THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. So do you have your tickets yet. You can learn more at USGA.org. Padraig Harrington will defend.

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.

B1G Ten Champions Illinois are making a run at the National Championship.

THE FIGHTING ILLINI

ARE IN CONTENTION for a national championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona.

Illinois will survive the first cut, that takes the field from 30 to 15 teams, for the fourth and final round of stroke play. So then on Monday, the field drops from 15 to 8, and the Match Play starts on Tuesday to bring it down to the Final Four. But then on Wednesday the national Championship will be decided. So catch the action on the Golf Channel.

Ohio State the only other B1G Ten team at nationals, will likely not survive the first cut at 54 holes.

Len Ziehm in Pinehurst North Carolina.

Golfers on Golf is proud to announce that our very own Len Ziehm is on the road again.

Ziehm one of the leading travel writers across the country, has been making trips through the southern states of America.

IN ALABAMA Ziehm has a report on one of the great destination properties in Alabama-Farm Links.

But along with Farm Links is Ziehm’s recap of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses that run through out Alabama.

Another Ziehm trip and recent story showcased the State of Mississippi and courses that included The Dancing Rabbit. So for more on golf travel with Len Ziehm-visit LenZiehmongolf.com.

Awards to Illinois Golf-on Display at the Atkins Golf Course in Urbana.

The University of Illinois golf programs have earned their share of golf awards in recent years.

But there is a chance that more could be on their way, or are on their way.

Crystal Wang became the women’s golf program first-First Team All-American since Illini Coach Renee Sloan was honored in 1993.

Wang also won the Mary Fossum Award for low-stroke average in the B1G Ten. She set the record for the lowest score in conference tournament history. Wang shot a final round 9 under par 63 at the Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh.

THE MEN’S Team saw the five starting Illini players-all be named to the Men’s D1 Ping All-Midwest team. Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Piercen Hunt, Mattias Besard, Tommy Kuhl, and Jackson Buchanan. While Kuhl and Chassart both made the final watch list for the Fred Haskins award for the best golfer in Division 1 NCAA golf. The award will be presented this Wednesday June 1st. Dumont de Chassart is also a finalist for the Jack Nicklaus Award.

FOUNDERS GROUP INTERNATIONAL has joined with Nicklaus design for a restoration of the Pawley’s Plantation Golf Country Club. The Jack Nicklaus design closed this past week, for a greens, bunkers and clubhouse redesign. Architect Troy Vincent will lead the project that should run for 4-months. The course first opened in 1998. So currently 78,600 feet of of putting surface will return to 117,000 square feet.

The new green surface will become TifEagle Bermudagrass. But large bunkers on 10 holes, will be replaced by smaller fairway bunkers. Pawley’s Pub will be enlarged with a better view of the 18th hole. Founders Group International has made reinvesting in our courses a top priority,” said FGI president Steve Mays. So for more information visit PawleysPlantation.com.

Club Champion in Willowbrook-the largest club fitting chain in America.

WILLOWBROOK BASED CLUB CHAMPION

Has now united it’s four brands under one roof. The Founders TXG (Canada), Golf Principals (UK), PureForm Golf (Australia) and Club Champion (USA) in the new Fathers of Fitting podcast.

Nick Sherburne, Ian Fraser, Jason MacNiven and Paul Jenner will join forces to talk fitting, equipment, and all things golf in this new program.

Each episode will answer questions from golfers. The video version can be found on YouTube, and audio version on podcast platforms such as Apple and Spotify. Learn more about Clubchampiongolf.com.

VEGAS-Golf the Game or get the I need Beer towel to signal the beverage cart.

DO YOU NEED AN ON COURSE GAMBLING GAME.

SO IF you like to wager on the golf course, yes you do.

Vegasgolfthegame.com is your answer on how to keep every round interesting.

Plus with the heat of the summer ahead, order your I NEED BEER towel now. So you don’t have to go without a cold one on a hot day. Vegasgolfthegame.com.

TEPETONKA CLUB’S SHORT COURSE

TEPETONKA CLUB a new private 228 acre facility, has announced that CBS commentator Jim Nantz will serve as design consultant.

Nantz will work with Australian design firm OCM (currently working at Medinah) on the golf course.

