Spears on Golf

CHAPMAN LEADS SENIOR PGA BY 5 HEADED TO FINAL ROUND

2012-05-27T14:06:26Z

THE HARBOR SHORES CLUBHOUSE, HOME OF THE 73RD SR. PGA

CHAMPIONSHIP, in Benton Harbor Michigan.

It looks like the Roger Chapman show at this point, as

Chapman has a five shot leaded heading into the final

round of the 73rd Senior PGA Championship.

Chapman took the Jack Nicklaus designed Golf Club

at Harbor Shores designed course, and crushed it

with a course tying record seven under par 64. That

record had been set the previous day. Eight birdies

and only one bogey summed up the day for Chapman.

Golf fans in America don't know Chapman because

he's been playing the European Tours over the years,

both the main tour and in later years the Euro-Senior

Tour.

Chapman also hasn't been winning, which is why he

is not a household name. His last win came back in

2000 in an event held in South America, part of title

of that championship was "The 500". Making it feel

like Chapman won an auto race.

It's not like Chapman hasn't had his chances. He

spoke after his round yesterday about being a

bridesmaid on some 16 occasions. He has lost

some events in playoffs, been the leader in the

clubhouse many times only to see other players

have amazing finishes to beat him on the last hole.

The Champions Tour players know him. John Cook

who is in second place five shots back says all of us

on this tour know Roger, we know how well he can

play. Cook is playing solid golf this weekend, and

doesn't count himself out of it yet. Cook had 16 pars

and two birdies in round three in route to a 69.

Steve Pate and and 66 year old Hale Irwin, sit lurking

seven shots back of Chapman tied for third place..

The leaders tee off today 12:35 Chicago time, or

1:35 over in Benton Harbor. NBC will show the final

round on TV this afternoon.

The Golf Club at Harbor Shores is a 90 minute drive

from downtown Chicago, and two hours from the far

Northwest Suburbs. The course is open to the public

for play and is operated by the Northbrook based

Kemper Sports Management.

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH ROGER CHAPMAN:

THE PAR 4 8TH HOLE AT HARBOR SHORES, Lake Michigan can be
seen in the back of the photo..

FORMER WGA PRESIDENT CEO DON JOHNSON DIES AT 77

2012-05-26T02:18:34Z

                 DON JOHNSON
   FORMER WGA PRESIDENT AND CEO

Don Johnson the former Western Golf Association President and CEO
passed away in his Lake Bluff home on Thursday night. Johnson was
77 years old.

His cause of death is unknown at this time, or is not being released
by his family.

When Johnson took over the WGA in 1988, the financial picture was
not strong. During his reign from 1988 until his retirement in 2009, he
helped build an endowment of 45 million dollars. Johnson also saw that
all 14 Evans Scholars homes on the campus of various colleges were
debt free.

Johnson helped secure scholarships for over 4,000 caddies during his
time as President/CEO.

"Don enjoyed a lifelong love of, and respect for the game of golf," said
John Kaczkowski current WGA/ESF president and CEO. " He was
dedicated to giving back to the game through his work with both our
scholarships and championships, and he clearly succeeded."

Johnson was introduced to the game of golf in his hometown of Racine
Wisconsin, learning on a nine-hole public course called Washington Park.
Within two years he was a caddy at Meadowbrook Country Club.

Memorials honoring Mr. Johnson may be made out to. ESF One Briar
Rd. Golf Illinois 60029. Or online at www.wgaesf.org.

A memorial service is being planned for early June.

MORE DETAILS AND REACTION AS WE GET IT...............

ILLINOIS MEDINAH PATRIOT DAY IS COMING UP FAST

2012-05-24T23:51:24Z

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB WILL HOST ILLINOIS/MEDINAH PATRIOT DAY
ON MAY 29TH.

FINAL DAYS TO ENTER..THE OUTING IS THIS COMING TUESDAY.
Several celebs are playing. Some top military brass on hand to award
the scholarships. Come say Thank You to those who keep us safe.

The big day is coming and it's coming soon. Less than one
week remains until it's tee-time at Medinah Country Club home
of the 39th Ryder Cup Matches later this fall.

Tuesday May 29th at Medinah is a big day too.The Illinois Patriot
Education Fund's third annual Medinah Patriot Day will be held
to raise money for Illinois Military Families in need. The event is
an opportunity to play Medinah courses No.1 or No.3 and have
a chance to compete in a Million Dollar Shootout hosted by AON
Corporation.

After golf is complete, a premium silent auction with gifts that do
include tickets to the Ryder Cup. Dinner with gourmet food will be
on the menu.The event is a great chance to network with golfers
and members of the military. 100% of the money raised remains
in the State of Illinois. The Illinois Patriot Education Fund is one
of the best ways to give back to our military families in need.

The event still has room for a few partnerships, including Title
Sponsor, Reception Sponsor, Caddie Sponsor. Title Sponsor
includes two foursomes on course No. 3. Other sponsors do
get one foursome on course No.3. Delta Dental has sponsored
the Driving Range, and Tour Edge has sponsored lunch.

Why participate. Why Not. Over 250 Illinois Citizens have lost
their lives in Iraq or Afghanistan, there are 580 Gold Star families
listed in Illinois. More than 1,400 Illinois Citizens have been
wounded in action. Only 15% of of families of wounded soldiers
qualify for Veterans Education Funds.

There are also opportunities to sponsor the event, and holes on
the golf courses (but that number is shrinking fast). The opportunity
to play Medinah's famed Course No.3 unfortunately is sold out.

For more information on Medinah Patriot Day which will be held
for the third straight year. Please contact the Illinois Patriot
Education Fund at 4064 N. Lincoln Ave. Suite 436 Chicago IL.
60618.

Additional information can be obtained from Sponsorship and
Tournament Coordinator Brian Tomkins (708)-250-0153. Golf
Committee Chairman Scott Grady (312)-607-3334. You do not
have to play golf to attend. It is possible to attend just the dinner,
or even just send a donation if you can not attend in person that
day.

Illinois/Medinah Patriot Day one of the great charity golf outings
that will be played all summer in the Chicago area. Time is starting
to run short, so sign up today. Over 140 golfers are expected to
attend.

SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO TEE AT HARBOR SHORES

2012-05-22T12:01:21Z

THE GOLF AT HARBOR SHORES NEW CLUBHOUSE
  (Home of the 2012 Senior PGA Championship)

Championship golf returns to the state of Michigan, but just
right over the border from Indiana and around the Lake
Michigan bend from Chicago.

The Golf Club at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor is more
than just a golf club. It's a facility that is helping to revive a
community. In areas that were garbage dumps we now
have a signature Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. It
hasn't been open long (2010) but it's already being tested
by the best senior professional players.

When the PGA of America awarded Harbor Shores the
2012 and 2014 Senior PGA Championships, the grass
had hardly even grown in. But the PGA had heard what
they needed to hear from Nicklaus,respected as the
greatest player the game has ever seen.

What hasn't hurt is the sponsorship from an area company
Kitchen-Aid that also owns Whirlpool brands. The company
has become very involved in golf, and that has proved to
be beneficial to everyone.

JACK NICKLAUS TOOK AN ACTIVE ROLE DURING
    THE DESIGN PHASE AT HARBOR SHORES

The 2012 Senior PGA Championship plans on doing things
right the first time. Just because it's a new venue in terms of
hosting a championship, this is not a test run for 2014 says
championship director Jeff Hintz.

One thing that is disappointing about this years championship,
was that defending champion Tom Watson was forced to
withdraw over the weekend. Watson is still suffering from a
pinched nerve in his wrist. Watson will be on site this week
to address the media and attend a champions dinner.

Nicklaus will be on hand Tuesday to hold a press conference,
and then present a clinic in the late afternoon. There is already
a plaque on the 10th tee, about one of the greatest putts ever
made by the "Golden Bear". Nicklaus made a putt of just over
100 feet from the bottom tier of a three-level green, that was
recorded for TV at the Champions for Change event. The
show was aired prior to a 2011 Masters broadcast on CBS.

The field for this event is still great even without Watson, among
the players competing are: Fred Couples, Peter Jacobsen,
Andy North, Fred Funk, Tom Wargo, Chip Beck and Jeff Sluman.

            THE PAR 4 8TH HOLE AT HARBOR SHORES

The golf course will provide plenty of challenges for the players,
especially with the different looks that Harbor Shores has.

Around the first hole is where an old factory once stood, there
is now some trees around the creek and wetlands to avoid.
After a few holes that wind through a new parkway with some
of the new homes that have been built. The course does move
across the street into Jean Klauk Park, where three beautiful
holes move in close to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Wind will be a factor here as it comes off the lake. The par 4,
7th hole will draw a lot of conversation from the players. It's a
scenic hole from the top of the dunes near the green. But from
the fairway up to the small green, is like hitting a ball from the
front yard and landing it on the roof of three story building.

