Spears on Golf

WHATS COMING UP TO THE GOG BLOG..STAY TUNED

2010-07-29T16:21:00Z

WHAT'S COMING UP ON THE GOG BLOG, WELL PLENTY SO DON'T BE AFRAID
TO KEEP CHECKING IN.

After a busy week, of the Illinois Womens Open at Mistwood GC, and then three
exciting days at the Illinois Open at Hawthorn Woods. The GOG Blog will getting
ready for next week's stint at Skokie CC, and the Western Amateur. Defending
champion John Hahn of Kent State is in the field.

OUR WESTERN-AM PREVIEW WILL RUN THIS SUNDAY, SO THE MONTHLY
GOG BLOG NEWS COLUMN WILL HIT THE FIRST TEE ON MONDAY AUGUST 2.
GOLERS ON GOLF RADIO AM-1530 WJJG RETURNS MONDAY AUGUST 2 AT
6 PM, OR LISTEN LIVE ON LINE AT WWW.WJJGAM1530.COM.

After the Western-AM, it will be the Champions for Change event on Tuesday
August 10th, at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores in Bento Harbor MI., the Jack
Nicklaus designed layout will host, Jack, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and
NBC golf Analyst Johnny Miller. The GOG Blog will be there to bring all the
details of this special event.

Later that week it's the PGA Championship at the links style Whistling Straits
golf club in Haven/Kohler Wisconsin. The final major of the year should be bring
some exciting drama.

In addition the long overdue 10 great midwest golf trips, the best public courses
in the Chicagloand area, and some great Michigan golf from the GOG Blogs
road trip of late June.

A full report on the Patriot Golf day/weekend on Labor Day, and a recap of the
Folds of Honor golf event at Medinah CC that ties into the Patriot Golf Weekend
is all ahead right here on the GOG Blog.

The GOG Blog also visited Knollwood CC in Lake Forest, that has completed
most of it's renovation project with architect Keith Foster. It didn't take long
for a few golf organizations to come looking about the posssiblity of hosting
some future events there.

ALL YOUR CHICAGO AREA GOLF NEWS IS RIGHT HERE STAY TUNED........
IN THE MEANTIME. GO PLAY..IT'S GOLF SEASON.

WILMETTE'S MEIERDIERKS WINS ILLINOIS OPEN BY ONE SHOT

2010-07-28T20:01:00Z

ERIC MEIERDIERKS SHOT A FINAL ROUND ONE UNDER PAR 68 TO WIN THE
ILLINOIS OPEN BY ONE SHOT, OVER LUKE GUTHRIE OF QUINCY AND THE U OF I
GOLF TEAM.

For the 25 year old Meierdierks it's his first Illinois Open Victory, which is a tournament
he has competed in since age 16 when he won the the IPGA Junior tournament to
earn his way in.

Meierdierks who is a member at Sunset Ridge CC in north suburban Northfield, was
quick to thank the many people there that had helped him along the way.

2010 ILLINOIS OPEN WINNER ERIC MEIERDIERKS OF WILMETTE

The tournament was Guthrie's to win or lose late on the front nine. Guthrie was sailing
along after a great start that had him three under par for the day and nine under for
the tournament, when he made a decision to go for a tucked pin on the par 3 ninth
hole. Guthrie pulled his nine iron left into the wetlands and made double bogey. That
started to be the beginning of the end for Guthrie who lead continued to dwindle, after
bogeys on 10, 11.

Meierdiercks made birdie while Guthrie made bogey on the par 5 13th hole, that gave
Meierdierks the lead for good. Guthrie mounted his final charge down two shots on
the 18th hole, when he put his approach shot about 4 feet from the cup.

Meierdierks answered by hitting the center of the green and leaving himself a putt of
20 feet. "That's when it's good to have a two shot lead," Meierdierks said. " I knew I
could make par from there."

Meierdierks left his birdie close enough to the cup to avoid any drama, before Guthrie
rolled in his birdie putt to finish one shot back. Meierdierks won the first place check
of $14,000. With Guthrie and Bennett Lavin of Deerfield both being amateurs the
second place professional check of $10,000 went to Mike Small, who closed with
a one under par 68 to finish T-3rd.

TO HEAR FINAL ROUND INTERVIEWS WITH MIKE SMALL, LUKE GUTHRIE, AND
ERIC MEIERDIERKS CLICK HERE:

There was a four way tie for fifth place and Josh Esler, ended up shooting the round
of the tournament a 5 under par 64, that included a 29 on the back side to fuel
his run up the leaderboard. Andy Pope of Glen Ellyn, Guy Sciortino of Melrose Park
who overcame the flu, and Britt Pavelonis of downstate Harrisburg where the other
fifth place finshers.

Carlos Sainz Jr. of Elgin (66), Michael Schachner of Libertyville (68), Craig Onsrud of
Normal (75) finshed T-9 to round out the top 10.

Billy Rosinia of Indian Head Park closed with a final round +3 (72), that included a
hole-in-one on the par 3 ninth hole. Rosinia made ace with an 8-iron from 144 yards.

Once again the par was 69, as the par 5 17th hole was reduced to a par 3 because
of wet, and muddys conditions from the flooding over the past weekend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ILLINOIS OPEN PLEASE VISIT WWW.IPGA.COM.

ILLINI'S GUTHRIE LEADS ILLINOIS OPEN HEADED TO FINAL ROUND

2010-07-28T03:11:00Z

FIGHTING ILLINI MENS GOLF TEAM JUNIOR LUKE GUTHRIE LEADS THE ILLINOIS OPEN
HEADED TO THE THIRD AND FINAL ROUND WEDNESDAY AT HAWTHORN WOODS CC.

