IS THE PETE DYE COURSE AT FRENCH LICK THE NEW HOME OF THE MENS BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP ?

Sources tell the GOG BLOG..that it is and that it will be for the years of 2012-2013-2014.

Resort officials were Mum at the Chicago Golf Show over the weekend, but apparently
the only hold up in a formal announcement, is the late addition of the Big Ten womens
tourney to the resort as well. The gals are likely to be playing their championship on
the Donald Ross Course. Both courses will make a great test of golf for the players.

WHY THE CHANGE...from holding it on the home courses of Big Ten schools. Well
just like the NCAA hoops tournament, coaches didn't want anyone having a home
court..err..home course advantage. One would think that Illinois golf coach Mike Small
who won the 2010 PPNC on the Dye Course at French Lick would love the change.

WELL..maybe not so fast. Seems as if the Illini are now first up to lose the event, as
Illinois and their home course Stone Creek are the scheduled host for 2012. In fact
Illiniois added an event at Stone Creek this spring so everyone could see the course 
one year early. All 11 Big Ten teams are signed up to play the test run event.

THE GOG BLOG...attempted to reach both Small, and Northwestern Coach Pat Goss
about the change. But Small was playing the PGA Tour in Mexico, while Goss was
most likely busy cheering on NU Alum Luke Donald during his run to the Match Play
Championship. Congrats Luke on knocking off World #1 Martin Kaymer and becoming
World #3 with the win.

JUST IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING..Yes French Lick has a casino on the property.
But the Big Ten doesn't care as long as the gambling area is not connected to the course,
or the hotel where the players are staying.

OTHER EVENTS HEADED TO FRENCH LICK...include the National Hickory Shaft
Championship starting July 11th. At some point the Womens club pro championship,
dates and more are TBA. In talks yet is another PPNC for 2014. More info about the
resort at  www.frenchlick.com.


THE PAR 5 14TH HOLE AT ERIN HILLS WI., ERIN HILLS WILL HOST THE US-AMATEUR AUG. 22-28

ERIN HILLS..in Erin Wisconsin just NW of Milwaukee is starting to blossom into the major
course destination it was expected to be when it first opened. Two renovations and one
ownership change later, it has a major. The 2017 US Open appears to be in great hands,
as the clubs new clubhouse is expected to open by July 1st. The new overnite rooms and
cottages should be ready by late May.

RATES HAVE MADE A SMALL JUMP FOR 2011...up from $165 to $200. From what the GOG
Blog saw last fall, it's well worth it. The course will have a full season this year, and will open
about May 1st. Call for reservations at (262)-670-8600 or visit www.erinhills.com. The US
Amateur Aug is 22-28, Seth Rayner classic Blue Mound CC will serve as co-host for the first
two days.

IT'S RENOVATION TIME...for the folks at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. The plan to add
a learning center and a new clubhouse has now gone beyond that. Golf course changes are
now on the table too, and original architect Ray Hearn will be back in the fold. Mistwood is
expected to shut down for the season after Labor Day weekend.

MORE RENOVATIONS..HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT..The Bridges of Popular Creek CC,
in Hoffman Estates. The first special event of the year, is a March Madness shotgun on
March 26th. The Gog Blog guy saw the photos of the changes at the Chicago Golf Show
and came away impressed. www.bridgesofpoplarcreek.com or call (847)-781-3681 for
more information.

RENOVATIONS, RENOVATIONS AND MORE...renovations..is Kemper Lakes next up for
a bunker overhaul program. Several architects may have been contacted, Stay Tuned.

IT'S NOT OVER IN LONG GROVE...The club formerly known as Hillcrest CC, has been
bought by the Royal Group, that has other course holdings in the Chicago area. The new
name will be, The Royal Country Club of Long Grove. The bank took over Hillcrest last fall
and closed it, but the course will live on to play again.

WHICH IS THE CASE...everywhere, we are glad to report. Yes there are a few clubs
and courses in trouble money wise, but the good news is. NONE of them will be closing
down and or getting plowed under, at least in 2011 from what the GOG Blog now hears.