The 8th hole runs along the shoreline from tee to green, with
the par 5, 9th hole heading back inland from the elevated tee
box. A wind off the lake could help the players find the way
home in two shots.

After taking the path to the par 5 10th hole, the golfers enter
a stretch of a few holes that give that Northern Michigan feel
with trees on both sides of the holes. Starting at hole 14 and
in, the wetlands return forcing golfers to be especially careful
off the tee. The par 5, 15th hole is another great example of
Nicklaus using the angled creek to give the golfer a risk-reward
factor. Either go for the green in two or layup.

Nicklaus and his team have made the greens in some places
very undulated, to make up for the lack off distance. The golf
course plays just under 6,900 yards from the championship
tees. Putting could be an adventure on some holes, even for
these top players.

TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH CHAMPIONSHIP
DIRECTOR JEFF HINTZ CLICK HERE:

For more information on the 2012 Senior PGA Championship
at Harbor Shores, visit PGA.com. Harbor Shores is located
on south end of Benton Harbor near St. Joseph Michigan.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT, RANTS, RAVES AND MORE

2012-05-21T13:56:48Z

      THE GOG BLOG VISITED MERION GC
   DURING THE PHILLY TRIP LAST WEEK
(photo courtesy of John Capers/Wayne Morrison)

HE'S BACK !!!....Yes I survived the Philadelphia trip and the
story on that will appear in the short term. I'm sure the golf
architect buffs will enjoy what I found.

A special Thanks You to John Capers Merion GC Historian
and Merion member and famous architect William S. Flynn
expert Wayne Morrison for being so helpful in my recent visit.

I'll have more in the Philly story, and right after the final putt
drops at the 2012 U.S. Open at the Olympic Club. It will be
Merions turn to be on the clock, as the club will host the
2013 U.S. Open. A place many folks thought the open
would never be able to return to. My interview with 2013
U.S. Open Chairman Rick Ill (pron:Rick ILL) will give some
great incite about what many think will be one of the most
special U.S. Opens in years will run about June 12th.

HOW ABOUT JASON DUFNER..he has won again this
time in Texas at the Byron Nelson Classic. The former
winner on the Nationwide Tour at the Glen Club, looks
like somebody ready to try and win at Medinah this fall
as part of TEAM USA. Dufner is also wearing spikes
made by Champs, he is using the ProStinger model a
product I featured here on the Gog Blog a few stories ago.

THE GREENBRIER RESORT..I love the place and the
Greenbrier Classic, played on a classic C.B. Macdonald/
Seth Raynor designed course Old White. But what is
the marketing department thinking.

Since the resort made the mistake in letting go of longtime
PR whiz Lynn Swann (she's female and not the former Steelers
receiver), the promotion department is hurting.

I actually received an email on "How the Greenbrier Classic
just got better", it said that Tiger Woods had committed to
play. No word yet on if the release was put together by
by Dan Hicks PR, or the ESPN crawl people.

THE ESPN CRAWL..made my skin crawl when under golf
on the Sunday night after the Players Championship. It said
Matt Kuchar wins -12, Tiger 10 back. That's the best you got
ESPN, a so-called world leader in sports. Ahhh-NO your not.

CANTIGNY GOLF..is re-opening the Woodside Nine this May
25th, after a renovation to the par 5 second hole. The new
bunkers and improved visibility should make this hole a good
one.

OTHER RE-OPENINGS...Mistwood coming this weekend so
it appears. Arrowhead has opened the South Nine as of April
28. Settlers Hill is now open. Even Erin Hills in Wisconsin is
now open. Everyone is open, no excuse now not to Go Play.

TOURNAMENT GOLF SEASON IS HERE..an this is really
tees off golf season. The CDGA Mid-Am has a winner, the
Illinois PGA first major of the year is in the books. Congrats
to Curtis Malm on winning another IPGA major, the Match Play
Championship at Kemper Lakes.

KOHLER AND THE USGA..bring in the media this Tuesday
for media day at Blackwolf Run. The Senior PGA Championship
tees off this week at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor. The
Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus himself is on hand at his design on
Tuesday to to talk with the press and host a clinic. My story
on the championship and interview with Tournament Director
Jeff Hintz runs this week.

2011 U.S. WOMENS OPEN CHAMPION
                   SO YEON RYU
Begins here title defense on Tuesday with media day at
Blackwolf Run in Kohler Wisconsin. 1998 U.S. Womens
Open Champion Se Ri Pak will join Ryu on the course
for a sneak peek on Tuesday.

RORY SPEARS ADD'S A PODCAST FROM THE INN ON
WOODLAKE IN KOHLER WISCONSIN. SETTING THE SCENE
FOR MEDIA DAY FOR THE 2102 US WOMENS OPEN MEDIA
DAY.

A RAVE..goes out to Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small and his
Fighting Illini squad, off to their 5th straight national championship
tournament. Lead by Thomas Pieters and Luke Guthrie the Illini
have a great shot to be right there for the national title.

A RAVE..goes out to the courses that are lowering rates and
or finding other deals to get golfers back on the golf course.

THE CRYSTAL LAKE GOLF LEARNING CENTER..is now the
Fore Seasons Golf Learning Center. It's under new management
run by GM Eric Pelfresne, stop in and tell him I sent you. It's
across the street from Prairie Isle GC on RT.176. Improvements
are starting to happen. Visit them on Twitter.

Time for us all to hit the links, make time, take the kids your
wife or husband. It's never too late to start playing.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO hopes to make the announcement
of it's new home and time later this week. Stay tuned.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT, is written by RORY SPEARS.

THE GOG BLOGS SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME

2012-05-20T16:09:39Z

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE AT THE GOLF CLUB AT HARBOR SHORES,
BENTON HARBOR MI. HOME OF THE 2012 SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

The 73rd Senior PGA Championship tees off this week at The Golf
Club at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor Michigan. The course is
designed by Jack Nicklaus, who will hold a press conference and
be part of a clinic this coming Tuesday.

If you still wish to buy tickets for this event, and there is a package
where if you do purchase Senior PGA Championship tickets. You
can also buy Ryder Cup tickets for Medinah this September as well.
Visit PGA.com for more information.

TOM WATSON..the defending champion in the Senior PGA, has
withdrawn as of yesterday. Watson has a pinched nerve in his wrist
that has not healed well enough to play. He will speak to the media
and attend the past champions dinner this week on site at the
championship.

In the field from Illinois are. Jeff Sluman, Chip Beck, Billy Rosina,
and Tom Wargo. Other top players include, Fred Couples, Kenny
Perry, Brad Faxon, Andy North, Bob Tway,Peter Jacobsen,Craig
Stadler, Fred Funk and more.

ILLINOIS ADVANCES TO NCAA NATIONALS FOR 5TH STRAIGHT TIME

MIKE SMALL..and the Fighting Illini have advanced to the NCAA National
Tournament for the fifth straight year, joining an elite group of only five
schools to do so.

The Illini lead by Thomas Pieters who finished second overall, finished
in third place at the Norman Oklahoma Regional. The top five schools
advanced to the nationals May 29-June 3 at Riviera Country Club in
Pacific Palisades California. Senior Luke Guthrie was tied for 7th place.

"I am so proud of these guys," Small said. "It is quite an accomplishment
to make the five in a row, which really shows how we are building a
program and not just a team. It was survival day and adversity hit us
early, but we persevered again and had a strong showing."

ILLINOIS PATRIOT DAY IS COMING UP..TUESDAY MAY 29TH AT
MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB. Come and support our Illinois Military
Families.

We are now down to 9 days, it's time to sign up if you have not already
done so. www.illinoispatriotday.com. Or please call Brian Tomkins at
(708)-250-0153.

Tournament Director and Executive Director Mark Slaby does wish
to pass along that, opportunities to play Course # 3 that day are sold
out. But still welcomes golfers to play course # 1 and enjoy the day
and lunch/auction. There will be chances to bid on Ryder Cup tickets
at the auction.

www.cantignygolf.com or call (630)-260-8218.

CANTIGNY TO REOPEN WOODSIDE 9 THIS WEEK MAY 25...

The Woodside Nine was closed last October to make way for the
reconstruction of Woodside hole No. 2. This was done because
od the serious erosion along the banks of the creek running
through the hole. The hole has has the the areas in question
stabilized and planted with grasses and native wetland species
to hold the soil in place.

Canitgny also wanted to improve the sightlines and playability
of the hole named "Double Jeopardy". Now with the fairway
completely recontoured, golfers can see the the hole from tee
to green. Trouble areas are clearly visible, there will be no more
blind second shot.

"We made a good hole even better, " said Mike Nass, Cantigny
Golf Executive Director. "It was a hard decision to take Woodside
out of play for so long but we think our customers will agree that
the improvements were worth the wait. For fairness and playability
this is a huge step forward."