Guthrie's lead is one shot over three players, and five shots over his Head Coach four time
Illinois Open champion Mike Small.

Fellow U of I teammate Zach Barlow made the cut, which fell at +8 and sent the +9's packing
and or trunk slamming.

Because of threatening weather that could arrive by mid-afternoon, the 58 players who made
the cut will tee off both tee's 1 & 10 starting at 7:30 AM. The leaders will tee off at 9 AM.

Small will begin his final 18 holes in search of tying Gary Pinns for a record of five Illinois
Open titles at 8:40 AM.

The Illinois PGA will decide the fate of the 17th hole in the morning. The par 5 506 yard 17th
had both of it landing area's underwater all weekend. Some parts of 17 were under four feet
of water. It has played as a 158 yard par 3 for days one and two. Hopefully it will play it's
full yardage and and some drama to the final round, as players attempt to make a charge.

FOR FULL RESULTS AND TEE-TIME INFORMATION SEE WWW.IPGA.COM.

ILLINI'S GUTHRIE LOOKS TO BE RD 2 LEADER

2010-07-27T23:39:00Z

LUKE GUTHRIE OF THE FIGHTING ILLINI GOLF TEAM IS IN THE CLUBHOUSE AFTER
HIS SECOND 3 UNDER PAR 66, HE HOLDS A 1 SHOT LEAD OVER THREE PLAYERS.

Guthrie of Quincy, who won the Illinois State Amateur in 2009 would join a short list of
six of Illinois finest players, should he win the open title as well.

Roy Biancalana, Gary Hallberg, Mark Hensby, David Ogrin, Gary Pinns and Bill Hoffer
comprise the list of those who have pulled off the feat.

No one else from the afternoon group is making a serious charge at Guthrie who will tee
off in the final group.

TO HEAR AN INTERVIEW WITH LEADER THE FIGHTING ILLINI'S LUKE GUTHRIE CLICK
HERE:

With only 15 players remaining on the course as of 6:52 PM, the cut will keep the players
at +8 or better in Wednesdays final round. However the question is if the +9's will get in.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ILLINOIS OPEN PLEASE VISIT WWW.IPGA.COM.

ILLINOIS OPEN RD. 2 ILLINI'S GUTHRIE TAKES CONTROL

2010-07-27T21:25:00Z

LUKE GUTHRIE A 20 YEAR OLD JUNIOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, AND
MEMBER OF MIKE SMALLS FIGHTING ILLINI GOLF TEAM LEADS THE ILLINOIS OPEN,
JUST OVER MIDWAY THROUGH ROUND TWO.

Guthrie -6 three under par through 12 holes today, is even leading his own head coach
Small, who posted a second round 2 under par 67 and is at 1 under par. Currently Small
is tied for eighth.

Guthrie is the only leader still on the course, the others are in the clubhouse waiting to
see what the cut will bring.

CURRENTLY THE CUT LINE HAS +5 PLAYING ON WEDNESDAY +6 GOING HOME. BUT
THAT LINE COULD MOVE DOWN TO +6 or +7.

First round co-leaders Garrett Choussard of Chicago, and a Cog Hill teaching pro feel
back with a +2 (71) he is at -2. Erick Meierdierks of Wilmette shot a one under par 68.
Meierdierks is at -5 tied for second place with Britt Pavelonis (69 -3) of Harrisburg and Craig
Onsrud (66 -3) of Normal.

TO HEAR AUDIO INTERVIEWS WITH GARRETT CHOUSSARD, MIKE SMALL, ERIC
MEIERDIERKS, BRITT PAVELONIS, CRAIG ONSRUD AND MICHAEL SCHACHNER
CLICK HERE:

The par 5 506 yard 17th hole is still being played as a 158 yard par 3, because of wet
conditions. But could be a par 5 for the final round, that decision will be made Wednesday
morning by IPGA officials after they survey the hole. IPGA officials told the GOG BLog that
some parts of the 17th hole were four feet under water, over the past weekend.

Tee times for the top 50 players and ties are currently expected to start on Wednesday
at 7:30 AM, but could be moved up or start off both tees, pending weather or how many
players make the cut.

In the media bracket WGN-TV Channel 9's Dan Roan posted a second round +9 (78),
while ESPN Radio AM-1000's Tom Waddle is on the course +4 through 8 holes.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO MONDAY NIGHT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

2010-07-27T05:15:00Z

GOLERS ON GOLF RADIO LAST NIGHT WAS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS OF THE YEAR.

In case you missed it. Mike Miller IPGA on the Illinois Open. Teaching Pro Hank Haney
who was in town, joined the guys to talk about growing up in Deerfield and his academies
and the parting with Tiger Woods.

Mike Small right off the course at the Illinois Open after round one.

TO LISTEN AGAIN: WWW.GOLFERSONGOLF.COM PAST SHOWS CLICK IT ON.
ENJOY.

THANKS, ED, BILLY, MIKE AND RORY..................

CHAUSSARD AND MEIERDIERKS LEAD ILLINOIS OPEN AFTER ROUND ONE

2010-07-27T03:57:00Z

THE ILLINOIS OPEN HAS ROUND ONE IN THE BOOKS AND THE TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD
HAS A FEW UNFAMILIAR NAMES.

Garrett Chaussard of Chicago a teaching pro at Cog Hill in Lemont, and Eric Meierdierks of
Wilmette fired four under par 65's to share the first round lead at Hawthorn Woods CC.

Thta score is correct at four under par because round one played as a par 69, with the course
down in yardage at 6,696. The par 5 17th hole was reduced to a par 3 playing 158 yards due to
both landing zones, being wet and muddy after the area's were underwater all weekend from
heavy rains. Hawthorn Woods received over 6 inches of rain on Friday night and Saturday morning.