Having known owner Mark Haugejorde for over 40 years. Nantz says over a year ago he spoke with Haugejorde and OCM, and knew this project would be something special. The PROX course will be the clubs short course. Nantz says he will be one of the founding members. Details at Tepetonka.com.

PATRIOT GOLF WEEKEND in honor of Memorial Day, GolfForever the stretching device used by Masters Champions Scottie Scheffler and Zach Johnson, this weekend all devices sold will generate a $10 donation to both Folds of Honor and the VGA. But local courses also donating this weekend to the Folds of Honor include Bull Valley Country Club and Village Links of Glen Ellyn.

WOMEN’S WORLD AMATEUR #1 Rose Zhang of Stanford, and first back-to-back NCAA Women’s National Championship winner. Will turn professional this week and take a sponsors exemption into the LPGA’s Mizuho’s America’s Open at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey.

ISLAND RESORT and CASINO in the UP-of Michigan will host it’s 12th annual tournament on the Epson Tour-The road to the LPGA Tour. Island Resort is home to two 18 golf courses, both Sweetgrass and Sage Run. Championship week is June 23-25.  So learn more details at Islandresortandcasino.com.

CANTIGNY GOLF in Wheaton is waiving it’s base $20 caddie fee, in an effort to introduce more golfers to Cantigny’s caddie program. But you must request your caddie when making a reservation. So visit Cantignygolf.com for more information.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW-RS

MONDAY AUGUST 21st on Medinah #1 Course The Researchers Golf Classic-Charity Golf Event. Event contact Kelly.Lang@Cancer.org. THE NEW OAKS GRILLE at the famed Blackberry Oaks Golf Course is now open. So learn more Blackberryoaks.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.

BIG TEN CHAMPIONS ILLINOIS take the lead at the NCAA Nationals in Arizona.

CAN THEY WIN THE BIG ONE!

WITH 2 ROUNDS COMPLETE-#3 Illinois has taken the lead at the Men’s NCAA Division 1 National Golf Championships.

The championship is being played again this year at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale AZ. on the clubs Raptor Golf Course.

Illinois was T-9 after Day 1, but surged early in the day with all four Illini top scores in the 60’s. But better yet for Illinois was that conditions were a little better for scoring, while Illinois was on the golf course.

“We came out with an edge today, came out a little more purposeful,” said Illinois Coach Mike Small. “Yesterday on our first hole, we had only one player hit the green in regulation. But today we came out on point and a little more focused. Which came with the Illini edge, and we need a little more of that. So that was the difference. We played solid golf. We chipped well, and putted well, made some good saves and drove it solidly. So It was day we played from our strengths.”

Three players shot 2-under par 68’s, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Mattis Besard and Jackson Buchanan, with Tommy Kuhl adding a 1 under par 69. The seven under par day, was the second lowest in three years at the NCAA Championships at Grayhawk. Only 2021 National Champion Pepperdine in Round 4 was better with a -9 score.

But Small liked the late start on Day 1, with an early start on Day 2, feeling it’s best start times no matter how the first day goes. Florida is second three shots behind Illinois, and No.1 Vanderbilt is 10 back. But No.2 North Carolina is only 6 shots behind Illinois.

Dumont de Chassart is now in second place and three shots off the individual lead, with 4 under par score.

Tomorrow is the first cut down day, lowering the field from 30 teams to only 15. But on Monday the field shrinks to 8 schools, and they move on to the match play part of the championship.

Illinois has played in the national championship match before. But lost to Alabama, led by current PGA Tour star Justin Thomas.

THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. So do you have your tickets for championship week with Steve Stricker-Jerry Kelly. See USGA.org.

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

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

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO

WEEK #3

This week Chicago’s Favorite Foursome of Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, Bill Berger and Rory Spears, will tee it off at 10 AM, on WNDZ-AM 750-Chicago.

This weeks show consists of some golf travel updates from the State’s of both Alabama and Mississippi from Len Ziehm.

Ed Stevenson has an update on what’s happening at DuPage Golf-including The Preserve at Oak Meadows. Rory Spears, talks Illinois Men’s Golf at the NCAA National Championships.

BOB WINSKOWICZ (L) CEO Founder of Sqairz Golf Shoes-MIKE JAMES L- with USGA Hank Thompson (M) and Ben Kimball (R).

Bob Winskowicz-Sqairz and Mike James Sentry World join us live for todays show. So in advance of Father’s Day-there are specials and contests at Sqairz.com.