CONGRATS...to my fellow Golfers on Golf Radio Co-Host Ed Stevenson on his new job
with the Forest Preserve District of Dupage County. After serving with the district for several
years as the Head Professional at Oak Meadows GC, Ed has been promoted to Director
of Golf. He is now incharge of all three, of the Dupage county golf courses.

MEDINAH PATRIOT DAY IS BACK AGAIN FOR 2011, the outing will be held at Medinah on
July 7th. Medinah member Mark Slaby is again chairman for the event. A new twist on
the event, will see all the money raised this year go to families of veterans in need, from
the just state of Illinois alone. For more information go to Medinah Patriot Day page on
Facebook, details are there on a new website expected to be launched soon.

THE GOLF CLUB AT HARBOR SHORES..will break ground this spring on it's new state of 
the art clubhouse so it's ready for the 2012 Sr. PGA Championship. The tournament will be
late May next year, and back again in 2014. The Jack Nicklaus designed layout has some
great holes near the shores of Lake Michigan, and is run by the Northbrook based Kemper
Sports Management. www.harborshoresgolf.com or call (269)-927-4653 (GOLF).

THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION...WGA.. and Evans Scholars Foundation has released
the dates for it's tournaments this year. The WGA Juniors will be played in the Chicago area
at Beverly CC starting with practice rounds on June 20th, and tournament play the next day
June 21-24. The Western Amateur will be held August 1-6 at Northshore CC in Glenview,
admission is free this year. The BMW Championship backs up one week to Sept. 12-18
at Cog Hill, ticket specials for the BMW will be announced soon.

THE GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT...home of the "The Bear" course in Grand Traverse MI.,
has announced the outing of the year so far. July 1-2 it's the, Playboy Golf Tournament
featuring the "Girls of Playboy Golf". Space is limited so register quickly, as if I have to
twist your arm. Contact Kris Ruckle at (231)-534-6168 or kruckle@gtresort.com. Fee is
only $275 per player.

TRUE NORTH UP MICHIGAN WAY, is the new home of Kevin O'Brien...who has landed as
expected on his feet as True North Resorts GM/COO. The 18 hole facility started out as a
private club and after purchase by a new group last year, is moving in the direction of a
full scale resort. O'Brien who was recently named PGA Merchandiser of the Year Michigan
Section, for an unprecedented fifth time, is excited about his new opportunity.

"I am very fortunate to land at a place like this," O'Brien told the Gog Blog. "Our new owners
are very committed to making this property a first class, a high quality destination. On the
golf side the first two of our 12 cottages are complete, and we are completing our new
shortgame area. Our golf course is a Jim Engh design, which I love since I am quite
familiar with his work."

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TRUE NORTH RESORT..please call (231)-526-3300
or visit www.truenorthgolf.com The resort is located in Harbor Springs Michigan. O'Brien
promises Chicago area golfers the same great service and product they received from him,
during his time at St. Ives-Tullymore.

THE ILLINOIS STATE OPEN'S...for the men is back at Hawthorne Woods CC again this
year. The first of seven qualifiers for the Illinois Open, is at Mistwood GC in Romeoville
on June 7th. Mistwood will also host the Illinois/Phil Kosin Womens Open in early August.

TRAPPERS TURN...the Wisconsin Dells Andy North-Roger Packard design is sporting a
new clubhouse, to go with it's 27 great holes of golf. www.trappersturn.com or call (800)
221-8876.

TULLYMORE of Stanwood Michigan..that is part of the resort with St. Ives, will have it's
new lodge ready to open the first week of May. Tullymore was named Michigans #1 Golf
Resort in 2010 by Golf World Magazine. www.tullymoregolf.com (800)-972-4837. Terry
Schieber also takes over as new CEO at, The Resorts of Tullymore.

THE GOLFWEEK CHICAGO AMATEUR TOUR...heats up starting April 16th at the Prairie
landing GC, cost is $95. Rob Maguire is Tour Director, for more information please visit
chicago@amateurgolftour.net. or call (630)-886-3442.

PARENTS GET THE JUNIOR GOLFERS READY...The Illinois Junior Golf season is coming
up quickly. For a full schedule please visit www.ijga.org.