Michael Miller the Executive Director of the Illinois PGA told Golfers on Golf radio (AM-1530 WJJG),
that a review of the 17th hole will be made early Tuesday morning to determine if it can be played
at it's normal yardage (506) and par (5).

University of Illinois Junior Luke Guthrie and Illinois teammate Zach Barlow were in the first group
out at 7:30 AM. Guthrie is one shot back at 66, with Barlow at 70 which leaves him tied with his
head coach Mike Small who also recorded a +1 (70).

Small appearing Monday night after his round on Golfers on Golf Radio, told the show he is ready
to make up some ground during round two.

Other scores include:
Jason Ahasic of Sugar Grove (66 -3), who starts his honeymoon on Thursday after just getting
married. Ahasic seems to have found the perfect wife for a golf pro.
Britt Pavelonis of Harrisburg (66-3)
Travis Johns of Oswego the 2010 ILL PGA Match Play Champion is at (68-1).
David Paeglow of Dekalb who led the 2010 PPNC after one round (68-1).
Joe Emerich of Palatine the 2008 Illinois Open champion at (71+2)
Michael Schachner of Libertyville (71+2)
Jim Sobb of Barrington the 2010 ILL PGA Sr. Match Play Champion (71+2)

MEDIA CELEBS:
Dan Roan of WGN TV Channel 9 (81 +12)
Tom Waddle of ESPN Radio AM-1000 (86+17)

CLICK HERE TO HEAR INTERVIEWS WITH: 1, CADDY MARK GIANGRECO OF CHANNEL 7
ON THE WADDLE BAG. 2, TOM WADDLE, 3. JIM SOBB, 4. JUSTIN ASASIC

ROUND 2 OF THE ILLINOIS OPEN TEE'S OFF AT 7:30 AM TUESDAY FOR MORE INFORMATION
WWW.IPGA.COM.

ILLINOIS OPEN RD 1 ILLINI PLAYERS TAKE AIM AT COACH SMALL

2010-07-26T18:39:00Z

THE ILLINOIS OPEN IS UNDERWAY WITH ROUND ONE MOVING ALONG, AND
FAVORITE ILLINOIS GOLF COACH MIKE SMALL IS ALREADY BEING CHALLENGED
BY HIS OWN PLAYERS.

The first group out was Illini golfers Zach Barlow of Percy and Luke Guthrie of Quincy,
both players wasted no time sending a message to their coach they were here to
play.

Gutherie shot a 3 under par 66, with Barlow at one over par 70. With the round one
morning session almost complete, Barlow is 4 shots clear of all the players in the
clubhouse.

Wasting no time sending a message the Illini faction was here to make an impact,
Guthrie birdied holes 2,3,4. Guthrie also chipped in for birdie on the par 3 11th
hole from about 20ft. off the green.

TO HEAR AN INTERVIEW WITH LUKE GUTHRIE CLICK HERE:

If the par of 69 sounds strange it should. The course was expected to be a par 71,
with the short par 5 7th hole being shortened to a par 4. But heavy weekend rains
left the par 5 17th hole underwater on Sunday in both landing area's. The standing
water is gone but, it is still so wet and muddy the hole has been shortend into
playing as a par 3.

IPGA Executive Director Mike Miller tells Golfers on Golf that the hole MIGHT play
as a par 5 on Tuesday. Miller also said that if the course gets no further rain it will
definetly be a par 5 for Wednesday's final round.

ESPN radio talks how host Tom Waddle is limping home at 16 over par with only
a couple of holes left. Waddle told GOG that it's all his caddies fault. Channel 7
sports anchor Mark Giangreco is on the bag.

Waddle has two triple bogeys and one quadruple bogey in his round, but claimed
to also make a birdie on the front nine. Waddle said this round was only his ninth
round of the year. When asked why he didn't turn the ESPN AM-1000 show over
to co-host Mark Silverman for a week while he could have gone and practiced.
Waddle replied,"that would be very dangerous."

A FINAL UPDATE OF ROUND ONE WILL BE POSTED LATER TODAY. FOR MORE
INFO THE ILLINOIS OPEN VISIT WWW.IPGA.COM COME SEE THE TOURNAMENT
IN PERSON AT THE HAWTHORN WOODS CC.

SMALL LEADS FIELD INTO ILLINOIS OPEN AT HAWTHORN WOODS

2010-07-25T15:48:00Z

THE 61ST ILLINOIS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP WILL TEE OFF MONDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE
THROUGHOUT WEDNESDAY AT THE HAWTHORN WOODS COUNTRY CLUB IN NORTHWEST
SUBURBAN HAWTHORN WOODS.

University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small fresh off a a victory in the PGA Professional National
Championship (PPNC) at French Lick heads the 156 man field into this years Illinois Open.
With that win Small earned $75,000 and a spot in the field at this years PGA Championship, to
be held August 9-15 at the Whistling Straits links style course in Haven/Kohler Wisconsin.

Small has won the Illinois Open four times and is looking to tie Gary Pinns for most Illinois Open
Championships with five. Pinns won five times between 1978 and 1990. Small was victorious
in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, but has not won at Hawthorn Woods since the championship moved
there in 2008.