CLICK HERE to hear Week #3 of Golfers on Golf Radio.

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

Sponsored by Mistwood Golf, Erin Hills Golf Club, and Heritage Oaks Golf Club.

BRADEN SHATTUCK won the 2023 National Club Professional Championship in New Mexico, to earn a place in this past weekends PGA Championship. Shattuck won the championship by using the Makefield Putter. So learn more at Makefieldputters.com.

The Wanamaker Trophy weighs 32 pounds, but probably felt like less for Brooks Koepka.

THE DRIVE FOR FIVE!

CONGRATS BROOKS-your third PGA shows you haven’t lost it, even after the dislocated knee cap injury.

That can be painful, I know, I went through what Koepka did, twice. So that is part of the reason I play golf. It’s the sport I can play, without wearing a knee brace.

I’m sure the debate begins about PGA Tour vs LIV Golf. But what Koepka’s win shows us, and the results at the Masters prove. Is that the players who were the worlds best players before LIV started, are pretty much the best players now. In the big picture-not much has changed.

BUT FOR CBS ANNOUNCER JIM NANTZ-things are changing for the long time distinguished broadcaster who is slimming down his schedule. Nantz apparently finds the need to take pot-shots at LIV Golfers during the broadcasts, some might think it’s funny-but cheap shot Jim needs to change his tune before he wraps up his career. Hey Jim don’t throw away your track record at this point of your career.

CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH EMILY FLETCHER and the Northwestern Wildcats Women’s Golf Team for making it to Arizona for the NCAA Division 1 National Championships. But sadly the Wildcats did not advance past the third round cut, to make the last day of the stroke play portion of the championship.

ARCHITECT ANDY GREEN’S renovation of Oak Hill’s East Course, took it’s toll on the PGA Championship field this week. Especially when the cold hit on Thursday and the rain landed on Saturday. So it was fun watching the final round in sunshine. The question is whether the weather on Thursday showed the PGA, not to bring the PGA back up north again, especially in the month of May.

THE DP EAROPEAN TOUR has announced it has fined 26 players various amounts, for playing in LIV GOLF tournaments. Several former big name European players, tore up their tour cards. DP says these players can not be reinstated until all fines are paid. Some players reportedly owe fines of up to 500K. HEY DP- You are a DP-Dumb Play.

THE CW NETWORK bailed on LIV Golf’s Oklahoma event, as it was set to to go a playoff, eventually won by Dustin Johnson. CW put on some zzzz level shows instead of the playoff. CW executives are now reading up on the “Heidi-Bowl”. Fans were outraged and they should be. C’mon CW lets get better. The ratings for LIV Golf sure are.

WITH AT&T backing off sponsorship for the Byron Nelson Championship, the PGA Tour went into the search mode to find a replacement. Raytheon Corporation jumped up as a sponsor, but was rejected by the PGA Tour. Because Commissioner Jay Monahan decided since the company sells missiles to Saudi Arabia. Seriously Jay-c’mon. So maybe Raytheon can sponsor a LIV Golf Tour event.

GREAT JOB-by the Northern Illinois University men’s golf team that won the MAC Conference, for the first time since the mid-1980’s. The Huskies sat in sixth place after Day 1, but their way back to win the title.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MEN’S Golf team punched it’s ticket to the NCAA Championships in Scottsdale AZ, with a second place finish at the regionals in Michigan. Good luck later this week Illini.

ALDEEN GOLF CLUB’S CHRIS FRENCH made the field in this past weeks 105th PGA Championship at Oak Hill. Unfortunately French did not make the weekend cut, after a great inspired effort. But it was great to see a professional from the Illinois PGA Section make the field. French followed up the 2023 Club Professional Championship with a win in the first Illinois PGA major of the year. French defeated Mistwood’s Andy Mickelson in the championship match 2 & 1.

Many club professionals from Illinois and Midwest states feel the current dates of the national club professional championship, make it impossible for professional to compete for a chance to play in the PGA, even with 20 spots available in the field. One writer from Golfweek Magazine suggested reducing the club professional field to 10 players. Hey who’s championship is it. But at least Michael Block will be in the field next year at Valhalla in 2024. What a great hole-in-one on the 15th hole in yesterdays final round.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

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

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.