There are also two new bunkers on the hole. One in the fairway
and one by the green. There has been a new shelter added in
the new pump house by the green, in case of inclement weather.
Design work was handled by Rick Jacobson Golf Design based
in Libertyville.

TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY OF THE DUPAGE COUNTY..junior
golf classic at Oak Meadows in Addison. Come out and watch
the kids play this afternoon, several hundred are playing. For
more information call Oak Meadows at (630)-595-0071. Oak
Meadows is also hosting a Ryder Cup Youth Skills challenge
qualifier on June 2nd.

OKAY..WHO TOOK IT..somebody broke into the USGA Museum
in Far Hills NJ, and stole the U.S. Amateur Trophy. ( A retired one)
and things from the Ben Hogan exhibit. Keep your eyes open
on EBAY folks.

SETTLERS HILL IN BATAVIA..is finally open. They are running
specials. Call (630)-232-1636. The Waste Management work is
finally complete.

THE 20TH CDGA MID-AM..was won by Kyle Nathan of Chicago,
at Flossmoor CC. Nathan finished at +5 one shot ahead of Glen
Przybyski of Frankfort.

SPECIAL RATES ON GOLF AT KOHLER...in honor of the U.S.
Womens Open. Through July 8, call (800)-344-2838 or please
visit www.americanclub.com. Special rates apply to the Meadow
Valley, River, and Irish Course only.

RAVISLOE COUNTRY CLUB..now has the outdoor bar open. Plus
new rates for 2012. Tuesday is Seniors Day. Golfweek Magazine
rates the Donald Ross design Ravisloe the # 14 public course in
Illinois. Call(708)-798-5600 for more information or please visit the
website www.ravisloecountryclub.com.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW..with our Gog Blog
Speaks out Column..until then GO PLAY.

CURTIS MALM WINS IPGA MATCH PLAY AT KEMPER LAKES

2012-05-18T16:56:00Z

CURTIS MALM WINNER OF THE 2012
IPGA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
(photo courtesy of IPGA)

Curtis Malm of the St.Charles Country Club defeated Rich Dukelow
2 UP to win the 2012 Illinois PGA Match Play Championship at
Kemper Lakes.

It took Malm all the way to the last hole to win the championship,
and he pulled off quite a rally to do it. Dukelow of Cantigny Golf
and the 2011 IPGA Player of the year, looked ready to win his
second straight major after winning the IPGA Players Championship
last October.

"Match play at Kemper Lakes is always a ride, " Malm said. "I love
this place. It's a great championship golf course. I won five of the
last six holes and that's just the way it goes out here sometimes."

Dukelow lead Malm 3 UP with only six holes to play, before Malm
turned it on and won five of the last six holes to win the title. Malm
had to get up and down for par on the par 4 18th hole to win the
title.

For Dukelow it was his second straight trip to the match play finals
before going down to defeat. Last year Dukelow lost to champion
Jim Sobb. This year Sobb was not able to defend his title, after
losing in round 3 to Doug Bauman 5 & 4.

The Semi-finals saw Dukelow defeat Kevin Marion of Old Elm by a
score of 5 & 3, while the ohter semi-final match had Malm defeating
the 2010 match play champion Travis Johns from Twin Lakes 3 & 2.

Next up on the major schedule for the seniors is the IPGA Senior
Match Play at Shoreacres from May 29-31. Jim Sobb is defending
champion. The Illinois Open at the Glen Club July 16-18 is the next
major for all players.

For a full recap of all matches in the 2012 IPGA Match Play, please
visit www.ipga.com.

HEARNS RETURN RAISES MISTWOOD TO NEW HEIGHTS

2012-05-17T13:09:14Z

SOD LAYERED POT BUNKERS GIVE MISTWOOD A NEW LOOK

The project is not even done yet, but the excitement is starting to
build around the changes at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

Credit owner Jim McWethy for deciding to fix up Mistwood in a
first class manor for golfers everywhere to come and enjoy. He
didn't decide to wait for the economy to "get better" McWethy
just made the call the time was right to take his club to a new
level.

McWethy also made the call to the right architect for the project,
when he recalled Michigan based architect Ray Hearn to come
back and renovate one of his old projects.

Under the original ownership group, Hearn didn't get to finish the
course the way he wanted to. Now he gets his chance and he
couldn't be happier, Hearn wastes no time telling anyone who
asks what a great owner and client McWethy is.

The plan is to reopen the golf course on June 1st and it looks
like they just might make it. The course changes will make things
interesting when the Phil Kosin Illinois Womens Open returns
this summer. McWethy also makes it clear that he does want
some other tournaments besides the IWO at some point in the
future.

Mistwood should open on June 1st, but the course and it's fescue
will be growing in all summer. By fall the course should look great,
but don't wait that long to go try out Mistwood. Golfers you will
want to go play it when it's nice and warm out this summer.

THE NEW 3RD HOLE AT MISTWOOD, A HALF ISLAND GREEN

What really jumps out to the golfers that will play Mistwood, is
the new sod faced bunkers. Hearn installed 19 of them, they look
really neat but you will not want to hit out of them. The first place
you see them is in the fairway of the second hole. Long hitters
might encounter them off the tee.

Hearn scattered the rest of the new bunkers around the course,
the 12th hole has a few more of them. Including one deep one
right in front of the green. There is one hidden back left of the
9th green, but you will see it on the way to the first tee. So put
it in the back of your mind for later.

The golf course is not the only change to Mistwood. Work has
just started on the new learning center, which is expected to
open around Labor Day weekend. Then finally the new clubhouse
will be built. Both the learning center and the clubhouse will have
that Scottish/Irish club feel to it.

Look for Mistwood to become one of the highest rated public
courses in the Chicagoland area, it's that good.

McWethy didn't just stop with just improving Mistwood, he also
went down the road to Bolingbrook and bought the Ditka Dome.
Improvements are happening and that facility will reopen soon.

In the meantime go play Mistwood, you will be glad you did.

TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH JIM MCWETHY AND
RAY HEARN CLICK HERE:

For more information on Mistwood Call (815)-254-3333 or visit
online www.mistwoodgolf.net.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT, RANTS RAVES AND MORE

2012-05-13T13:44:38Z

THE TROPHY ROOM AT MERION HOME OF THE
2013 U.S. OPEN, Ardmore PA.

THE GOG BLOG HITS THE HIGHWAY....our second trip out
east this 2012 year and it should be a good one.

It starts at the The Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor
for The PGA of America's PGA Golf America Day this Saturday,
followed up by a trip to Pennsylvania and some great historic
clubs.

Harbor Shores a Jack Nicklaus signature design course is
getting ready to host the Senior PGA Championship May 22-27.
Tom Watson is defending champion.More on Harbor Shores
by the end of next weekend.

The William S. Flynn designed Lancaster CC home of the 2015
U.S. Womens Open is stop #1. Then it's onto Philly and places
like Merion, Huntington Valley and the Philadelphia Cricket Club
Wissahickon Course a 1920 A.W. Tillinghast course that Keith
Foster will renovate in 2013. I'll have more for all you architect
buffs upon my return.

Just because I'm on road the Gog Blog will be busy this week,
check out out preview of the first Illinois PGA major championship
of 2012, the IPGA Match Play Championship at Kemper Lakes.
Jim Sobb of Ivanhoe CC is defending champion. Speaking of
Kemper Lakes, rumor has it the club is about to announce a great
new membership deal if anyone might be interested in joining the
club. Stay tuned for details.

Later in the week, I'll have a look at Mistwood that is ready to
reopen after a Ray Hearn renovation., and a recap of the IPGA
match play.

IT'S MOTHERS DAY..Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's and
if your a golfing mom there are deals for you everywhere today.
From Cog Hill to Shepherds Crook, all the Golfvisions courses.
There are other specials that can golfers can take advantage of
that will alow you to treat mom to great golf at the Dupage County
Forest Preserve District Courses, like Oak, Maple and Green
Meadows.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP IS ON..check out final round
action this afternoon on NBC. Watch players try to steady their
nerves when they hit the island green par 3 17th hole. SPLASH!!
went the golf ball and somewhere Pete Dye is laughing.

Tiger is off to a slow start. The Golf Channel went on and on just
breaking down his poor swing after round one. Yawnzzzzzzzz.
TGC tells us more about the good players PLEASE.

THE CGDA MID-AM...tee's off this Tuesday and Wednesday at
Floosmoor, three time defending champion Todd Mitchell of
Bloomington leads the field of 79 players. Good Luck guys.

THE WEATHER IS GETTING BETTER..follow my lead here and
GO PLAY..you will be glad you did.

More coming soon on the return of Golfers on Golf Radio...stay
tuned.

THANKS..GOG BLOG GUY...RORY SPEARS

THE 2012 RYDER CUP AT MEDINAH..POINT STANDINGS

2012-05-12T11:14:00Z

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB WILL HOST THE 2012 RYDER CUP

With the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah now less than five months away,
the Gog Blog will start to keep everyone informed as to who is likely
to make both the European and United States Ryder Cup Teams. So
please keep it here for updates.