That doesn't mean he hasn't been close, Small finishing as runner up the last two years. Including
a playoff loss to last years champion Brad Benjamin of Rockford. Benjamin who is in the middle of
a strong push to make the 2011 US Walker Cup team before turning professional, is competing
this week at the Porter Cup in upstate New York and will not be in the field to defend his title.
(For more on Benjamin see Gog Blog past story on this site earlier this month)

Small will be tested by a strong field that includes some of Illinois top PGA section professionals
(99) and the state's best amateur players (57). "I have won the Illinois Open four times and have
two runner ups," Small said. "I like Hawthorn Woods but just haven't played well down the stretch,
this year I am hoping to get a win." (For more on Mike Small and his thoughts on the 2010 Illinois
Open see Gog Blog past story earlier this month)

MIKE SMALL (SEEN HOLDING 2009 IPGA SECTION TROPHY) IS TRYING TO TIE GARY
PINNS RECORD OF FIVE ILLINOIS OPEN'S THIS WEEK AT HAWTHORN WOODS.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ILL PGA/NICK NOVELLI

Dekalbs David Paeglow who was an early leader at the PPNC this year, joins 2008 Illinois Open
winner Joe Emerich of Palatine, Michael Schachner of Libertyville who played in the final group
in 2008 and holds the NCAA record for low round (60) in the NCAA National championship, Randy
Cochran of Deerfield Head Professional at Briarwood C.C. in Deerfield, who was this years
runner up in the IPGA Sr. Match Play Championship and played in the 2009 US Sr. Open at
Crooked Stick.

Other past Illinois Open champions include. Dino Lucchesi of Grayslake from 1993, Marty Schiene
of Mokena from 1997, and Curtis Malm of Aurora in 2000. Jim Sobb of Barrington and Head Professional
at Ivanhoe C.C. runner up of this years IPGA match play championship, and winner of the 2010 IPGA
Sr. Match Play, and participant at this years PPNC joins the field as well.

A couple of celebrity names will join the field too. For the second time WGN-TV channel 9 sports
anchor Dan Roan will tee it up, along with former Chicago Bear and ESPN Radio-1000 morning
show host Tom Waddle making his Illinois Open debut.

JIM SOBB HEAD PROFESSIONAL AT IVANHOE AND 2010 IPGA SR. MATCH PLAY CHAMPION
PHOTO COURTESY OF ILL PGA/MIKE SCHOAF

Steve Skinner CEO of the Northbrook based Kemper Sports Management who owns and
operates Hawthorn Woods CC, was pleased to welcome the state championship back
for a third year.

"We look forward to welcoming the Illinois Open Championship back to Hawthorn Woods,"
Skinner said. "I am certain it will again prove to be a great test of skill for all the finest players
in the state of Illinois."

Mike Miller the IPGA Executive Director says the Illinois PGA section is glad to be back playing
again at Hawthorn Woods.

"We are excited that Hawthorn Woods will again host the Illinois Open Championship," Miller
said. "The past two years the championship has been very well received by the players, and
the golf course proved to be a stern test. The staff and membership at Hawthorn Woods also
provide tremendous support. Which helped make both Illinois Open Championships the best
to date."

MIKE MILLER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ILLINOIS PGA
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ILLINOIS PGA/NICK NOVELLI

A LOOK AT THE HAWTHORN WOODS C.C. GOLF COURSE HOLES 1-18, AND WHAT THE OPEN
FIELD WILL BE FACING. THE COURSE IS DESIGNED BY ARNOLD PALMER, AND THE PALMER
TEE'S ARE 7,045 YARDS WITH A RATING AND SLOPE OF 74.7/140.

Hole 1, Par 4, 410 yards. A ravine and fescue area is left off the tee, golfers have to be careful
how much of this dogleg left they wish to cut off.

Hole 2, Par 4, 433 yards. A dogleg right with water left that shouldn't come into play for the
players this week. Second shot is uphill to a multi-tier green.

Hole 3, Par 4, 383 yards. Another dogleg right with water left. The best tee shot goes over the
bunkers that guard the right side, leaving a short iron into the green.

Hole 4, Par 3, 200 yards. This green has bunkers well placed front right and back left, back right
is a tough pin placement.

Hole 5, Par 4, 442 yards. The longest par 4 so far plays slightly uphill but has wide landing area's
in the fairway. The players can use some distant towers in the rear to line up their shots here.

Hole 6, Par 5, 563 yards. This par 5 the longest on the course has a fairway that snakes along
between mounds and sand bunkers. Into the wind this hole plays very tough.

Hole 7, Par 5, 501 yards. The shortest par 5 is a birdie hole unless the IPGA plays it as a par 4,
bunkers surround the front of this green. Most players get home in two here, regardless of par.

Hole 8, Par 4, 381 yards. The weed/fescue area and water right shouldn't come into play much
for these players. This will be one of the courses tighter fairways.

Hole 9, Par 3, 195 yards. Grass mounds and bunkers right, one long narrow bunker left before
the wetlands take over. Back left is a tough pin placement, the pin will be there at least once.

Hole 10, Par 4, 417 yards. OB right if the players try to bomb it down the right side over a high
faced bunker, to a slope that leaves the ball in position for a short second shot. Water left makes
the approach from an elevated fairway tough, especially if the wind is up.

Hole 11, Par 3, 190 yards. All carry here over a pond and a bunker that protects back left pin
placements.

Hole 12, Par 4, 442 yards. Players must hit the tee shot left here to have the best angle into this
tricky green. The green has deep front right bunkers and a big fall off into a chipping area if you
go long.

Hole 13, Par 5, 520 yards. Water left bunkers right off the tee, with a wetlands area to cross on
the second shot. This green is narrow and between grass and sand bunkers.

Hole 14, Par 4, 356 yards. Not a long hole or tough tee shot, but you want to put your tee ball on
the side of the hole location for best approach. The green is shaped around a deep bunker in
front.

Hole 15, Par 3, 236 yards. The water short left shouldn't bother these players. The hole plays
long, but bailout area's and chipping zones surround the green.

Hole 16, Par 4, 417 yards. The tee shot is best hit to the right side to get a good angle on the
approach shot, the green is guarded on the left side by four deep bunkers.

