September.

GOLFERS ON GOLF and other media outlets, were told that the Village of Bolingbrook stepped up to host the the tournament, when talks broke down with Olympia Fields. But the talks with another club turned out not to be Olympia Fields. Which would have been a great location for the tournament. But after hosting the 2023 BMW Championship, the club apparently was not ready to host another large golf event in back-to-back years.

So hopefully before long-OFCC will host another large golf event, whether it’s LIV Golf or another professional golf tour.

VALHALLA CC the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course might not give the players a super tough test of golf. But it will challenge them. I don’t see any players getting to the score of 20 under par.

It wouldn’t surprise me if defending champion Brooks Koepka won the championship again. But it looks like Rory McIlroy who won at Valhalla in 2014, is also peaking at the right time. Mcilory record career win #26 yesterday at Quail Hollow in the Wells Fargo Championship. But then again who can count out Scottie Scheffler the World #1 and Masters champion is due for a great score, just maybe not a winning score.

KEEP GOING ILLINI-Mike Small’s team sits a top the leaderboard, after Day 1 of the Stanford regional in California.

THE GOG BLOG Returns tomorrow. RS

   MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville, is open for summer play. So come out and play the Ray Hearn designed links style golf course, rated one of Chicago’s best public courses and home to McWethy’s Tavern. Mistwood is home to one of the best professional teaching and fitting staffs in the area. So to learn more on the home of the Phil Kosin IL. Women’s Open see Mistwoodgc.com or (815)-254-3333

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

Rory Spears-Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger at WCPT.

YOU HAVE HEARD IT BEFORE.

But here it is again, cancer sucks.

All of us who make up Golfers on Golf have enjoyed working with PGA Life Member and former PGA Tour player Bill Berger. But as of today, Chicago’s favorite foursome is down to three.

Last night the “old pro” as Billy liked to say, lost his battle with cancer. Berger is believed to be 80. A native of Youngstown Ohio, Berger took up golf in the Buckeye state before moving to Illinois. It didn’t take Bill long to know many of the members of the Illinois PGA Section. 

Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears. L-R at the old WNDZ AM 750.

At the start of the 2023 Golfers on Golf Radio season, last May. Berger admitted he had cancer and had been seeing Doctors and was on medication.

At times last summer, Berger struggled to get through the show.

He didn’t show up one Saturday which was not like him. He told us the following weekend, that he came to the station on Sunday, mixing up his days, and then finally realized what he had done after being parked in front of the station for 30 minutes.

Earlier this year, he apparently decided his medications weren’t helping, or not helping enough. So sadly, he quit taking them. When I heard that at the Chicago Golf Show, I knew the clock was ticking, until last night when it wasn’t.

Berger owned Bill’s Pub in Streamwood for years, until about 10 years ago when he had to close the bar, because Cook County taxed him out of business. But Bill’s pizza on Grand Avenue is still open and in operation.

As of now, the plan is to have several guest hosts fill-in, as many weeks as possible.

Golfers on Golf Radio will remember Berger on this Saturdays show. RS

  THE WARM WEATHER IS HERE so it’s time to go outside and play the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. This year the driving range now has Trackman to help golfer track their shots, yardages and more. So play all 27 holes at Schaumburg Golf Club by calling SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. The SHACK INDOOR Golf Club has you covered all summer long when things aren’t so nice outside. Too hot, rainy, too windy or dark, take it inside at the Shack 1717 Chestnut in Glenview. Where owner Nick Larkin has added 4 new simulators and a putting green. (847)-904-2905.

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

                     GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears. Chicago’s longest running golf program now in it’s 34th season, tee’s off on Saturday mornings at 9 Am this year on WNDZ-Am 750 Chicago. Golfersongolf.com the year round part of Golfers on Golf. Join us Saturday morning live or the mulligan here.

WEEK 2 Golfers on Golf Radio-2024.

Medinah teaching professional Travis Johns the 2024 winner of the IPGA Match Play Championship at Bull Valley GC. Photo Courtesy of IPGA and Nick Novelli.

BUT THIS WEEK on Golfers on Golf Radio.

Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, discuss the PGA Tour’s debut in South Carolina’s golf capital Myrtle Beach.

Because in addition to PGA Tour golf, there are many great public courses in the Myrtle Beach area, where the number is over 90 courses.

SO FROM THE PGA-This coming week is PGA Championship week at Valhalla, can Brooks Koepka do it again, and back-to-back. Congrats to Illinois PGA professionals in the field, Andy Svoboda from the Butler National Golf Club, and Jeff Kellen from the North Shore Country Club.

Valhalla is a Jack Nicklaus (the greatest golfer of all-time) signature design golf course. Par is likely to be 72, but with a yardage that is yet TBD.

Congratulations to Medinah Country Club teaching professional Travis Johns. Johns won the Illinois PGA Match Play Championship at Bull Valley 1 Up over Andy Svoboda. Johns is a guest this week on the show.

CLICK HERE to hear Week 2 of Golfers on Golf Radio-with guest IPGA and Medinah CC teaching professional Travis Johns.

So thanks for listening-from Ed, Len, Billy and Rory. But remember next week is Week 3 of the season, tune-in and join us on the tee at 9 Am.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB is located at 1717 Chestnut St. in Glenview is open daily for golf and more. Owner Nick Larkin has created 4 new simulators and a brand new putting green. The Shack is a place where Arnie is always at the bar. So book a simulator bay today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook-Instagram. Driver is a Callaway Golf Paradym 9.5.

BROOKS SEASON.