Heading into this weeks Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass the
U.S. point standings look like this.

1. Bubba Watson   4,798.395
2. Phil Mickelson   3,793.749
3. Hunter Mahan    3,347.102
4. Keegan Bradley 3,111.492
5. Jason Duffner     2,855.087
6. Steve Stricker    2,291.246
7. Rickie Fowler    2,238.459
8. Tiger Woods     2,173.667

The above eight players would automatically make the team if the point
race ended now. Captain Davis Love III will take the top eight players with
earned points. Then he will make four captains picks to round out the
team of 12 players. Other standings,

9. Brandt Snedeker 2,145.857
10. Bill Haas            2,106.071
11. Kyle Stanley       2,037.457
12. Johnson Wagner 2,027.401
13. Mark Wilson      1,998.593
14. Matt Kuchar       1,866.930
15.Kevin Na             1,573.287
16. Webb Simpson   1,541.466
17. Dustin Johnson   1,538.402
18. Robert Garrigus 1,522.979
19. Ben Curtis          1,498.605
20. Ben Crane          1,496.281
21. Jim Furyk           1,493.147
22. Zach Johnson     1,456.626
23.D.A. Points         1,454.533
24.John Huh            1,402.580
25. Bo Van Pelt       1,382.276

THE EUROPEAN TEAM..Captain Jose Maria Olazabal.

Five players make the team through Ryder Cup earned points.

They are currently: Rory McIlroy NIR, Peter Hanson SWE,
Martin Kaymer GER, Justin Rose ENG, Paul Lawrie SCO.

Five players make the team via European Team World points
They are currently: Luke Donald ENG, Lee Westwood ENG,
Graeme McDowell NIR, Sergio Garcia ESP, Gonzalo Fdez-
Castano ESP.

Two players will be captains picks by Olazabal. Leading players
to be captains picks by Olazabal at this time should they not
move up as automatic selctions are. Francesco Molinari ITA,
Ian Poulter ENG, Miguel Angel-Jimenez ESP, Alvaro Quiros
ESP.

The point races end for Team USA at the PGA Championship
August 12th at Kiawah. For the European team at the Johnnie
Walker Championship August 27th at Gleneagles.

PRODUCTS FOR YOUR GOLF GAME AND GOLF TRAVEL

2012-05-10T22:13:54Z

THE CLUB GLOVE BALLISTIC BRONZE TRIO SET

Whether you travel for golf, work or pleasure Club Glove has
the luggage set for you.

Club Glove which is Made-in-the-USA in Huntington Beach
California, has quickly become the main brand of luggage
used by over 100 players on the PGA Tour. Club Glove is
also becoming popular with athletes in other major sports
and pilots of major airlines.

Besides being built in the USA, Club Glove has added a
new stylish design to go with it's proven durability. The new
TRS Ballistic luggage features USA woven Invista Condura
denier Nylon Ballistic fabric, that offers double the abrasion
resistance and four times the tear resistance of other top
materials.

Club Glove also makes travel bags, golf bags, golf travel
bags, club covers and other accessories. The Club Glove
Train Reaction system reduces the amount of strain needed
to push or pull gear by creating a better center of gravity.
Which gives more of a weightless feeling.

"The rapid adoption of the TRS Ballistic line is reminiscent
of how our Last Bag quickly became the most used golf
travel cover among tour players more than decade ago, "
says company founder Jeff Herold. "The bottom line is
that these guys travel for a living and they rely on products
of the absolute best quaility to ensure their belongings
arrive unscathed."

THE NEW TWO-TONE BLACK LUGGAGE SET BY CLUB GLOVE.

The list of tour players using Club Glove is growing by the day. Some
of the players include Luke Donald, Kyle Stanley, Matt Kuchar, Zach
Johnson, Mark Wilson, David Toms, Justin Leonard, Sean O'Hair.

Team USA Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III uses the Ballistic Line
and so have six previous Team USA Ryder Cup Teams. The set
consists of the carry-on ($699), check-in ($750), and XL check-in
bag ($799), as a set they sell for $2,248. Some of the features include
a durable-wheel base, retractable handle, premium zippers, and packing
modules.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CLUB GLOVE PRODUCT LINE
VISIT...www.clubglove.com or call (800)-736-4568.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAMP SPIKES THE NO. 1 SPIKE ON TOUR

THE SCORPION STINGER (L) AND CHAMP ZARMA CLEATS (R)

PGA Tour players are using Spikes by CHAMP, including Jason
Duffner winner at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans and Rickie
Fowler in his win last weekend at the Wells Fargo in Charlotte.

"Our superior designs provide the ideal platform for a proper golf
swing, a fact verified each week by the number of Tour players
across the globe that exclusively use CHAMP," says Harris
MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering
Worldwide. "Golfers on all skill levels have discovered the
increased traction, stability and comfort of our spikes helps
them to perform better in all conditions."

The new MyHite Zarma FLYtee is quickly becoming the most
used spike by professionals worldwide. The six-pronged head
and shallow cup reduces friction, increases distance and does
improve accuracy.

CHAMPS has more than 100 distributors, and is the world's
largest manufacturer of replaceable spikes. The company makes
over 140 million spikes annually. It makes spikes for several sports
in addition to golf.

FOR MORE INFORMATION...www.champspikes.com or call
1-(800)-OK-CHAMP.

MOTHERS DAY AT COG HILL & MORE

2012-05-10T04:24:59Z

MOTHERS DAY AT COG HILL...MOM'S PLAY FOR FREE

On Sunday May 13th starting at 12 Noon, All Mom's do
receive a FREE green feee on course 1-2 or 3. If riding
must pay a cart fee.

Mother's Day Brunch is 10 AM-3 PM.
Adults $36.95 Children Under 10 $17.95 Children Under 6
are Complimentary.

RESERVATIONS...(866)-COG-HILL Ext. 301.

THE SPRING..2-Man Scramble Saturday May 19th on
Course 1, 11:30-2:30 No Minimum drives.
$30 Team Fee, includes a Comp. bucket of balls.
$45 walk/$61 ride.

(866)-Cog-Hill Ext. 318. www.coghillgolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT..RANTS, RAVES AND MORE

2012-05-08T14:34:18Z

          RORY SPEARS
    THE GOG BLOG GUY
RELAXING AT THE ROSS HOME
    IN DONALDS ROCKER

The Gog Blog Speaks Out is back with Tuesday edition, normally
I like to put this column out on Monday but I held up to get latest
information on NCAA golf.

Great news..unlike basketball both Illinois and Northwestern have
made the tournament, at least the regionals anyway which gives
them both a shot at the Big Dance in Los Angeles at Riviera CC.

Illinois has advanced to the Norman Oklahoma Regional May 17-19,
to be held at the Jimmy Austin Oklahoma University Golf Center.
There are 14 teams in Norman and the top 5 teams and the low
individual not on one of those teams do advance to the finals May
29-June 3.

After winning the Big Ten Championship, the Illini enter the regional
as the No.7 seed. Texas is the No.1 seed and Loyola-Chicago got
in as the 14th seed.

"We are looking forward to continuing the momentum we have built
up over the last month at the regionals,"head coach Mike Small said.
"We are going to finish up finals and get back to work, trying to make
our fifth straight-final."

THE NEWS IS ALSO GOOD IN EVANSTON..where Coach Pat Goss
and the Wildcats are headed to The Club at Olde Stone in Bowling
Green Kentucky. The Wildcats are off to their 13th Regional in the
16 years under Goss.

Northwestern is seeded 9th in the 14 team field, with UCLA coming
in at No. 1. Northwestern was third at the Big Ten Championships.
Other Big Ten Schools advancing are Iowa, Indiana, Purdue and Ohio
State.

THE FIFTH MAJOR..The Players Championship tee's off this week at
the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Verda Florida. Who wins it, it's always one
of the best fields of the year.

NBC is back on board for the broadcast, which means Johnny Miller
at the microphone especially when the players hit the 17th hole and
island green. What will be interesting is how Dan Hicks handles his
comments on Tiger Woods, after Woods missed the cut last week.

Could the playoff have been any better... Pekin Illinois native DA
Points, Rory McIlroy, and Rickie Fowler getting win No.1 on tour.
With that threesome CBS had all the star power they needed.

CBS..took a triple bogey with it's 6-7 minute Woods discussion in
Round 3, even though Nick Faldo made some great points about
Woods and where his game is at. It was nice CBS gave us a graphic
showing prominent names who missed the cut, but no other discussion
was given to the other players.

The Gog Blog took a tour of the renovated Mistwood with architect
Ray Hearn last week, things look good. The course is planning to
open on June 1st. Golfers you should be flocking there when it does.
Our Mistwood feature is coming soon.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO..is getting closer to returning..stay tuned
for more details.