Hole 17, Par 5, 506 yards. Bunkers tighten the landing area and guard the front of this green,
but if the wind isn't in the players faces many will try and hit it in two shots. Players needing
to make up ground will gamble here.

Hole 18, Par 4, 453 yards. Water crosses the fairway and guards the left side, while surrounding
the the left and back left part of the green. Mike Small almost made a heroic par save here last
year from the rocks by the waterfall, in his attempt to win. When the flag is left it's a tough choice
to gamble on going for it, especially if the cut or the tournament is on the line.

The cut will fall after 36 holes, the top 50 players and ties will advance to the final 18 holes to
played on Wednesday.

THE 61ST ILLINOIS OPEN STARTS MONDAY JULY 26TH AND RUNS THROUGH THE 28TH,
COME SUPPORT THESE PLAYERS AS THEY TRY TO BE CROWNED STATE CHAMPION.
ADMISSION AND PARKING ARE FREE. HAWTHORN WOODS IS LOCATED ON SCHWERMAN RD.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.IPGA.COM.

FOUCH WINS IWO IN SUDDEN DEATH PLAYOFF OVER JERAY

2010-07-25T02:28:55Z

THE PAR 5 14TH AT MISTWOOD HOME OF THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN

ALLISON FOUCH AN LPGA TOUR PLAYER FROM INDIANAPOLIS WON THE PHIL KOSIN
ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN, ON THE SECOND PLAYOFF HOLE OVER BERWYN'S NICOLE
JERAY.

Fouch shot a final round even par 72, but needed two extra playoff holes when Jeray closed
with a 2 under par 70. Amateur Katherine Hepler of LIncoln only 15 until Wednesday of
this week when she turns 16, shot a final round one under par 71 to finish as this years low
amateur.

Jeray who jokingly said next year maybe she won't invite other LPGA Tour players out to
play in the IWO, had the chance to win and had it slip away.

Leading by two shots with two holes to play, Jeray at what she claims is her favorite yardage
85 yards. Put one in the water after hitting from a divot, and after a drop put a second attempt
to within a foot to save bogey. Fouch then hit it in to four feet on the par 3 17th hole, and made
birdie to force a tie. Both players made par on 18 to force the playoff.

On the first playoff hole, both players had short birdie putts to win. Jeray went first from 10
feet and didn't hit it hard enough, having the putt fall off right. Then Fouch pushed her four
footer just right.

The second playoff hole saw both players hit the fairway, but again Jeray hitting from a divot
had her approach hit the green but roll just off the back. Fouch put her approach inside of ten
feet. Jeray chipped past the hole and missed a 12 footer coming back and settled for bogey.

Fouch missed her birdie putt and then tapped in for the win from only a few inches away.

TO HEAR INTERVIEWS WITH KATHERINE HEPLER, NICOLE JERAY, AND IWO WINNER
ALLSION FOUCH, CLICK HERE:

The third LPGA player in the final group Michelle Ellis of Chicago Heights, finished in fourth
place six shots back closing with a 76. Co-first round leader Sammi Sloan (A) of Lansing tied
for fifth with Nikki Miller (A) of Waukegan at +9 eight shots back.

Rounding out the top 10 were, 7th place (A) Carly Werwie Kenosha WI.,8th Kris Yoo (A) from
Schaumburg, 9th place (Tie) (A) Rebecca Lederhausen Hinsdale and Ann Vrdolyak (A) of
Flossmoor.

The round started two hours and 40 minutes late because of heavy rains that fell over night
and almost made Mistwood GC unplayable.

Three players of the 30 that made the cut did not play on Saturday. (A) Jamie Levin WD Illness,
and (A) Hailey Koschman of Lake Forest and Allison Finney of Winnetka who both ran into
traffic issues and missed their tee-times and were DQ'd.

After the tournament ended, Phil Kosins dad Joe Kosin and brother Greg Kosin made presentations
and awarded the trophy to Fouch. Mistwood owner Jim McWethy then presented Fouch with
the basket of tomato's from the family farm in Michigan, a tournament tradition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MISTWOOD GC CALL (815)-254-3333 OR ON THE WEB AT
WWW.MISTWOODGOLF.NET.

IWO FINAL ROUND DELAYED BY WEATHER AT MISTWOOD GC

2010-07-24T16:27:00Z

THE PAR 5 8TH AT MISTWOOD GC HOME OF THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN

THE FINAL ROUND OF THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN AT MISTWOOD GC
IN ROMEOVILLE HAS BEEN DELAYED DUE TO HEAVY OVERNIGHT RAINS.

Tournament Director Visanu Tongwarin tells the GOG Blog that play will begin after a
two hour and forty minute delay. With the first group going off at 1 PM.

The leaders Allison Fouch of Indianapolis (+1), Nicole Jeray of Berwyn (+3), and
Michelle Ellis of Chicago Heights (+3) are all LPGA players. They comprise the final
group which will tee off at 2:30.

30 players made the cut so the final round consists of ten groups, all threesomes.

Two amateur players Sammi Sloan of Lansing, and Katherine Hepler of Lincoln are
tied for fourth place four shots back at 149 (+5).

The Kosin Cup will be awarded after the round to the winner. The Kosin Cup is named
in honor of tournament founder Phil Kosin. Kosin who was the publisher of Chicagoland
Golf, passed away last summer after a bout with cancer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MISTWOOD WWW.MISTWOODGOLF.NET OR CALL
1-(815)-254-3333.

FOUCH TAKES TWO SHOT LEAD INTO FINAL ROUND OF IWO

2010-07-24T02:31:00Z

THE PAR 5 15TH AT MISTWOOD GC, HOME OF THE 16TH PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN

THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN, IS HEADED TO THE FINAL ROUND
AND LPGA TOUR PLAYER ALLSION FOUCH OF INDIANAPOLIS IN. HOLDS A
TWO SHOT LEAD.

