John Schlaman was just starting his career as a golf professional when Eagle Ridge held a grand opening for its South Course. The now 63-hole Galena facility is virtually Illinois’ only golf resort, and the South’s creation took it to a new level. That came 40 years ago, and the milestone will be celebrated with…
Author: lenz
Olympics is next chapter in Nelly Korda’s strange season
A month ago Nelly Korda was, arguably, the best story in golf. She had won six tournaments in a stretch of seven events. Scotty Scheffler was playing great on the men’s side at that time, too, but not quite at Nelly’s pace. So then what happened? The next event was the U.S. Women’s Open at…
Patterson creates the first true biography of Tiger Woods
Another book about Tiger Woods? When I heard about `Tiger, Tiger’ I wondered why. After all, it’s obvious that this once great golfer’s playing career is in obvious decline. And then I considered the author. James Patterson is not just one of the most prolific writers over at least the last few decades. He’s also…
India could become a rare three-time Illinois Open champion
Deerfield’s Vince India needed to get back into tournament-playing mode in defense of his Illinois Open title next week, and he certainly went after it with enthusiasm. India just completed a six-month suspension for betting on golf with a legal online sportsbook. That was a severe penalty, considering India was not a participant in…
Korn Ferry Tour makes its annual return to Chicago area
The Korn Ferry Tour, the developmental circuit for players trying to make it to the PGA Tour, makes its annual Chicago area stop this week. Its NV5 Invitational presented by Old National Bank, begins its 72-hole run on Thursday at The Glen Club in Glenview. Scottie Scheffler, now the game’s No. 1 player, was…
Wisconsin would benefit from creating a golf trail — with Dells as the hub
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – I’m big on golf trails. Quite a few states have golf trails, and some have even more than one. They’re a good marketing tool for the areas involved and helpful for golfers looking for spots where our sport is a priority. Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is the most prominent,…
State Amateur, Women’s Western Amateur take the spotlight
Scheduling conflicts have been a problem for Chicago’s tournament organizers for years. This week marks the first big conflict of this season, and the two tournaments involved are very big ones. The 93rd Illinois State Amateur and the 124th Women’s Western Amateur both teed of on Tuesday. The State Am concludes on Thursday and the…
This first-time PGA Tour winner also set a JDC scoring record
SILVIS, IL. – Sungjae Im started his Sunday round in the John Deere Classic with five straight birdies, and Ben Griffin also was 5-under through the first five holes, making an eagle, three birdies and a par. Those were extraordinary starts in the $8 million PGA Tour stop at TPC Deere Run, but not nearly…
Another first-time champion looms in the John Deere Classic
SILVIS, IL. – Saturday’s third round was the traditional moving day at the John Deere Classic, and Jordan Spieth set the tone for that. His fast start inspired others with later tee times, especially Davis Thompson. Thompson shot the week’s low round – a 9-under-par 62 – and will take a two-stroke lead over Eric…
Spieth, Streelman, Ghim make it to the weekend at the JDC
SILVIS, IL. – Friday’s cut day at the John Deere Classic wasn’t pretty, but it produced some popular results. Jordan Spieth, a playoff champion at TPC Deere Run twice before skipping the Illinois’ only annual PGA stop the previous nine years, was below the projected cut line with six holes remaining in his…