A FRESH START..is what the formerly known as Crystal Lake
Golf Learning Center is getting. The new owners Mike and Don
Pelfresne plan on making the facility one golfers can be proud of.
Improvements have started and things will continue to get better.
Eric Pelfresne is the new GM, and is on the property almost every
day, stop in and say hello. RT.176 and Buhl Road, across the
street from Prairie Isle Golf Club.

THE NEW NAME...FORE SEASONS GOLF LEARNING CENTER.

The Pelfresne's have been good friends of mine for years, so trust
me golfers. The facility which will take some work and time to fix up,
is now in good hands.

VISIT BIG 3 PARTNER..Len Ziehm's site www.lenziehmongolf.com.
See Len's new travel piece on the addition of a new course at the
French Lick (Ind.) Resort, the nearby Sultans Run in Jasper Indiana.

THE WEATHER IS GETTING BETTER..Go Play..everyone is open
except Erin Hills and Settlers Hill.. Erin Hills opens tomorrow (Wens.)
and Settlers Hill in Batavia will open May 22nd.

GOG BLOG GUY......RORY SPEARS

THE GOG BLOGS SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME

2012-05-06T15:25:11Z

THE 2012 U.S. WOMENS OPEN JULY 2-8 AT
BLACKWOLF RUN IN KOHLER WISCONSIN

A reminder that the Beyond the Ropes Series that became
popular when Kohler hosted the 2010 PGA Championship,
is back and running for the 2012 U.S. Womens Open. Please
visit the championships Facebook and Twitter pages. More
coming up on the U.S. Womens Open in the days ahead.

MEDINAH PATRIOT DAY COMING SOON..MAY 29TH
One of the best charity outings of 2012 tees off at Medinah
Country Club in just three weeks. Please come and support
Illinois Military families and the needs they have.

There are still sponsorship options available. The post
round auction includes a great way to land the hottest
ticket in town, tickets to this Septembers Ryder Cup.

For more information please contact Brian Tomkins at
(708)-250-0153, or Mark Slaby (630)-240-2578.

THE 21ST CDGA PUBLINKS...Championship tees off
tomorrow May 7th at the George Dunne National golf
club in Oak Forest. The field has 84 players and it does
include several past champions. www.cdga.org.

SILVER LAKES GOLF CLUB..in Orland Park open it's
brand new driving range on Monday May 7th, with a
variety of events throughout the week. The official ribbon
cutting ceremony and more is Friday May 11th, with
more activities on Saturday the 12th. It includes reps
from Taylor Made Golf and Aldila Shafts. Former Long
Drive Champion Joe Hajduch will be there on both
Friday and Saturday.

www.cantignygolf.com (630)-260-8199

The "Welcome to Golf" Clinics continue this month, and
other great golf programs in the state of the art Cantigny
Golf Learning Center.

GOLFVISIONS..the golf management firm has added
another course to it's portfolio of area golf courses. The
Chapel Hill Golf Club on Chapel Hill Road in McHenry,
which is running spring specials. Call (815)-344-1894.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT..is the golf practice facility
known as the Crystal Lake Golf Learning Center near the
Prairie Isle Golf Club on Rt.176 and Buhl Road.

Eric Pelfresne is the new General Manager and says that
big improvements are coming. Stay tuned.

ILLINOIS GOLF COACH MIKE SMALL AND
BIG TEN CHAMPION LUKE GUTHRIE

The Big Ten Conference has announced that Illinois Golf
Coach Mike Small has been named Coach of The Year.
Luke Guthrie has been named Big Ten Player of the Year,
First Team All-Big Ten along with teammate Thomas
Pieters. Northwestern Wildcat Senior Eric Chun was also
named to the All-Big Ten First Team. Congrats to the
Cats and the Fighting Illini, and best of luck to both teams
as they move forward to regionals and hopefully the NCAA
National Championships.

www.coghillgolf.com (866)-COG-HILL

Cog Hill is offering a variety of specials next weekend for
Mothers Day. In addition July is Bring the Kids to the Range
Bring the Kids to the Course Month. Family Golf Night on
Sundays is returning again this year.

COURSE #2..is closed for aerification work May 7-8-9.

ERIN HILLS OPENS THIS WEEK MAY 10TH (R) Erin Hills
GM Rich Tock shows off the comforts of Erin Hills Cottages.

Erin Hills finally opens for the 2012 golf season this week on
Wednesday May 10th. GM Rich Tock tells the Gog Blog that
Erin Hills home of the 2017 U.S. Open has already booked
5,000+ rounds of golf for the year, and the clubs three cottages
filling up quickly for this summers nights. For more information
www.erinhills.com or call (866)-772-4769.

THE 18TH HOLE AT SHEPHERDS CROOK IN ZION

Shepherds Crook on Green bay Road in Zion Illinois, has
specials for the moms on Mothers Day. The clubs Spring
Scramble tees off next Saturday May 12th at 8 AM, for
more details www.shepherdscrook.org or (847)-872-2080.

THE BIG 3 CRONIN-ZIEHM-SPEARS

News from the BIG 3 partnership. Len Ziehm came upon a
great story in his recent visit to Galena's Eagle Ridge Resort.

Ziehm learned about the last summers flood damage and the
2.3 million dollars the resort spent in making improvements.
For more information see www.lenziehmongolf.com. While
Cronin has announced that after one issue he has had to
suspend operations at his new publication the Illinois Golfer.

Cronin will still be active at his website www.illinoisgolfer.net,
where readers can learn about future plans for the publication.

NICKOL KNOLL GOLF CLUB..the 9-hole par 3 course in
Arlington Heights is bringing night golf back golf on some
Friday Nights. Starting this May 25th 8-11 PM Cost is only
$22, call (847)-590-6050 to register to play golf with the
glow in dark golfballs.

MORE CHARITY GOLF..the Chicago Legends Golf Classic
tees off August 10th at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort.
For more information contact Kristina Wert (877)-487-6006.
Some of the celbs on hand are Ex-Bear Steve McMichael,
and radio personality Steve Dahl. On Line check out,
www.ChicagoLegendsGolfClassic.com.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT, RETURNS ON MONDAY,
until then GO PLAY...by Rory Spears The Gog Blog Guy, who
is found on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

A BOLD LOOK AT KOHLER, OPEN FOR THE SUMMER

2012-05-04T04:26:17Z

THE US WOMENS OPEN RETURNS TO BLACKWOLF RUN
AFTER 14 YEARS, FROM JULY 2-8.

It took only 14 years to return, but that long awaited for U.S. Womens
Open at the Pete Dye designed Blackwolf Run is now just 60 days
away from teeing off. Many fans still remember the exciting 20 hole
playoff in which Se Ri Pak came away with the trophy, her win and
championship season ignited a country full of young girls to take up
the game of golf. Some of them will tee it up in Kohler the first week
of July.

The U.S. Womens Open is not the only event going on this summer
in Kohler. Come June 1-3 the popular Kohler Beer Festival returns,
and both Mothers Day and Fathers Day bring out special weekends
for moms and dads. Art lovers will enjoy the designs of Kohler golf
and more by fine artist Cassy Tully.

KOHLER MANAGER COURSE MAINTENANCE MICHAEL LEE (L) AND USGA
U.S. WOMENS OPEN DIRECTOR BEN KIMBALL (R)..discuss course set up
for the open in a recent visit. (photos courtesy of Kohler Co.)

To flood or not to flood, that is the question they are trying to resolve
as open set up continues. The decision has still not been made on
whether to flood the 18th hole on the leftside with water like was done
in 1998.

Kimball has told the Gog Blog that the decision does not have to be
all water left on 18 or all sand. It could be half and half but probably
wont be. Herb Kohler CEO of Kohler company is lobbying for water
down the leftside, but doesn't know if he will get his wish.

2011 CHAMPION SO YEON RYU WILL NOT HAVE AN EASY
TITLE DEFENSE AT BLACKWOLF RUN

While the USGA is still putting the final touches on the game plan for
Blackwolf Run, one thing is for sure. The course will test the players
like they seldom get tested, patience will be something the players in
this field will need.

Over the last two years, Blackwolf Run has under gone renovations
and upgrades to the course under the Kohler crews and the watchful
eye of Pete Dye. Blackwolf Run wasn't easy last time, it will be a
tougher and longer challenge this time. Maybe some 500 yards longer
come the week of July 2-8.

For tickets and information www.2012uswomensopen.com.

KOHLER COMPANY CEO HERB KOHLER AND NANCY LOPEZ
LPGA STAR AND HALL OF FAMER...spoke recently at Blackwolf
Run about memories of 1998 and what could be in 2012.
(photo courtesy of Kohler Company)

REMINDER..The Blackwolf Run Courses, the River Course and The
Meadow Valley Course will be closed to the public because of the
championship from June 29th until July 10. Check with Kohler golf
for information on other course restrictions prior to the open.