So as the PGA Championship approaches, the defending champion and three time PGA winner Brooks Koepka is rounding back into form.

Last year Koepka was the first LIV Golf winner of a major championship, when he won the PGA at Oak Hill.

Prior to Oak Hill, Koepka won PGA titles at Bellerive and Bethpage. So while Koepka has two U.S. Open titles to his credit, his play at recent PGA’s is getting peoples attention.

Brooks Koepka (R) with caddie Ricky Elliot after winning this weekend at LIV Singapore. Photo courtesy of LIV Golf.

So could Koepka win his 6th major next week in Kentucky, when the PGA returns to the Jack Nicklaus designed Valhalla Golf Club.

I for one won’t rule him out. Koepka will be heading into the PGA coming off a win at LIV Singapore this past weekend.

Koepka shot a three day 54 hole total of 15 under par to win by two shots over Cam Smith and Marc Leishman.

Those in Singapore say Koepka is finding his game and is locked in. Koepka is not disagreeing with that line of thinking. “My game is starting to come around and I like the way things are trending,” said Koepka.

When Koepka is on he is very hard to beat, even Scottie Scheffler will have trouble taking Koepka down at Valhalla, if Koepka is on his game.

CHICAGO AREA golf fans will have the chance to see Koepka in person when LIV Golf comes to Bolingbrook Golf Club September 13-15. So don’t miss it. More than 94,000 fans came out over three days to see LIV Golf in Australia. So lets break that record here at Bolingbrook. LIV GOLF can now been seen on the Caffeine TV network, visit Caffeine.TV for details.

BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB and LIV GOLF. I’m still getting plenty of questions from golf fans, why Bolingbrook for LIV. Because for starters, Bolingbrook stepped up and agreed to host the event, when reportedly talks broke down with Olympia Fields Country Club.

So credit Bolingbrook GC. and it’s management company Northbrook based KemperSports Management for stepping up and making this happen. But skeptic golf fans are saying that the LIV pro’s will tear Bolingbrook apart. Well yes they could.

BUT-like at most tournaments if the wind blows, and it does at Bolingbrook, the course could play a few different ways. Bolingbrook is not a short course, it is over 7,100 yards, and nobody is ruling out some yards getting added before championship week. So stay tuned. I wouldn’t mind seeing the party hole format being recreated around the island green par-3 5th hole. Because that would be fun.

SPEAKING OF VALHALLA and the upcoming PGA Championship, for the first time in over 20 years, the Illinois PGA section will have two members in the PGA field. So a big congratulations to new Butler National head golf professional Andy Svoboda, and new golf professional at North Shore Country Club Jeff Kellen who survived the PGA National Club Professional Championship in Frisco Texas to qualify.

SUN DAY RED-the new Tiger Woods line of apparel has been released. The general opinion for golfers and consumers is that the SDR line is over priced and ugly. So from what I have seen so far, both of opinions have hit the nail on the head. I’m not wasting two cents on Sun Day Red.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO is back for season #34, the longest running golf program in Chicago history. Week 1 is in the books and you can hear a replay on this website.

Hosts Ed Stevenson, Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Len Ziehm is back, and so am I. But Chicago’s favorite foursome is down one member. Our long time co-host Bill Berger is in a cancer fight. So to be honest in recent months Billy’s battle has gone in the wrong direction. As a result, all of us at Golfers on Golf are hoping Billy’s cancer doctors can get some of his medications back on track, and Billy’s condition can get turned around.

LIV GOLF has made five new hires in the front office, including Ross Hallett as EVP of Events. See the full list of front office additions at LIVGolf.com.

TOP INSTRUCTOR DAVID LEDBETTER is now partnering with Sqairz Golf Shoes, my favorite golf shoes and the brand I wear. So learn more at Sqairz.com.

GOOD LUCK TO THE SIX BIG TEN GOLF PROGRAMS that are advancing to post season play in the NCAA Championships.  Three Big Ten players will play as individuals. Teams include Big Ten Champion Northwestern, off to Chapel Hill regional. Runner-up Illinois is off to the Stanford Regional.

THIS YEARS NCAA FINALS are at La Costa in California, with a newly renovated North Golf course by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. The finals should be really fun to watch on the course, coming in off this renovation project.

So in the weeks ahead, Golfers on Golf is looking to get our show’s founder new CDGA Director Mike Munro back on the air with us-when his time permits. But in addition there will be weeks Golfers on Golf will have some guest hosts joining us in the studio. So do stay tuned in.

THE GOLF INDUSTRY heads to Washington D.C. this week (May 8-10), to meet with political leaders on the impact of the golf industry in America. You can learn more at Golfcoalition.org.

MORE FROM TOP GOLF-the newest location for the always fun Top Golf has opened this weekend in Montebello California. Details at Topgolf.com.

I’M NOT SURE PICTURES DO IT JUSTICE-But the latest addition to the Dormie Network set of clubs GrayBull by David Kidd, looks really good.

GOOD THINGS are happening at the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook. The driving range is seeing improvements, and a bunker project is happening on the golf course. A par-3 course designed by Greg Martin, will start construction this summer.

Because now that it’s May, and temperatures are heating up. The urge to play more golf is flowing through your veins, when you look in your golf bag what do you see. Is it old clubs that need to be replaced, it’s not too late to get fitted for new clubs that you can enjoy for the 2024 golf season ahead. So check out website of your regular clubs. Then see who is hosting fitting days, that and buy some new golf balls. It won’t hurt. The Gog Blog is back all week. RS