Fouch shot a second round 75 +3 to go with her first round 70 -2, so with 36
holes complete Fouch is at +1 145. Her lead is two strokes over fellow LPGA
Tour players Michelle Ellis of Chicago Heights, and Berwyn's very own Nicole
Jeray.

TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH SECOND ROUND IWO LEADER ALLISON
FOUCH, CLICK HERE:

Both Ellis and Jeray are 3 over par 147, with Ellis carding a second round 77
and Jeray with a 75.

First round co-leader (A) Sammi Sloan of Lansing, the University of Illinois
golfer and caddy at the Idlewild C.C. in Flossmoor, is now tied for fourth
place at 149 after a second round 79. 15 year old Katherine Hepler of Lincoln
is tied with Sloan at +5.

In sixth place at 150 is (A) Nikki Miller of Waukegan after two rounds of 72-78.

A weather warning had to be sounded for the second straight day, this time
at 5:23 PM, that delayed play until approximately 7:25 PM. Which allowed the
last four groups or 12 players remaining on the course just enough time to finish.

Players also battled high heat, with a heat index of 105. The winds blew much
harder than they did in round one, gusting 20-30 MPH according to IWO Tournament
Director Visanu Tongwarin.

The cut fell at +14 or a two day score of 158. 30 players made the cut, and final
round tee-times begin at 10:20 AM on Saturday.

Past champion (2006) Jenna Pearson of Wheaton made the cut with a two day
score of 81-76 (157).Three time past champion Kerry Postillion (1996,1997,1999)
did not shooting 82-79-161, Samantha Postillion will join her mom on the sidelines
for the final round missing the cut by one shot at 159.

IF you would like to play Mistwood and the IWO layout, the course is open for public
play beginning at 2 PM on Saturday. For more information on Mistwood Golf Club
in Romeoville, please call (815)-254-3333. Or visit the web www.mistwoodgolf.net.

ROUND 2 ROLLING AT PHIL KOSIN IWO-MID ROUND UPDATE

2010-07-23T17:56:00Z

ROUND 2 IS MOVING ALONG AT THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMEN'S OPEN, WHILE
THE TEMPERATURES ARE CLIMBING SCORES FOR THE MOST PART ARE COMING
DOWN A BIT FROM ROUND 1.

As of 1PM, the first seven groups 20 players are completed with round two. All players
including the leaders have tee'd off. The leaders are on the second hole.

Many of the players are shooting lower scores than they posted yesterday, the field
this morning was down to 98 players after three WD's after first round play.

Players still on the course that have posted the best nine hole scores at this time
in round 2 are.

Prank Dejsubha           Chesterfield MO. EVEN 36
Ryan Gilley                     Flossmoor           +1 37
Jenna Perason             Wheaton               +1 37
Michelle Caporusso      Mt. Prospect         +2 38

The Tee Time group of 10:40 will be next to make the turn. The 8:10 group will be next
in the clubhouse.

3 TIED FOR LEAD AFTER FIRST ROUND OF THE PHIL KOSIN IWO

2010-07-23T00:46:00Z

THE PAR 3 14TH AT MISTWOOD GC HOME OF THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN

THREE PLAYERS SIT A TOP THE LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND ONE OF THE ILLINOIS WOMENS
OPEN AT 2 UNDER PAR. THEY WILL TEE OFF TOGETHER AT 1 PM ON FRIDAY FOR ROUND 2.

Michelle Ellis of Chicago Heights, Allison Fouch of Indianapolis both LPGA tour players,
and amateur Sammi Sloan of Lansing, who plays for the University of Illinois and caddies
at Idlewild C.C. in Flossmoor recorded two under par 70's.

All three players had the benefit of teeing off early in the day before the winds picked
up, making play on the closing holes around the lake on Mistwood GC difficult.

Ellis was in the first group out, and was one of the two groups that finished before a
50 minute weather delay hit the course late in the morning.

The first group had some additional drama when Megan Godfrey of Chicago who
was the early leader -1 at the turn, then struggled to finish when she encountered
what appeared to be a loss of sight in one eye and numbness in her side and arm.
That according to her father who was also caddying for her.

Paramedics were summoned to the scoring tent as she signed for a first round 82,
after a brief examination she was taken to an area hospital. While Godfrey was feeling
better by mid-afternoon, the hospital still wanted to keep her overnight and run another
test on her Friday morning. As a result she has withdrawn from the tournament.

Ellis who is the President of the LPGA Tour Player Directors, along with Fouch were both
recruited to play in the event by two-time IWO past champion LPGA player Nicole Jeray.
While the three of them were playing in the recent US Womens Open at Oakmont.

Since both players are two shots ahead of Jeray who finshed with an even par 72 and
tied for fourth place, it left Jeray wondering if she should have told them to come join her
in the field.

Jeray said she hit it great and several lessons with Dr. Jim Suttie at Cog Hill over the
last week helped. Jeray said she might also be headed for putting guru Kevin Weeks studio
also at Cog Hill. Jeray said a new putter fitting at Bettenardi putters this upcoming week
should help her going forward as well. Jeray joked that IWO founder the late Phil Kosin,
might have reached down and hit a few of her putts away from the hole before they should
have gone in.

In spite of high temperatures expected on Friday, Sloan says she will do what she always
does as a caddy her summer job at Idlewild C.C., in terms of staying hydrated. Hopefully
she won't have to look for balls in the trees in round two, but looks forward to the challenge
of playing in the final group with two LPGA players.

One group in front of them will be Jeray along with fellow par shooters, (A) Kris Yoo of
Schaumburg, and Nikki Miller (A) of Waukegan. Christine Meier (A) of Rochester Hills MI.
and (A) Alex Lederhausen of Hinsdale both posted one over par 73's.(A) Rebecca Lederhausen
is one shot back at 74.