For great fun in Kohler Wisconsin, all one needs to do is head up
to town from June 1-3 for the Kohler Beer Festival. All sorts of great
beer to try and the fourth annual Million Dollar Shootout golf outing
on the Meadow Valley Course on June 2nd. Teams of four players
are put together, cost per player is $150 and all sorts of goodies,
contests and beer on the course. (800)-344-2838 For information.

TRY WISCONSINS BEST BEER AT THE HORSE AND PLOW IN THE
AMERICAN CLUB, DURING THE KOHLER BEER FESTIVAL.

Mothers Day is coming, how about brunch the spa and some U.S.
Womens Open tickets for you ladies. Courtesy of Kohler, the Gog
Blog has the ultimate Mother's Day Package listings right here.

The 2012 Mothers Day Gift Pack, with the purchase of of two
championship tickets or one championship badge. The Mothers
Day Gift Pack includes a $10 food or beverage voucher for the
open championship and a Fleece Blanket with the open logo on it.

Through May 14th, there are Mothers Day ticket and badge specials,
visit www.americanclubresort.com/2012uswomensopen/tickets.html.
Or call (920)-453-2889.

Ohter Mothers Day options include, Baby on the Way Getaway or
a Kohler Kidz Package, Retreat to Kohler package. Plus shopping
specials for Mom's at the Shops at Woodlake. Need your nails or
toes done before or after golf, Kohler Waters Spa is waiting for you.
(920)-457-4441. Other ideas include brunch, golf academy or even
chocolates for the sweet tooth ladies.

THE 18TH HOLE AT BLACKWOLF RUN BY ARTIST CASSY TULLY.
(photo by Cassy Tully) www.cassytully.com. Studio (262)-424-7476.

Plymouth Wisconsin artist Cassy Tully has been selected to create
the official artwork for the 2012 U.S. Womens Open. Paintings and
prints will be available championship week in the Merchandize Tent.

Tully's art is now being sold in the American Clubs Emporium Gift
Shop, www.americanclubresort.com. or call (920)-457-8000 Ex. 55068.

Kohler is open for the summer, the time to visit is now. Plus be a part
of golf history, attend the U.S. Womens Open at Blackwolf Run.

KEMPERSPORTS ANNOUNCES ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

2012-05-03T06:38:28Z

THE BRIDGES GOLF CLUB, SAN RAMON CALIFORNIA. KEMPERS
FACILITY OF THE YEAR FOR 2011. (photo courtesy of KemperSports)

The Northbrook based KemperSports a world leader in golf
course management, recently announced it's annual award
winners for the year of 2011.

A three-day educational conference was recently held at the
Glen Club in Glenview. The Conference was an opportunity
to celebrate last years achievements and look ahead at growth
for 2012.

The event was hosted by Steve Skinner, chief executive officer,
and Josh Lesnick, president. During which eight employees
and three KemperSport properties were honored.

"We are very proud of our company award winners, and we
congratulate the entire KemperSports team for a successful
year in 2011," said Skinner. "Our people are what sets our
company apart, and we are pleased to recognize their efforts."

The James S. kemper Staffer of the Year award, named after
the KemperSport co-founder, was awarded to Bob "Shoe"
Gaspar of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon Oregon. The
award is given to a staff member who delivers exceptional
contributions to the company and the community, and shows
the highest level of integrity, customer service and concern
for others.

Gaspar has been a key part of the staff at Bandon Dunes for
over 10 years, he started at Bandon Dunes even before the
resort opened as it's caddie master in 1998.

THE 11TH HOLE AT "THE PRESERVE", BANDON DUNES
new par 3 course that has just opened for play this week.

The Preserve at Bandon Dunes was designed by Ben Crenshaw
and Bill Coore. The par 3 course is 13 holes and is the newest
course KemperSports is managing. www.bandondunesgolf.com

THE GOVERNORS CLUB, BRENTWOOD TENN. THE 2011
KEMPERSPORTS RETAILER OF THE YEAR.

FACILITY OF THE YEAR...The Bridges Golf Club, San Ramon CA.
RETAILER OF THE YEAR...The Governors Club, Brentwood TN.
GREEN TO A TEE AWARD...Sand Creek Station GC, Newton KS.

JAMES R. SEELEY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR... Rich
Mogensen, Desert Willow Golf Resort, Palm Desert CA.

SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR...Jamie Vogt, The Governors Club
Brentwood TN.

HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR...Nicki Walker,
Butterfield Trail GC, El Paso, TX.

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR...Bill Houlihan,
Black Gold GC, Yorba Linda, CA.

JAMES S. KEMPER AWARD STAFFER OF THE YEAR...Bob Shoe
Gaspar, Bandon Dunes Resort. Bandon OR.

EMIL ESPOSITO GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR..Jeff Dayton,
Heron Glen GC, Ringoes NJ.

MADY LESNIK HOME OFFICE STAFFER OF THE YEAR..Jon Kaull.

EXCELLENCE IN AGENCY SERVICES...Bryce McMichael, Kemper
Lesnik.

FOR MORE INFORMATION...On KemperSports, and a complete list
of properties please visit www.kempersports.com. KemperSports
can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/kempersports. Or
at Twitter www.twitter.com/kempersports.

THE MAY GOG NEWS BLOG IS HERE...BANDONS PAR 3 OPENS

2012-05-01T12:23:30Z

BANDON DUNES PAR 3 COURSE THE 13 HOLE PRESERVE OPENS TODAY
MAY 1.

Just when you thought it couldn't be any better, the experience of
pure golf couldn't get better at Bandon Dunes. It did courtesy of
Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, who have finished their second
project at Mike Keisers Bandon Dunes on the coast of Oregon.

It's open. The par 3 course at Bandon Dunes has opened as of
today, and by all looks the architecture team of Crenshaw and
Coore have done it again. Why 13 holes and not a full 18, yes
it's walking only like the other Bandon courses. More on Bandon
Dunes coming your way here on the Gog Blog soon. For more
information on your own golf experience on Oregons coastline
please visit www.bandondunesgolf.com. Or call (888)-345-6008.

The newest course called "The Preserve" is par 3 golf at it's
best, especially for those who want to play when one's time is
limited. Or can't hike yet another a full 18 regulation holes. The
Preserve is the second course done at Bandon Dunes by the
Crenshaw-Coore team, with the first being Bandon Trails.

HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH BILL COORE, WITH COORE
ON THE FIRST TEE AT THE PRESERVE AT BANDON DUNES.
The ocean wind makes Coore tough to hear at some points.

     THE ARROWHEAD CLUBHOUSE IN WHEATON

Arrowhead opens it's newly renovated South Nine as of last
weekend. The South Nine at Arrowhead is part two of the
three phase renovation project being done by architect Greg
Martin. See our Gog Blog review story from last Saturday.

THE PAR 5 SECOND HOLE AHGC SOUTH NINE

For more information on the Wheaton Park Districts Arrowhead
Golf Club, please visit www.arrowheadgolfclub.org. Or call the
course at (630)-653-5800. The Gog Blog also would like to
wish Superintendent Mike Mumper good luck in his new job
at the Riverside Golf Club, Mumper has been leading Arrowhead
through the renovation up to this point.

     GREG MARTIN               ART SCHAUPETER

Architect Greg Martin is the subject of a column by yours truly
in this months issue of Chicago Area Golf published by Val
Russell. CAG is available in your local pro shop and at golf
and sporting goods stores around town. Martin has several
projects going on around town, including landing the Oak
Meadows Golf Club renovation in Addison.

Working with Martin on the Oak Meadows project is St. Louis
based architect Art Schaupeter, whose Highlands of Elgin
golf course has risen to the No.2 rated public course in Illinois
per Golfweek Magazine. Highlands is also a top 10 Municipal
course in the country in the Golfweek ratings.

Schaupeter is hard at work on a few other projects, with a
few more in the works. Including the Plum Creek Golf Course
practice facilities in Austin Texas, Fremont Hills Country Club
in Springfield Missouri, The Forest Hills Country Club in the
St. Louis area, with several other potential projects pending.

GOLFERS SWING AWAY IN THE WHITE PINES GOLF DOME

The White Pines Golf Dome is still open, at least until
Sunday May 6th, says owner Mike Munro. For more
information please call (630)-422-1060 or please visit
www.whitepinesgolfdome.com.

GOLFERS CONTACT...Mike Munro for a Michigan Golf
bus trip getaway,June 24-27, courses include Arcadia
Bluffs and Tullymore. Contact Mike at the White Pines
Golf Dome.

ILLINOIS COACH MIKE SMALL (L)-LUKE GUTHRIE (R)

A Gog Blog Congratulations to two winners. Illinois Golf
Coach Mike Small and Illini golfer and two-time Mens Big
Ten Champion Senior Luke Guthrie.