GOLFERS IN NEED OF SOME ARTWORK...The Gog Blog found the man who puts out
some of the best golf artwork in the Chicago area at the CGS. Steve Lotus who has
what every golfer needs for wall designs, is reachable at www.stevelotus.com. If you
need paintings, posters, or prints Steve is the guy. The Gog Blog found several great
works from Whistling Straits, Medinah and other golf championships at Steve's booth.
Lotus is based in Frankfort, call him at (815)-469-1216. Decorate your favorite golf room
or office now.

WHILE WANDERING THE GOLF SHOW...The Gog Blog found several great midwest
and local golf destinations offering great spring deals, on green fees and more.

They include...Sentry World in Stevens Point Wis. (866)479-6753 or on the web at
www.sentryworld.com. At Northern Bay Resort Arkdale Wis. (just north of the Dells),
Play The Castle Course, www.CastleAtTheBay.com (608)-339-9891. Eagle Ridge
Resort and Spa in Galena IL., www.eagleridge.com (815)-777-5000, or toll free at
(800)-892-2269. Weaver Ridge Peoria IL. (309)-691-3344 or visit on the web at
www.weaverridge.com. Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, (630)-529-6466 ext 1
for golf. Or visit www.golfindianlakes.com.

OKAY NEED MORE..well right here...The Village Links of Glen Ellyn (630)-469-8180.
www.VillageLinksGolf.com.  In Wisconsin in Lake Geneva at Hawks View call them
at (262)-348-9900 or on the web at www.hawksviewgolfclub.com. In the Wisconsin
Dells area, the Wild Rock Golf Club (608)-253-4653 or www.WildRockGolf.com.

YES..there is more check them out. From the Chicago Golf Show, I hope the 1500
people that got FREE Wilson D-25 golf balls hit's them straight. A great gesture by
Tim Clarke GM of Wilson Golf that made a big return to the show this year. Enjoy
the FREE Golf by Golf Visions too, 12 area courses to pick from. Thanks to Tim
miles for that.

SPECIAL NOTE TO STEVE OLKEN AND THE FOLKS AT HARRIS GOLF CARS,
please work out a deal with the CGS folks to use your Yamaha carts as a shuttle
service from the parking garage to the front door of the show. The Gog Blog heard
some complaints about the walk, from car to show this year. Golfers isn't walking
great ? I'm ready now for my first 18 holes of walking now. Harris Golf Cars for
all your cart needs at www.harrisgolfcars.com. (630)-466-5239. What better way
to arrive at a golf show than in a golf cart.

GOLF RANGE MAGAZINE...has named Cog Hill in Lemont one of the TOP 100
ranges in America. Home of top instructors like Kevin Weeks and Dr. Jim Suttie
(866)-Cog-Hill or www.coghillgolf.com.

FINALLY...WILL SOMEONE PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE TELL DAN HICKS OF NBC
TO SHUT UP....about Tiger Woods. Old Dan just couldn't help himself from dropping
Woods name at every opportunity at the Match Play. Dan in case you missed it, Woods
was knocked out the first day. Whatever Woods is now (World #5 for the moment),
let him earn his way back into thoughts of the golfing public. Or maybe your just his
new PR guy. Dan recent polls say, #1 reason fans turn the dial off golf is...TOO
MUCH TIGER TALK.

Even though I'll give you this Dan. Those club throwing tantrums Woods has, do
crack up some people. The NBC-The Golf Channel (TGC) forum hosted by Hicks
on TGC was over the top too, as Hicks dragged Johnny Miller, Nick Faldo, Roger
Maltbie, and Brandel Chamblee into yet another conversation about Woods.

GOLF GOT INTO TROUBLE..with too much focus on one player. It is finally starting
to recover from that. Thanks to all the guys with Illinois ties for making it a great PGA
Tour season so far. Mark Wilson, DA Points, Luke Donald, and Yes Bill Murray.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS..AROUND APRIL 1ST..Golfers on Golf Radio is back
in May..Dates, Times are TBA. Before April 1..the snow will be gone..GO PLAY.