The round of the day, was being played by (A) Ann Vrdolyak of Flossmoor who was one
under par through 15 holes, with most of the round being played in highwind's and higher
temperatures than the morning groups faced. Vrdolyak then took a 10 on the par 4 16th,
that coupled with a bogey six on the par 5 18th hole left her at 78 (+6).

Three time past IWO champion Kerry Postillion of Burr Ridge, who admitted she hasn't
been playing much of late. Struggled with her driver (82+10) and lost the battle of her household
to daughter Samantha (78+6). Kerry Postillion says if she figures out whats wrong with her
driver she will use it in round two, if not it will be all 3 wood off the tee.

TO HEAR INTERVIEWS WITH 1. MICHELLE ELLIS, 2.KERRY POSTILLION, 3.NICOLE JERAY,
4. SAMMI SLOAN, 5. ALLISON FOUCH, CLICK HERE:

Round 2 tee-times start at 7 AM, with a 10 AM start for the final round on Saturday. After Fridays
second round, the cut will be made with the top 30 players and ties staying for Saturday.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE IWO CHECK OUT WWW.MISTWOODGOLF.NET.

ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN 1ST ROUND IN WEATHER DELAY

2010-07-22T17:01:00Z

THE ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN FIRST ROUND IS IN WEATHER DELAY AS OF
11:50 AS RAIN STARTED FALLING AT MISTWOOD GC. WITH THUNDER RUMBLINGS
IN THE DISTANCE.

The first two groups are in the clubhouse. Michelle Ellis an LPGA player based in
Chicago Heights is the very early leader with a 2 under par 70.

Megan Godfrey of Chicago was the early nine hole leader at 1 under par 35. Godfrey
finished her round but needed the paramedics to be called as she sat at the scorers
table by the clubhouse.

Her father who is her caddy told tournament officials that Megan was complaining of
losing vision in one eye, and numbness in her left arm and side. She finshed with
a +10 (82).

Two time past champion Nicole Jeray of Berwyn made the turn at even par 36, told
the GOG BLOG at the turn she is hitting it straighter after a few lessons at Cog Hill
this past week. "Now I just need some putts to start falling," Jeray said.

Jeray is paired with three time champion Kerry Postillion of Burr Ridge and 2006
IWO winner Jenna Pearson of Wheaton. Postillion posting a +3 (39) for the front
nine, with Pearson +4 (40).

The past champions group has now completed 10 holes.

PLAY IS NOW EPXECTED TO RESUME AROUND 12:45 ..................STAY TUNED TO
THE GOG BLOG FOR FURTHER UPDATES ON THE IWO.

IWO TEES OFF THURSDAY ILLINOIS OPEN NEXT MONDAY ILL PGA AT OFCC

2010-07-22T02:48:00Z

THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE UP FOR GRABS, SOME GREAT GOLF
WILL BE PLAYED GO CHECK THEM OUT.

The Phil Kosin Illinois Womens Open tee's off Thursday morning at Mistwood
GC in Romeoville. Tournament Director Visanu Tongwarin says the feature
group will include past champions, Nicole Jeray, Kerry Postillion, and Jenna
Pearson. Winner gets the Kosin Cup on Saturday afternoon, after a 36 hole
cut on Friday.Defending champion Amie Neff is not in the field.

Next Monday July 26 the Illinois Open at Hawthorn Woods CC will get underway
with a field headed up by Mike Small, the current reigning PPNC Champion.
Small the University of Illinois golf coach, has lost the last two years in playoffs
at HWCC and wants to win it this year.

Defending champion Brad Benjamin is not in the field. The winner will be awarded
the trophy on Wednesday afternoon July 28th. A 36 hole cut will be made on
Tuesday. Admission to both events is free, and so is parking. The Illinois Open
is still looking for volunteers to work the event. Contact the Illinois PGA if interested.
For more info. see story on this website.

The Illinois PGA hosted media day today at Olympia Fields for a sneak preview of
the clubs South Course, renovated two years ago by Steve Smyers. The course
is now shoulder to shoulder with the clubs famed North Course. This will be it's
first real test. The course was in excellent condition and should be ready for the
section tournament.

Olympia Fields wiill host the Illinois PGA Section championship sponsored in part
by Titleist golf products and Nadler Golf Carts, late August and early September.

Olympia Fields has already agreed to host the 2011 USGA Junior Girls Championship
on it's South Course. It is hoping to receive the US-Amateur in the year 2015, the clubs
100th anniversary. Olympia Fields has told the USGA they would like to host the event.

The Illinois PGA is the beginning of a four year tournament event run on the South
Course, with 2011 USGA JR-Girls, 2012 Junior Ryder Cup, 2013 Western Golf
Association Junior Championship.

The South course could become part, of the Fighting Illinois Srixon Collegiate Golf
Challenege rotation this September.

IN THE MEANITME THE WEATHER IS GREAT GO PLAY, AND CHECK OUT OUR TWO
STATE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS OVER THE COMING WEEK. FIRST AT MISTWOOD,
THEN AT HAWTHORN WOODS.

SUMMER IN GALENA AT EAGLE RIDGE HEATING UP

2010-07-21T03:51:00Z

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT AND SPA IN GALENA ILLINOIS IS A PERFECT SUMMER GETAWAY

THE SUMMER TIME, VACATION TIME, FAMILY TIME, GOLF TIME IS HEATING UP
IN THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF ILLINOIS.

Right now Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is offering atheir World Class golf Package at
a discount rate.

Take advantage of it, and play all 63 holes at Eagle Ridge.

FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION 1-800-892-2269. OR VISIT THE WEB AT
WWW.EAGLERIDGE.COM.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS TONIGHT AM-1530 WJJG 6 PM

2010-07-19T16:02:00Z

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS TONIGHT AT 6 PM ON AM-1530 WJJG. IF YOU
CAN'T LISTEN LIVE ON THE RADIO, CHECK OUT WWW.WJJGAM1530.COM AND
LISTEN LIVE ON LINE.

Don't forget you can return to this site, and catch past shows by clicking that area if
you miss the program live.

Golfers on Golf TRIES to post all shows by 10 PM that night, many times sooner.

Bill Berger and Rory Spears anchor the broadcast tonight, playing as a twosome,
so join in by calling 708-493-1530.

Tonights..guests include The Phil Kosin Illinois Womens Open Tournament Director
Visanu Tongwarin, the Head Professional at Mistwood G.C. on Renwick Rd. in Romeoville.
Tongwarin will discuss the IWO which tee's off this Thursday and concludes on Saturday.
The Winner will be awarded the Kosin Cup, in honor of the tournament founder the late
Phil Kosin the former publisher of Chicagoland Golf.

Around 6:30 one of the Chicago area's top club repair and fitting professionals, Bob
Held will jump in. Have a club you broke, (we wont ask how) want or need new clubs
and want to get fitted, need to know what questions you should asking any fitter before
plunking down the cash or credit card. Held who can be found at the Fresh Meadow
G.C. and Learning Center in Hillside can put you on the right path.

At 6:45 Mike Williams the General Manager at Bollingbrook G.C. will join the show to
talk about a special day at Bollingbrook GC. The Stanley Cup will visit and specials
on greens fees, food and drink all day long.

JOIN GOLFERS ON GOLF 6:00 PM TONIGHT AM-1530 WJJG...OR ON LINE LIVE AT
WJJGAM1530.COM. OR AFTER THE SHOW VIA THIS WEBSITE. IN THE MEANTIME
GO PLAY, IT'S NOT THAT HOT TODAY.

ILLINOIS OPEN JULY 26-28 NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

2010-07-19T15:53:00Z

THE ILLINOIS OPEN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, WHICH WILL BE CONTESTED AT
THE HAWTHORN WOODS C.C. JULY 26-27-28 IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS.

Volunteers get a hat and shirt and a meal. Volunteers are needed in scoring and on
the course as ball spotters and for other duties.

PLEASE CONTACT LAUREN MOY AT THE ILLINOIS PGA IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO
VOLUNTEER AT THE ILLINOIS OPEN THE STATE'S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP. CALL
847-729-5700 EXT 110.

Hawthorn Woods C.C. is located in the northwest suburbs and is easy to get to and
has plenty of nearby parking.

THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN HOSTED BY MISTWOOD

2010-07-19T02:48:00Z

THE PAR 3 14TH AT MISTWOOD GC, HOME OF THE PHIL KOSIN ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN

THE ILLINOIS WOMENS OPEN IS BACK AND IT'S STILL AT MISTWOOD GC IN
ROMEOVILLE. WHAT'S MISSING IS IT'S FOUNDER AND THE DEFENDING
CHAMPION.

The Illinois Women's Open which tee's off this week July 22-23-24, is now the
Phil Kosin Illinois Women's Open. The tournament is named after the founder
and tournament chariman/director, who passed away last summer after a bout
with cancer. The tournament and the chicago golf media will never be the same.

Kosin who was always a character and had an opinion on everything golf, he let
you know where he stood whether you wanted to know or not. His opinion in 1994
was that the gals deserved a state open of their own. Nobody else stepped up to
do something about it, so he did. Launched in the pages of Chicagoland Golf and
on his Saturday morning golf radio show on WSCR, Kosin put up some of his own
money and in 1995 with the good people at Mistwood the IWO was launched.

After pro Diane Daugherty of Carbondale won the first one in 1995, Kerry Postillion
a top Illinois amateur from Burr Ridge stepped up to win the next two. Before pro
Nicole Jeray of Berwyn won her first of two titles in 1998. Postillion claimed her
third title in 1999.

This year Jeray is back in the field looking for her third title, Postillion is also
in-tow and now has her daughter Samantha teeing up as well. Jenna Pearson
the 2007 champion from Wheaton also returns.

However missing is two time defending champion Aimee Neff of Carmel IN, which
means a new name will will be inscribed on the new trophy the Kosin Cup. 2008
champion Nicole Shachner of Libertyville now works for the PGA Tour and is
unable to play as well.

THE PAR 5 15TH HOLE AT MISTWOOD DOGLEGS LEFT AROUND A LAKE

Visanu Tongwarin PGA Head Golf professional at Mistwood, now serves as the
tournaments director replacing Kosin.

"All of us here at Mistwood are finding out how much work Phil put into the event,"
Tongwarin said. "It's a lot more than we thought but we are happy to do it and keep
the event going."

TO HEAR TONGWARINS INTERVIEW WITH RORY AND VETERAN CHICAGO GOLF
WRITER LEN ZIEHM, PLEASE CLICK HERE:

Tongwarin, also thanked the people at Taylor-Made Addidas who have come on
board as a sponsor and will add to the gift bags the players receive. This year a
record 104 players will tee it up for round one on Thursday.

The cut will be made Friday after 36 holes, with over 30 golfers sticking around for
the final 18 on Saturday morning.

The closing holes force the golfers to play around a 65 acre lake, setting up an exciting
finish. The IWO is open to the public.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MISTWOOD GC PLEASE CALL (815)-254-3333 OR
ON THE WEB AT WWW.MISTWOODGOLF.NET. MISTWOOD IS A RAY HEARN DESIGNED
GOLF COURSE.