The Illinois Mens Golf Team just pulled off a four-peat at
the Big Ten Conference Championship, and Guthrie became
the first player to win back-to-back Big Ten titles since
Luke Donald in 2000-01. Guthrie is the first Illinois golfer to
pull off the feat since Steve Stricker in 1988-89, not bad
company Luke. To Small and Guthrie good luck at regionals,
sites and locations to be announced on May 7th.

WWW.2012USWOMENSOPEN.COM http: href?>
It's">WWW.2012USWOMENSOPEN.COM

It's an exciting year at Kohler, with the U.S. Womens
Open Coming to Blackwolf Run July 2-8. The upcoming
Kohler Beer Festival later this month and more.

Mothers Day is coming too. To get Mom the special
treatment at the U.S. Womens Open, and at the Kohler
Spa or at the American Club call (920)-453-2889. Or visit
the U.S. Womens Open website or the American Club
website www.americanclubresort.com.

For more information on the U.S. Womens Open, Kohler
has again launched the Beyond the Ropes segments that
were so popular in advance of the 2010 PGA at Whistling
Straits.See the website or visit the Facebook or Twitter
pages for more information.

All four of the Kohler Courses, Meadow Valley, The River
Course,Whistling Straits and The Irish Course are now
open for the season.For tee-times (866)-847-4856.

THE 18TH AND CLOSING HOLE AT BLACKWOF RUN FOR THE
2012 U.S. WOMENS OPEN. Artwork by Cassy Tully.

CASSY TULLY FINE ART..has been selected as the official
artwork for the 2012 U.S. Womens Open. Tully's artwork and
prints now available in the Amercian Club Emporium Gift shop
(920)-457-8000 Ext 55068, will also be available during the
Open Championship in the merchandize tent. For more
information call (262)-424-7476 or visit www.cassytully.com.

Please see the Gog Blog later this week for our Gog Blog feature
"A Bold Look at Kohler and the 2012 U.S. Womens Open".

SETTLERS HILL GOLF CLUB..In Batavia is having it's opening
day held up, due to work on the course by Waste Management.
The club had hoped to open this week, but opening day seems
to be coming the middle of this month.
NORTHBROOK">www.settlershill.com.
NORTHBROOK">www.settlershill.com.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPER SPORTS...has named Randy
Farber as General Manager of the Highland Park Country Club.
Highland Park CC is a 18 hole daily-fee course.

Farber comes over from another Kemper Sports run property the
Bolingbrook Golf Club, where he served as the Director of Food
and Beverage. www.highlandparkcc.com for more information.

NORTHWESTERN AND ILLINOIS Womens golf teams advance
to the NCAA Regionals. Northwestern will play at the Penn State
Regional on the Blue Course as the #15 seed. They are joined
by # 9 seed Big Ten Champions Michigan State. Alabama is the
top seed there. Congrats to NU golfer Lauren Weaver on her
recent hole-in-one at the Lady Buckeye Invitational.

Illinois will head west to play the Colorado National Golf Club
as the # 19 seed. Regionals are May 10-12 with the NCAA
Championships at the Legends Club at Vanderbilt University
on May 22nd. The regionals have 24 teams competing, eight
teams and the top 2 individuals whose teams don't advance will
play in the national championship.

THE CANTIGNY GOLF LEARNING CENTER IN WHEATON

Cantigny Golf will play host to the 2012 Summer Tour Academy
Junior Golf Camps. The camps are either half day or full day and
run one-week starting in June for kids ages 8-16. All skill levels
are welcome and each camp has a a maximum of 18 students.

Greg Baresel from the Cantigny golf staff will serve as lead
instructor for the camps. Half Day Camps run in the morning
and cost is $315. Full days camps run from 9 AM-4PM, with
cost per camp being $550 and lunch is provided each day.
Other sponsor gifts for campers are included. More information
www.touracademycamps.com or call (877)-611-1911.

THOMAS PIETERS.. A sophomore on the University of Illinois
Mens Golf Team, has been named to the European team for
the 2012 Palmer Cup to be played June 28-30 at The Royal
County Down Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. Pieters a
native of Belgium is the first player ever selected from Belgium
to play in the event.

This is the 15th Palmer Cup Matches and the USA has won
two straight and leads the series 8-6-1. Northwestern University
mens assistant coach David Inglis will serve in the same role
for the european team during the matches.

SILVER LAKE COUNTRY CLUB..in Orland Park will open it's
new driving range May 7th. An official ribbon cutting ceremony
will be held on May 11th. TaylorMade and Aldila Shafts will be
on hand for the ceremonies along with Joe Hajduch former World
Long Drive Champion. Activities run from 11 AM to close that day.
Silver Lake is located at 14700 S.82nd Avenue and 147th. For
more information see www.silverlake.com.

DUPAGE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT COURSES,
are offering a "No Risk Golf-Rain Check" for more information call
the proshops at Maple Meadows, Oak Meadows, and or Green
Meadows. www.dupagegolf.com.

THE PGA OF AMERICA..hosts Play Golf America Day at Harbor
Shores Golf Club in conjunction with the upcoming 73rd Senior
PGA Championship the week of May 21-27.

Saturday May 12th starting at 1 PM EST, this free event starts
with a walk through Harbor Shores. It includes golf instruction
from PGA Section professionals from Michigan and a fitness
clinic.

The walk led by the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA does
begin at 8 AM. With golf and more starting at 1 PM. Sponsors
of the events that day include Whirlpool, KitchenAid. Mercedes
Benz will have on site it's Mobile Performance Center, a mobile
golf out powered by the PGA of America. Swing and putting
analysis. Photo opportunities with the Alfred S. Bourne PGA
Sr. Championship Trophy, won by the Senior PGA Champion.

The first 250 people to register online at PlayGolfAmerica.com
and attend the event receive a pair of Senior PGA Championship
practice round tickets for Tuesday May 22 or Wednesday, May
23 at Harbor Shores. More information (269)-927-4653.

DANISH SHOE MAKER ECCO..has launched a new hybrid
shoe line, called the Golf Street Junior Line. They are hybrid
golf sneakers for boys and girls. The shoes are inspired by
Golf Street Premier the shoe that started the hybrid revolution.
The shoes are available in a full assortment of fun colors. The
shoes retail at $100 and can be found at www.eccousa.com.
Golfers Fred Couples and Graeme McDowell are among players
now wearing Ecco shoes in competition.

THE CHAMP SPIKES SCORPION STINGER (Above photo).

NEED SPIKES...CHAMP SPIKES..the #1 brand of plastic
spikes on the PGA Tour can also be in your golf shoes.
Jason Duffner the winner at the PGA Zurich Classic of New
Orleans last weekend and four other top 10 finishers were
wearing Champ soft spikes. For more information on Champ
Spikes visit www.champspikes.com or call (800)-OK-CHAMP.

RAVISLOE CC IN HOMEWOOD..has announced new rates
for the 2012 Golf Season. Golfweek Magazine has rated
Ravisloe the 14th Best Public Course in Illinois. New rates
now include.

Weekdays Mon-Fri: $45walk/$60 ride
Weekend Sat-Sun: $60 walk/$75 ride
Tuesday is Senior Day $39 with a cart no coupon needed.

Ravisloe is a Donald Ross designed course, and the new
outdoor bar opens May 17th. www.ravisloecountryclub.com
(708)-798-5600.

ONLY 4 WEEKS UNTIL MEDINAH PATRIOT DAY..are you
signed up yet. May 29th at Medinah Country Club. Please
visit www.medinahpatriotday.com.

ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 18TH..National Golf Day, a coalition
of golf industry leaders met with congress to discuss the games
role in our country. www.wearegolf.org. More information on this
event and other golf news that poured in at the last minute, will
be run in a special edition of "The Gog Blogs Sunday Morning
Short game this Sunday May 6th, please click on for that.

Thanks for joining us here at the Gog News Blog, it's warming
up outside GO PLAY.

ILLINOIS MEN FOUR-PEAT-GUTHRIE MENS CHAMPION (updated)

2012-04-29T20:09:02Z

PETE DYE COURSE 10TH HOLE AT FRENCH LICK RESORT

THE ILLINOIS MENS GOLF TEAM HAS COMPLETED A
FOUR-PEAT AT THE BIG TEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Illinois who completed the four-peat was lead by Senior Luke
Guthrie who successfully defended his Big Ten title from 2011.
Guthrie became the first Illinois golfer since Steve Stricker in
1988-89 to win the conference title back-to-back.

Illinois won the championship by three shots over a surging
Indiana team, Northwestern rallied for third place lead by Senior
Sam Chien who shot a final round three under par 69. Chien
finished 1 under par for the championship.

2012 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MENS GOLF TEAM, BIG TEN CHAMPS
for the fourth straight year.

TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH ILLINOIS COACH MIKE SMALL
CLICK HERE:

Illinois (+23) for the tournament recorded it's first ever four-peat,
and it's 11th total Big Ten Golf title on Sunday at the French
Lick Resort.

Illinois had a seven shot lead heading into the final round, but
the Indiana Hoosiers came roaring from behind late in the round
to take the lead. Illinois actually lost the seven shot lead and
was down by three shots. But over the last two holes it changed
back in the direction of Illinois.

Redshirt Junior Mason Jacobs made a 40 foot chip for eagle in
on 18 to get Illinois back within one shot. Then a Hoosiers player
made triple bogey on 17 to give Illinois a two-shot lead. Sophmore
Thomas Pieters then made a 20 foot birdie on 18 to give Illinois
the lead by two shots. When Guthrie made his par putt on 18, it
clinched the win and gave the senior the first Illlini golf to to get
four rings as a conference champion.

"It's a great feeling to be part of Illinois history," Guthrie said.
"When I came in as a freshman, it was defeinetly a dream to
have four rings leaving here and after a lot of hard work it's finally
happened. Indiana came out strong, but we kept plugging away.
I was proud of the way we finished as a team with Mason getting
the eagle and Thomas the birdie. That's Illinois golf, finshing strong."

Indiana did record the lowest final round with a 287 or -1 score.
Where Illinois had the second best round. Winning by three
shots was the lowest margin of victory at the Big Ten Conference
Championship since 1999.

"It was a total team effort, and it sure feels good to win four of
these,"head coach Mike Small said. " Indiana put up a great
fight today. We were down with only a couple of holes to go,
but to have your team make birdie and eagle on the last hole
is pretty impressive."

Guthrie carded a final round 73 (+1) to win the confrence title by
four shots over Northwesterns Chien. Guthrie finished at 283 (-5)
and that gave Illinois it's 14th individual champion in program
history. The last player to win the individual title back-to-back
was Nothwesterns Luke Donald in 2000-01. It was Guthrie's
seventh career win and his econd in a row after winning the
Boilermaker Invitational one week ago. He was named to the
All-Championship team and was given the Les Bolstad Award
for low season stroke average in the Big Ten (70.90).

NCAA Regionals will be announced May 7th, and the Illini will
compete for a trip to the NCAA Nationals to be played from
May 17-19 at the Rivieria Country Club in Pacific Palisades,
California.

The Illini Women's team finished in fifth place, the teams best
finish since 2002. Senior Nora Lucas lead the way with a final
round 74 (+2) and +5 for the championship. She finished in
9th place overall, while Senior Haliey Koschmann +7 for the
championship finshed in a tie for 10th place.

NORTHWESTERN..Coach Pat Goss and the Northwestern
Wildcats ended up in third place, trailing second place Indiana
by eight shots. Chien paced NU, who also got third and fourth
round one under par scores of 71 from Senior Eric Chun.

The lady Cats finished in 7th place, led by freshman Hanna Lee
who tied for 18th place shooting a 12 over par 228 for the 54
holes. Junior Anne Ormson tied for 20th place with a 229 total.

BIG TEN WOMENS GOLF..MICHIGAN STATE..has won the
championship and defended their title from 2011 on the Donald
Ross Course at French Lick Resort. Michigan State (885 ) Purdue
was second 10 shots behind the Spartans, with Ohio State third,
Michigan 4th.

9TH HOLE AND CLUBHOUSE AT THE PETE DYE COURSE
at the French Lick Resort. Home of the 2012-13-14 Big Ten, Mens
and Womens Golf Championships. www.frenchlick.com or call
888-936-9360.

Both the Pete Dye and Donald Ross Courses are highly rated and
open for public play.

WHEATONS ARROWHEAD GC REOPENS SOUTH NINE

2012-04-28T15:28:15Z

THE ARROWHEAD GOLF CLUB CLUBHOUSE IN WHEATON

It's one of the premier clubhouses in public golf in the Chicagoland
area and now, the Wheaton Park District run Arrowhead Golf Club
has the golf course to go with it.

The club has 27 holes with three nine hole layouts. The East Nine,
West Nine, and the South Nine. All three nine's are being renovated
by Greg Martin and now both the East Nine and the South Nine are
completed and opened.

Big 3 partner Len Ziehm and I were first out on the South Nine for
an advanced look. In addition to the Gog Blog which will have more
about Arrowhead GC all week long, don't forget to check out Ziehms
column in the Daily Herald this coming week. My course record of
bogey golf on a windy chilly afternoon wont last long, but Ziehm can
brag about teeing off the first shot on hole No. 1.

THE SHORT 338 YARD PAR 4 1ST HOLE ON THE SOUTH NINE

The par 4 338 first hole on the new South Nine will play attractive
to the long hitters. But it's uphill over the last 75 yards in so unless
you have a big wind helping you, don't expect to be putting for eagle
all to often.

Both Ziehm and I really like the new South Nine with renovation work
done by Martin. The South Nine at Arrowhead has become one of the
best nine hole tracks not only in Dupage County, but in the entire
Chicagoland area. Golfers everywhere owe a great debt of thanks to
Mark Schobel and the rest of the Wheaton Park District Board, for
their vision to take this project forward.

THE 364 YARD PAR 4 THIRD HOLE, SOUTH NINE

CLICK HERE TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH ARROWHEAD
DIRECTOR OF GOLF BRUCE STOLLER:

In the meantime. the rain has stopped. Go Play Golf at Arrowhead
Golf Club 26W 151 Butterfield Road in Wheaton.To make a tee-time
call (630)-653-5800. www.arrowheadgolfclub.org.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT...GOG RADIO & MORE

2012-04-26T18:52:28Z

RORY SPEARS THE GOG BLOG GUY
ON THE 1ST AT BLACKWOLF RUN KOHLER
HOME OF THE 2012 US WOMENS OPEN

IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK...after almost a week off from, The
Gog Blog. I've had a lot on my plate, and our computer needed
a tune up that kept us grounded for a few days. I promise going
forward into golf season, I'll try to keep the subject matter as
fresh as possible.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO (L-R)
ED STEVENSON-RORY SPEARS-MIKE MUNRO

Is making progress on returning for the 2012 golf season,
"Chicago's Favorite Foursome" has found a new home,
along with a new day and time to be heard. We are working
with our sponsors now to bring them back on board, and
a few new ones to join us for this special year of golf in
the Chicago area. We are hoping to return to the airwaves
around late May, stay tuned for details.

ONE OF THE THINGS..that has been happening of late. Is
that tournaments and events have been scheduling media
days. Several are planned over the next 45 days, so as they
happen we will bring you all the news right here. First up
is the U.S. Womens Open day at Blackwolf Run in late May.

BIG 3 PARTNER LEN ZIEHM..whose column can be read
now weekly in the Daily Herald (DH). Will join me for a quick
sneak peek at the Arrowhead GC South 9, just finished by
architect Greg Martin. The South nine will open this weekend,
so look for reviews by Len and I over the next few days. Don't
forget to visit www.lenziehmongolf.com as well. Ziehm has
just returned from a quick visit to Eagle Ridge in Galena, and
it appears the resort has been hard at work on it's courses.
Ziehm has details, and the Gog Blog will have more on this
in the future as well.

COG HILL HOST'S DEMO DAY THIS WEEKEND ON SATURDAY

Come to Cog Hill this April 28th from 9 AM-3 PM for demo day
on the driving range. Balls are free to hit, most of the major club
makers will be there so you can try all the new clubs...for free.
More information see www.coghillgolf.com. or call (866)-COG-HILL.

THE PETE DYE COURSE AT THE FRENCH LICK RESORT

The Big 10's Mens and Womens Golf Championships get
underway tomorrow at the French Lick Resort. For resort
information www.frenchlick.com. The Gog Blog will try and
keep everyone updated on the status of the championships
over the next few days.

Coach Mike Small's Fighting Illini are going for the four-peat.
Good luck Illini, who will receive strong competition from
Coach Pat Goss and the Northwestern Wildcats...Good luck
Cats. Keep the title in Illinois.

The Big Ten ladies will do battle on the resorts Donald Ross
Course,also a great test of golf.

THE GOG BLOG..will travel to Philadelphia next month, and
visit several of the great historic courses there. All you golf
architecture buffs are invited to join us here, for photos and
a feature upon our return. I will also have updates on the 2013
U.S. Open at Merion, and the 2015 U.S. Womens Open at
Lancaster CC.

IN CLOSING...A RAVE...goes out to Ben Curtis for his first
win on the PGA Tour in several years at the Texas Open
last weekend. It seems like just yesterday Big 3 partner
Tim Cronin and I were walking with him in the final round of
the 2000 Western Amateur at the Point O'Woods CC .
Curtis lost to Michael Kirk by a score of 2 & 1. Congrats
on the win Ben.

RANT.. Goes out to Sean Foley instructor of Tiger Woods,
Complaining about the attention his student is getting from
his bad behavior at the Masters.Hey Sean, teach him to grow
up..and maybe the attention can focus on his golf again
someday, instead of his club kicking tantrums.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS..with more on Arrowhead and
the Big Ten this weekend..until then GO PLAY.